The installation of hot and cold water consumption meters allows you to save your personal budget by paying for the actually used water flow, instead of calculated according to the norms. But we must not forget that water meters are primarily measuring instruments that have a certain service life and require periodic verification. Verification is necessary so that neither the state nor the consumer have any doubts about the correctness of measurements of metering devices.
Meter life and nominal shelf life
The nominal shelf life of the meters is set by the manufacturer and depends on the design features of the device. For example, for simple mechanical (wing) meters, the shelf life is 10-12 years, depending on the specific model. For more complex electronic devices, the shelf life can be from 5 to 15 years, and this period depends not only on the design features, but also on which meter is used to account for (cold or hot) water. The nominal expiration date is indicated in the technical data sheet of the device.
It should be understood that the actual service life of the device is approximately 2 times less than the nominal one and depends primarily on operating conditions, namely:
- on water quality (the expiration date of the meter indicated in the data sheet is calculated provided that the tap water must meet the requirements of GOST R 51232-98 and SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-0, but in reality this is not always so);
- from the condition of the pipelines (in old houses, the piping system is worn out and various deposits fall into the water, which can cause a meter breakdown);
- from pressure fluctuations in the network (the pressure in the network varies several times during the day, but, unfortunately, houses in the Russian Federation are not necessarily equipped with a pressure monitoring system in the water supply system).
Various consumer manipulations can also reduce the life of a meter, for example, using a magnet to rewind readings.
GOST recommendations
Regarding the expiration dates of water meters, there are GOST recommendations:
- according to GOST R 50601-93, the average service life of measuring units of a mechanical type is 12 years;
- according to GOST 28732-90 “Flowmeters, high-speed, electromagnetic and vortex”, the average service life of devices is 15 years;
The warranty period of operation, according to the recommendations of GOST is 1.5 years.
Warranty Period
When buying a meter, a guarantee is given for it, the period of which is counted from the date of sale and for mechanical meters is usually 18 months.
If the meter has failed before the warranty period, you can demand a replacement or free repair, but at the same time you must have the instrument’s data sheet and a receipt from the store with the date of purchase.
What are the deadlines for verification established by law, verification and replacement procedure
Verification is a procedure for evaluating the accuracy of meter measurements using special instruments.
According to the law, the owner of the premises in which they are installed must ensure the timely verification of metering devices at the expense of personal funds.
At the legislative level, verification of metering devices is regulated by the following acts:
- Federal Law “On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measurements” dated 06.26.2008 N 102-ФЗ;
- Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation on the rules for the provision of utilities of 2006;
- Government Decree 2004 on improving the water metering system.
Intertesting interval for water meters is established by law and is:
- for cold water meters - 6 years;
- for hot water meters - 4 years.
When buying and installing a meter, it is important to know that the first verification may have to be done much earlier, because the calibration interval is counted from the time of manufacture.
It is impossible to verify the meter yourself; it is carried out only by a qualified specialist with the help of appropriate instruments. The verification procedure consists of the following steps:
- Preparation for verification. The consumer contacts the water utility, a specialist arrives from there and dismantles the device, which still needs to be taken to a certified laboratory. In another case, the consumer goes directly to a specialized company to call the master at home, who will carry out verification without dismantling. The second option is more expensive, but the procedure is much simpler and faster.
- Directly verification. The meter is tested according to various parameters (safety, reliability and others), the main of which is the accuracy of measurements. Using special devices, the error is measured, and if it lies within the normal range, then the device is considered to be working.
- If the device has successfully passed testing, then a certified organization specialist will issue a certificate of verification.
- If the meter was dismantled, then after verification it is installed, sealed and a commissioning report is drawn up by the representative of the utility service provider.
If the meter does not pass verification, this means that it is not suitable for use and the owner is obliged to replace the meter. Comparing the cost of the verification procedure and the cost of a new device, it turns out that sometimes it is more advantageous to replace the meter with a new one instead of checking the old one.
Checking the controllers and whether it is possible to challenge the requirement to replace the counter
Representatives of the controlling organization have the right to periodically check the integrity and serviceability of water meters and take intermediate readings. The objectives of this verification are as follows:
- make sure that the metering devices are working;
- detect facts of inappropriate operating conditions (for example, violation of the integrity of seals);
- identify unaccounted for resource consumption.
The owner is obliged to provide access to metering devices, and in case of violations, eliminate them in accordance with the received order. Otherwise, the readings of the devices will not be accepted for calculation, and water consumption will have to be paid according to the estimated standards.
If representatives of the controlling organization require replacement of the meter, but the owner does not agree with such a decision, then first of all he should turn to an independent examination. As a result of the examination, an audit certificate will be drawn up, and then there are several options for action:
- If the inspector’s competence directly raises doubts, then it’s worth trying to resolve the issue peacefully. To do this, you need to contact the management of the Housing Office or a higher management company. In most cases, they will meet and agree with the result of an independent examination, the cost of which can also be claimed from them.
- If the problem cannot be resolved peacefully, the owner has the right to contact the Rospotrebnadzor and the Housing Inspectorate. Both of these bodies have the power to impose penalties on the managing organization if its actions are illegal.
- If the actions of the inspectors of the management company show a clear desire for profit (for example, replacing a counter can be postponed for a fee), then in this case you need to apply to the prosecutor's office.An inquiry will be conducted upon the fact of the appeal, and a criminal case may be instituted.
Cases of such controversial issues are not uncommon; the owner must know his rights and competently defend them.
Who is responsible for verification and where to complain about the controlling organization
The control organizations that do not always faithfully fulfill their obligations are responsible for checking the meters installed outside the apartment (the terms for checking the devices are not respected, operating conditions are violated, etc.). In such situations, residents must contact the State Housing Inspectorate. The main task of this body is to help resolve disputes between residents and companies managing the home.
In those situations where the GJI could not resolve the dispute, citizens have the right to go to court. In the course of the case, the plaintiff may demand compensation from the management company for legal costs and moral damages.
