For developers, NAVs and water companies, every decision comes with a balancing act. Budgets are tight, deadlines are pressing and there’s constant pressure to deliver high-quality, future-ready infrastructure without overspending. It’s no surprise that, in this environment, the instinct is often to go for the cheapest option on the table.

But when it comes to water meter housings, the lowest initial outlay doesn’t always mean the lowest overall cost. In fact, once you take a step back and look at the whole-life value of the installation, it becomes clear that some ‘budget’ choices end up costing far more over time.

That’s where Groundbreaker comes in.

The Hidden Cost of Rework

On paper, traditional underground boundary boxes look like a bargain. But the reality is very different. The Home Builders Federation reports that 53% of underground boundary boxes need rework. Each repair costs an average of £268, which quickly adds up when multiplied across a development.

By contrast, Groundbreaker has no recorded rework costs when installed correctly. That means fewer call-backs, fewer adoption delays and fewer headaches for everyone involved.

Leakage: Small Drips, Big Losses

Boundary boxes also bring added risk in the form of leakage. With joints upstream of the meter, they create weak points that can quietly lose water (and revenue).

According to the Water Research Centre (WRc), 1 in 600 connections leaks. Left undetected for months, those leaks can waste thousands of litres.

Groundbreaker reduces this risk by using an unjointed supply pipe. It’s a simple design choice that avoids a costly, persistent problem.

Future-Proofing for Smart Metering

Then there’s the bigger picture. The industry is moving rapidly towards smart metering. Burying technology in the ground – where signal strength is poor and access is awkward – just doesn’t make sense.

With Groundbreaker, meters are housed above ground, ensuring strong signals, easy upgrades and seamless integration with AMI (Automated Metering Infrastructure). It’s a solution that’s ready for tomorrow.

The Whole-Life Cost Picture

Here’s how it all adds up:

• Boundary box: £91 upfront + £142 expected rework = £234.
• Groundbreaker: £227 upfront, with no rework required = £227.

On contaminated land, costs are more comparable upfront but once rework and failure rates are considered, Groundbreaker again proves more cost-effective for the long term.

So, while a boundary box may look cheaper at first glance, Groundbreaker is actually the smarter investment.

Beyond the Numbers

And the value doesn’t stop there. Groundbreaker also delivers:

• Easier access for customers and maintenance.
• Cleaner pavements, with no extra lids or chambers.
• More space inside homes, simplifying kitchen layouts.
• Reduced risk of cross-metering errors thanks to visible, above-ground positioning.

Smarter Thinking Saves in the Long Run

Choosing Groundbreaker isn’t just about comparing price tags. It’s about making decisions that reduce risk, improve reliability and protect resources for the long haul.

For developers, NAVs, and water companies under pressure to deliver more with less, it’s a way to balance the books and build resilience into the system from day one.

Please do give us a shout if you want to talk all things Groundbreaker.