Plumbing – Reattaching water meter

plumbing

I'm trying to reinstall the water meter pictured below. It it has plastic male threads on each side, and they connect to the copper piping using a flare fitting (I think that's the right terminology).

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I can't get the connections not to leak, even if I really crank down with my pipe wrench.

Possibly relevant is that there are rubber gaskets that appear to go into each fitting, as pictured below. I used the gaskets and it still leaks, but perhaps the gaskets are just shot (they appear worn).

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Any ideas on why I can't get the connections to work?

Best Answer

I would first ask why you removed the water meter. they are usually sealed with a type of non removable link that has to be cut to remove so the customer can not move the meter and steal water. Usually, if there is a leak at the meter you should contact the water company and they will fix the problem.. That said, if this water meter is the one supplied by the local water company, you could call them and ask if they could provide you with the correct type gaskets (leather). If they ask why the meter was removed find a credible answer that you think they will accept. I rarely saw rubber type washers used on a water meter.