How to choose a water meter: which ones are there, which one is better to install and why?

Rating of water meters - choose by quality

Please note that this rating of the best water meters is compiled for informational purposes only and does not carry advertising or incentives to action. The opinion is based on a sample of responses from master plumbers who specialize in installing and replacing individual hot and cold water meters, as well as feedback from ordinary people about using devices at home.

When analyzing all the tops and ratings of the best, it is important to understand that the reliability rating of water meters is one thing, and the efficiency rating is quite another

Yes, you can choose a water meter that will be reliable, but its cost is unjustified and too high.

When analyzing all the tops and ratings of the best, it is important to understand that the reliability rating of water meters is one thing, and the efficiency rating is quite another. Yes, you can choose a water meter that will be reliable, but its cost is unjustified and too high. Therefore, in the rating of the best, we have included water devices that are very popular among all segments of the population.

Therefore, in the rating of the best, we have included water devices that are very popular among all segments of the population.

1st place - Eco Nom

The leader of the rating of the best - 100% Russian goods. Of course, the brand has its branches abroad as well. Often there is research work, testing and refinement. However, assembly is always carried out on the territory of the Russian Federation. Thanks to quality monitoring, the Eco Nom brand has good wear resistance and a very low level of manufacturing defects.

• Low price.
• Nice design.
• Compact dimensions.
• High measurement accuracy.
• Branches of the company are represented only in large cities.

2nd place - Valtec

A well-known Italian company dealing with metrological equipment. There are no complaints about the work of their counters.

• Recognition.
• Reliability.
• Inflated price tag.
• There are fakes.

3rd place - Itelma

The second most famous (after Valtek) water meter. Also a regular guest of various ratings and tops of the best. But the problems are exactly the same. Yes, good and yes, by today's standards of roads. The increasing complaints about marriage also speak against Itelma.

• Recognition.
• Reliability.
• Inflated price tag.
• There are marriages and fakes.

4- Zenner

The eminent German manufacturer and the most expensive among the dozens. Despite the high price Zenner has its fans.

• Resistance to aggressive environment.
• Pressure surge protection.
• Overpriced.
• A small model range, which is not fully suitable for the Russian water supply system.

5 - Betar

A Russian manufacturer who decided to focus on colossal sustainability. Thanks to the materials, the manufacturer has achieved very good performance in all tests. However, due to the high consumption of brass for each IPU, the cost of the water device has increased significantly.

• Wear resistance.
• Reliability.
• A big cost.
• Serious dimensions.
• Big weight.

6 - Grand

Another firm that is constantly on the hearing.

• Recognition.
• Quick failure of the mechanism (in case of resource deviations from the norms).

7 - Meter

This ISP has both its pros and cons. Not recommended for installation if your water supply system experiences regular failures. Due to the design features, some users encounter problems. Instability to pressure drops drives him to the 7th place in the top.

• Water measurement accuracy.
• Lack of water hammer protection.

8 - Decast

What are the restrictions on installation are at water meters? But many Decast models will demonstrate that they are. For example, they cannot be placed on horizontal pipes.

• Stability.
• Installation inconvenience.
• Poor kit.

9 - Norma

An honestly working mechanism with its own peculiarity. Some owners note that when the water is turned on in an apartment or house, a strange sound is heard, which gradually disappears. It arises from a controversial design decision of the developers.

• Accuracy level.
• Whistling sounds when starting work.

10 – Pulsar

Previously extremely popular brand that could not withstand serious competition. He is mediocre in every way.Controversial design, average price tag on the market, marriage present in batches. But it is available everywhere and is on sale even in remote corners of our Motherland.

• Publicity.
• Having a marriage.

How to choose a water meter?

There are hot and cold water meters, different models also differ not only in brand and price, but also in device, they can give slightly different readings, be more accurate than very cheap models. Metering devices also differ in temperature susceptibility. And to the ability to stop with a neodymium magnet, although modern models are no longer afraid of exposure, for example, VALTEC water meters, it all depends on the task you are pursuing

When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to its technical characteristics. From installing the meter there will be the following benefits:

From installing the meter there will be the following benefits:

• You will have to pay according to real consumption, and not according to an excessively high consumption rate.
• You will not be able to distribute the debt of residents of other apartments who do not pay utility bills on time.
• If you live in a private house, you will not have to pay extra for watering, which is included in the consumption rate.
• You don't have to pay for wasted water.
• In addition, the costs of sewerage maintenance will be reduced, as they are tied to the volume of water consumption by the subscriber.
• Most often, when there are water meters, the residents themselves begin to use it more economically, do not open the tap in vain, so they have to pay less.

As practice shows, all the costs of installing a meter pay off after 6 months, then the savings begin.

What types of water meters exist

• Ultrasonic water meters - the operation of the water meter is based on sensors that emit and receive ultrasonic vibrations passing downstream and against the water. All information is transmitted and processed by the processor, and then displayed.
• Electromagnetic water meters - measure water consumption due to an induction coil that creates a magnetic field and a mechanism that reads the speed of water passing between the two poles of a magnet.
• Tachometric (vane) water meters - measurements are carried out due to the movement of the water flow. Water, passing through the counter, rotates the impeller, and a special roller transmits the readings to the counting panel. There are also models with a pulse output that allow you to automate the process of transferring readings.
• Superstatic water meters - resource accounting is calculated due to the passage of water through a special swirler. After measuring the speed, the readings are transmitted to the sensor, and then displayed on the electronic scoreboard.

Also, water meters are produced in two versions - mechanical and electronic.

As for the specific type, then for apartments and houses the best choice would be a tachometric (vane) mechanical counter. It has maximum reliability due to the relative simplicity of the whole structure, a huge working resource and low cost.

Ultrasonic water meters

A device that measures the time it takes an ultrasonic wave to travel upstream and downstream a liquid. Piezoelectric type sensors are used as a source and controller, they alternately release ultrasonic vibrations and take them back.All information data is subject to processing by the chip according to a special algorithm. Most models have a non-volatile memory, so turning off the power will not help reset the calculated volumes.

Electromagnetic devices

The principle of operation of the devices is completely based on Faraday's law. The design includes a coil that induces a magnetic field. There is also an energy-protected archive. Electromotive power is generated in the fluid circulating between the two positive poles of a magnet. The device measures the volume of EMF and the flow rate, based on the data obtained, the amount of water consumed is calculated.

Superstatic resonant meters

Due to the installed swirler, which directs the flow into additional passages, the fluid velocity is calculated. The number of cycles is fixed on a piezoelectric sensor, after which it is transmitted to an electronic informant.

Tachometers

The work uses the power of movement of the water flow. This force contributes to the rotation of the turbine impeller. A functioning roller transmits movement to a counting device. This is the most common option. Some controllers with pulse output fully automate the control.

Models from each category belong to one of two groups. They can be mechanical or electronic.

What else to consider when choosing?

When deciding to install a meter, you want to be sure that you will stay with the maximum benefit for yourself

This is possible if the water meter accurately counts the entire volume of water consumed and will work for a long time without breakdowns, therefore, when choosing a water meter, pay attention to the following parameters:

allowable water flow is the maximum volume of water per unit of time that the meter can pass through itself, while ensuring sufficient metering accuracy. For pipes with a diameter of 15 mm, meters are produced with a nominal flow rate of 1.5 m3 / h and a maximum flow rate of 3 m3 / h, which is more than enough;

sensitivity limit - the flow rate at which the impeller or turbine begins to rotate. The standard is considered a parameter of 15 l / h, but you can find meters with a sensitivity of 1 l / h;

measurement accuracy is marked with letters from A to D. Meters with accuracy B are suitable for domestic conditions, but there are also more accurate devices of class C;

installation length - this is the distance from one meter thread to another, this parameter determines the possibility of installing the device in the right place

Most devices have an installation length of 110 mm, but there are models with a length of 130, 190 and even 260 mm;
it is also important to consider what pipe diameter the meter is designed for. In apartments, pipes with a diameter of 15-20 mm are usually used, in private houses - 25-32 mm

pressure loss

If suddenly there is a leak in the meter, it will decrease water pressure in the pipeline. Most water meters will reduce the pressure by 0.6 bar. If this figure is higher, then we recommend that you refuse to purchase;

the name of the manufacturer is also important in the matter of choosing a counter. Devices from Zenner, Actaris, Sensus, Sensus, Elster Metronica, Valtec and Viterra have proven themselves well. Domestic-made meters Meter, Pulse, Betar, Economy, Staroruspribor, TPK will cost less;

frame. Counters in brass and bronze cases, as well as those made of stainless steel, have proven themselves best.Devices in a polymer case behave well, but it is better to refuse to buy a water meter in a silumin case - it quickly corrodes;
the counter must have badges confirming the presence of state registration. Also on the dial you can find the serial number of the device and the operating conditions for which it is designed (water temperature, pressure, nominal water flow, accuracy class, pipe diameter);
check valve becomes additional system protection from water hammer, because if there are problems with pressure surges in the local water supply, then this option will be useful.

It is also not superfluous to clarify with the organization that supplies water whether all meters can be installed in apartments. Perhaps they will recommend models that have proven themselves best in these conditions and advise which counters are best not to take. It is necessary to buy a meter at a water supply organization or at a service trade organization - a purchase on a spontaneous market is fraught with problems with the water utility.

Do not forget that periodically the counter needs to be verified or replaced with a verified sample. These are additional costs, but they will never be equal to the amounts that you would overpay for unused water “according to the norms”.

Recommendations for choosing a meter

When choosing a suitable flow meter for water metering, one should take into account many important factors and nuances, take into account the parameters of the room in which the device is supposed to be installed.

Criteria #1 - device type

The first thing to decide is the type of device. Let's take a look at the possible options.

Inside mechanical meters there is an impeller that rotates under the influence of the energy of the liquid pressure and redirects the force to the counting device. They are mounted on pipelines with a diameter of 15-25 mm.

For thick pipes, a water meter equipped with a turbine instead of an impeller, or combined models, is used. They are more effective at handling strong pressure.

To increase ease of use, you can look at water meters with an electronic display, which will display all the necessary indicators

Many mechanical type devices provide a pulse output. A special sensor is attached to it, which outputs data to remote bases.

This makes it possible to automate work, control readings from several places, view the amount of expenses on a single meter, without getting close to hard-to-reach communications.

It is also worth noting that the counters are "wet" and "dry". The first option is cheaper, but it is only suitable for clean water systems, since its mechanisms are in direct contact with the liquid. The disadvantage of this design is the tendency to corrosion.

The second option is preferable for regions where there is a large amount of impurities in the water.

Criterion #2 - key characteristics of the model

After choosing the optimal type of water meter, we proceed to a thorough analysis of key characteristics.

We recommend focusing on the following points:

• temperature regime;
• installation parameters;
• information content of the screen;
• maximum pressure force;
• allowable water consumption;
• completeness;
• compliance with state standards and the requirements of the local water supply organization.

When choosing a device, check what liquid temperature it is designed for. Some modifications work exclusively with a cold environment and do not tolerate high temperatures.

It is desirable that there be a marking (usually blue or red) on the case indicating which medium the equipment is working with. Check the presence of clear scales from which it is easy to read the necessary numbers

The settings are selected based on the diameter of the pipeline. The correct choice of the installation length and diameter of the conditional passage will facilitate the upcoming installation process, prevent difficulties with tie-in, the formation of unnecessary joints that threaten leaks in the future.

The meter case must be strong enough, otherwise it may not withstand the pressure in the water supply and crack. If there is increased pressure in the network, it is more advisable to fork out for a more advanced model that can take loads up to 1.6 MPa.

To prevent damage to the device due to excessive loads, pay attention to the allowable water flow, at which the accuracy of the readings is not lost. The accuracy class is measured by letter values ​​from A to D, which determine the level of error

The best option for apartments - class B

The accuracy class is measured by letter values ​​from A to D, which determine the level of error. The best option for apartments is class B.

Before buying, you should make sure that the product is complete, that there are no visible external damages, that there is a warranty card and a technical passport with an individual movement number. We also advise you to check the possibility of service support from the manufacturer

Having made the final choice, do not be too lazy to first consult Vodokanal specialists about a specific model.

Find out if it complies with the approved GOSTs, find out the current installation requirements. The omission of such moments leads to refusals in the official registration of meters.

Mounting and connection methods

When installing equipment, it is important to consider the following points:

Devices must be purchased exclusively from licensed enterprises

A technical passport must be attached to the water meter.
Installation of the installation provides for overlapping water supply stand.
When installing and connecting, it is important to strictly follow the algorithm and connection diagram of the meter. Otherwise, in the event of undesirable consequences, the tenant will independently be forced to compensate for the damage caused.
After installation, the device must be sealed and put on the balance sheet of the local water utility.

Previously, before installing the meter, it should be checked by contacting the water utility department, the department of the housing office or a private company. For this, not only the device is handed over, but also its technical passport. Upon completion of the procedure, a special stamp must be placed in the document and the required fields filled in.

The installation of the water meter is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. Cut the water pipe and make a connection to the shut-off faucet in advance. They reach the maximum density of the connection due to tow or winding the FUM tape.
2. At the end of the capital connection to the tap, they begin to measure the location of the mating thread.
3. The excess pipe is disposed of and a thread is made / a fitting is installed at the end.Quite often, using a soldering iron, the connection of polypropylene components is performed.
4. The check valve is disconnected from the assembled meter and screwed onto the prepared thread.
5. Restore the connections of the union nut with the accounting counter.
6. Open water access and check the tightness of all connections, especially threaded ones.

If no leaks are found, it is safe to say that the installation of the water meter was successfully completed.

The final stage is to wait for the representative of the water utility, who will come according to a previously completed application and seal the water meter.

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 by 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 can determine type of suitable appliance, taking into account all the advantages and disadvantages 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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Best Premium Water Meters of the Year

3. Decast Metronic VSKM 90

It is a product made of brass, threaded type connections, designed for a diameter of three quarters of an inch. The calibration interval for this equipment is four years for hot water and six years for cold water. The average service life of this equipment is 12 years. The product is universal, respectively, it can be installed on both hot and cold water. On the input side, this meter has a special mesh that can trap large contaminants - you do not have to purchase it separately.Unfortunately, sealing gaskets are not supplied with this equipment - they will need to be purchased in addition.

Installing the counter takes a minimum amount of time. The equipment is able to withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees - this is a unique indicator that no other product in our ranking of the best water meters has. Also, such a product well resists water hammer, magnetic fields, and so on.

Advantages:

• Reliable equipment;
• Good value for money;
• Excellent assembly of equipment, eliminating the occurrence of even the slightest defects.

Flaws:

Before installation, you need to buy a pair of rubber seals.

Decast Metronic VSKM 90

2. Norm STV-50 (flange)

This model will prove to be the most suitable for utility or industrial use. The product is placed in a cast-iron case equipped with flange connections. It also has an interchangeable measuring mechanism. This design is recommended for installation on vertical pipelines. In addition, it has a special protection system in its body. from the influence of external magnetic fields. There are several device diameters - 50, 65, 80, 100 and 150 mm. The meter is a dry-running design, however, it has degree of protection IP 68, which makes the equipment reliably protected from dust, moisture, and allows it to withstand even flooding.

The product is an ideal alternative to foreign designs. It is in no way inferior to its competitors in terms of service life or performance.Meters designed for cold water supply systems are able to withstand water temperatures from five to forty degrees. Equipment designed for hot water can withstand up to +150 degrees. According to the manufacturer, such a counter can last up to 12 years, but with proper operation, it will be possible to use it much longer.

Advantages:

• There is a reliable system of protection against the effects of a magnetic field;
• Minimum error;
• Long period of operation;
• Ability to work in a wide range of temperatures and in the most difficult conditions.

Flaws:

Not very well suited for installation in an apartment.

Norm STV-50 (flange)

1. Norm SVK-25

This equipment is truly ideal for domestic use. This meter is designed for installation in pipelines with a diameter of 25 mm - standard systems laid in apartment buildings. The unit has a brass body, it is chrome-plated on top. On its upper part there is a mechanical board, on which the water consumption will be displayed. It, if necessary, easily rotates around its own axis, so it can be set to the most convenient position for taking readings. There are arrows on the sides indicating in which direction water should flow through this meter.

The internal elements are made of high-quality plastic, which is not sensitive to magnetic fields, to various kinds of pollution. On the nuts, as well as on the body of the device, there are special holes for attaching the seal. The average service life of this equipment is about 12-14 years.

Advantages:

• The simplicity of the device allows for a sufficiently long period of operation of the product;
• Acceptable cost;
• Good product accuracy.

Flaws:

Not detected.

SVK-25 norm