To control water consumption, it is worthwhile to include devices for measuring water consumption in the water supply scheme, namely, to install water meters with parameters that correspond to current standards.
Agree that such a device will not only allow you to control the actual consumption and pay only for the used water, but also teach you to save this resource.
But first you need to buy it and, observing the rules for installing water meters, connect it correctly. And how to do this - we will consider in detail in the article. We give the basic installation rules with visual photos of the individual stages of the installation of the device.
In addition to the main material of our article, we selected video recommendations for self-installation of meters. After all, metering devices can be installed with one's own hand, but with the permission of the services that perform sealing.
Types of meters and their features
Devices for recording water flow in a specific residential facility are installed on the communication networks of apartments and houses connected to centralized water supply systems.
For management companies, installation rules have been developed with a number of requirements and commissioning procedures. Although the installation, if desired, can be done with your own hands.
When choosing water meters for tapping into water mains, a number of significant factors should be considered:
- condition of pipelines;
- presence of foreign matter in water: fine suspension and larger insoluble particles;
- material aspect - financial opportunities of the owners of the apartment / house;
- the nature of the use of appliancesstationary temperature of the working environment.
Depending on the sources of energy supply, two groups of water flow meters can be distinguished.
These are volatile, i.e. in need of electricity for work, and non-volatile, functioning due to the action of natural mechanical processes.
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Counters for cold and hot water
Cold water meter
Conditions for the operation of the domestic hot water meter
Volatile include electromagnetic, ultrasonic, vortex. Their principle of action, based on the use of physical phenomena, is the basis of the name.
The list of instruments independent of power supply includes total station varieties.
Devices that fix the volume of water consumption are installed at the pipeline inlets in apartments of multi-storey residential buildings and in private houses connected to networks
There is a division in design into separate and compact types.
Water meters are divided by the number of water pipelines served into multi-channel, single-channel, two-channel models.
Water flow meters are installed on hot and cold branches or only on cold ones. The meter can only be installed in heated rooms with lighting, the standard temperature in which is in the range +5 ° C - (+50 ° C)
Type # 1 - induction (electromagnetic) meters
The device is not cheap, the service life of more than ten years, the operation of the device is based on the ability of water to conduct electricity. It is used in the absence of extraneous inclusions in water (scale, rust, etc.).
The quality of water and pipelines make it difficult to use in everyday life.
Such water meters are most widely used to control the accounting of water flows in the pharmaceutical, food, brewing industries and to account for the water of sewage flows.
Electromagnetic meters of water consumption are installed at water intake stations, distribution facilities, providing water for an independent housing estate, microdistrict or cottage village
Type # 2 - Ultrasonic Counters
More expensive than electromagnetic, but has greater accuracy and service life (more than 15 years). The principle of operation is based on comparing the propagation of the speed of ultrasound “upstream” and “upstream”. Used with clean water and pipes, not widely used.
There are two types of ultrasonic water meters: Doppler and time-pulse. According to the installation method, they are divided: installed outside the water pipe (Clamp on) and in direct contact with water or mortise (Insertion).
The main scope for fixing the water consumption of industrial enterprises and the amount of wastewater discharge.
Ultrasonic meters determine the flow of water during the passage of ultrasound through the measured flow
Type # 3 - Vortex Counters
The principle of operation of vortex metering devices is to fix the vortices arising behind the “streamline body of a special shape” placed in the stream.
For example, if a certain object (a rod of a specific configuration) is lowered into the flow of the measured medium, then the frequency of vortices on it, or as it is called the Karman path in another way, will become proportional to the flow velocity and, consequently, to the volumetric flow rate.
Simply put, vortex counters record the number of vibrations caused by a collision of the current medium with a relative barrier, and translates this number into liters passing through the pipe.
Such devices have become widespread in operations for the adjustment and control of technical processes. Their use is irrational in domestic conditions.
The device for measuring water flow must be selected in strict accordance with the purpose and parameters of the environment in which it should work. The parameters of the working pressure in the DHW and cold water circuits should not exceed 1.0 MPa
Type # 4 - non-volatile (total station) counters
Low-cost meters with a service life of about five years, designed for the equipment of domestic and industrial water supply networks.
Among them there are modifications produced to work in the conditions of the old water supply system and of dubious aspects of water quality.
The location of the rotation axis is divided into:
- winged - the axis is perpendicular to the flow;
- turbine - the axis is parallel to the flow.
The principle of operation is based on fixing the number of motions of the impeller or turbine. With the movement of water masses, the main working bodies of the devices rotate, which in turn sets in motion a mechanical counter.
In diameter, winged water meters are not more than 40 mm. They can record water up to 15 cubic meters per hour. Turbine units have a diameter of 50 to 100 mm, in contrast to the previous ones, the reading of passing water is much larger.
The accuracy of the readings is low, but the reliable design is verified by many years of excellent work in water supply systems (apartments, houses, offices, etc.), which makes them the most popular.
The device for measuring water flow is located at a distance of 0.3 - 1.0 m above the floor. If water is supplied to the apartment in two or four risers located in different places, then two meters or two sets of meters are installed
According to the range of operating temperatures, the meters can be for hot water (operating values t ° to +130 ° C), for cold water (t ° to +30 ° C) and universal (t ° to +90 ° C).
You can distinguish them by color and nomenclature designation. Typically, hot water is released in hot water red. To calculate the flow rate of cold water produce SHW blue. There are also universal options - orange SPM.
According to the principle of action, water meters are divided into:
- Single jet. Water in a single stream enters the impeller or impeller.
- Multi-jet. The water flow is divided into separate jets, used for large diameters of more than 40 mm.
By the method of installing readout mechanisms, all types of mechanical devices can be divided into dry and wet. In wet, the counting mechanism stands in water, while in dry ones, they are separated by a plate.
Total stations for measuring water flow - the most common version of domestic water meters
Most apartment owners and homeowners, whose housing is connected to centralized networks, choose total station water meters.
It attracts the availability of mechanical devices both in price and in terms of purchase. They can be found in almost any plumbing store. Tacheometric varieties of meters are easy to install and operate.
You may also need the information, which is discussed in our other article, about the top ten best counters popular among buyers.
What needs to be prepared before installation?
When choosing the appropriate type of meter, it is advisable to take into account not only the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, but also the real reviews left by users who managed to buy and install a specific model.
After choosing a metering device, you need to make sure that the package contains everything you need to install the metering unit.
It is also worth deciding on the place where the counter will be directly installed. For normal operation of the flowmeter, the presence of natural or artificial lighting is required, the air temperature is at least 5 ° C, and there is room for service.
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Heated room for installing meters
Counter installed in a niche
Standard height of metering devices
Correctly made connectors
Established fittings
Devices for metering the flow of hot (red) and cold (blue) water
Set of 4 flowmeters
In this case, you need to adhere to some rules:
- It is necessary to prepare a place for the upcoming work. It seems a trifle, but working when something interferes is extremely inconvenient and will take more time and effort.
- If the pipes are not suitable for use, care must be taken to replace them.
- The metering kit should include: a coarse filter, check valve, union nuts (American) and the metering device itself. If something is missing, you must definitely buy it, otherwise the meter will not be sealed.
- When installing the meter yourself, make sure you have gaskets (rubber or paronite), plumbing seals (tow, Fum tape);
- You should stock up with tools for working with pipes: scissors for cutting plastic pipes, an iron for forming connections, a set of keys, etc.
Consider each detail of the future site in more detail, for what it is needed. The stopcock serves to regulate the flow of water. Usually use ball valves.
They are easy to use, but quickly fail in the intermediate state between “closed” and “open”.
Before proceeding with the installation of a control and measuring device for water flow, it is necessary to think over the scheme of its installation and stock up on the necessary details
The coarse filter serves to prevent large insoluble particles such as grains of sand contained in water from entering the mechanism of the device.
Filters for mechanical cleaning of the flow are of two types of direct and oblique (only oblique are used to install the meter).
The non-return valve serves mainly to prevent the meter reading from being unwound and, in the absence of analysis, prevents the water from going in the opposite direction.
If necessary, the Americans will help to dismantle the water meter without consequences for the water supply system.
Also, other elements can be installed in the water meter assembly. They are optional, but will be very useful.
This is a shut-off valve after the non-return valve (so that when the meter is removed, water does not drain onto the floor), the pressure reducer is installed after the coarse filter, which stabilizes the pressure in the system, extends the life of household appliances.
Before installing water meters, it is necessary to carefully prepare the workplace and stock up with the necessary tools for the entire cycle of work
Now the water meter itself:
- When buying, it is necessary to verify the identity of the numbers in the passport and their counterparts stamped on the water meter.
- You must make sure that you have a certificate and a stamp in your passport with the date of factory verification.
- And it’s good to take a sales receipt in the store and issue a guarantee, in case of a malfunction, if there is an act and a check, the counter must be replaced.
Try to buy a water meter in a specialized store, and not in the market, it will be easier to make a replacement in case of breakage.
After making sure that you have everything you need, you can proceed with the installation of the water meter.
Before purchasing a measuring device, it is necessary to carefully examine its passport. It indicates not only the characteristics of the technical device, but also information about the verification
Technology of installation of water meters
You can install a water meter either independently or ask for help in specialized institutions, in the management company, in the structural branch of the water utility.
When choosing a company, make sure you have a license and provide a warranty period for services, read reviews.
If you do not trust the work of others and are confident in your abilities, you can install the meter yourself, only consult with specialists from the water utility first if you will be allowed to install the meter yourself, it is usually not forbidden.
Regardless of who will install the water meter, the installation order of the meter on the water will not change:
- Before starting the installation, disconnect the water in the riser. An application should be submitted to the management company or, if there is a stopcock, close it yourself.
- It is necessary to determine the installation diagram of the unit and its position (vertical or horizontal).
- Then you need to connect the stopcock and the coarse filter (without plumbing) in such a way that the filter pipe with the mesh is directed to the bottom, we determine the number of turns during twisting.
- Now again you need to remove the filter and already completely assemble the entire unit taking into account the number of turns while applying a winding.
All threaded connections are carefully wrapped with sealing tape and processed with plastics.
When assembling, pay attention to the water meter, there are marks in the form of arrows on it.
The direction of the arrows must coincide with the direction of the flow of water through the device, otherwise the work of the installed meter will be incorrect, which is why the representative of the water utility will not accept such work.
It is important to ensure the necessary position of each element. In the direction of the water flow, it looks like this: shut-off valve, coarse filter, water meter, check valve.
When installing, pay attention to the order of the elements in the node, it must coincide with the direction of the water flow
The next stage is the preparation of the pipeline for the installation of the system. This is a rather pedantic process, since the length of the assembled unit must coincide with the long section on the existing pipeline with a minimum error.
Of course, you can use a flexible eyeliner, but it does not look aesthetically pleasing.
Before cutting the pipe, it is advisable to substitute a basin or other container, the remaining water in the system will merge into it.
Depending on the pipes, it will be necessary to cut the thread in the case of metal pipes or use fittings and an iron to solder propylene in the case of polypropylene pipes.
Also, information about the rules for connecting plastic pipes with metal, which is given in our other article, may be useful to you.
The final stage is the insertion of the water meter assembly into the water supply system.We install the assembly we assembled into the prepared system, while it is necessary to seal all threaded connections using linen liner or Fum tape.
When tightening threaded connections, you should not apply much force, this can lead to the formation of microcracks and subsequent leakage. If everything is done correctly, then there will be no smudges when supplying water, you can proceed to installing the seal.
Flexible connection to the system, less time consuming, but more costly
Seal installation and technical documentation
After you installed the metering unit, checked the serviceability of its work, the question arises, how to properly seal the meter on the water? You should find out who is doing this, is it possible to put a seal on your own.
Entrusting the installation of the seal is to specially trained people: representatives of the water utility or the management company. To do this, you must apply for the reception of the meter.
Do not hesitate to make a statement, despite the installed meter, the water flow will still be determined to the maximum until official registration.
And you can pay by the counter only after the completion of the official sealing procedure. Information on how to do this is described in detail in our other article.
Seal installation - free procedure. Do not install it yourself, you still have to call a representative of the management company.
For some time, usually from three to five days, a local government representative will be sent at your request. For normal working contact with him, you must have an act of verification and a passport of the meter with you.
It is the responsibility of the specialist to verify the installation order of the water meter assembly and all its components, and the integrity of the assembly elements is also checked.
The representative of the water utility does not have the right to control the qualifications of the person installing the meter.
After checking and sealing the unit (with its seal), the inspector will draw up the commissioning report, where he will enter the initial meter readings and provide you with a service agreement.
After carefully reading the contract, making sure that everything suits you, put your signature.
It is not allowed to use data taken from the meter in utility calculations, unless a seal is installed or if there is no polymer film with a stamp of a verification mark applied to it
After signing the contract, you begin to pay for water on the meter. Of the documents, the owners should have one copy of the service contract and the act of putting the meter into operation.
It is also necessary to leave a technical passport and a certificate of calibration of the water meter. An employee of the management company will need a technical passport; it is better to make a photocopy in advance.
There are times when re-filling is required. For example, the service life of devices has ended, by the floor of one of the elements of the assembly, the addition of a new element to the system.
Therefore, it is better to keep documents separately from other papers so that in case of an emergency they are at hand.
Operational problems and solutions
During operation of the water meter unit, some problems may occur. Consider their types and possible solutions.
Whatever the problem, troubleshooting is not recommended. Use the services of specialists - this will save your time and money.
High-quality sealing, the key to long-term service, but do not overdo it. A large amount of reeling can cause leakage
Symptoms and remedies:
- Water flows poorly through a water meter. The coarse filter may be clogged. It is necessary to call a representative of the management company to eliminate the deficiency, he is obliged to clean the filter for free and reseal. Do not do this yourself under any circumstances; failure to seal is tantamount to a loss of warranty.
- Torn seal. Do not fix it yourself. Notify the management company soon. You will have to pay for re-sealing, but these are trifles in comparison with fines if the inspector finds a broken seal. It will be necessary to pay the full amount of the tariff from the moment of the last check (maybe several years), as well as a penalty for the absence of an application.
- Water passes through the water meter, but the readings are not recorded. Perhaps there was a breakdown of the counting or rotor mechanism. If you are sure of a water meter malfunction, then you are entitled to a free unscheduled inspection. This is in case the warranty period has not expired.
During the audit, payment for water is calculated according to the average minimum for the region. Verification can take up to several months, sometimes it’s easier to buy a new one.
Do not delay the installation of the water meter - this will save up to 30% of the amount of payment per month
Insertion of individual water meters becomes an integral procedure in every home, the process is not so much time-consuming as troublesome, but it justifies itself.
By observing the order in the sequence of works on installing a water meter, you not only save about 30% every month, but there is also an incentive for the rational use of water.
You may also find useful information on the timing of verification of meters and the features of this procedure.
The video clip will demonstrate the assembly process of assemblies for mounting cold and hot water measuring instruments:
An unambiguous conclusion - the installation of meters is beneficial for every family, since water is becoming more expensive every quarter, and the supply of clean fresh water is becoming less.
Putting the meter yourself or calling a specialist is a personal matter. As you can see from the step-by-step instructions given in our article, you can perform the installation yourself, carefully studying the general recommendations and buying a meter and accessories that will be useful during the installation process.
And although the representative of the water supply company does not have the right to be interested in the qualifications of the master performing installation of the metering device when sealing, in practice, users are faced with different situations.
If you have any problems with sealing or want to share your installation experience, please leave your comments under this article.