Which is better to choose a water meter

Water meter: how to choose the right device?

It would be a mistake to assume that there is only one type of water meter. In fact, you can find many variations of such metering devices, differing in the principle of operation, cost and other indicators.

Installing a water meter will pay off quickly enough and will help to significantly save on utility bills.

Before buying a device, it is important to understand their diversity. First of all, you need to understand that meters are available for hot and cold water.

The principle of operation of the devices is similar, the difference is in the materials used for their production.

Devices working with hot liquid can withstand temperatures up to 150C, while devices for cold water can operate at temperatures not exceeding 40C.

So-called universal meters are produced, which can be placed on any pipe. A special case marking helps to distinguish between devices, blue for cold and red for hot water.

In addition, a distinction is made between volatile and non-volatile devices. For the operation of the first, electricity is needed, so they are connected to the network. The second ones work without additional power sources.

It is important to classify devices according to the principle of their operation. On this basis, all metering devices can be divided into four large groups:

Vortex counters

The frequency of the vortices occurring on the body placed in the water flow is recorded. Fluid flowing around an obstacle causes pressure changes on its surface.

The frequency of such pressure drops directly depends on the flow rate and on the water flow. Vortex counters capture these readings and convert them into an analog or digital signal. The advantage of such metering devices can be considered low contamination in water of any quality, ease of verification and high measurement accuracy.

The disadvantages include a short service life, which is about 8-12 years, and rapid wear of the bluff body if abrasive particles are present in the water.

Vortex meters for water are highly accurate, but their service life is relatively short: only 8-12 years, after which the equipment fails

Ultrasonic devices

Use the difference in time intervals that occur during the passage of ultrasound along and against the measured flow.Not only pure water, but also wastewater, as well as dirty liquids with the presence of abrasive substances can act as a medium to be measured.

The main advantages of the devices are the ability to conduct accurate measurements in any medium in terms of physical and chemical properties, ease of verification, long service life, which is about 25 years, ultra-precise operation even without filters, autonomous power supply.

The disadvantages include the probability of stopping the operation of the device when a critical amount of precipitation falls.

Tachometric device

A simple mechanical device, which is a counting device, which is associated with a specially shaped impeller or impeller placed in a stream of water. The water flow rotates the impeller, the number of revolutions of which determines the meter reading.

The advantages of such a meter include low cost, ease of maintenance, the ability to install in any room and energy independence.

A significant "minus" of the device is the need to install a coarse filter in front of the device, a low measurement range, a short service life and measurement errors.

Ultrasonic water meters are volatile devices of high complexity. They are almost never used for installation in houses and apartments.

Electromagnetic counter

The devices keep records of the electromagnetic field induced in the computing unit of the device in proportion to the water flow rate.

The advantage of electromagnetic meters is the absence of protruding elements and mechanical parts that prevent water flow, high measurement accuracy and long service life.In addition, the device is universal and can be installed on hot or cold water.

The disadvantages of an electromagnetic meter include volatility, since the device cannot function without an external power source, increased requirements for the room and the quality of installation.

Another "minus" is the possibility of contamination of the flow path with impurities present in the water.

Measuring instrument selection criteria

Which water meter is better to install in an apartment depends, first of all, on the quality of the supplied water and its composition. For water with large amounts of solid impurities and a high level of mineralization, it is better to choose a device that does not have mechanical rubbing parts. Despite this, it is important to choose the material of the working body, which is in direct contact with the working medium.

Material

The most common material is metal alloys:

Bronze and brass are strong and reliable alloys with a high impact strength, they are quite durable and resistant to aggressive components in water. Perhaps the formation of minor caverns or calcification of the ducts;

Stainless alloy steel - the mechanical performance of the material, as well as its cost, significantly exceeds alloys. In addition, the complexity of processing the final product makes such material less popular with a domestic manufacturer.

Silumin is an alloy of silicon and aluminum. Quite resistant to aggressive environments and very cheap, making it popular with Chinese manufacturers. However, it has very low strength, is fragile, and does not withstand even medium loads. It is strongly not recommended to purchase such a device.

Polymers. These are mainly polybutylene and extruded polyethylene.They are mainly used as components for cold water appliances. The maximum temperature they can withstand is 90°C (polybutylene). The scope of devices is limited.

Equipment

The kit may contain shackles, nozzles, gaskets and other fittings for connecting the device to the water supply. It is also necessary to check them for defects and compliance with the thread dimension.

In addition, imported water meters that can be selected in our stores must have a certificate of conformity with standards, which confirms that they are adapted for use in domestic networks.

Service

The main indicator is the calibration interval. What is the best water meter? - Naturally, the one with such an interval is longer. For cold water, it averages 6 years for hot water - about 4. However, for many modern models, these figures can differ significantly. Specific data can be found in the device passport. In this case, the countdown must be carried out not from the date of verification carried out at the factory, but from the moment of registration and sealing of the device at the installation site by the relevant representatives of the water utility.

Instrument location

Some obsolete models should only be mounted horizontally or vertically. It is better to choose a universal device. It can be checked by simply blowing into the inlet pipe in a horizontal and vertical position. The air should pass with the same pressure, and the numbers should change evenly, without jerking and braking.

Protection

The conditions for the security of the device are getting tougher all the time.How to choose a water meter so as not to change it after a year? It is advisable to purchase a device with a pulse output for remote control or reading of indicators.

In addition, if the device is located in an easily accessible place, it is advisable that it has a protective cover on the front panel.

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.

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, then the water pressure in the water supply system will decrease. 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);
the check valve will become an additional protection of the system against water hammer, so 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”.

Flow Meter Selection Tips

Knowing what water meters are on sale, when choosing, you need to decide in order to install a meter. If its installation is necessary in order to know how many cubic meters of cold water have been used up, expensive meters are not needed.

A simple “wet” tachometric option is quite suitable here, only you need to first coordinate its classiness with the water supply company.

A tachometric water meter is also suitable for a pipeline with hot water, but in a “dry” version, so that impurities in the water do not damage the measuring module. For a system where the flow is characterized by abrupt changes, it is better to choose a combined instrument.

Meter accuracy class the higher the smaller the margin of error. This parameter grows from "A" to "D". Appliances used in everyday life have an accuracy class "B" if they are oriented for horizontal installation.For vertical installation, "A" class is acceptable. Class "C" is typical for electronic meters installed in any position.

If the tenants of a high-rise building decide to install a common water meter, the best option would be a water meter with a remote sensor

Taking into account the technical side when choosing a meter is mandatory, but it is equally important to take into account the moment the device corresponds to the place where you want to install it. If the device needs to be hidden in a niche, under the toilet or under the bathtub, then you should definitely consider what shape of the case will “fit” into the free space. In one case, a device with a short body is suitable, in the other - elongated in length

In one case, a device with a short body is suitable, in the other - elongated in length

If the device needs to be hidden in a niche, under the toilet or under the bathtub, then you should definitely consider what shape of the case will “fit” into the free space. In one case, a device with a short body is suitable, in the other - elongated in length.

The orientation of the meter relative to the floor is also important when choosing. It can be positioned vertically or horizontally. The main thing is that the data is easy to read. If the device has a counting mechanism oriented horizontally, then the product itself should occupy such a position.

The scoreboard displays the readings of the cubes used. These are the first five digits, the remaining 6 or 8 digits are liters

They are not taken into account when paying. There are water meters where there are no liters at all

There are water meters, in which the digital display is located in such a way that it is possible to take readings only when it is vertically mounted. Since hot and cold water have different costs, payment is made on different accounts.

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, its body has a special system of protection against 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 a degree of protection IP 68, which makes the equipment reliably protected from dust, moisture, and even allows it to withstand 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

3 Decast Metronic VSKM 90-15 DG

A universal counter of a simple vane design with a pulse output for the case of centralized metering of cold and hot water consumption. As a sensitive device, it uses a reed sensor, which is very common and easily replaceable in case of emergency. The durability of work, according to the manufacturer, is at least 10 years, after which the impeller has every chance to overcome the threshold of unacceptable errors.

Judging by the user reviews, "Decast Metronic" VSKM 90-15 DG is able to work with water, the maximum temperature of which is +90 degrees Celsius. The main drawback is the actual absence of mounting parts in the kit, however, finding them in retail is quite simple (due to their versatility).With a not very large weight (0.5 kilograms), this meter does an excellent job with possible water hammer, so it can be safely installed in apartments and private houses.

Despite the fact that electromagnetic and ultrasonic meters are relatively recent developments with practical advantages, the vast majority of consumers are still inclined to purchase a simple mechanical meter. What is the reason for such a choice, what are the pros and cons of mechanical models relative to others, we learn from the comparison table.

Counter type	pros	Minuses
Mechanical	+ High reliability based on extremely simple design + Compactness + Very low measurement uncertainty + Easy installation + Average service life is 10-12 years + Low price compared to other types of meters + Availability of models with pulse output	– Inevitable wear of the small gear that rotates the impeller and counter mechanism – High sensitivity to magnetic field induction
Ultrasonic	+ High measuring accuracy + Absence of rubbing parts in the design and, as a result, low wear + No hydraulic resistance occurs + Large measuring range + Meter readings (to prevent spontaneous reset during a power outage) are archived	– Volatile: functions only when there is an active power supply – The error is largely affected by air bubbles in the water
Electromagnetic	+ Thanks to the design, hydraulic losses are minimized + The quality of the current liquid does not affect the meter reading in any way + They are used not only in domestic conditions, but also in chemical and food enterprises	– Magnets installed in the meter can cause clogging of the supply pipe – High sensitivity to air bubbles in the liquid, the presence of turbulent flows and ground currents flowing through the pipeline

Kinds

To begin with, before choosing a device, it is worth deciding how hot or cold water will be calculated. The devices operate in the same way, however, depending on the temperature of the liquid, the meters are produced from different materials. For cold liquids, it is recommended to use materials that can withstand no more than 40º, but for hot liquids, the mark should reach 150ºС. There is also a combined version on sale that counts water at different temperatures. They are best suited for underfloor heating projects.

Separation of devices occurs and according to the type of their power supply, some depend on electricity, others do not.

According to the principle of operation, all existing devices are divided into 4 groups:

1. ultrasonic mechanism. During the flow of liquid, which is transported by pipes and through the device, a sound effect is created, which changes, taking into account the speed of water supply and volume. The device itself makes a calculation, determining the characteristics of this sound.
2. The tachometric mechanism has a specially shaped impeller (or turbine) through which fluid passes. During its movement, the part begins to rotate, and the counter reads information.
3. The vortex mechanism in the design has a special detail that is placed in the flow itself. The flow of water sets this part in motion, and it begins to create vortices. Their frequency is registered by a counter.
4. electromagnetic mechanism.During the passage of liquid through the device, a magnetic field is generated. The rate of formation of this field also depends on the flow rate, and the counter already takes into account a fixed indicator.

How to install water meters:

Tachometric

The advantages of this mechanism include:

• compact and easy installation for any kitchen projects;
• reliability (service life 12 years);
• acceptable price;
• low measurement error.

Depending on the type of mechanism in the device, they are divided into single-jet and multi-jet types. Single-jet ones pass one stream of liquid through their impeller, and for multi-jet blades, the rotation of the blade occurs with the help of several streams at once.

Separation of meters also occurs depending on the diameter of the pipe used. So, for example, for pipes with a diameter of up to 40 mm, a vane mechanism is used, and for a pipe diameter that exceeds this indicator, a turbine mechanism is used.

Further division occurs on wet and dry types. The name speaks for itself. Dry ones do not have contact with water, this increases their service life. The wet type is immersed in water, this leads to contamination of the blades with various sediments present in the liquid, and as a result, there is a failure in the accuracy of the readings.

Electromagnetic

These mechanisms for counting used water are no less popular than the previous version. The main advantage is the accuracy in calculations, which occurs by determining the average area and speed of the flow itself. Also, the indication of the device is not affected by the viscosity, density and temperature of the water, due to which the meter is considered economical.

Water meter: which is better by brand and manufacturer

The Pulse water meter is a universal mechanism with an impeller or impeller from the Russian company AQUA-S. This is high quality at an affordable price. The manufacturer uses modern technologies and high-quality materials in production, so the guaranteed service life of the devices is 12 years.

Pulse meters can be installed on water lines and in hot water supply systems. In the first case, the maintained temperature range is 5-30°C, in the second case up to 90°C. The water pressure should not exceed 1.6 MPa.

Pulse water meters are one of the best brands on the Russian market.

Water meter "Valtec", adapted to Russian operating conditions. The Italian company Valtec showed interest in the Russian market. Together with Russian engineers, production was organized, where water meters of this brand are produced. Multi-stage production control, the latest technology and high quality.

The Russian developer of meters for cold and hot water is Scientific and Production Enterprise ITELMA Building Systems LLC. The production is based on our own developments, which makes ITELMA water meters fully adapted to the operating conditions of domestic water supply and heating networks. The manufacturer guarantees 6 years of trouble-free operation and 12 years - the minimum period.

Water meters "Pulsar" are products of the research and production enterprise "Teplovodohran". In the model line there are also universal devices, both for hot water and for cold, with and without a pulse output. And also with digital type outputs and radio output.

All water meters presented above have excellent technical and operational characteristics. And if you answer the question which meter is better to install in an apartment or a private house, then you can safely choose any. Of course, no one canceled the savings, so there are inexpensive options in the catalog proposed above, for example, the Pulse brand, which in all respects will not yield to the rest.

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.