How to choose a water meter and install it correctly: learning to count and save

The best water meter manufacturers

Each product originates from different manufacturers, among which the most reliable can be noted. If we talk about the production of meters, the first places in terms of high quality combined with reasonable prices are occupied by such companies:

• Viterra is a German manufacturer. All counters are the epitome of high quality. By installing such devices at home or in an apartment, you can confidently say that you have the most accurate calculation of fluid flow.
• Siemens is also a German manufacturer. In terms of quality, all equipment is in no way inferior to world famous companies. Everything is done according to modern standards, using the latest technologies and systems.
• Meter is a Russian company that is steadily moving forward, releasing meters of better and better quality. Despite the low price, the equipment reliably performs its tasks for many years.
• Betar is the second company that is Russian. The positions of the leader are occupied due to a responsible approach to the production of all kinds of counters. It should be borne in mind that options are offered for different cases, thus there are no restrictions in the choice.

The presented manufacturers are those options whose products will really please you with high quality. If you carefully study everything and correctly focus on important details, in the end you can choose the best, most efficient and reliable counter.

Where to install a water meter

The main criterion for choosing a meter installation location is accessibility. After all, you need to take monthly readings from it, as well as be able to clean the filters without complications if necessary.

Please note that the device must be mounted at a distance of at least 20 cm from the riser.

It is best to immediately consider a place for the counter when carrying out repair and cosmetic work in the bathroom or in the toilet next to the toilet.

Most often, a place that meets all the necessary requirements is a sanitary cabinet. Moreover, now various companies produce not only roller shutters for the wardrobe, but also a fully equipped and functional box with additional storage space and doors.

If there is a water well in a private house, it is necessary to install a metal cover on it. This design is also subject to sealing.

How to install a new counter

You can choose an installer company yourself, focusing on the time the company has been on the market, reviews about the company's work and the cost of services.

But the best thing, of course, is to trust the advice of professionals and contact your managing organization, where you will be provided with a list of specialized firms.

When installing a water meter yourself, it is important to pay attention to the technical requirements. The fact is that the managing organization may refuse to register the meter if it considers that some technical requirements have been violated

After installation, it is necessary to contact the managing organization to seal the devices and filters and issue an act of putting the IPU into operation.

If you nevertheless decide to entrust the installation of the meter to specialists, you can independently choose the organization that installs them, or contact your management company for a recommendation.

At the scheduled time, a specialist comes to your home and installs new appliances. After that, he must draw up an agreement and an act of putting the meters into operation.

Do not forget to sign all the documents and check if this was done by a representative of the company that installs them for you.

With these documents, you need to go to the management company to conclude an agreement for calculations on an individual meter.

You must transfer the act of commissioning the meter, the contract for payment of utility bills for metering devices and copies of passports of metering devices to the center of public services of the district.

Subsequent charges for water are made according to meter readings starting from the date of submission of documents to the public services center.

You can contact your managing organization through the House of Moscow website.In the search bar, select the "Learn about the house" tab and enter the address. Then, in the window that opens, general information about your house will appear, including the name of the managing organization and its phone number. For more information, click on the name of the managing organization itself.

Classification

At the moment, manufacturers produce a large number of models. What are the water meters, their choice and performance in domestic use, depend on the specific situation - water quality, diameter and condition of the pipeline. Depending on these parameters, it is necessary to choose the optimal type of device according to the principle of its operation.

Ultrasonic

ultrasonic water meter

The principle of operation is to measure the time of passage of ultrasound along the flow of water and against it. The source and meter are piezoelectric sensors that alternately emit and receive ultrasonic vibrations. Information about the signal transit time received by the sensors is processed by the chip according to a specific algorithm. As a rule, most ultrasonic meters have a non-volatile memory, and when the power is turned off, the current data and the archive of information will not disappear.

electromagnetic

electromagnetic water meter

The operating principle is based on Faraday's law. The device itself consists of a coil that induces a magnetic field. In water flowing between the two poles of a magnet, an electromotive force arises. Its value is proportional to the speed of water movement. By measuring the magnitude of the EMF, respectively, and the speed of movement of the flow, the device determines the flow of water. The data is entered into the energy-protected archive of the device.

Superstatic resonant

A resonant water meter for an apartment has a flow meter section, which consists of three channels parallel to each other. A swirler is installed in the central channel, which alternately directs water jets into the auxiliary channels. By the frequency of the transfer of jets, one can judge the speed of the water flow. The number of transfer cycles is recorded by a piezoelectric sensor and transmits information to an electronic computer that processes and stores the data in the archive.

Tachometric mechanical

tachometric water meter

Tachometric meters use the force of the movement of the water flow to rotate the turbine impeller. The impeller transmits mechanical movement to the counting device. Many models provide for the installation of a reed pulse transmitter, which allows you to automate the process of monitoring, receiving and saving data.

All presented types of water meters for an apartment are combined into two large groups: mechanical and electronic.

Water meters choose which one is better for an apartment

A bright representative of suppliers of universal meters to the domestic market. The Italian company refused to divide the installation of appliances into hot and cold water supply. Water meters VLF-15U-I, VLF-15U-IL are equipped with a pulse output, which helps to organize remote control and reading of readings. The length of meters without nuts is 80 mm.

The VLF-15U is manufactured with a length of 110mm. VLF-15U-L is supplied without shackle nuts. The most expensive device in the VLF-20U line with a water consumption of 2.5 cubic meters. m/hThe price of devices, in addition to equipment, also depends on the configuration and lies in the range of 700-1600 rubles. All models are characterized by reliability and high accuracy, they are supplied with an increased calibration interval - 6 years. Water meters are equipped with magnet protection.

Water meter BETAR

was founded on the production base of the plant, which specialized in the production of Vostok brand watches popular in the Soviet Union. The enterprise is located in the city of Chistopol, Republic of Tatarstan, and the first water meter (model SHV-15) was manufactured in 1996. Over the years, the model has undergone technical improvements and today we know it as the Betar SGV-15 device. Some devices are supplied with equipment for organizing remote readings.

The ability to withstand temperatures in the range from 5 to 90 ° C classifies the devices as universal water meters. In addition to the universal model, the manufacturer offers cold water metering products with an operating limit of + 40 ° C, such a water meter, as a rule, has a correspondingly lower price.

Betar SGV 15 has long earned the trust of customers and enjoys wide and well-deserved popularity. Owners who opted for the device leaving a review note a number of advantages:

• simple design;
• high-quality materials and reliable durability of the product;
• versatility of operation;
• a water meter can be purchased at an attractive cost;
• not complicated installation;
• compliance with the norms and established standards in the Russian Federation;
• device passport in Russian.

Preparatory measures for installation

Any metering devices should be bought in specialized stores, and not from hand or on the market.At the same time, when buying, you need to check the complete set of the product, the availability of a technical passport, and also check the number indicated in the document with the number on the device itself. So you can be sure that you have purchased certified products that are suitable for use.

After the purchase and before you put the meter in the house or apartment, you need to take it along with the accompanying documentation for verification to the state office of instrumentation (KIP) of the housing office or to the water utility department. It is not forbidden to use the services of private firms to check the operation of metering devices, however, the company must be licensed.

After checking the technical product, a stamp will be put in its passport, and after installing the meter on the water, a seal will be installed on it, which absolutely cannot be damaged or removed, otherwise there will be problems with registering the device. After checking the meter, you can begin to develop a water meter connection diagram and prepare for installation.

Meter installation specialists advise you to prepare in advance all the necessary tools and materials for installation work. First of all, you need to purchase paronite gaskets for a hot pipeline and rubber gaskets for a cold one. Also, most likely, special sealing pastes and sanitary tow, or synthetic threads, which already have silicone grease in their composition, will be required.

The set of necessary tools depends on the type of pipeline, a certain section of which will have to be cut, so you will need a hacksaw for metal or a saw for plastic. You will also need:

• prepare a tool for cutting threads on metal pipes in order to install a block of counter and nozzles;
• purchase cutting scissors, connecting fittings and a special soldering iron if the pipes are made of plastic.

In addition, you will need ring and adjustable wrenches of the appropriate diameter to tighten the connections.

At the same time, it is important not to overdo it so as not to “tighten” the installed threads.

To check the completeness of the device, it is necessary to lay out on a flat surface all the elements of the block in the direction of the water flow:

1. A shut-off valve (if included) allows you to shut off the flow at the right time. A valve is also required to regulate the water supply.
2. A mechanical filter for retaining insoluble impurities and a coarse filter for water purification from debris. Able to extend the life of the meter, installed in front of the device.
3. The first connecting pipe (with a union nut - American).
4. The water meter.
5. The second connecting pipe.
6. A non-return valve that retains water in the system prevents the impeller from turning back when the water supply is turned off.

When laying out the elements of the metering device block, you need to pay attention to the arrows that indicate the direction of flow. All arrows must be in the same direction.

Before you install meters for hot and cold water yourself, you must turn off the water supply. In an apartment building, it will be necessary to block the entire riser, which only public utilities have the right to do.

What is the difference between cold and hot water meters?

First of all, the difference between hot water and cold water meters is in the different color of the case.

Appliances for hot water are red, and for cold - blue.In addition, technical indicators differ, in particular, the maximum flow temperature.

Hot water meters are able to work with water heated to 70 ° (this is the minimum, there are models that can withstand temperatures up to 120 °).

Devices for cold water are designed for temperatures up to 40 °. It is noteworthy that hot water appliances can be installed on cold water lines, but not vice versa. Read about the differences between hot water and cold water meters here.

Electromagnetic devices

No less popular than tachometric instruments. Their main advantage is the high accuracy of readings based on the determination of the speed and the average area of ​​the water flow. They are completely independent of the temperature, density or viscosity of the liquid. Therefore, many of those who are thinking about how to save water on a meter make a choice in favor of this particular device, hoping not to pay extra money for inaccurate readings of an imperfect device. This is justified, but it should be borne in mind that the chemical and physical properties of the water passed through the meter still affect its accuracy.

For example, sediment in the water can lead to data distortion after a year of system operation. Another caveat: electromagnetic meters cannot work in very clean water. In addition, they are dependent on the power supply and simply turn off in the event of a power outage.

The most accurate readings can be obtained from an electromagnetic water meter

The owner of the apartment needs to choose which water meters it is better to install. Only he himself can determine the type of a suitable device, taking into account all the shortcomings and advantages of the proposed options.You can check the correctness of your decision in the course of consultation with a specialist from the management company, who knows exactly what types of devices can be installed in this particular house.

I never thought about the variety and choice of such a device. What the water supply organizations offered, they put in. Now I specifically looked at the brand on my own, it turned out to be French from Flumberger. Single-jet winged, I have had them since 2006 on cold and hot water the same. Already tested and working great. Yes, I myself first checked them, substituted a container of a certain volume, and everything corresponded to the tyutelka in the tutelka. That's what quality means. Now, of course, Russian meters are also good. I consider electromagnetic ones to be frivolous, since it is possible, for example, to de-energize an apartment, and the meter will wind. Or is the water off too? Unclear.

However. All in all, this is weird. Does the seller, when he comes to the store or to the market, oblige you to weigh on his own scales? Or ordering a couple of tons of rubble at a construction site from me and then they will demand to count everything in buckets? The whole process of taking readings from devices can be automated for a long time and receive data on the server. In case of accidents with the power system, residents should not bear any responsibility and unnecessary losses from their own pocket. But who will do what for people. Even if he tries, he will be shot.

The most important thing for the consumer, in my opinion, after installing the meter and sealing it, is to take care of the seal like the apple of an eye! The thing is that if you accidentally, while wiping the dust, violate the integrity of the seal, or a child tears off this interesting little thing, or something else unexpected happens, then the water supplier has the right to recalculate the accruals for the previous period at the rate of water consumption for each prescribed in a person's apartment (and not according to the actual consumption by the meter), since the last check of the seal by the water supply controller. Even if you periodically once a month yourself transmit the readings of water meters, for some reason there is no faith in us, tenants. The exception is all sorts of emergency situations when it is necessary to urgently remove the seals from the meters. This can be done by a locksmith of the ZhEK, or another authorized organization, but at the same time he is obliged to write out an act in which he will indicate the readings of the water meters at the time the seal was removed and fix this fact with his signature and seal of the organization (most often, you will have to go for the seal yourself).

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What it is?

A water meter is a mechanical or electronic device designed to record the amount of water used.

All types of these devices are installed in a pipeline break and react to the movement of the water flow.

As long as the water does not move through the pipe, the meter readings remain unchanged. As soon as the flow began to move (the tap was opened, the washing machine or dishwasher was filled, the toilet was used), the readings of the device change in accordance with the missed volume.

As a result, there is an accurate accounting of the used water, which allows you to correctly calculate its cost per month (or per quarter).

How to choose a water meter: about important criteria

Depending on the purpose, features of the plumbing system and the installation site, you can give preference to water meters with certain design features:

There are “wet” type devices that are sensitive to the quality of the water passing through them, as well as “dry” type, in which the measuring unit is isolated, and therefore protected from possible impurities.

"Wet" water meters are not suitable for hot, technical, as well as water from a well.
Pay attention to the nominal flow rate - this is the most important characteristic indicating the flow rate at which the device can operate throughout its entire operation.
There is a measurement class that indicates the accuracy of the device and directly affects the cost. It is designated by the letters A-D and must comply with the requirements set by the water supply organization.
Single-channel meters are installed in houses where there is only one inlet water supply, multi-channel meters - if there is an alternative water supply system, for example, wells.
Multi-jet meters are installed in cases where measurement accuracy is critical, since more budgetary (single-jet) models are inferior to them in this regard.
Please note that some water meters are designed exclusively for horizontal installation, and some are only for vertical installation.

There are also universal models that can be installed on any pipes.
Devices with a separate sensor and a remote display for reading information are installed in places with limited access, where it will be impossible or extremely difficult to take readings from the device in a single housing.

Answering the question of which water meter to buy for an apartment, we note that the best option in terms of price and quality ratio will be a single-jet single-channel water meter in a single housing.

For example, Ukrainian NOVATOR LK-20X for cold water and LK-20G.

For those who are trying to understand which water meter is better, Ukrainian or imported, we note: domestic models should not be deprived of attention. In terms of their characteristics and service life, they are not much inferior, if at all inferior, to their foreign counterparts.

In addition, buying foreign-made systems should be done with extreme caution: you need to check compatibility with our plumbing systems, the sensitivity of devices to water quality, the availability of components and certified centers for warranty service on the Ukrainian market. For example, one of the most popular manufacturers of water meters from our country is NOVATOR (prices from UAH 210) and Hydrotek (from UAH 140)

For Polish Apator Powogaz, the price is slightly higher - it starts from 250 UAH. "Italians" Bmetrs are even more expensive - at least 440 UAH

For example, one of the most popular manufacturers of water meters from our country is NOVATOR (prices from UAH 210) and Hydrotek (from UAH 140). For Polish Apator Powogaz, the price is slightly higher - it starts from 250 UAH. "Italians" Bmetrs are even more expensive - at least 440 UAH.

Why is water accounting necessary?

There is a closed and open heating system.In a closed heat supply system, as a rule, water is heated due to the fact that in the boiler room of a house or a central heating point, the pipes of power engineers (through which hot water comes to our heating radiators) in a special way come into contact with pipes of water utilities (through which purified drinking water flows ).

Contrary to popular belief that cold water is “clean” and hot “dirty” (non-potable), in fact, both cold and hot water in such systems flow into the house through one pipe and do not have any significant differences. Another thing is that due to some kind of malfunction of the pipes in the boiler, heating water can be mixed with drinking water, but this is an emergency, and not at all a normal situation.

To detect such situations, dye is added to the heating water from time to time.

There are also open heating systems where hot water actually enters the faucet from the heating circuit, and then you can’t drink it. In most cities, the heating system is closed.

If you are not sure which system is in your city, call the housing office and find out. If you have a faucet installed on an old battery in your old house, this does not mean at all that the system is open, and even more so that you can use this faucet. No, it is intended for housing professionals.

And unauthorized receipt of water from closed heating systems is nothing less than state theft, that is, a crime that is prosecuted by law. After all, heating water comes to our house not from a water utility, but from power engineers.

And the systems of power engineers are designed in the expectation that hot water that has entered the house (they do not call it water at all, they call it an energy carrier) will return safe and sound (only already cooled), so that it is heated again and sent on a journey through heating mains. And if the energy source is lost somewhere, then the power engineers, of course, are looking for who, where and why lost this water.

In a number of villages and small towns there is heating, but there is no hot water supply, that is, hot water comes from the boiler room only to the batteries. It is also illegal to take this water from the batteries in this case. Among other things, it is unfit for consumption and may contain a lot of harmful substances, because in principle it is not designed to be consumed in this way.

The payment for cold water consists of two components: payment for water supply and for water disposal (sewage). This money goes to the water utility. The payment for hot water (with closed heating systems) includes, plus one more component, the payment for water heating. Energy workers receive money for heating.

With open heating systems, cold water supply is paid to the water utility, hot water supply to the power industry, and water disposal of both cold and hot water to the water utility. Tariffs (cost of a liter or cubic meter) and standards (average amount of water consumed) are approved and enforced by the national regulator and local authorities.

With the help of water meters (or, in other words, flow meters), drinking, network and waste water (both cold and hot) are accounted for.According to the device of the mechanism for accounting for water consumption, water meters are divided into tachometric, electromagnetic, volumetric, ultrasonic, combined and pressure drop or diaphragm meters.

Is verification required before installation?

Vodokanal workers usually do not require verification of meters sealed for the first time. They are quite satisfied with the presence of a factory seal. The fact is that the average water consumption by subscribers, even with unverified meters, will be within the normal range.

However, it does not hurt the consumer to find out if the meter is working and if its readings are correct. In the event of a malfunction, the owner of the device receives an expert opinion, with which he goes to the seller and exchanges the rejected product for a new one.

There should be no problems, since the stores have an agreement with the supplier for such a case. The meter is checked absolutely free of charge, which is stipulated in the law.

To go through the procedure, the device is handed over to the centralized city instrumentation, or to the instrumentation of the housing office or water utility, or to a private company operating under a license. The meter is handed over together with a passport, where a mark is made on passing the verification.

Besides, a KIP seal is placed on the device, which, of course, cannot be violated.

What does he look like?

Outwardly, the water meter is similar to a medium-sized manometer, but with two nozzles - inlet and outlet. The dial has an elongated rectangular hole through which you can see the discs of the counting mechanism with numbers. They show the current value of water consumption.

The size of the case is small, which allows you to compactly place the device in a small space, among many pipes and other elements.

Modern designs of electronic water meters can have rectangular outlines and a liquid crystal display. It depends on the type of instrument, manufacturer and other specific features.

Counters for individual cases

Considering water meters, which is better and which is worse, it is impossible to say for sure. All this for the reason that for each case there is an individual option. Here are several types of meters that are designed to operate in places with specific conditions:

• Ultrasonic meters are those devices that do an excellent job of capturing data in an environment with a liquid that has aggressive qualities. All this is due to improved internal parts that are resistant to any conditions.
• Volumetric meters are an excellent choice for applications where the liquid has a low velocity. Not all equipment can accurately record low flow rates, but this type of meter is an exception.

It is worth noting that such devices have a higher price than ordinary mechanical models, but if the case requires it, you should not save, because the result will fully justify all the money spent.