If you have a meter box on the outside of your house, then it could be exposed to every kind of bad weather imaginable, especially during the winter months. If you want it to remain functional, you need to take preventative steps.
Why are meter boxes at risk during winter?
Winter means wetter and colder conditions. Moisture from rain or melted snow can seep in through even the smallest gaps around the meter box, potentially corroding the insulation or any electronic connections. Extreme cold can turn latches and hinges brittle, making them prone to snapping when opened or closed. A meter connected to your water system could also lead to frozen pipes, which may be at risk of bursting and causing significant damage throughout your home.
How can you prevent this damage?
Once you have a sturdy metal meter box from somewhere like //www.meterbox.co.uk/, you should inspect it regularly, particularly before and after any bouts of bad weather. This will allow you to spot cracks and other gaps, corrosion, blocked drainage holes and any other possible issues before they can develop further. Appropriate maintenance includes the lubrication of latches and hinges to minimise the risk of them becoming stiff, and therefore becoming brittle enough to snap. It is also important that any exposed pipes in your water system should be insulated, preferably in consultation with a qualified and experienced plumber.
Your meter box can have a long life, and continue to work effectively, even when the weather is bad, but only if you take the proper steps to maintain it.