How to choose a water meter

With a regular increase in utility prices, control over the flow of resources provided becomes relevant. This is especially true for drinking water. The installation of a water meter is regulated by the law of the Russian Federation. Such devices are not placed on autonomous wells.

Definition and scope of water meters

A water meter is a device that keeps track of consumed resources. Measurements are made in m3. Such devices are used for cold water (the device is called SHV) and hot (SGV).

As a result of the use of the device, the user can independently control the level of resource consumption: if you want to save, reduce water consumption or allow exceeding the limit previously set for the family.

Installing a meter in an apartment allows you to save up to 30-40% of the budget, in contrast to the payment of utilities on an average for one person indicator.

Varieties of counters

First of all, SGW and SHV have a significant difference - the materials of internal elements. A hot water device needs more stable components, since the effect of high temperatures negatively affects the mechanism of the water meter.

Classification of devices takes place according to the way they work. Allocate such devices:

• Mechanical (tachometric). They work on the principle of rotation of the impeller, which comes into effect when moving through the device fluid flow. In turn, the tachometer, which reacts to water, has an effect on the operation of the blades. In the future, the counting mechanism displays information on the scoreboard. All mechanical water meters are further divided into multi-jet, single-jet and turbine. The positive aspects of tachometric counters are their non-volatility. However, due to the presence of movable elements, the device quickly fails.
• Pulse devices with indicator. They can read the water flow by the number of pulses. They are pre-configured at the factory by the manufacturer. The most popular is the Pulse 15UI-80 water meter.
• Ultrasonic They work on the principle of acceleration of the wave along with the flow of the transported liquid and then back. Water consumption is calculated by the difference that occurs with the formation of fluctuations at the time of overcoming the flow of sensors. In total, there are four elements in an ultrasonic water meter - a calculator, a flow meter zone, and two transmitters of working pulses. Each of them controls ultrasound in its own way and primarily generates it. The readings of such a device are as accurate as possible, provided that the water supply pipes are clean from the inside. Serves an ultrasonic water meter up to 15 years.
• Universal vortex (IED). Water consumption meters have a special hermetic element and a pressure sensor in their design. The work of the meter is based on the principle of a whirlwind. The water meter provides the most accurate data, but only a clean liquid (without impurities) passes through it. Such a device has been around for about 8 years.
• Electromagnetic They work on the principle of magnetic induction. The role of the conductor in them is precisely water. It moves in the field of a magnet, forming a force. Its value, in turn, directly depends on the fluid flow rate. The magnetic field is generated by inductors. Data is displayed on the scoreboard.

Electromagnetic meters are volatile, so they are often installed where there is an emergency power supply system.

Criterias of choice

When buying, selecting a household meter, you must pay attention to the following parameters:

• Type of destination. If you need a device for hot water, take SGV. It is enclosed in a red case. If you need a cold water meter, buy a device in a blue case. There are universal counters in a white casing. They can be placed on both types of drinking water.
• Type of mechanism. For apartments, a standard tachometer is often used. It is better to take a multi-jet vane or turbine. They are more accurate.
• Maximum accuracy of the data. It is better to give preference to ultrasonic or electromagnetic water meters.
• Price. It depends on the manufacturer, the type of device, as well as on the “dryness” or “wetness” of the device.
• The presence of an antimagnetic system. Allows to exclude inadvertent influence of a magnet on the device and distortion of the final results.

If you plan to install a mechanical meter, it should be borne in mind that the vane can be mounted on a pipe with a diameter of up to 38 mm, while a turbine one is designed for a DN 40 mm.

It is also better to select a water meter for the flow of funds for its further maintenance (verification, repair). A device that is too complex will require more investment.

Installation methods

After the type of device is selected, you need to mount it. There are three ways to install a water meter:

• vertical;
• horizontal;
• diagonal.

It all depends on the location of the water pipe on which the meter will be installed. The main thing is that free access for taking readings is open to the device. The drinking water meter is mounted immediately after the pipeline enters the apartment from the common riser, but to the branch points of the fluid supply to the plumbing fixtures.

Installation is carried out only in such a way that the water flow moves along the arrow indicated on the meter. Install the water meter in this order:

• stopcock;
• coarse filter;
• water consumption meter arrow in the direction of its supply to the apartment / house;
• outlet check valve.

First you need to assemble all the water supply units in a single design according to the above diagram. Then, along its length, a pipe section is cut. Threads are cut into the ends of the tube and the clamping nuts are thrown. After that, set the counter. The entire unit is fixed with threaded nuts.

If the master mounts the SGV, you must additionally purchase paranitic gaskets. They withstand high temperatures in hot water. For a cold system, it is better to choose standard rubber gaskets.

After installation, the device must be put into operation. To do this, you should invite an employee of the management company, who will seal the meter, take his initial testimony, and carry out their registration. They will be the reference point.

Operation and maintenance

The installed device must not be dismantled independently or otherwise interfere with its operation. You can only periodically erase dust from the glass of the dial.

The meter is removed normally only with obvious violations of its operation (leaks, inaccuracy of the displayed data, the expiration date of the meter has come to an end and it’s time to change the device) or during a scheduled verification. As a rule, for SVG this period is every 4 years. For a water device for cold liquid - 6 years.

Do not install SGV / SHV metering devices with a magnet or a remote control. The controller will see this when registering the counter and at least require a replacement. In the worst case, the owner may face fines.

The cost of instruments for metering water consumption

The price of a cold or hot water meter varies depending on the type of device mechanism and its manufacturer. Average prices in Moscow:

• The device of the Russian company Meter (universal) - 585 rubles.
• Universal water meter with a pulse output ДУ ½ - 590 rubles.
• The device Betar SGV-15 - 565 rubles.
• Turbine water meter flange STVH-50 (DN 50 mm) Stream (industrial) - 11,600 rubles.
• Industrial water meter STVH-100 - 11 050 rubles.
• Industrial device Betar SVMT - (DN 50 mm) 10 400 rub.
• Ultrasonic water meter household - from 19 535 rubles.
• Electromagnetic water meter "Rise" DN 15 mm - 15 900.

Based on the above examples, the most optimal class of devices for the price are mechanical, impulse. They are easy to install and maintain.