Step 2: Determine the Size of Your Pipe(s)

Things you'll need to determine the size your pipe:

• Ruler with inches (or calipers)
• Small clamp or a piece of string; not required, but helpful

Water pipes in the United States commonly come in 1/2", 3/4" or 1" sizes, referred to as "nominal pipe size", but we'll just call this pipe size from here on out.  However, this doesn't correspond to an actual measurement of the outside of the pipe.  You'll need to measure either the diameter of the pipe or the circumference and use the table at the bottom of the article to determine pipe size.

There are a few easy ways to measure the diameter or the circumference.  First, you can try to hold up a ruler to the pipe to measure diameter.  This can be tricky, but the pipe types are different enough that it should be possible to size the pipes this way.  See charts at the bottom of the article for expected measurements.

If you're finding it hard with just a ruler, you can use calipers (if you have them) or loosely fasten a clamp to the pipe.  Then pull the clamp off and hold it up to the ruler. 

If all else fails, you can measure the circumference of the pipe by holding a string around the pipe, make a mark on the string where it comes all the way around the pipe, then measure on the ruler.  See images below:

Use the actual measurement(s) you just made to determine the pipe size with the tables below.  Note, you'll need to know the material of the pipe.  If you don't already know this, refer to the help article here. 

Copper, CPVC & PEX Pipe Sizes (aka CTS)

Pipe Size	Actual Diameter Measured	Actual Circumference Measured
1/2"	0.625" (5/8")	1.96"
3/4"	0.875" (7/8")	2.75"
1"	1.125" (1 1/8")	3.53"

PVC Pipe Sizes (aka Schedule 40)

Pipe Size	Actual Diameter Measured	Actual Circumference Measured
1/2"	0.840"	2.63"
3/4"	1.050"	3.30"
1"	1.315"	4.13"

Once you've got pipe material and size for each install location, you're ready to order your meters and start using the SimpleSUB Water system.  You can order meters by email at [e-mail] or by filling out a quote request form at simplesubwater.com. 

Before your meters arrive you can create an account on our app by following the next article.