The Seven Most Common A.Y. McDonald Water Meter Box Types

The Seven Most Common A.Y. McDonald Water Meter Box Types

The water meter box is an in-ground enclosure that houses shut-off valves, meter(s), and meter setting devices as well as optional check valves, regulators, or pressure reducing valves. This component of the water service lateral allows municipalities access to these devices as required without disturbing the consumer while also allowing consumers access to their shut off valve. The water meter box is considered an alternative to having the meter inside of the structure and ideal for moderate and warm climates. Below are additional benefits to utilizing this component:

• Installation time savings with less in-field connections
• Convenience and consistency of having all installed components pre-assembled and pre-tested
• Allows for “drop in” meter installation
• Allows for adding shut off or backflow protection
• Helps protect the water meter
• Increases stability in the internal piping system

A water meter can be installed in many different ways, as reflected in the numerous meter box options/types available in the industry. Continue reading to learn about A.Y. McDonald’s seven most common meter box types and their features:

• Yokebox (775 Series)
  The Yokebox is considered more compact and comes available with multiple inlet and outlet valves or connections that are factory pressure tested and assembled to the base casting. This meter box includes a cast iron base and a cast iron or plastic upper and locking lid. The meter is typically located eight inches below the lid and the box includes an expander and gaskets for toolless meter installation and removal. In addition, the lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read.
   
• Longbox (776 Series)
  The Longbox includes an inline dual check valve inside the box and comes available with multiple inlet and outlet valves or connections that are factory pressure tested and assembled to the base casting. This meter box includes a cast iron base and a cast iron or plastic upper and locking lid. The meter is typically located eight inches below the lid and the box includes an expander and gaskets for toolless meter installation and removal. In addition, the lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read.
   
• “CR” Box (777 Series)
  The “CR” Box is adjustable to unexpected grade changes and service line specifications. This meter box provides a protective cast iron housing for meters up to 1” size and service line depths of 11”-20”. The “CR” Box contains a straight ball valve on the inlet and a straight connection on the outlet with an integral expander for toolless meter installation and removal. In addition, female pipe thread connections and CTS compression options are available. The lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read.
   
• Meter Pit (7180 Series)
  The Meter Pit is versatile as it can be sized to fit any standard size meter and adapts easily to remote read options. Various service line connection and lid style options are available. Available diameters include 18”, 21”, 24”, 27”, 30”, and 36”. The bury depths can range from 18”-96” (every 6” increments) and the meter pit accommodates single, dual, and tandem meter installations. In addition, the lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read.
   
• “G” Box (772 Series)
  The “G” Box utilizes an expander for toolless meter installation removal and is considered economical due to it having no bottom. This solution is designed for 5/8” or 5/8”x3/4” standard meters and includes a cast iron locking lid. In addition, the “G” Box contains a standard inlet ball valve and standard straight connection outlet. The lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read.
   
• Double “G” Box (772D & 772F Series)
  The Double “G” Box accommodates two meters and utilizes expanders for toolless meter installation and removal.  This solution is economical due to it having no bottom while designed for 5/8” or 5/8”x3/4” standard meters. The Double “G” Box includes a cast iron locking lid and a standard inlet ball valve and standard straight connection outlet. The 772D Series has a straight inlet while the 772F Series has an angled inlet. In addition, the lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read.
   
• Pro Box (779 Series)
  The Pro Box is designed for 1 1/2" and 2” oval flanged meters. The bury depth is approximately 13” and the lid is available with a 2” hole for touch/radio read. Please note that the brass components are sold separately.

Unlike any other part located in the water service lateral, the water meter must be reachable to the water provider in order to properly read and record water usage, as well as service the meter. As such an important role, the water meter needs to be protected and easily accessible. By making meter installation both simple and easy, water meter boxes have proven themselves to be pertinent to the industry. To learn more about the topic, call A.Y. McDonald at 1-800-292-2737, visit aymcdonald.com, or take the ‘Water Meter Boxes’ AYU course.