Excellent functionality
Meters are devices that allow you to constantly and with a high degree of accuracy control the consumption of a particular resource, in our case we are talking about water. Practice shows that the use of meters in everyday life (in most cases) makes it possible to reduce the cost of paying for water supply, both cold and hot in apartments and private houses. According to their design, meters are divided into three main types: they are mechanical, electromagnetic and ultrasonic. The most common, due to their practicality and reasonable cost, are mechanical type meters, which have a sectional counting mechanism and an impeller.
The modern market offers a huge number of models of such meters of the most varied quality, cost and brand name. Some of them have excellent performance characteristics and serve faithfully for decades, some are of very mediocre quality and barely survive the next inspection. Having reviewed many models, we present to your attention the eight most noteworthy mechanical water meters. We hope this rating will help you choose a decent model suitable for your home.
The best budget mechanical water meters
Mechanical water meters of the budget category are characterized by absolute simplicity; they contain a minimum of components, but at the same time they have excellent performance properties. The principle of operation of such devices is very simple: the impeller, located in the center of the device, begins to move under the influence of water flow, and the torque is transmitted to the counting wheel. It, in turn, records the volume of liquid that was consumed.
Score (2018): 4.5
Advantages: Excellent performance
Manufacturer country: Russia 
A Russian-made mechanical meter, the purpose of which is to measure the volume of cold water consumed, is distinguished by its universal installation methods. After all, some models have the ability to be mounted exclusively in a vertical or horizontal plane, or a hybrid installation option is provided; here, there will be no problems when installing at an angle (which is what the manufacturer prescribes in its recommendations). The meter can easily withstand operating temperatures from plus five to plus forty degrees Celsius, as well as pressure up to ten bar. The warranty period is set by the manufacturer for the period until the first verification; it is six years. However, users claim that in practice the meter can work for two or three periods, it all depends on the conditions of use.
Score (2018): 4.5
Advantages: Attractive price tag
Manufacturer country: Russia 
This Russian-made meter can be called one of the best options in terms of cost and quality characteristics. And if in terms of quality it may be behind a couple of models, its low price tag leaves them all far behind. The device is universal; it will operate in a temperature range from +5 to 9 degrees. The mechanism is protected from external magnetic fields, which will prevent it from being “twisted” after sealing, as well as from leaks. The meter has another distinctive feature, although it is somewhat useless - for a short period it is able to withstand the temperature of a boiling liquid.
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Score (2018): 4.7
Advantages:
Manufacturer country: Germany
This German-made model enjoys well-deserved popularity among buyers. The device not only has excellent build quality, it can be called an advanced model. The device is capable, as usual, of reading direct readings from the counting wheel, as well as transmitting data to remote bases. This transmission is made possible by connecting pulse sensors at the output; it is used mainly in administrative buildings. Well, in general, we can say that this is a standard device, which, according to consumers, has a high service life.
Although electromagnetic and ultrasonic water devices are considered more modern developments, which have a number of advantages, the number of users who prefer to purchase a simple mechanical type meter is much larger. What is the main reason here, what advantages and disadvantages do each of these types of meters have? We will try to explain in the following table.
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The best mechanical water meters with pulse output
Mechanical type meters with pulse output are usually multi-jet. The essence of their work is to divide the total flow into separate smaller flows, which helps reduce turbulent flows and, accordingly, minimizes errors. The data received at the output goes to the head terminal, which controls the general information.
Score (2018): 4.5
Advantages: Attractive price
Manufacturer country: Italy
The Italian-made Valtec ½ mechanical type meter has nothing superfluous. But don’t be fooled by its absolute external simplicity – the device has excellent contents inside. The device can easily operate for two verification periods without increasing the measurement error. But still, unfortunately, there are some disadvantages. The most significant problem is the pulse output problem. In some devices, sudden interruptions in the transmission of information were recorded, i.e. the system is very vulnerable. Problems with the pulse output can be attributed to the low cost of the device, which, by the way, considering the overall quality characteristics, is quite good.
Score (2018): 4.7
Advantages: Excellent quality. Popularity with users
Manufacturer country: Germany
This model, in general, like all products produced by the German company, leaves a very positive impression. The meter is assembled under a license from Siemens, meeting modern requirements for safety characteristics and workmanship. Which, in general, is expected, because the devices are developed and manufactured on the most precise modern equipment, using high-quality components. Plastic parts are based on fiberglass material, which provides additional wear resistance and durability; the counter can last more than ten years. This figure is guaranteed by the manufacturer in the device passport. The device can withstand strong water hammer up to 2MPa, i.e. it is, one might say, invulnerable. In addition, it is worth noting that in conditions of service in dirty water, which are often found in our cities, both small and large cities, the meter will not require additional installation of a filter element.
Score (2018): 4.8
Advantages: The best ratio of cost and quality characteristics
Manufacturer country: Germany
The German-made device Zenner ETWI-N DN 15 is notable for its small but very useful property for the user. The point is that devices that measure the volume of hot water consumed also work accurately with cold liquid, essentially being universal. At the same time, the accuracy of the output of the pulse sensor is very high. The quality of materials and components is beyond doubt, as is generally the case with German manufacturers, as a result of which the operation of the transmission mechanism is uninterrupted and highly accurate. This device can be called one of the best among devices for mass use.
The best premium mechanical water meters
The main difference between premium segment mechanical meters is a more durable body (usually made of cast iron), expanded operational capabilities and some other specific abilities. But in general, they are the same devices for metering the consumption of water resources as others.
Score (2018): 4.7
Advantages: Excellent functionality
Manufacturer country: Russia
The Russian-made device METER VK 25GI is distinguished by a combination of increased reliability, excellent quality and the presence of a pulse output, which is useful if centralized control of water consumption is necessary. The device is convenient due to its versatility, it works with both cold and hot water (up to a temperature of +100 degrees). The base of the structure, which is made from cast iron, is very durable and will last you up to fifteen years.
The main disadvantage of the device is the fact that its impressive weight, strong body and rather “delicate” mechanism negatively affect the meter’s ability to resist water hammer. It can withstand pressure of only 1 MPa and this is a very low figure.
Score (2018): 4.7
Advantages: Best option for flanged pipelines
Manufacturer country: Russia
This model in our review represents a line of meters designed for flanged pipes. The principle of operation of the device is the same as that of conventional meters, only the rotating element is a blade turbine - an element of more impressive size. It also transmits torque to the counter mechanism (which is 7-bit, unlike smaller 8-bit counters). It is not used so often for domestic premises, but in chemical or food production conditions it is quite widespread. The manufacturer's warranty is twelve years, but if the load is not too intense, the device can last longer.
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Water is a substance that you cannot do without. The water that flows from home taps is a resource for the state, for which consumption is accounted for and paid for. In order to become independent from accidents and overpayments, it is beneficial for a person to install metering devices in his house or apartment. This will improve the management of part of your household budget. The article will help you better understand why water meters are needed - how to choose a water meter and what to pay attention to.
1. Saving the family budget.
Installing meters allows you to make housekeeping more efficient. Until recently, most apartments and houses connected to water supply networks paid for water consumption according to established standards. The norm was multiplied by the number of living (registered) people. This approach often significantly exceeded the actual picture of water consumption and did not encourage owners to save resources.
If an apartment building has a water consumption meter, but such devices are not installed in the apartments, then the residents find themselves in a situation of a general approach. If excessive water consumption is noticed, then payment for the excess is usually distributed among all residents.
2. The ability to manage your budget.
Any householder wants to save on utility bills. Before you think about water meters for hot and cold water - which model to choose, you should take some measures to make savings become a reality. This:
- Put the internal water supply networks in order.
- Replace pipes and appliances that are leaking.
- Replace taps with more efficient designs.
- Calculate which is more profitable: a shower or a bath. You can use an economical nozzle in the shower.
- When using water, become familiar with the culture of being a careful user. It implies that the tap should be open exactly as much as necessary. For example, to brush your teeth, it is better to use water collected in a glass, rather than spilling rivers from the tap.
3. Be a law-abiding citizen.
The law obliges all users of tap water to install meters for their consumption.
In order for the purchased metering unit to perfectly perform its task, you need to figure out which water meter is best to choose.
What types of water meters are there?
Devices are classified according to their intended purpose:
- household meters,
- industrial meters.
Water meters are also divided into:
According to the fundamental structure they differ:
Stores sell household water meters in a large assortment - how to choose the right option for an apartment that will satisfy a specific consumer - study the product features. For example, if the device has a pulse output, then they immediately go to the settlement center. This is possible in houses where there is an automated accounting system. These devices are new generation and have a higher cost.
There are also a number of devices that are more often used in industry or in special conditions.
- Ultrasonic meters– used when liquids have aggressive qualities.
- Volumetric instruments– can take into account very weak flow.
- Vortex counters– are able to influence the flow of the technological process through their participation.
Tip: Don’t think long about how to choose a water meter. In most cases, it is recommended to opt for a mechanical model, which, at its low price, has a long service life and high reliability.
What to look for when choosing
To determine which is better to buy a water meter, you need to understand for yourself:
- what degree of accuracy of readings is suitable for premises,
- does the manufacturer provide service support,
- what are the installation dimensions of water meters,
- You should also talk about the chosen meter model with a sales consultant, or better yet, with a Vodokanal employee.
When inspecting the device, experts advise blowing into the inlet pipe and seeing if fogging has appeared on the transparent lid that covers the counting mechanism. If it appears, it means that the device was depressurized during verification. This type of meter should not be purchased.
Tip: If possible, purchase a water meter with a pulse output (even if the house does not have an automated metering system) and with the ability to switch from one standard to another. This will prevent the need to change the meter when modernization comes to the house.
You must carefully select the device, distinguishing between the purpose for cold water and hot water. The presence of blue color on the front of the device indicates that it is intended for cold water. The presence of red color indicates purpose. What is the fundamental difference between them?
- The internal components of the device for cold water are not prepared for exposure to high temperatures (designed for temperatures up to +40 ° C).
- They have different verification regimes. For a cold water meter, verification is done after six years, for a hot one - after four years.
Universal devices for cold and hot water are available for sale.
Note: Pay attention to the verification date in the product passport. The next verification will be counted from this day, and not from the date of purchase. Although it is worth noting that, for example, in Moscow, since 2013, verification of water meters has been recognized only as the right of the owner, and not his responsibility.
Manufacturers use materials for meters: copper and brass. If the device has painted surfaces, this suggests that there may be an alloy that will release harmful substances when in contact with water.
Tip: When purchasing a water meter, you need to purchase a mesh mechanical filter designed to purify water in front of the meter. The finer the filter mesh, the greater its benefits. This will increase the durability of the device.
How to choose water meters - their prices can vary significantly. The most accurate instruments are more expensive. Mechanical meters do not have such high measurement accuracy and their price is much lower.
Popular manufacturers
The topic of manufacturers is connected to the question of how to choose a water meter for an apartment.
The device must have a passport, which indicates its serial number, and a certificate. There is a wide variety of water meters of domestic production and imported products. When studying which water meters are best, reviews often mention the companies listed below.
German manufacturers:
- the company Zenner-Vodopribor (Zenner) has been operating in the market for a long time, has enterprises in forty countries,
- Viterra,
- Wehrle.
Russian manufacturers:
- enterprises of Mytishchi Heating Network. They include factories that operate using imported parts or are representatives of foreign enterprises.
- Betar,
- Meter.
Which water meter is better to install in an apartment - imported or domestic - is a question of price and quality. Imported devices are more expensive, but are considered to be of slightly higher quality. Domestic manufacturers produce products that are more adapted to local conditions, and their prices are lower.
Once again, a sudden crisis suddenly broke out, causing everyone to start counting their savings (for the umpteenth time). It is not surprising that previously no importance was attached to them, they have become almost a mandatory attribute of every house and apartment. Life itself has clearly hinted that it is better to keep all your expenses under strict control.
In addition, there are some reviews. Water meters clearly show that housing and communal services workers seriously overestimate general house indicators. Therefore, the relevance of water meters today no longer needs to be proven to anyone.
Basic information about meters
Since the popularity of this type of device has been extremely high recently, it is not at all surprising that a huge number of their models have appeared on the market. The most common and widespread are the following varieties:
- Standard mechanical water, recording fluid consumption using a simple (mechanical) display.
- Similar varieties, but in a more “advanced” version. Such meters also have mechanical filling, but they already have an electronic display that gives more accurate readings.
- Electronic water meters that not only have a full-function LCD display, but also allow readings to be taken remotely.
- Intelligent digital models. They can record readings, take their values and send them to the email address specified by the owner. The simplest diagram of a water meter of this type is available in the article.
There are also non-volatile and volatile devices. The former do not require connection to a power source to operate. Accordingly, volatile models need to be connected to an electrical outlet or battery. Many electronic models run on batteries. No need to worry: as a rule, the batteries used have quite a decent capacity, so they need to be replaced no more than once a year. Some customers say their meters lasted two to three years.
This is how diverse water meters are. How to choose the variety that suits you best? We will discuss this in the next part of the article.
Additional classification differences
It should be noted that water meters may differ from each other according to other criteria. For example, there are water meters that have an additional indicator on the display showing water consumption “in real time”. There are also models that can accurately measure fluid flow over a time period of your choosing. This is especially important if, for the sake of planning your family budget, you are trying to figure out when exactly your household uses the most water.
It should be noted that all normal manufacturers are constantly expanding and improving their product line. Thus, relatively recently, hot water meters appeared on the market, which are additionally equipped with a thermostat. Equipment of this class can record not only the volume of water consumed, but also its temperature.
However, for our country such an opportunity is not very relevant. The fact is that a water meter with a temperature sensor will be more interesting to residents of European countries. In those parts, a special agreement may well be concluded between the consumer and the supplier, which will additionally stipulate even the temperature of the liquid supplied to the house. As for our country, it will give you absolutely nothing.
The agony of choice
But what are the reviews? Water meters are really necessary and important devices, but how can you not throw your money away and buy a model that’s right for you? It is especially difficult to make a choice for those buyers who have not encountered this technology before.
- There are no wires, so nothing will get mixed up or come off during installation.
- The accuracy of calculating liquid consumption is the highest, literally down to a milliliter. Simply put, utilities will no longer be able to cheat. Of course, you should immediately put seals on your water meters in order to avoid accusations of fraud on your part.
- There is a clock and a calendar: based on their data, you can build a schedule of water consumption depending on the time of day and season.
- Periods of lack of water are recorded, which can also be used against utilities in difficult cases.
- The highest degree of security and reliability.
- Finally, advanced users with extremely straight hands report that such equipment can be seamlessly integrated into complex circuits using Arduino, Raspberry Pi and similar platforms, which opens up truly limitless possibilities. For example, you can make sure that water meter data is automatically sent to your housing and communal services department. In addition, you can also automate the payment for water itself, which will allow you not to touch the meter at all for years.
About illegal activities
Of course, in the latter case, many may have not entirely “correct” thoughts about bypassing the protection of such a counter. In addition, many users post quite detailed (and sometimes working) schemes for deceiving water measuring instruments online.
We do not recommend doing this, since for the fairly small amount saved on water you will have to pay for a very long time. Simply put, immediately install seals on water meters and register them immediately after installation. All this will avoid many problems in the future. You should not give housing and communal services employees any reason for suspicion.
In addition, almost all modern mechanical counters (not to mention the electronic varieties) have excellent shielding that protects them from the magnetic field. In short, using ordinary magnets to stop them will not work. Only early models had this vulnerability.
What should you pay attention to when purchasing?
Plumber experts advise paying special attention to the following parameters:
- Manufacturer and country of production.
- Established warranty period.
- Duration of mandatory intervals between inspections.
- Cost, of course.
- Availability of service department.
The first point on this list is worth going into much more detail. Believe me, many buyers still naively believe that the country of origin and the manufacturing company are one and the same. Alas, this is not true. If you are familiar with the constant replacement of water meters, then you probably already know about this feature of the modern economy.
Simply put, if you see the markings of a manufacturer whose “country of registration” is Germany, Italy, Russia, this does not mean at all that the water meter lying on the seller’s counter was made there. In most cases, it is produced by the hardworking hands of the Chinese. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this. But they often use low-quality materials, and control over regional manufactories by the central office is not too strict. All this leads to corresponding results.
As for service centers... Believe me, it is much better if there is at least one in your city. You understand that if you buy a defective water meter for seven thousand, it will be somewhat disappointing to wait until the end of its journey across half the country. In addition, service workers often give quite adequate and correct recommendations even for products from other manufacturers, so it doesn’t hurt to consult before purchasing.
Why is this happening?
In any case, this is what many customer reviews say. Water meters that are manufactured in the Middle Kingdom (low and medium price categories) often do not live up to expectations. Thus, many dissatisfied consumers notice that even the simplest mechanical meters often begin to “cheat”, often producing significant excess water consumption.
This is due to the low quality of the metal used in production. The gears of the mechanism simply wear out, after which the device begins to produce incorrect data. Some companies whose field of activity is installing water meters in St. Petersburg have just encountered this problem. Massive complaints from consumers poured in. When they started checking, they quickly found out that the “Italian” meters that came with one of the shipments were actually manufactured in China. With all the consequences, as they say.
The most reliable manufacturers
Of course, you may have a natural question about which water meters are best to choose. What do the reviews say? Water meters today are produced by a considerable number of companies. Among them there are both domestic and purely foreign manufacturers.
Siemens
No one needs to introduce this company. The Germans have been present on the market of civilian and military products for decades (more precisely, more than a hundred years), and therefore there is no doubt about their “professional suitability”. It is possible that they produce the best water meters.
Reviews about their water meters are rather positive. Thus, consumers note the excellent quality of the materials used, a developed network of service centers and the versatility of the meters they purchased. Of course, equipment of this class costs much more than domestic analogues, but its long service life and trouble-free operation are worth it. Judging by the reviews, it has been working for at least five to six years; In the case of such a purchase, you will not face the possibility of replacing water meters soon.
Another positive feature is the wide network of service centers and excellent technical support. Even if you come across a defective meter, you can always replace it without much difficulty. As a rule, you don’t need to go through the “nine circles of bureaucratic hell” for this.
Approximately the same can be said about the technology produced by Zenner and Minomess. In our country, these manufacturers are not so well known, but you definitely shouldn’t worry about the quality of their products. As in the previous case, their only drawback is their rather high cost.
Domestic companies
Traditionally, there is an opinion that domestic products are not of very outstanding quality. Unfortunately, in some cases this opinion really has every reason. Thus, among domestic products there are practically no models of water meters that could take into account the flow of both cold and hot water at the same time. However, in our area the housing and communal services sector does not particularly welcome them, so it is practically useless to buy such models.
In addition, our manufacturers often use low-quality materials, which also does not improve consumer sentiment. However, all these negative aspects (which most often appear in negative comments from users) are partly compensated by the relatively low cost of this type of device.
So, if domestic water meters produced by Pulsar, Multisystem or Beregun cost about one thousand to one and a half thousand rubles, then the cost of their imported analogues may well exceed five to six thousand, and after certain events in the economy, even more. In addition, many are captivated by the exceptional ease of installation and the undemanding nature of many models regarding the quality of domestic water, which in most cases has significantly increased hardness.
Price categories
By the way, what is the cost of water meters from different manufacturers? We present the general price list in the table.
As you can see, the cost of water meters varies enormously. The price range is extremely wide, so even from one manufacturer you can find models of both budget and premium classes.
About public services
In our country, only those devices that are manufactured in full compliance with GOST R 50601 and GOST R 50193 are allowed for installation. This is a mandatory condition, no exceptions are made! Installation, some setup procedures and sealing - all these tasks are already facing your public utilities. All you need is cold water and a hot water meter.
Ideally, we would advise consulting with specialists from the local DEZ or Vodokanal about the permissibility of installing a particular type of equipment. Believe me, every year the list of water meters permitted for installation is reduced. In principle, the specialists who install water meters in St. Petersburg speak about the comparative selectivity of this rule. Most often, mechanical models are allowed for installation without any restrictions; difficulties arise only with “smart” meters.
About the basic rules for installing water meters
First, let's talk about the technical side of the issue. First of all, we will tell you about the “golden rule” of plumbers. We are talking about mandatory checking of all connections in a house or apartment before installation. In principle, it is advisable to repeat this procedure as regularly as possible (at least once a month).
And the point here is not only in generally accepted rules, but also in ordinary prudence: if the pipe on which the meter is “hung” constantly leaks, then all this can literally and figuratively cost you a tidy sum. Important! It is imperative to worry not only about installing the water meter itself, but also about installing a high-quality filter. We didn’t talk about this in detail, but it’s easy to guess: if a grain of sand or something similar gets into the mechanism, then nothing good will happen to the counter.
Organizational matters
First, you notify your housing and communal services department about your desire to install a meter. At the agreed time, a specialist arrives and carries out the installation. After this, you enter into an agreement, sign all documents regarding the installation of equipment and its subsequent maintenance. Water meter data is immediately recorded and documented so that no claims arise against you in the future.
In addition, in the case of smart meters, it is necessary to document the ability to remotely capture information and subsequently audit it on your part. Simply put, you should be able to review all the data your HOA has received at any time.
So we have looked at the main questions that this equipment poses to consumers? If you carefully read the above material, you probably remember both the abundance of their varieties and the presence of multifunctional models. Don't forget about the wide range of prices. What do we mean by this?
It's simple. As a rule, people need a meter in the mid-price category. Try to choose domestic or foreign models. It is best to have separate cold and hot water supplies. Pay attention to the country of origin, that is, the actual place of production of the equipment.
Moral moments
Are water meters really necessary? It can be easily installed in an apartment, but you have to pay for the installation and the equipment itself out of your own pocket. Is it really necessary or is it preferable to pay according to general standards?
First, let's clear up some points. Unfortunately, many of our fellow citizens love to brush their teeth without turning off the tap, wash a pair of socks in a machine with a large load, etc. All this is not only stupid, but also leads to a huge waste of water. But it is a valuable resource, which is becoming less and less on the planet every year. Most often, installing hot water meters is less justified from an economic point of view, but installing water meters for cold water is a completely different matter.
Cold water is rarely saved. Check it out for yourself: immediately after installing the meters, your costs will be significantly reduced, but for this you need to approach the matter wisely. No, you don’t need to wash your hands on a schedule or go to the toilet exclusively at work (and this happens, yes). Just replace the current faucets with something more normal, and repair all leaking connections. Finally, it is better to divide the wash into several equal parts, ensuring that the washing machine is loaded at about 2/3. This way you will not only dramatically reduce cold water consumption, but also reduce the wear and tear of your own clothes.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Installing water meters in your home is a great way to control water consumption, which, in turn, will reduce expenses on utility bills. The use of meters is a mandatory requirement enshrined in the legislation of the Russian Federation. Modern manufacturers offer consumers a wide selection of devices, so it’s worth figuring out which water meter is best for an apartment, and what to look for when purchasing it.
Types of water meters
When planning to purchase a water meter, you should take into account that household meters can differ significantly from each other. First you need to decide on the type of water supply on which the device will be installed. According to this criterion, modern water meters are divided into the following types:
- for cold water;
- for hot water;
- universal.
- vortex,
- ultrasonic,
- electromagnetic,
- tachometer.
There are no differences in the operating principle of this equipment. They differ only in the materials used in their production.
There are water meters that require an electrical connection, and those that work without a network. You can find units of imported and domestic production on sale.
It is advisable to ask the specialist who will carry out the installation about which device is more reliable. He will tell you what types of water meters there are for an apartment, what requirements they must meet, and which option is optimal for installation in a particular room.
Water meters are classified according to their operating principle. They are divided into:
Vortex and ultrasonic water meters are designed to measure large volumes of liquid, therefore they are usually used for industrial purposes.
Features of mechanical and electronic water meters
Mechanical (tachometer) water meters are the most popular type of measuring instruments. They are divided into:
- Single jet. The principle of their operation is based on counting the number of revolutions of the impeller rotating under the influence of water flow. The counting mechanism is isolated from the liquid, which improves the accuracy of measurements. Thanks to the design features of the device, antimagnetic protection can be installed on it.
- Multi-jet. The measured water flow is divided into several jets immediately in front of the impeller blades.
Mechanical devices are in great demand due to the following features:
- compact size;
- long service life (on average 12 years);
- ease of installation and dismantling, which is especially important during verification;
- acceptable price.
The disadvantages of the equipment include the insufficient accuracy of flow determination compared to electronic analogues.
Electronic devices are more expensive - the cost of the device is 4-5 times higher than the price of mechanical analogues.
Their main advantage is the high accuracy of readings, as well as the fact that the quality of work is not affected by the density, temperature or viscosity of the liquid.
The chemical and physical properties of water negatively affect the accuracy of the data. Mechanical impurities in the liquid can distort the results after a year of use.
An equally important disadvantage is the dependence on electricity. Network outages lead to their shutdown.
Measuring instruments with temperature sensor
When selecting equipment, you should take into account the frequency of power outages. If the lights are turned off regularly, buying an electronic device will be a waste of money.
Residents of high-rise buildings, who often have to suffer from unstable hot water supply or inconsistency in its temperature, are interested in which water meters are best to install so as not to pay for poor-quality services. Purchasing expensive equipment with a temperature sensor will reduce utility costs.
The cost of the device is an important criterion for selecting equipment. The market is oversaturated with various offers, but the consumer has the opportunity to choose a metering device designed for any budget.
Concluding the conversation about how to choose a water meter, let’s look in more detail at the manufacturing companies and discuss whose products are in greatest demand among Russian consumers.
Water meter manufacturers
Citizens of the Russian Federation have the opportunity to choose between water measuring instruments created by domestic manufacturers and manufactured at foreign enterprises.
Modern brands of meters have different bore diameters and installation lengths, which allows you to choose designs that are ideal for a particular case. If necessary, you can purchase a meter with vertical installation.
Foreign measuring instruments
The current legislation of the Russian Federation does not prohibit the use of water meters created outside the country.
The rating of water meters for apartments is headed by products from German manufacturers. These are designs from the Sensus and Zinner brands. The latter are also produced in Russia under license. Equally popular are devices manufactured in:
- Canada (“Viterra”);
- France (“Actaris”);
- Italy (“Valtec”);
- Poland (Metrol).
When making a choice, you should take into account the compatibility of specific devices with Russian communication networks, as well as the sensitivity of the mechanisms to water quality.
Russian water meters
You should not think that the best water meters are foreign ones. In fact, this is not always the case. Thus, Mytishchi Heating Network specialists manufacture products from parts supplied by foreign companies.
Despite the fact that the functionality of Russian devices is limited, they are highly reliable and can last for a long period without replacement.
In the apartments of citizens of the Russian Federation, equipment developed and manufactured by companies is often installed:
- "Betar"
- "Meter"
- "Staroruspribor" and a number of other enterprises.
The price of domestically produced household water meters is much lower than their foreign counterparts. Those who decided to support a Russian manufacturer will pay 1.5-2 times less.
It is not allowed to install water meters on old pipes, as this can lead to an accident. The homeowner will have to contact the management company with an application for a replacement.
In case of refusal, you need to write an application for an inspection and drawing up a report confirming the technical condition of the pipes.
Before starting installation work, the mechanic must turn off the water in the riser. After completing the work and checking the device, a work completion certificate is drawn up, which must be signed by the applicant.
With this document, the owner of the apartment applies to the management company, whose employee will seal the device and record its indicators in the appropriate journal.
Detailed information about the procedure for installing and registering water meters is presented in the article. Lawyer. Member of the Bar Association of St. Petersburg. More than 10 years of experience. Graduated from St. Petersburg State University. I specialize in civil, family, housing, and land law.
The trend of increasing prices for provided utility services, alas, has become commonplace. An increasing number of consumers, realizing that there will be no return to the times when penny prices for energy and water allowed them to be consumed in uncontrollable quantities, are beginning to introduce a regime of calculated savings in their homes and apartments. And in order not to pay extra, they switch to calculations solely based on readings from consumption meters. Supplied to residential buildings is no exception.
In some regions or settlements, residents are already required by law to install water meters, in others they will come to this sooner or later, but they will still come to it. Therefore, installing meters for used water is a problem that will definitely affect every home owner, and many do not wait for “decisions from above”, deciding to take this step on their own. But before that, you need to decide on the question: which water meters to choose so that the device works for as long as possible and does not create misunderstandings with employees of the local water supply organization. Let's try to figure it out in more detail.
What benefits does installing a water meter give owners?
Surely, there will be “seasoned” skeptics who will begin to argue that, they say, it is perfectly possible to do without a water meter until it becomes mandatory for everyone. Indeed, it is possible, however, installing water meters still gives owners a number of significant advantages.
- It should be assumed that no public utility service in our time will operate at a loss. This means that in order not to lose money, tariffs for water consumption without the use of water meters are calculated in such a way as to minimize the likelihood of losing one’s own benefits.
The existing so-called “consumption standards”, according to statistical studies, are often two or more times higher than the actual water consumption of one person. No one at Vodokanal is interested in whether all registered residents have been at home over the past month, whether the entire family has gone on vacation, whether a “clean person” lives in the apartment and takes a shower twice a day, or, conversely, a person whom you can’t force to go to the bathroom one more time. Bills will still arrive with daunting amounts due.
- Many owners of private houses connected to a central water supply are familiar with the situation when, with the consumption standards per person, additional volumes are added for “irrigation” - from the area of the land plot, and if there is a garage, then also for washing the car. And in this case, it is almost impossible to prove that you water your garden with collected rainwater and wash your car exclusively at a car wash. The only solution is to install a water meter.
- Another “attack” is decided on the water. Subscribers who continue to pay “the old fashioned way” are often charged with all possible losses. These may be losses of a purely technological nature, or “hanging” payment debts accumulating due to the always and everywhere available willful defaulters for services. Do you want to pay for it too?
Water tariffs are already quite high and are growing from year to year, but at least the owners of apartments with installed water meters pay only for the volumes actually used!
- There is one more component. In addition to tariffs for water consumption, there are also corresponding prices for water disposal, that is, sewerage, and they are often even higher, but are calculated from the same volumes. That is, by putting the payments for consumed water in order, the owner also receives a “reactive” effect of savings on sewerage fees.
- Let us note another positive effect of installing water meters - this measure usually creates good discipline. This means that the consumer begins to treat water with care, considering it as a truly valuable natural resource. Usually in such houses and apartments you will not find faucets with taps that do not close completely or a constantly running toilet cistern. And such owners will use water wisely and prudently.
Not many people think about it, but clean water is a valuable natural resource, the reserves of which in our area are large, but still have a certain limit. It is clear that in terms of the volume of consumption of an apartment, the overall picture is perceived with great difficulty, but even on the scale of a district, city, not to mention megacities, the effect of an economical attitude to water gives amazing results.
In a word, no matter how you look at it, water flow metering devices provide only benefits. You should not spare money on the initial costs associated with the purchase of equipment and its installation - these funds will quickly pay for themselves - the average family will “become a plus” after 5-6 months.
Which water meters are suitable for an apartment. Their device
There are many types of water flow metering devices that operate on different principles. However, not all of them are suitable for the conditions of an apartment or private house.
Tachometer counters
The simplest and most understandable in design and principle of operation are tachometer counters. The flow of water rotates the turbine or blade wheel (impeller), the torque is transmitted in one way or another to the shaft, and about it to a calculating device of a mechanical or electronic type. Each full revolution of the shaft corresponds to a certain volume of water passing through the metering device.
- Domestic water meters installed on small-diameter pipes usually use an impeller. It does, however, have a certain inertia and dependence on flow turbulence, but for small volumes of pumped liquid this does not lead to significant errors.
More accurate devices of the tachometer operating principle have a turbine instead of an impeller - its inertia is practically not noticeable, that is, readings will be taken with much smaller errors. Turbine meters are usually installed on pipelines with a nominal diameter of 25 mm and above (the greater the flow, the stronger the effect of the inertial rotation of the impeller), although there are devices for smaller diameters. Their device is somewhat more complicated due to the need to change the direction of the torque transmission axis.
- The phenomena of turbulence in a water flow are combated in another way - by dividing the stream into several. Hence the name - single-jet counters and multi-jet ones. The latter, of course, are more complex in design, but their reading accuracy is significantly higher.
- Combined type meters are also produced. In them, a built-in valve system switches the water flow from a turbine to a multi-jet vane water meter and vice versa. At “low speeds” the impeller will give more accurate readings, and when the pressure increases, the turbine comes into action.
Such metering devices can have a monoblock design or be assembled according to a separate circuit. They are installed on water mains where there can be a large variation in pressure values. In everyday life, you most likely will not have to deal with such things.
- There is another division of tachometer counters - into “wet” and “dry”. The principle of this division is clear even from the names of the devices.
— In “wet” meters, both the turbine itself (impeller) and the counting mechanism are in the water. This greatly simplifies the transmission of torque from the wheel to the counting mechanism - no additional devices are required, just a regular axle, gears, etc., in a word - pure mechanics. The advantage of such devices is their low cost and absolute insensitivity to external magnetic fields. The disadvantage is obvious - constant contact of precision mechanics with water inevitably reduces its service life. In addition, even slight contamination of the flowing water can cause the counting mechanism to jam.
— In “dry” type metering devices, the counting mechanism does not come into contact with water in any way - it is separated from it by an impenetrable partition. The torque is transmitted by a special pair of permanent magnets, one of which is located on the impeller, and the second on the main shaft of the counting mechanics.
It is clear that the lack of contact with water dramatically increases the viability of the counting device, which, by the way, can be not only purely mechanical, but also electronic, equipped with a digital display. The disadvantage of such a scheme is its vulnerability to an external high-intensity magnetic field, which unscrupulous water consumers often try to take advantage of. Manufacturers take this point into account, and therefore modern meters are equipped with special inserts (couplings) that protect the transmission link from external magnetic influence.
It is these dry-type tachometer counters that occupy a leading position in popularity among consumers - they are not so expensive, reliable, durable, and easy to install in the system. This all deserves a little more detail on their basic structure.
water meter
Approximate diagram of a “dry” tachometer water flow meter The body of the “water” part of the meter (item 1) is made of metal alloys that do not have magnetic properties. These can be copper alloys (brass, bronze) or aluminum (silumin). There are also meters in durable polymer cases. On the body there are two pipes with a threaded part - for inserting the device into the water supply. The direction of water flow is usually indicated by an arrow on the housing. There may be a filter mesh in the inlet pipe to prevent large solids from accidentally entering the impeller. In the outlet pipe of some models you can find a check valve - this makes it possible to do without the mandatory installation of this element when installing the meter.
The housing contains an impeller wheel (item 2), which has its own alignment system. Thus, in high-quality water meters, the wheel axis rests on watch stones, which minimizes friction and contributes to high accuracy of the device’s readings.
A ring permanent magnet (item 3) is installed in the upper part of the wheel, which rotates together with the impeller.
The top of the water block is hermetically sealed with a lid (item 4) made of magnetically transparent material (polymer), at the bottom of which a sealing ring is installed around the circumference. The lid has a cylindrical protrusion in the center - a rotating magnet will be located inside it.
Modern models of such meters are equipped with a special coupling (item 5), which completely closes the magnetic rotation transmission unit on all sides, protecting it from the influence of external magnetic fields.
Complete sealing of the lower water block is ensured by a threaded clamping nut (item 6) or a locking ring.
The upper part is a counting mechanism (item 7), which is also located in a sealed plastic housing. It can be completely transparent, as in the picture, or have only a top transparent window for taking readings. The water block and the counting mechanism are connected to each other in different ways, but often it is a plastic belt-clamp, which makes it possible to rotate the counting mechanism relative to the water meter body - in order to establish a scale location convenient for taking readings. This belt is sealed with the manufacturer's factory seal.
Inside the counting mechanism on the main shaft, exactly coaxial with the impeller, the same ring magnet is installed. Thus, when the impeller rotates, the magnetic pair exactly transmits this torque to the shaft of the counting mechanism. Next, a system of gears, somewhat similar to a mechanical watch, transmits rotation to the flow indicator, small volume dial counter and roller digital scale.
The counting mechanism can be closed on top with a protective casing with a lid (item 8), but many apartment water meters do not provide this option, as it is not of particular importance when operating in “clean” conditions.
The flow of water through the meter is indicated by a rotating indicator (position 9). A small dial scale (position 10) shows small flow rates - each whole division corresponds to 100 ml of water passing through the device, and a full revolution, respectively, to 1 liter.
A digital roller scale usually has a series of black and red numbers. The black ones represent full cubic meters, and the red ones are the numbers after the decimal point, up to one thousandth. That is, the red scale shows liters, from 1 to 999 - until you get a whole cubic meter value.
There may be a different layout of the scales, as shown in the illustration on the right side. The digital scale shows only whole values of cubic meters, and the four pointer scales show hundreds, tens, units and tenths of liters, similar to the example above.
Tachometer counters are also available with an electronic digital scale.
The rotation of the shaft at a certain scale is converted into electrical impulses, which are processed by an electronic circuit and displayed digitally. On the one hand, it’s convenient, but if this innovation is designed solely to optimize the perception of readings, then there’s not much point in overpaying for such a device - it’s quite possible to get by with “mechanics”. Moreover, electronic meters will also need to provide power.
It's a different matter if the meter has a pulse reading option. Inside such mechanical counting devices there is a special reed switch sensor, which generates pulses with each rotation of the shaft. Such a water meter is connected by a signal cable to a special metering device located on the wall or even placed in the entrance of an apartment building. The signal cable can be already installed in the water meter, that is, it can come out of its body, or a special socket (plug or other connector) is provided for its connection. In a remote electronic unit, water consumption is recorded, the readings are recorded in a non-volatile memory and (or) with simultaneous transmission to the center for collecting and processing information. At the same time, such a block can also show the accrued amount due for payment for consumed water - this makes it easier for many to assess the level of cost efficiency at any given time.
The situation with counters may be even more interesting. They can also be equipped with a temperature sensor, that is, not only the quantity of water consumed is assessed, but also the quality - the electronic unit will count the water as hot only if the heating level corresponds to the declared parameters. Otherwise, if the temperature is insufficient, the consumption will be either at a reduced rate, or, in general, as for cold water. There are models that work in an integrated manner - signal cables from both cold and hot water meters are connected to the electronic module, and the owners always have information on all the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the water consumed.
There may be another solution. For example, in the Sayany water metering complex, the electronic unit is an integral part of a hot tachometer meter. Accordingly, the signal cable from the cold water meter is connected to it.
Other types of water consumption meters
Tachometer meters were examined in detail, since they are mainly installed by end consumers of water. However, there are several other types of metering devices.
- In ultrasonic devices, water flow is determined by the transit time of ultrasonic pulses. Special piezoelectric sensors serve as both a source and a receiver of vibrations, assessing the passage of signals along and against the flow of water. The information is processed by a microprocessor, resulting in highly accurate flow rates.
Basically, such complex equipment is used on large water communications, however, there are devices designed for domestic use. Such water meters are similar in size and appearance to electronic tachometers, but the panel indicates that this is an ultrasonic device - the designation is “Ultrasonic” or “Ultralyd”.
Such devices are, of course, very accurate and reliable, but very expensive, so they have not yet received sufficient distribution in our area at the consumer level
- Electromagnetic meters contain a coil that induces a magnetic field. Special sensors analyze the change in the electromotive force created when the water flow moves and give an accurate value of the volume passed through the device.
At the household level, electromagnetic meters, as a rule, are not used - such devices are installed, at a minimum, in an apartment building.
- Another variety, which also usually does not find application in a private house or apartment, is vortex or superstatic resonant devices. They assume the presence of a certain measuring section with the division of the flow into three parallel channels. A special swirler redirects the jets through the channels, and based on the frequency of such transfers, information about the speed of the overall flow is obtained and assessed by special sensors. Such devices are most often used on various production lines.
All electronic water meters are characterized by high measurement accuracy, regardless of the quality and quantity of water pumped through them. They are convenient for taking readings, for working in remote information collection systems, for use in differentiated payment tariff modes. To carry out periodic verification, it is not necessary to dismantle the entire device - just disconnect and send the electronic analytical unit for testing.
The disadvantages are usually considered to be the high cost of the devices themselves - it can be 5-6 times higher than the price of conventional mechanical water meters. In addition, a vulnerable point is ensuring their uninterrupted power supply - from the mains or batteries (batteries).
How to choose the right water meter for an apartment or private house
If the task is to purchase water meters for your apartment (private house), then you must be guided by certain criteria for choosing a device.
Organizational issues
- First of all, it would be reasonable to check with the local company involved in the delivery of tap water to consumers or the operation of residential buildings whether all existing models are approved for registration - certain restrictions are quite possible. By the way, they are not always legal - this will be discussed below.
If a system of electronic centralized readings and (or) multi-tariff calculation for water consumption has already been implemented in a populated area (or its imminent implementation is planned), then, naturally, you should purchase a water meter with a pulse output. By the way, such a purchase may be justified in the future - sooner or later the “wind of change” will reach you, and you won’t have to buy new devices.
Very often, water supply organizations organize the sale of certified devices, or you can get good advice there about specific trading or service companies engaged in this type of activity.
- If you purchase the device yourself, then it must be new and from a trusted sales (service) organization. Never - not “from the hands” and not on a spontaneous market, no matter how the sellers assure that there will be no problems with the “vodokanal”. It is possible that after purchasing and installing such a device, the controller will simply refuse to register it: with the modern level of printing, forging a passport with seals and quality control stamps costs nothing.
When purchasing a water meter from a reliable organization, the product passport must be checked, in particular, the presence of marks on the passage of factory control verification, on the established verification periods, and on the manufacturer’s warranty obligations. Each meter must have its own individual serial number. The store is required to indicate the date of sale of the device with appropriate certification.
By the way, if you purchased a certified device that meets all requirements, including a differentiated water consumption metering system, and employees of the management company or Vodokanal refuse to register it and accept payment based on its readings, you can safely appeal, guided by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 dated 05/06/2011, enacting the “Rules for the provision of utility services to owners and users of premises in apartment buildings and residential buildings”, in particular, paragraph 31 of these rules. Below is a fairly large extract of subparagraphs “t” and “y” that directly relate to the issues discussed in this publication:
So, according to the point. 31 of the said Resolution:
The contractor (that is, a legal entity, regardless of legal form, or an individual entrepreneur providing utility services to the consumer) is obliged: ...
r) not create obstacles for the consumer in exercising his right to install an individual, common (apartment) or room metering device that meets the requirements of the legislation of the Russian Federation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements, including a metering device whose functionality makes it possible to determine the volume (quantity) of consumed utilities resources differentiated by time of day (established periods of time) or according to other criteria reflecting the degree of use of communal resources, even if such an individual or common (apartment) metering device differs in functionality from the collective (community) metering device with which an apartment building is equipped;
s) carry out, at the request of the consumer, the commissioning of an installed individual, common (apartment) or room metering device that complies with the legislation of the Russian Federation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements, even if such an individual or common (apartment) metering device differs in functionality from the collective (common house) metering device metering device with which an apartment building is equipped, no later than the month following the date of its installation, and also begin calculating the amount of payment for utilities based on the readings of the metering device put into operation, starting from the 1st day of the month following the month of commissioning metering device into operation; ...
These were, so to speak, organizational issues, and now let’s move on to technical and operational ones.
Assessment of technical and operational characteristics of the device
- You should not purchase water meters in cheap silumin cases - the strength of this alloy is low, the material is gradually corroded by oxygen corrosion. Much more reliable are brass or bronze, or, for “wet” meters, stainless steel cases. Electronic meters in a durable polymer casing are fully justified.
- Meters are designed to account for cold (up to +40 °C) or hot (usually up to +90 °C) water. In addition to the inscriptions on the front panel, a clear color marking is used for everyone: blue - red.
Bright color marking will not allow you to confuse meters for cold and hot water. Gray color - universal You can also purchase universal devices that are suitable for both water supply systems. Their usual color marking is gray.
water meter
- An important selection criterion is always the device settings. This means what nominal diameter (DN) of the pipe it is designed for (usually in apartment conditions pipes of 15 or 20 mm are used, at the entrance to a private house it can reach up to 25 - 32 mm). The second parameter is the installation length of the water meter. This is a standardized size: for apartment meters it is 110 or 130 mm, and for larger ones with DN 25 or 32 - 190 or even 260 mm. You should evaluate in advance the location of the intended insertion of the device.
- The capabilities of the water meter must correspond to the real one. Typically, all metering devices have a very significant safety margin. Thus, meters with DU=15, as a rule, can withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres (1 MPa), and with DU-20 - even up to 16 atmospheres (1.6 MPa). In reality, such pressure values practically never exist in a water supply system.
- The next parameter is the permissible water consumption indicators, that is, how much volume the meter can pass through without losing metering accuracy.
To evaluate this characteristic, several indicators are used, which are indicated in the product passport.
— Qmax– the maximum permissible volume of water passing within an hour.
— Qn– nominal flow rate at which long-term operation of the device with normal measurement accuracy is guaranteed.
— Qmin– the minimum flow rate at which the specified measurement error will be maintained.
— Qt– the value of the so-called transition flow rate, at which the level of instrument error changes.
All water meters for domestic use are designed for sufficient consumption. Thus, for meters for the DU-15 pipe, the maximum flow rate is usually 3 m³/hour, the nominal one is 1.5 m³/hour, which is quite enough even for intensive consumption in a given situation. But exceeding the maximum level may damage the device.
- Any measuring device has its own permissible error. The lower it is, the higher the accuracy class of the device (in increasing order - from “A” to “D”). Most household water meters have an accuracy class of “B” for their normal, horizontal installation, and a slightly lower, but acceptable class of “A” for vertical installation. Some electronic type meters may have a higher class “C”, regardless of the method of installation of the device.
Most of the parameters important to the user can be found on the meter itself:
1 – serial individual number of the device.
2 – pictogram icons indicating the availability of state certification for this meter model
3 – model name. In this case, the name immediately contains a mention of the nominal pipe diameter - 15 mm.
4 – operating temperature range. The illustration shows a universal water meter. The gray color of the case design also speaks to this.
5 – Nominal flow Qn. The maximum flow rate is usually twice as high.
6 – this counter has the ability to take pulse readings. Therefore, the value of the volume of passing water corresponding to the generation of one pulse is indicated. The indicator is necessary for fine tuning and
7 – water meter accuracy class. In this case: class “A” for a vertical position (“V”), and class “B” for a horizontal position (“H”).
- When purchasing a device, be sure to check the completeness of the delivery. Most meters come with American union nuts and corresponding seals - this will greatly facilitate installation of the device. Devices with a pulse output can also be supplied with a sensor itself and a signal cable. However, for some models it is possible to separately purchase such a sensor if necessary - this should be indicated in the product passport.
The list of all items included in the kit must be indicated in the technical documentation of the device.
- Finally, an important selection parameter is the price and brand of the device - interconnected parameters.
— The most reliable are considered to be imported models - “Sensus”, “Viterra”, “Valtec”, “Actaris”, “Siemens”, “Zenner”, “Elster Metronica”. All these brands are distinguished by high reliability, a very small number or complete absence of manufacturing defects, and extended calibration intervals. Many of the models are produced under license and at production facilities in Russia.
— Russian-made water meters are usually not so expensive and fully justify their purpose. Another advantage is that the devices are often maximally adapted to local conditions, for example, to traditionally hard water in our water supply systems. At the same time, some Russian water consumption metering devices are quite capable of competing with their Western counterparts in terms of their manufacturability.
Domestic manufacturers include Economy, Pulse, Meter, Beregun, Betar, Staroruspribor, Gazelektronika, TPK and other companies. It makes sense to familiarize yourself with the ratings of pre-selected water meters on the Internet on consumer forums.
We will not consider the installation of water meters and all activities related to their registration and commissioning in this article - this has already been discussed in the corresponding publication.
Is it possible to install a water meter yourself?
The installation operation itself is not so difficult, however, there are also quite complex cases associated with the peculiarities of the location of the pipes. , and what needs to be done after this - read in the special publication of our portal.
And at the end of the article - a traditional video with recommendations for choosing cold and hot water meters:
Video: what to pay special attention to when choosing a water meter