Service life of water meters. Checking the water meters. Hot water meter - service life

One of the ways to reduce electricity consumption, water consumption and heating is their savings. This can be achieved by taking account of the consumption of resources by means of electric meters.

Why install water meters?

It is extremely important to minimize the misuse of fresh water for domestic purposes. This can be achieved by installing a water meter. To the main positive points that the installation of water meters gives the consumer, one can attribute:

1. Discipline of the consumer. The main rule will be the principle "do not use water - turn off the tap." In addition, there will be an incentive to repair all cracks and leaks.
2. Minimizing water consumption also reduces the energy needed to heat it and deliver it to the consumer. That is, energy saving is growing.

The lifetime of water meters is quite high, and the process of replacing it does not cause any special difficulties. That is, the costs of its installation and maintenance are not comparable to the benefits that they provide.

What is a water meter?

The water meter is a measuring device, through which the volume of water is recorded, which passes through the water pipe for a certain period of time. The unit of measurement is a cubic meter.

These devices can be used in various fields of activity and have a different purpose. So, there are flow meters and water meters.

To calculate the amount of substance that has passed through a certain section, a flowmeter is used. The flow rate can be calculated in mass (kg / h, kg / min) or bulk (cu m / min) equivalent.

To measure the same volume of water that has passed through the cross section of the pipeline, a water meter is used.

They have become widespread in our day. They are used in apartments, individual houses, office buildings and offices. The main consumers are:

• Housing-operational organizations;
• construction companies;
• Private consumers.

Classification of counters

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of industrial and domestic water meters for both foreign and domestic producers. Choose a quality model - it's half the battle. The lifetime of water meters also depends on the quality of its installation.

Water meters are of different types, depending on the mechanism of their mechanism:

1. Tachometric. A turbine (impeller) is placed in the flow of matter, which transfers the rotation to the counting mechanism. They are respectively divided into winged ones: single-jet and multi-jet; Turbine: with a mechanical meter and with an induction unit. The life of water meters is at least 12 years. They have a small weight and size, as well as affordable cost. Due to its reliability, this type of meter has become the most in demand for measuring water consumption in urban apartments and offices. In apartments apartments are usually supplied with paddle-shaped domestic water meters. Their diameter is smaller than that of turbines (40 mm and 50-100 mm, respectively). Therefore, they can read much less.
2. Ultrasound. The density of the flow of matter is investigated by means of ultrasonic waves. The analysis of the received acoustic stream allows to define the expense.
3. Electromagnetic. They work due to the interaction of the magnetic field with the substance that moves. The velocity of the latter is proportional to the rate of induction of the magnetic field.
4. Vortex. A body of a special form is placed in the water stream. An analysis of the number of vortices of the body will make it possible to know the proportional rate of expenditure of the substance.

Hot Water Counters

Naturally, two different devices are used to calculate the fluid flow rate: one for cold water and the other for a hot water meter. Their service life (minimum) is 12 years. These are the requirements of the State Standard. Verification of water meters is mandatory for both types of water meters. In the process of operation, the device for hot water must pass three verifications (the inter-verifying period is 4 years). The cold water counter is subjected to this procedure twice (every 5-6 years). All hot fluid tachometers must be dry type.

Calculation of hot water consumption is not fundamentally different from similar actions for cold water. Therefore, flowmeters of the same types and operating principles are used. Differences include more resistant materials for their manufacture and a greater degree of error in measurements (by about 1%).

Meter selection

The market of water meters is represented by a huge number of models of different types and manufacturers. For the installation specialist, the following characteristics are important: operating temperature, water pressure and the totalizer limit. It should be noted the quality of German manufacturers, but domestic and not much inferior to imported ones. The lifetime of water meters from different manufacturers should not differ significantly.

Many people buy water meters on the market (with hands), which is a rather risky undertaking. To protect yourself, you should check the integrity of the package, the availability of a package of documents, as well as the warranty period specified in the passport.

The installation of water meters should take place in accordance with the regulations for the introduction of appropriate apartment devices. The best option is installation, performed by masters who have a license for this type of work.

How to determine the manufacturer of the water meter?

When choosing a manufacturer of water meters, the following points should be emphasized:

1. The firm must grant a license upon the first request of the buyer. This document is a guarantee of the correct installation and quality of the further operation of the equipment.
2. It is necessary to clarify all the nuances concerning warranty service. Firms holding a license almost always provide accompanying warranty services.
3. It is necessary to find out whether there is a procedure for checking and replacing the counter. For example, if the cold water meter on the first test showed a malfunction, the manufacturer must draw up an act of its unfitness and replace it with a new one.
4. Be sure to sign a contract with the organization that will deal with the installation of meters. Demand an act of work performed, according to which registration and maintenance of the device takes place.

Installation and operation of the meter

The installation of a water meter should take place in several consecutive and interrelated stages:

1. Appeal to the housing maintenance organization (DES) regarding the installation of apartment water meters. The statement will be the basis for concluding the relevant agreement.
2. Check of a condition of a waterpipe and cranes. If necessary, carrying out repairs.
3. Selection of a suitable model and its installation by a licensed organization. The commissioning of water meters should take place in the presence of a representative of the Dez and be confirmed by the conclusion of a three-sided Act of Acceptance. In most cases, it is necessary to install two counters: hot and cold water.
4. Conclusion of an agreement with the representatives of the housing fund on the order of charging for water and wastewater.
5. Conclusion of a contract with the organization responsible for water heating. Within a few days after the application is submitted to the appropriate authority, its representative must seal the water meters.

Helpful Tips

Installation of water meters in the apartment will significantly reduce the cash costs for water consumption. This is due to the fact that payment is made based on actual water consumption, rather than overvalued norms. In addition, it becomes possible to track the water flow by months and, if possible, reduce it.

There are the following practical methods for reducing costs:

1. Check the water supply and appliances for a water leak.
2. Brush your teeth with the tap off.
3. Use the washing machine and dishwasher when fully loaded.

These tips will help you choose the right water meter and significantly reduce the cost of its consumption.