How Smart Valve™ Works: The Commercial Water Meter Mechanism
This page explains the engineering mechanism behind Smart Valve™: how calibrated back pressure compresses entrained air before the billing point, how flow is stabilized, and how supply surges are absorbed. Site-specific performance and any written guarantee terms are confirmed through an assessment.
See Exactly How It Works
The narrated Smart Valve™ video covers the mechanism — from supply conditions and entrained air to site-measured meter results.
📄 Read SummaryVideo explanation · 2 min 35 sec
Smart Valve™ is a mechanical device installed after the water meter on the customer's side of the service.
The device helps keep entrained air compressed as water passes through the meter and moderates pressure and flow fluctuations.
Smart Valve™ does not remove air, treat water, replace a pressure-reducing valve, or guarantee unchanged downstream pressure.
The adjustable setting is matched to site conditions and the building's operating requirements.
Installation requires a planned water shutdown whose timing and duration are confirmed with the site team.
Later external adjustments can be made without another water shutdown.
AWS reports average savings just above 22% across its North American projects, but individual results vary.
A 15% minimum savings guarantee may apply only to qualifying projects under a written performance agreement and is not guaranteed net take-home savings.
Published case studies should be reviewed for each customer's measurement period, comparison method, fees, and operating conditions.
Why Commercial Water Meters Overcharge
Supply conditions can introduce entrained air and flow fluctuations; the site's meter response and billing effects must be assessed.
High-Pressure City Grid
Municipal supply conditions can vary with demand and utility operations. Those conditions may contribute to entrained air and flow fluctuations reaching a property's service connection; the extent depends on the local system.
Pressure and flow conditions vary
Pressure and flow conditions can change between the utility supply and a property's service line. Smart Valve™ helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating fluctuations; effects depend on the system and setting.
Meter readings can be affected by conditions
Entrained air and flow conditions may affect meter readings in some systems. Smart Valve™ helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter; any billing effect depends on the property's system, measurement, and applicable tariff.
How Smart Valve™ Addresses Site Conditions
Installs Directly After the Meter
A licensed plumber installs Smart Valve™ on the customer's side directly after the water meter. The planned installation shutdown is confirmed with the site team; later external adjustments can be made without an additional water shutdown. No electricity is required.
Holds Controlled Back Pressure
Smart Valve™ creates a calibrated resistance in the supply line. This back pressure compresses the entrained air pockets back to their true volume before water crosses the meter billing point.
Meter Records a More Accurate Volume
With air compressed to its actual size, the meter records a more accurate volume at the billing point. Metered water-savings potential is assessed for each qualifying site. Where the local sewer tariff uses water-meter usage, a lower reading may reduce variable sewer charges after fixed charges, averages, caps, tiers, and separate-meter rules are confirmed.
Site-specific downstream effects
The valve is adjusted for the property's service. Suitability, required flow, and pressure effects should be confirmed with the site's facilities team.
Results Across Every Property Type
Published customer results use project-specific methods and periods; review each case study for its source and conditions.
Smart Valve™ Works on Any Master-Metered Property
Commercial and multi-residential properties on municipal water meters may be suitable, subject to a site assessment. Air entrainment and its effect on readings vary with the property's water system, meter, and operating conditions.
Smart Valve™ vs. a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)
- ✗ Lowers water pressure at every tap and fixture
- ✗ Noticeable to residents and tenants
- ✗ Savings come from reducing actual water use
- ✗ Can cause tenant complaints and lease disputes
- Downstream pressure effects are site-specific
- Operational effects should be confirmed with the site team
- Savings potential relates to entrained air at the meter
- No impact on leases, operations, or service quality
What problems does the Smart Valve™ solve beyond just saving water?
The Smart Valve™ addresses several interconnected problems that commercial property owners and facility managers face every day.
Entrained air can affect meter readings.
Water-meter response depends on the meter, service conditions, and flow. Entrained air may affect readings in some systems. Smart Valve™ installs directly after the meter and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter; measured effects depend on the property's system and measurement period.
Pressure and flow fluctuations can affect plumbing.
Municipal supply pressure and flow can vary over time. These fluctuations may affect meter readings or stress plumbing components in some systems. Smart Valve™ helps moderate pressure and flow fluctuations; site effects and operational requirements should be confirmed with the facilities team.
Pressure surges can affect readings.
Water meters have operating ranges, and municipal pressure fluctuations can affect readings. Smart Valve™ helps moderate these fluctuations before they reach the meter; effects depend on the property's system and setting.
Pressure surges are stressing your plumbing.
Water hammer — the banging sound when flow is suddenly stopped — is caused by pressure surges in the system. It stresses pipe joints, damages valves, and accelerates pipe wear over time. Smart Valve™ absorbs supply-line pressure surges before they reach building plumbing, reducing the pressure peaks that contribute to water hammer and protecting seals and joints throughout the building.
Site conditions shape measured results.
Meter readings, pressure effects, and utility charges depend on the property's service, equipment, operating conditions, and applicable billing rules. Smart Valve™ is adjusted for the site and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating fluctuations; published results vary by site and measurement period.
How does the Smart Valve™ actually reduce a water bill?
Three physical principles — established physics applied to commercial water metering.
Air Compression
The valve holds calibrated back pressure in the zone between the valve and the meter, helping keep entrained air compressed as it crosses the billing point. Results depend on the property's water system and measurement period.
Flow Stabilization
Municipal supply variability can produce pressure and flow fluctuations. Smart Valve™ is adjustable and helps moderate those fluctuations; effects depend on the property's system and setting.
Surge Absorption
Municipal supply pressure varies. Smart Valve™ helps moderate pressure fluctuations before they reach the meter and building plumbing; effects depend on the property's system and setting.
Questions About How Smart Valve™ Works
More questions answered on our full FAQ page →
How does Smart Valve™ reduce commercial water bills?
Smart Valve™ is installed after the water meter on the customer's side. It helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter and moderates pressure and flow fluctuations. Results depend on the property's water system and measurement period.
Does Smart Valve™ affect water pressure at the taps?
The device is adjusted for the property's service. It is intended to moderate fluctuations without an assumed universal pressure outcome; suitability and required flow should be confirmed for the site.
What is the minimum guaranteed savings with Smart Valve™?
AWS may offer a 15% minimum savings guarantee only for qualifying projects under a written performance agreement. Published results vary by site and measurement period.
Does Smart Valve™ require electricity or ongoing maintenance?
No electricity is required. The planned installation shutdown is confirmed with the site; later external adjustments can be made without a shutdown. Program pricing includes an installation charge and fixed monthly service or rental fee based on eligible charges.
How is Smart Valve™ different from a standard pressure-reducing valve?
A pressure-reducing valve (PRV) regulates downstream pressure. Smart Valve™ is installed after the water meter and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating pressure and flow fluctuations. It does not replace a required PRV; site effects vary.
Is Smart Valve™ certified safe for drinking water systems?
Yes. Smart Valve™ holds NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification (drinking water system components) and NSF/ANSI 372 certification (lead-free compliance). These are the same standards required for all components in commercial and residential potable water systems across the United States and Canada.
Is the Smart Valve™ the same as a pressure regulator?
No. A standard pressure regulator regulates downstream pressure. Smart Valve™ is installed after the meter and helps keep entrained air compressed through the meter while moderating fluctuations. It does not replace a required pressure regulator; suitability and pressure effects are site-specific.
Will the Smart Valve™ reduce my water pressure noticeably?
The back pressure Smart Valve™ creates exists in the zone between the valve and the meter. Downstream pressure effects are site-specific; suitability and required flow should be confirmed for the property.
Does the Smart Valve™ help reduce water hammer in commercial plumbing?
Smart Valve™'s spring-loaded mechanism absorbs supply-line pressure surges — the same surges that amplify water hammer events. By damping pressure peaks before they reach building plumbing, it reduces stress on pipe joints, seals, and fittings. The mechanism that directly triggers water hammer (sudden downstream flow stoppage) is separate from what the valve addresses, but reducing surge amplitude reduces water hammer severity and frequency.
Does the Smart Valve™ work with my existing water meter?
Smart Valve™ is designed for installation on a range of commercial water-meter configurations. Compatibility, required flow, and pressure effects should be confirmed for the property during the assessment.
How long does installation take?
The planned installation shutdown is confirmed with the site team. Later external adjustments can be made without an additional water shutdown; installation requirements and operational effects are confirmed for the property.
Explore Further
Request a Free Assessment
Tell us your property type and monthly water and sewer charges. We'll review site fit and savings potential before any commitment. A written guarantee may apply to qualifying sites.
Partner: American Water Savings (AWS) · Canadian Water Savings (CWS) · Smart Valve™
