How should the water meter bypass be sized in relation to the main supply?

The sizing of the water meter bypass in relation to the main supply line is established to ensure that when maintenance or repair work needs to be conducted on the water meter itself, customers still receive adequate water pressure and flow through the bypass. When the bypass is one size smaller than the main supply, it effectively manages water flow through a parallel route.

Having the bypass one size smaller allows for a more controlled flow through the bypass without overwhelming the system or causing excessive pressure loss, while still maintaining functionality. This sizing helps ensure that the primary supply line retains its capacity for peak flow demands and does not suffer from reduced performance due to the bypass being oversized.

Ultimately, this design consideration helps maintain a balance between operational effectiveness and system integrity, preserving both water delivery standards and meter function without compromising performance during maintenance activities.