Don’t Be Shocked by Your Water Bill: How Irrigation Meters and Flow Sensors Can Save You Money in Des Moines
If you’ve ever opened your summer water bill and done a double take, you’re not alone. Lawn irrigation during Iowa’s warmer months can cause your water usage—and costs—to skyrocket. The good news? There’s a smart solution that many Des Moines homeowners aren’t using to their full advantage: irrigation meters, often paired with flow sensors.
Let’s break down how these tools work, why they matter, and how they can help you better manage your water use—without sacrificing your green lawn.
What Is an Irrigation Meter?
An irrigation meter is a separate water meter that tracks how much water you’re using specifically for outdoor irrigation—your sprinklers, garden, landscaping, etc. Unlike your main water meter, which measures all water usage (indoor and outdoor), an irrigation meter zeroes in only on what you use to water your yard.
Why is that important? In Des Moines and many other cities, your water bill includes sewer charges—based on how much water comes into your home, under the assumption that it all goes down the drain. But water used outdoors never enters the sewer system. So if you’re using thousands of gallons of water every month on your lawn, you’re likely paying extra sewer fees for water that never even touched your pipes.
Installing an irrigation meter can help reduce that wasteful billing by separating your irrigation use from your indoor water usage. It’s an easy way to save money without using less water.
What’s the Role of a Flow Sensor?
A flow sensor is like your irrigation system’s personal watchdog. It measures the actual rate of water flow through your irrigation lines, alerting you to unusual patterns that could signal a problem—like a broken sprinkler head, underground leak, or valve failure.
When paired with a smart irrigation controller, a flow sensor can automatically shut off your system if it detects an issue. This prevents costly water waste and potential lawn damage. Think of it as an early warning system for your yard—and your wallet.
Here’s what a flow sensor can help you do:
- Detect hidden leaks or broken heads before you get the bill
- Track exact water usage for your lawn
- Prevent overwatering and promote healthier landscaping
- Optimize efficiency with data-driven decisions
In short: it’s not just about saving money, it’s about saving water and hassle.
Why It Matters in Des Moines
Here in central Iowa, we see major swings in water use between seasons. In the spring and summer, irrigation can make up the bulk of your home’s water usage. Without tools like an irrigation meter or flow sensor, you could be:
- Overwatering without realizing it
- Missing out on potential billing credits
- Unaware of small leaks that grow into expensive repairs
Installing an irrigation meter in Des Moines could allow you to qualify for a sewer fee exemption on water that goes strictly to outdoor use. That means you only pay for the water you actually use indoors—which can lead to substantial savings, especially for homes with large yards or gardens.
And with rising water costs and growing awareness around conservation, more homeowners are looking to upgrade their irrigation systems with smarter technology.
Is It Worth It?
In most cases, yes. Installing an irrigation meter typically pays for itself in a few seasons, especially if you water frequently. Add a flow sensor, and you’re not just saving money—you’re protecting your property from costly water waste.
If you’re already planning new landscaping, installing a sprinkler system, or just looking to get a handle on high water bills, this is the perfect time to consider an upgrade.
Let Advanced Plumbing Help
At Advanced Plumbing, we help homeowners across Des Moines and the surrounding areas make smart plumbing decisions that pay off over time. Our team can:
- Install or retrofit irrigation meters
- Integrate flow sensors into your existing system
- Help you understand local city guidelines and potential savings
- Make sure everything is professionally installed and code-compliant
💧 Don’t be shocked by your water bill this summer—get ahead of it.
Contact Advanced Plumbing today for a consultation and see how an irrigation meter and flow sensor can work for your home.
Advanced Plumbing – Serving Des Moines with Smart, Honest Solutions.
📞 Call us at 515-393-4023 or visit advancedplumbingia.com to schedule service.