Water meter - which is better and how to choose for cold water, types, rating, installation

In 2021, water meters in houses and apartments throughout Russia have already become a habit. The main merit of this is the federal law, the main provision of which is: no meters, pay according to the standards. And this is often much more than the average family expenditure. At the same time, the legislative act forced consumers - that is, ordinary residents - to buy measuring instruments, look for installers, transmit readings and carry out verification. In our material we want to talk about the best water meters available for sale in 2021.

Installation required

The water flow meter measures and displays as accurately as possible the consumption from a hot or cold water supply. As a rule, the calculation is carried out in cubic meters or liters for a certain period of time, for example, a month. This provides the following number of advantages:

• When connecting a private water supply from the central main, it becomes possible to pay bills based on the actual volume - the exact volume consumed, and not according to the established tariff. The latter’s figures are sometimes greatly exaggerated, and the consumer has to overpay.
• Detail water consumption in the warm season and winter. During these two periods of different consumption levels, the discrepancies in the device readings can reach tenfold. If you have a personal well, this will allow you to accurately determine the exact energy consumption and determine the service life of the equipment and source.
• Do not pay for the period when water is not actually withdrawn - on vacation, departure, accident, shutdown, etc.
• Do not be subject to unreasonable overpayment for the debts of neighbors or the whole area, when the debt for non-payment is spread over all consumers of the site.

Reconciliation of readings from the water meter Source gazeta.ru

• Reduce costs for paying for main sewerage. When detailing the water intake, the volume of wastewater is automatically specified.
• Discipline households in water consumption - do not waste it in vain, fix leaks in a timely manner, control consumption during watering and other procedures.

Note! Not all types of water meters are suitable in terms of technical and economic parameters for installation in a home. Inexpensive tachometer models equipped with an impeller are well suited for private households. The measurement error per month will not exceed 5-7 liters. More accurate electromagnetic or vortex analogues are at least 5 times more expensive. They are installed to control individual sections of highways - apartment buildings, settlements and technological lines.

Tachometer meters in a private water supply system Source rosschet.ru

PULSE 15U-110

This counter is one of the cheapest in the TOP 2021. Costs from 560 rubles. Many citizens place it in their apartment. It is also suitable for office premises in megacities, outside the city in private buildings.

If an innovative functional smart home system is installed in the apartment, installing this model is a good solution. There is built-in functionality that allows you to transfer information to third-party media.

Functional advantages include the ability to install vertically and horizontally at the discretion of the owner.

The built-in counter mechanism will not be destroyed by moisture. The built-in impeller is in contact with it. When untwisted, it gives energy to the gears. The body is durable, made of brass. The kit includes a valve that prevents outflow.

The main characteristics of this device from TOP-2021 include:

• accuracy class – standard (B);
• installation length is 110 mm, but there are models with a length of 80 mm;
• the nominal flow rate reaches 1.5 m³/hour.

There is an easy to read dial. There are practically no shortcomings, except for the poorly painted body, but this is of little concern to buyers. Many, choosing a water meter from the TOP 2021, decide to install it in their apartment.

Varieties

There are the following types of water control meters:

• Tachometer.

The simplest, most affordable and most commonly used type of water meter in everyday life. The operating principle is based on the interaction of the flow with a paddle wheel, the rotation speed of which determines the dial indicators. Based on the design of the working elements, the devices are divided into several subcategories:

1. With impeller.
2. Turbine.
3. Jet.
4. Combined.
5. No contact with water.
6. Digital.
7. With the possibility of hot water metering - depending on the set temperature.

• Ultrasonic.

They are based on the passage of sound pulses generated by a piezoelectric module through a stream and received back by it. A fairly accurate device. Versions for domestic use are produced, but due to their high cost they are not in great demand. Among the main advantages is the non-volatile storage of collected data.

• Electromagnetic.

It is based on an inductive coil that produces a corresponding magnetic field. Based on the nature of its change as it passes through the stream, the water flow parameters are assessed. They are distinguished by the most accurate measurements. However, they are very expensive and therefore are used only for installation on large objects.

Operation diagram of an electromagnetic water meter Source ytimg.com

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in water supply, sewerage and related work

• Superstatic or vortex.

The device operates on the principle of dividing the flow into three parts using a special swirler and counting the frequency of transitions in individual channels. In private practice, such models are usually not used.

Advice! Popular brands of water meters offer the average consumer almost the same as not very well-known manufacturers. Therefore, when choosing a device, it is necessary to proceed, to a greater extent, not from the popularity of the brand, but from the cost, practicality and benefits of its use in specific conditions.

Water meter device

A cold water meter is a device that measures the amount of liquid passing through a water pipe in a certain unit of time. The unit of measurement is considered to be m3/hour. When installing this device, the cost of funds is calculated only for the volume of water that was used.

When calculating water charges by meter, the savings are at least 40%.

The operating principle is based on passing water through a pipeline through a measuring device, in particular an impeller. When it comes into contact with it, the part begins to rotate. The main pressure on the impeller is observed from the water flow. The number of its movements is recorded on the counting device using magnetic couplings.

Cold water meter elements:

1. frame;
2. impeller;
3. driving magnet;
4. ring sealing;
5. tuning disk;
6. shielding coupling;
7. clamping nut;
8. distribution plate;
9. reading device cover;
10. reading mechanism;
11. sealing clamp;
12. ring sealing;
13. half-assemblies with gaskets for connection to the pipeline.

The semi-gons are equipped with paronite gaskets that ensure the tightness of the connection. On top of the parts there are ears for sealing the measuring device.

Selection rules

When deciding which water meter is best to choose, you need to proceed from the following number of factors:

• Technical requirements.

The water meter must first of all meet a given set of operating parameters for a particular water supply system:

1. Temperature.
2. Pipe diameter.
3. Body length.
4. System pressure.
5. Allowable flow limit.
6. Error.
7. Integrity of the package.

• Price.

One of the important selection criteria for most consumers. More expensive models, as a rule, have the same set of characteristics as cheaper ones. Therefore, there is no point in overpaying just for the prestige of the manufacturer.

A water meter quickly pays for itself Source stroyday.ru

• Reliability. The build quality must allow the device to be used for the entire service life declared by the manufacturer without unexpected accidents.
• Factory warranty.
• Period between checks.
• Compliance with operating conditions. The device must be designed for low water quality, the presence of particles in the water mass and other factors characteristic of domestic water supply systems.

Recommendation! A correct idea of ​​how to choose a water meter comes from knowledge of its material. It is better not to deal with devices with a silumin body. Models made of brass or bronze are quite reliable. Water meters in constant contact with water exhibit maximum durability if made of stainless steel. Reliable electronic analogues are produced in a polymer shell.

ITELMA WFW20.D110

Costs from 690 rubles. Considered the best in the TOP 2021. Made using innovative technologies using European components.

The company provides a 6-year warranty. This is significantly more than numerous competitors. This allows us to classify the water metering device as one of the TOP 2021.

The device is endowed with unique qualities and properties. The main ones:

• withstands water temperatures up to 110 degrees;
• Horizontal as well as vertical installation is allowed;
• exhibits resistance to high pressure in pipes of 25 atmospheres.

To install a meter in an apartment, you will need to contact professionals. The equipment does not fail and continues to function during pressure tests when the utility service supplies high pressure.

Specifications:

• accuracy category B;
• normal installation length – 110 mm;
• the nominal flow rate is 1.5 m³/hour.

The advantage is a fairly high working life and a long warranty. There are few disadvantages, but some owners, despite the advantages stated by the manufacturer, complain about the quality of workmanship. This is due to the mass production of models of this brand.

On average, a water meter can last 12 years. Thanks to this, it is considered the best solution from the TOP 2021 water volume meters. It’s worth putting it in the apartment.

TOP 10

A quick and trouble-free way to find a solution to the question of what is the best water meter, which one to choose - a rating of the most popular models. The 10 most popular representatives are presented in the following list:

• ECONOMY.

Product from a domestic manufacturer. Maximum adapted to operating conditions in Russian conditions, taking into account the main features of both main and private water supply systems. It is distinguished by accuracy, durability, and reliability.

• Betar SHV 15.

Inexpensive model for controlling cold water - no higher than 40 degrees. at pressures up to 10 bar. Characterized by durability and the ability to be mounted at any angle.

• ITELMA WFW20 D080.

A device for monitoring the operation of a water supply system with the ability to transmit data at a distance by connecting a pulse sensor. It has a long service life, protection from magnetic fields and leaks.

• Decast Metronic VSKM 90-15 DG.

This specimen was included in the rating of water meters as one of the inexpensive, but at the same time practical and durable devices. Operates on direct and return lines at temperatures up to 90 degrees and a pressure of 1 MPa. Serves for at least 10 years.

Taking readings

The counting mechanism of the VSKM water meter contains eight windows, behind which there are disks with numbers from 0 to 9 printed on them. Five black numbers indicate the amount of water flowed in cubic meters. Three red numbers show the amount of water in liters. The central panel also houses the MID sensor or DG arrow. There is an indicator in the form of a black star on a mirror background, which makes it possible to carry out verification quickly and without dismantling.

The counting mechanism itself can be rotated around its axis at any angle.

Video description

Video – TOP 7 water meters for 2021:

• Gardena Water Smart.

Mid-priced model. Equipped with a digital information display. Designed for installation only at the outlet of the water intake point. Works in 4 modes.

• “Norma” STV-50 (flange).

Premium category device. Designed to account for both cold and hot water.

• Zenner ETWI-N DN 15.

One of the best water meters for measuring hot and cold flow at an affordable price. Capable of withstanding a sharp surge in pressure up to 1.6 MPa.

• Valtec ½.

Budget, long-term counter, equipped with a pulse output. Does not show errors during the first two periods of testing.

• METER SVU-15.

A cheap water meter from a domestic manufacturer that operates up to 100 degrees. Equipped with protection against leaks and magnetic disturbances.

• PULSE.

Inexpensive Russian model. Widespread on sale.

Good to know! The rating of water meters is compiled taking into account such important criteria as the ratio of the price of the product to its quality, popularity among users, expert opinion, equipment, availability of spare parts, degree of installation complexity, sensitivity to magnetic interference and the quality of the main components separately.

Meter SVU-15

Cost from 600 rubles. Water meters from this manufacturer are produced under the NEVOD series. This is a universal device suitable for measuring water of different temperatures. Many choose this option from the TOP 2021.

A wasted water meter can be installed in a modern city apartment or house. The device is able to withstand any water temperature and standard pressure level characteristic of the pipeline.

The manufacturer produces two modifications:

• with the letter “I” – for transmitting low frequency pulses;
• with the letter “M” – has installed modules of the M-Bus category, is equipped with autonomous power supply and additional memory.

This TOP 2021 device is connected to a smart home. Additional positive factors include:

• presence of antimagnetic protection;
• compact dimensions;
• durable housing that prevents leaks;
• kit includes everything needed for installation.

In addition, such a counter can withstand temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius for a short time. Among the additional technical characteristics, those who have already installed it in the apartment highlight:

• accuracy class A;
• installation length of 110 mm;
• nominal flow rate is 1.5 m³/hour.

This counter from the TOP 2021 is suitable for those who are looking for which device to install in their apartment. Along with the advantages listed above, there are a couple of minor disadvantages.

The first is the cost, which is slightly higher than its analogues. The second is expressed in complaints from users who mention that the device often breaks after the warranty expires.

Despite these shortcomings, the model is deservedly included in the TOP 2021. The device, according to all its characteristics, is suitable for installation in an apartment.

Installation features

Only at first glance it seems that installing a cold water meter is no more difficult than a regular mixer. In fact, it is important not only to install it correctly from a technical point of view, but also to connect and register it correctly. It is better to entrust all these actions to a specialist. In addition, the warranty on the operation of the device will only be valid during official installation.

If you install it yourself, the user runs the risk of encountering a number of problems of the following nature:

• Breakage of threaded connections.
• Disruption of the water flow due to incorrect position of the device.
• The meter malfunctions due to connection errors.
• Water breakthrough in case of violation of plumbing technology.

Note! It is important not only to know how a cold water meter functions and what it is, which one to choose and how to connect, but also where to buy it. If you trust a company or a master installer, he will take care of it himself. Otherwise, it is necessary to select only certified points of sale of devices.

Why do you need a VSKh meter?

It is necessary to account for cold water consumption. Current legislation does not allow the use of tap water without consumption meters. In many cases, this option for paying for liquids is more fair, because if the entire cost of water supplied by a utility company were distributed equally among residents, thrifty citizens would overpay significant amounts of money.

With this calculation option, water utility losses that occurred as a result of accidents will also not be taken into account, which will also reduce the cost of money for homeowners.

Briefly about the main thing

The water meter is designed for accurate measurement of water consumption in everyday life. Installing it in your home provides the following number of advantages:

• Actual payment of water bills from the central water supply.
• Detailed consumption in winter and summer.
• An idea of ​​the water flow of a private well.
• Exclusion of payment for periods of downtime, accidents, vacations.
• Teaching home residents to save.
• Automatic reduction in sewage charges when connecting a house to a central sewer system.
• Elimination of payment while evenly distributing debts from non-paying neighbors.

Most often, tachometer meters of various types are used in private households. In addition to them, there are ultrasonic, electromagnetic and vortex varieties. When choosing a device, it is necessary to take into account technical indicators, price, reliability, quality, guarantees, test periods and compliance with operating conditions. During installation, it is important to follow all connection steps, plumbing rules and registration.

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ECO NOM SV-15-110

One of the best functional water meters. You can buy and install it in your apartment for only 400 rubles. A functional device from the TOP 2021 occupies the top positions in all ratings.

Made in accordance with GOST requirements. Mount the water meter horizontally and vertically. The body is made of brass and durable metal. Resists the effects of destructive humidity.

The manufacturer claims that the meter is able to maintain water pressure and pressure. Transfers overheated water, which has a negative effect on other devices.

The period of operation, subject to compliance with the rules, reaches 12 years. Antimagnetic protection installed. It operates completely silently.

Main technical characteristics:

• accuracy class B;
• installation length – 110 mm;
• flow rate 1.5 m³/hour.

The advantage is an affordable price. Disadvantage: unclear instructions. Overall, this is the most functional water meter. It’s worth buying this device from the TOP 2021 and installing it in your apartment.

Is it possible to install the measuring device yourself?

There is no definite answer. The Federal Law states that meters must be installed by specialists or trained people. But you can install it yourself under certain conditions:

• – the meter is selected correctly, there is a license;
• – the quality of the installation was checked by specialists from the local water utility;
• – installation was carried out taking into account all rules and regulations;
• – after installation, the device is sealed by a special service employee.

If at least one rule was violated, the water utility specialist will reject the request to register the meter. A fine may be charged for poor-quality unauthorized installation. If a pipe breaks, the responsibility will be with the person who installed the device.

It is recommended to entrust the installation of the device to water utility specialists or HOA plumbers.

DIY water meter installation: instructions and what mistakes are best to avoid

Until relatively recently, 15–20 years ago, almost the entire population of the country with a central water supply everywhere paid for water supply services in accordance with established consumption standards for each person living in a house or apartment. In the corresponding proportion, payments were made for water disposal (sewage) services.

DIY water meter installation

Currently, most homeowners already use water meters. The installation of these metering devices is usually planned at the stage of building a house and connecting utilities to it. In old houses, water meters are installed into existing wiring by specialists from specialized companies or master plumbers, whose services are widely advertised in any newspaper. It is quite easy to install a water meter yourself, if, of course, the owner of the apartment has certain skills in working with plumbing fittings and equipment.

This publication will focus on the need to install a water meter, the rules for its selection, self-installation, as well as what will need to be done after installing the meter.

Are water meters needed?

The imperfection of the payment system based on the number of residents is obvious - these standards, which exist in many regions, by the way, to this day, of course, are always calculated taking into account the interests of the water supply organization, which under any circumstances must remain profitable.

In this case, the possible absence of one or more family members is absolutely not taken into account. Even if no one was in the apartment for a long time (for example, summer living outside the city or a family vacation trip), this does not affect the regularity of receipt of bills for payment.

Installing water meters provides real cost savings

It is no secret that, probably, in any apartment building there are representatives of the category of so-called persistent defaulters. And the real water consumption that remains unpaid is often scattered by management companies among the bills of those residents who have not yet bothered to install metering devices and pay for water according to the bills that come to them.

But even if we put aside all these quite probable points and turn to purely statistical data, the benefit of installing a meter still becomes obvious. It is estimated that the average city dweller uses up to 4 cubic meters of cold water and up to 3 cubic meters of hot water per month. But according to existing standards, you have to pay almost twice as much - 11.7 cubic meters!

The situation is often even more complicated for owners of private houses - they are charged an additional payment based on the area of ​​the adjacent land plot and whether they have their own car. Again, it is never taken into account whether the site is used as a household plot or whether the car is washed frequently.

Expert opinion:

Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the Stroyday.ru project. Engineer.

Installing individual metering devices will help you avoid paying extra, but give your money only for the actual consumption of cold and hot water. Of course, this will require certain primary costs - for the purchase and installation of equipment. However, as practice shows, in a family of 4 people, such expenses already pay off in six months.

Another very important positive aspect of installing such metering devices. In most regions of our country, we are accustomed to treating water as something that has always been there and, of course, is not going anywhere. At the same time, few people thought that water reserves are by no means unlimited. And installed water meters significantly discipline consumers, involuntarily forcing them to be more attentive to the reasonable and economical use of water. Probably, such an apartment owner will never again have a leaking faucet or faucet, or a faulty tank in the bathroom.

Installed meters significantly discipline consumers and force them to use water wisely

Perhaps at the level of an individual consumer this is perceived as some kind of trifle, but already on the scale of a district, city and larger ones, such measures give a very impressive result.

How a water meter works and how to choose it correctly

In order to correctly install a water meter with your own hands and operate it correctly, you probably need to have an idea of ​​its structure.

Most water meters used in domestic conditions have a single tachometer operating principle. The flow of water passing through the device causes rotation of the impeller (impeller) or turbine. The torque is transmitted mechanically or electromagnetically to the counting device. Each revolution corresponds to a certain water flow.

The principle is the same, but its technical implementation may vary.

• Small water meters used in apartments usually have an impeller. The number and length of its blades are precisely calculated, and give an accurate calculation of the consumption of water passing through the chamber of the device.

Impeller in the water meter body
As a disadvantage of this design, it can be noted that the wheel with blades has a certain inertia and is more susceptible to the influence of turbulent flows created by the abundant passage of water, which affects the accuracy of flow calculations. However, on the scale of consumption of one apartment this has no practical significance, which is why such meters are the most common.

If the water meter is installed on a more “serious” main line with high water pressure, then, as a rule, turbine-type devices are installed.

Diagram of a water meter with a turbine

They do not have the disadvantages of an impeller, and their level of accuracy is much higher.

There are also combined type meters with a system of valves that ensure the passage of water at low pressure through the impeller, and when it increases, through the turbine. However, they are usually used only for general house accounting, and most likely you will not have to deal with them at the household level.

• Water meters can be single-jet or multi-jet. As is probably clear from the name, in the first, water passes through the chamber in a general flow, which, in principle, helps to enhance the turbulence effect. To reduce this negative phenomenon, in particularly accurate meters the flow is divided into several channels.
• Based on the degree of isolation of the counting mechanism from water, metering devices are divided into “dry” and “wet”.

In water meters built on the “wet” principle, the counting device has direct contact with water. The transmission of torque from the impeller is carried out in the usual mechanical way, through a system of axles and gears. Advantages: insensitivity to magnetic influences, low price. Disadvantages: short service life due to the constant interaction of the mechanism with water, special sensitivity to the purity of the flowing liquid.

In “dry” meters, the impeller or turbine mechanism is separated from the counting device by a sealed partition. The precise mechanics of the meter never, under any circumstances, come into contact with water. The transmission of rotation is carried out through a magnetic pair - a ring magnet is installed on top of the impeller body, and the same one is in the counting mechanism, which is also located in a sealed cylindrical flask. Such a scheme dramatically increases the service life of the device, which is no longer so demanding on the purity and temperature of the water. The disadvantage is vulnerability to the external influence of magnetic (electromagnetic) fields, so such meters began to be equipped with an additional protective anti-magnetic coupling.

Such metering devices are currently the most common in apartment conditions.

This is how most residential water meters are designed.

The diagram shows the basic structure of a typical modern residential water meter:

The housing of the lower part of the meter (1) can be made of non-magnetic alloys based on aluminum, brass, and less commonly polymer ones. The housing has channels for the passage of water (2) with a central chamber in which a paddle wheel-impeller (3) is installed. The impeller axis of high-quality water meters is equipped with watch stones (4), which ensures its rotation with minimal friction and gives high accuracy of readings.

The “water” part of the meter is hermetically sealed with a polymer partition (5), which is fixed either with a special nut or a locking ring. For meters with antimagnetic protection, a special protective coupling is located in the same place in the center, protecting against the influence of an external magnetic field.

A sealed counting mechanism (6), which is most often made of transparent plastic, is placed on top of the body. It is attached to the body with a special ring, which allows you to rotate it around its axis so that you can set the scale to the position that is most convenient for reading readings. This fixing ring must have a factory seal.

The transmission of torque is carried out by a pair of ring magnets (7). One of them is located on the impeller, not its upper section, and the second is installed coaxially with the first on the main shaft of the counting mechanism. Thus, the rotation of the impeller is “copied” by the precise mechanics of the device.

The rotation of the main shaft through a system of gears (8) is scaled in a certain way and transmitted to a dial indicator of flow (9) and to a digital scale with rollers (10) that count water consumption, usually accurate to the third decimal place (from 1 liter). Thus, on most meters there are three red numbers, showing fractions of a cubic meter, and five black numbers, allowing you to count from 0 to 99,999 m³ of water consumed.

Video: how a regular water meter works

Many modern water meters are equipped, in addition, with a special reed switch sensor, which converts a certain number of revolutions into an electronic pulse.

Water meter with pulse reading function

In this case, the metering device is connected by a signal cable to a special indicator panel, which can be located nearby or even located in the entrance. Such a panel can have programming functions and show not only consumption, but also its monetary equivalent in accordance with current tariffs.

Hot water meters, in general, completely repeat the described design, but are made of heat-resistant materials that ensure accurate readings when heated to high (up to 90 °) temperatures. In addition, some modern water meters with pulse output help solve another cost-saving problem - they can monitor water temperature.

The meters are connected to the indicator panel. The temperature sensor, in addition, takes readings of the temperature of hot water

For these purposes, a temperature sensor is installed in the pipe near the entrance to the meter (sometimes in the water meter body itself), which is also connected to an electronic display unit. If the water temperature drops below the established standards, its consumption will be taken into account in a separate window. When the temperature is normalized, recording is carried out in the usual way. When paying for hot water consumed, the average figure is displayed. A two-tariff charging scheme can also be used - for example, when the water temperature is above 50° (optimal), the coefficient for calculation is taken as “1”, but if the temperature drops below this contractual mark, in the range of 45 ÷ 50°, then when calculating the amount to be paid a reduction factor of “0.7” is applied.

How to approach the problem of the required water meter?

• First of all, you should find out from the management company in charge of the water supply at the homeowner’s place of residence which devices are allowed for installation by the rules in force in the region. Perhaps the city has already implemented an electronic metering system and a multi-tariff payment system, and utility companies will require the mandatory installation of a meter with pulse transmission of signals. Most likely, the client will be asked to purchase a water meter from them with the provision of a paid service for its installation. If not, then the Vodokanal should provide information about trade or service organizations that have the right to sell such metering devices.
• When purchasing a water meter yourself, under no circumstances should you purchase it secondhand or from retail outlets that are not completely trustworthy, even if the price seems very attractive. Firstly, there is no guarantee that the device is not a fake or a “restored” used meter, and no one knows how long it will last. Secondly, you can run into trouble when, after installation, the management organization refuses to register this water meter, and you will have to buy another one.

What data should you pay special attention to:

• As already mentioned, there are meters for cold and hot water. The temperature range must be indicated in the product passport (for example, from 5 to 40 ° C for cold and from 40 to 90 ° C for hot). Similar symbols can be printed on the front indicator panel of the device; in addition, color markings are used (blue and red housings). There are also universal models - they usually have gray color markings, and the panel indicates the possibility of their use for both hot and cold water supply.

Universal meter suitable for both cold and hot water supply

• The next important parameter is the nominal diameter (DN). Od must correspond to the actual pipe layout at the intended installation location of the device. Typically, apartments use pipes with DN 15 or 20 mm - this needs to be clarified in advance, before going to the store.
• Meter accuracy class. The current rules allow the use of devices with accuracy class “A” (±1%) or “B” (±2%). Typically, modern meters provide operation according to metrological class “B” when they are horizontally positioned with the scale facing upward, and according to class “A” - with any other placement of the device (with the exception of placing the water meter on a horizontal section with the counting mechanism facing downwards is prohibited).
• It is worth clarifying the maximum permissible water pressure in the system, since some metering devices may have certain restrictions. Typically, for Du-15 meters the limit is 1 MPa (10 bar), and for Du-20 - 1.6 MPa (16 bar).
• An important indicator is the maximum (Qmax) and nominal (Qn) water flow. For the most common Du-15 meters, these values ​​are usually Qmax - no more than 3 m³/hour, - about 1.5 m³/hour. Such an expense should be more than enough for any apartment or house. Exceeding these values ​​will lead to very rapid failure of the meter.

All necessary technical information is always indicated in detail in the product passport and is very often applied to the front panel of the counting device, as shown in the figure:

The main characteristics of the meter are usually displayed on its front panel

Everything is very clear:

— SV-15G is a water meter with a diameter of -15 mm, for hot water with a maximum temperature of 90° C. The red color of the connecting ring of the device also indicates this.

— The symbol “V-N” means that the device corresponds to metrological class “B” when positioned horizontally (H).

— Accordingly, the designation “A-V” indicates the class of the meter “A” when it is installed vertically (V).

— The maximum permissible pressure in the water supply system is 10 bar.

— Nominal water flow Qn – 1.5 m³/hour.

— Red pictographic symbols in the center below indicate that this device model has state certification.

• Important parameters are the dimensions of the water meter, on which the possibility of inserting it in a particular place largely depends. Of particular importance is the so-called installation length of the meter, which takes into account the size of the device itself and the thickness of the connecting elements. This is a standardized value: for apartment water meters it is usually 110 or 130 mm, and for house meters - 190 or 260 mm.
• The device passport must contain marks indicating that it has undergone technical control at the manufacturer, indicating the date of manufacture of the product. The warranty obligations for the inter-inspection period of operation of the metering device should also be indicated there. As a rule, for cold water meters it is 6 years, hot - 4 years. It is necessary to check the serial serial number of the device - it must be indicated in the documents and on the body of the counting device.

When purchasing, be sure to check the completeness of the meter

• The store must make a mandatory certified note in the passport about the date of purchase of the water meter.
• The completeness of the water meter delivery must be checked. In the minimum configuration, as a rule, the device itself is supplied with two connecting fittings with gaskets and union nuts - “American”. If the meter has the ability to pulse readings, then the kit may also include the sensor itself with a connecting signal cable, although it also happens that they have to be purchased separately.

Prices for water meters

Water meters

DIY water meter installation

If you have purchased a metering device and decided to install it yourself, you should first of all become familiar with the basic rules for its installation.

• The meter must be installed in a heated room (with permissible air temperature from + 5 to + 50%). Natural or artificial lighting must be provided. The location of the device must provide full access to it for taking readings, inspection, maintenance or replacement, and eliminate the possibility of mechanical damage.
• Before self-installation, it is recommended to obtain technical installation specifications from the management company - they may differ slightly from one another in different regions.
• The water meter should be installed as close as possible to the entrance of the water pipe to the apartment (house). It is recommended to choose a straight horizontal section for this, if possible. Between the input and the meter there should be no tees or other branches that are plugged or blocked by valves. Nothing should give any reason to an official representative of Vodokanal to assume the possibility of unauthorized withdrawal of water bypassing the meter.

There should be no branches or plugs between the riser and the meter

• The meter will work correctly if the straight sections before and after it are observed - this reduces the likelihood of turbulent flows. The length of the straight section to the meter should be 3 Du, at the outlet - 1 Du. In relation to the most common water meters in apartment conditions, Du-15, this will be 45 and 15 mm, respectively. As a rule, this distance is ensured by the connecting fittings included in the kit.
• At the entrance to the apartment (house) in front of the meter, it is necessary to install a shut-off valve. This will make it possible to shut off the general water supply to the intra-apartment water distribution system if it is necessary to carry out plumbing installation or repair work.
• The meter impeller mechanism is quite sensitive to insoluble suspensions in water - grains of sand, pieces of scale, rusty flakes, etc. Not only do they have an abrasive effect on plastic parts, but the assembly of the upper and lower fastening of the impeller axis can be damaged, and the water meter will quickly fail. Therefore, a dirt filter is always installed in front of the metering device. Usually this is a so-called “oblique” filter, equipped with a mesh that retains solid suspensions. Mud filters on horizontal pipe sections must be installed with the beveled part down.

A mandatory element is a mesh filter for mechanical purification of water from large inclusions.
As a rule, such filters are made of brass. There are also polymer models for polypropylene pipelines, but master plumbers do not praise them and still recommend installing brass ones.

• According to the technical conditions for installing a water meter, which are in force in many regions of the country, it is necessary to install a check valve after the water meter. This is done mainly in order to eliminate the possibility of “rewinding” the device readings, for example, by air flow, which some cunning consumers sometimes try to achieve by somehow connecting a vacuum cleaner.

Standard check valve
However, this valve also has quite practical significance - it will not allow the impeller mechanism to remain dry in the event of an emergency - loss of water in the system. There should always be water in the water meter chamber - it provides a kind of “lubrication” of the support bearings (stones) of the impeller axis.

Installation location of the check valve on a vertical section of the pipe when the water flow is directed from bottom to top

On vertical sections of the pipeline, when the water flow moves from bottom to top, such a valve is installed not after, but in front of the water meter, preventing water from flowing out of the device chamber when the pressure in the system drops.

The check valve can be structurally placed in the water meter connection fitting

By the way, when buying a water meter, you need to pay attention to one more detail - some devices already have a built-in reverse valve in their design - in this case, installing an additional device will not be required. In addition, such a valve can be a design feature of the water meter connecting fitting.

So, if everything has been purchased and the location for installing the water meter has been determined, you can proceed directly to installation.

The universal installation diagram of the device is shown in the diagram:

“Classic” water meter connection diagram

1 – entrance from the water main.

2 – shut-off valve (faucet). Its type is not of fundamental importance. Nowadays, ball valves with a lever handle or “butterfly” are more often used. If the installation is carried out through a polypropylene pipe, you can also use a special polymer tap, but only when you are confident in its quality, since, judging by the reviews, they are not always highly reliable. Many craftsmen recommend installing high-quality metal valves, which, by the way, will be easier to replace in case of failure.

An important note: if a ball valve is installed, it should not be used to regulate the intensity of the water flow. It should have two standard positions - “open” or “closed”. The half-closed state of such a valve leads to its rapid wear.

3 – “oblique” mud filter, which was already mentioned above.

4 – connecting fittings with American union nuts (5), usually included in the delivery package of the water meter.

6 – water meter.

7 – check valve. Its “classic” location is shown. In a vertical section with upward flow, it should be moved to a position between the filter and the connecting fitting.

8 – entrance to the internal water supply distribution. All water points without exception are allowed to be connected only after the meter.

Video - Basic guidelines for installing a water meter yourself

• Before proceeding with installation, you should first lay out all the elements in the order in which they will be assembled. In this case, special attention should be paid to the arrows marked on the bodies of the products - they indicate the direction of water flow. A mistake in this matter is unacceptable - the system simply will not work.

In order not to make mistakes in the future, it is recommended to first arrange all the elements in the order of their location...

• Now it is advisable to carry out the general assembly of the entire structure on the table “dry” without using seals. This is necessary to pre-calculate the number of thread turns for correct assembly (for example, so that the oblique part of the filter is guaranteed to be at the bottom), and to determine the total installation length of the resulting assembly. The resulting length must be compared with the existing section of the pipe on which the water meter is planned to be placed.

... and then perform dry assembly.
Be sure to control the location of the arrows - the direction of water flow. If you are “lucky” and there is the possibility of such a direct installation, then installation will be greatly simplified. But in some cases, the conditions for the location of pipes can force one to come up with more complex schemes - this will be discussed below.

• It is advisable to start the installation by installing a shut-off valve. This will require turning off the water supply to the intra-house main, so it is better to carry out this stage immediately so as not to leave the entire riser without water supply for a long time.

After the specialist responsible for this has closed the riser, you can begin installation work. Usually there is always a tap at the entrance to the apartment from the riser. The pipe after the old tap must be cut with a grinder. In this case, a certain amount of water will definitely flow out of it - you should prepare a basin. Then you need to try to unscrew the old valve.

If everything is fine, the valve has been unscrewed and the threaded part on the pipe is in normal condition, then you can pack a new valve. To do this, it is best to use flax tow with special sealing pastes “Multipak” or “Unipack” - this is guaranteed to ensure the tightness of the connection.

It’s worse if the tap does not budge, or the threaded part on the pipe is unsuitable for further use - rusted or deformed. You will have to cut it off with a grinder and cut a new thread with a tool.

• After the new tap is “packed”, it must be closed, and then the water supply to the entire riser can be resumed. All further internal installation work will be carried out from the installed valve.

“Packed” unit: oblique filter + connecting fitting with union nut

• The next step is to screw together and pack the “oblique” filter and the meter connecting fitting. The assembled unit can be screwed into the faucet, taking into account the number of turns so that the filter bevel is at the bottom.

Assembly of the opposite unit: fitting with nut, check valve and fitting for connection with internal wiring

• Next, the second connecting fitting and the check valve are assembled into a single unit. It’s funny, but a very common mistake made by novice home craftsmen is to “pack” the fittings, forgetting to put the “American” union nuts on them. You have to take it apart and rebuild it again.
• The next, most important stage is connecting to the existing plumbing in the apartment. If it is made of steel VGS pipes, then it is recommended that the section from the meter to the nearest threaded connection suitable for tapping be made of plastic or polypropylene pipe - this will greatly simplify the work. The fitting transition is screwed onto the polymer pipe, a section of the required length is laid, which also ends with a fitting. The distance is maintained such that after connecting the prepared “fitting + valve” assembly to it, the required installation length of the water meter is maintained. For convenience of work, so as not to make a mistake, you can attach a water meter to the inlet and outlet “American” - this will make it easier to determine the required area.

If the wiring is already made of polymer pipes, then no special problems should arise at all.

A good example is meters mounted on metal and polypropylene pipes

• After this unit is assembled, you can install the sealing gaskets and make the final installation of the water meter with the “American” tightening. Rubber gaskets are usually included in the kit, and experienced craftsmen still recommend replacing them with paronite gaskets of the same diameter. When tightening the union nuts, the required location of the meter scale is immediately established - so that it is as convenient as possible to take readings.

Very often, apartment owners combine the installation of a water meter with the modernization of the entire intra-apartment wiring and converting it to plastic or polypropylene. After the meter, you can install a collector comb, from where you can “distribute” water to the points of consumption.

Collector comb installed after the water meter

It is much more difficult to get out of a situation where the conditions of the room and the location of the pipes in it do not allow for the “classic” piping of the meter. You have to use imagination and ingenuity in order to place all the required design elements in a limited space.

So, for example, hot and cold pipes may be located too close to each other, and you have to go to the side with a bend:

The pipes are too close to each other. We go up the bend

The insertion section may be too short - then you will have to install hinges to ensure the placement of all the components:

In tight spaces you have to install hinges

It happens that water pipes are hidden in niches or boxes, but here you can find a good solution:

There are also more complex situations, for example, when pipes are hidden in a closed channel

• After the water meter and all subsequent communication water supply units have been installed, the correct installation has been checked again, and a test run can be carried out. The shut-off valve must open very smoothly, gradually filling the system with water, in order to avoid water hammer, which can damage the metering device. To do this, it is necessary to open the tap at one of the water points to allow air to escape from the pipes.

After the system is filled with water, you can open the valve completely. The water tap is closed, and all connections are visually checked for leaks. If everything is normal, then the installation work can be considered complete.

Video: master class on installing water meters in a high-rise building

What to do after installing a water meter yourself

The first step after installing water meters is to invite the responsible employee of the water supply or housing maintenance organization. He must check the correctness and reliability of the installation of the device and seal it. Both union nuts on the connecting fittings must be sealed, which makes it impossible to dismantle the meter independently. In addition, the plug on the filter will probably be sealed, since unauthorized water can be drawn through this hole. Very often, an additional seal is placed on the plastic retaining ring connecting the lower part of the device to the housing of the counting mechanism.

After installing water meters, a specialist must be called to seal the devices

An employee of the management organization will take the readings available on the scale at the time of filling. It should be remembered that the transition to payment by meter will be made from this moment, regardless of when the device was installed and how many cubic meters it has already accumulated. The readings taken at the time of registration become the starting ones. This will be reflected in the acceptance certificate and in the product passport. At the same time, a deadline will be set for the next control verification of the water meter.

During operation, certain rules should be followed:

• It is not allowed to carry out welding work on metal areas of indoor wiring.
• The section of the water supply system with the meter must be securely fixed so that there are no vibrations in it, otherwise the device will quickly lose its functionality.
• Water hammer in the system should be avoided. If the water supply to the house is stopped, then, if possible, you should temporarily close the inlet valve, and when opening it, follow the same principles as when you initially put the meter into operation.
• If there is a possibility of exceeding the permissible pressure, a reducer should be installed.
• The meter must be constantly filled with water - how this is achieved was described above.
• It is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the external surface of the device, to prevent the accumulation of dirt or dust on it, or the ingress of chemical active substances.
• If the pressure in the system has noticeably decreased, the filter mesh is likely clogged. It is easy to clean - unscrew the plug and wash the mesh with a stream of water. However, do not forget that the cork is in a sealed state, and to carry out these actions it is necessary to invite a responsible employee of the management organization. It is prohibited to independently violate the integrity of the seal.

Meters are subject to periodic verification in laboratory conditions

• When the next inspection is due, it is necessary to ensure that the device is delivered to the appropriate metrology laboratory. You should not do this yourself - suspicions may arise about unauthorized water withdrawal. It is better to invite a specialist who will dismantle the water meter and temporarily install another meter or simply a connecting pipe in its place. During the inspection period, payment will be made in accordance with current daily water consumption standards. By the way, some metering devices do not need to be completely dismantled - only the upper counting mechanism is sent for verification tests.

Video: An example of how water meters are verified

The verification procedure, with calling a technician for dismantling, carrying out the tests themselves, reinstallation and sealing, is, as a rule, a paid service and can be expensive. On forums on the Internet, there are many recommendations to simply purchase a new meter at the time of inspection - this may turn out even cheaper, especially since the old device should have paid for itself more than once. In this case, a new one should be chosen with exactly the same installation length. In this case, installing a new water meter will not be difficult - it is simply installed in place of the old one.

Ecomera ECO-15U

Meter costing from 470 rubles. In TOP 2021 - this is the best solution. It can be installed in an apartment without any problems. Differs in laconic dimensions. Official documents contain a mark indicating that the product has been certified and tested by Rostest.

Among the main characteristics are:

• ability to withstand extreme water temperatures;
• body made of brass;
• built-in antimagnetic protection;
• a unique measurement mechanism that completely eliminates failures;
• period of use reaching 10-12 years.

The counter from TOP 2021 is characterized as universal. It can be installed on pipes of any size and material. The nominal flow rate is 2.5 m³/hour. The model passes a greater flow of water per hour than its analogues and does not break down. The water meter has accuracy class A, and the installation length is 110 mm.

The advantage of the device, which can be installed in an ordinary city apartment, is its high throughput.

The disadvantage is the plastic body. Despite this, a water meter is suitable as a solution to which is the best water meter from TOP 2021 to install in a house or apartment.