One of the ways to reduce the cost of electricity, water consumption and heating is to save them. This can be achieved by accounting for the consumption of resources through electricity meters.
Why install water meters?
It is essential to minimize the misuse of fresh water for domestic purposes. This can be achieved by installing a water meter. The main positive aspects that the installation of water meters gives the consumer include:
- Disciplining the consumer. The main rule will be the principle "if you do not use water - turn off the tap". In addition, there will be an incentive to close up all cracks and leaks.
- Minimizing water consumption also reduces the consumption of energy needed to heat it and deliver it to the consumer. That is, energy savings are growing.
The service life of water meters is quite high, and the process of replacing it does not cause any particular difficulties. That is, the costs of its installation and maintenance are not comparable with the benefits they provide.
What are water meters
A water meter is a measuring device that keeps track of the volume of water that passes through the water supply system for a certain period of time. The unit of measurement is the cubic meter.
These devices can be used in different fields of activity and have different purposes. So, there are flow meters and water meters.
To calculate the amount of substance that has passed through a certain section, a flow meter is used. The flow rate can be calculated in mass (kg/h, kg/min) or volume (cub. m/min) equivalent.
To measure the volume of water that has passed through the section of the pipeline, a water meter is used.
They are widely used these days. They are used in apartments, individual houses, administrative buildings and offices. The main consumers are:
- housing maintenance organizations;
- construction companies;
- private consumers.
Meter classification
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of industrial and domestic water meters from both foreign and domestic manufacturers. Choosing a quality model is half the battle. The service life of water meters also depends on the quality of its installation.
Water meters are of different types depending on the design of their mechanism:
- Tachometric. A turbine (impeller) is placed in the flow of matter, which transmits rotation to the counting mechanism. They are divided respectively into vaned: single-jet and multi-jet; turbine:with a mechanical counter and with an induction unit. The service life of water meters is at least 12 years. They are light in weight and size, as well as affordable. Due to its reliability, this type of meters has become the most popular when measuring water consumption in city apartments and offices. Vane-type household water meters are usually installed in apartments. Their diameter is smaller than that of turbine ones (40 mm and 50-100 mm, respectively). Therefore, they can read much lower flow rates.
- Ultrasonic. The flux density of a substance is examined using ultrasonic waves. Analysis of the received acoustic flow allows to determine the flow rate.
- Electromagnetic. They work due to the interaction of a magnetic field with a moving substance. The speed of the latter is proportional to the speed of the induction of the magnetic field.
- Vortex. A body of a special shape is placed in a stream of water. An analysis of the number of body vortices will make it possible to find out the proportional rate of consumption of the substance.
Hot water meters
Naturally, 2 different devices are used to calculate the flow of liquid: one for cold water and the second 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. During operation, the device for hot water must undergo three calibrations (inter-calibration period - 4 years). The cold water meter undergoes this procedure twice (every 5-6 years). Allhot liquid 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 principles of operation are used. The differences include more resistant materials for their manufacture and a greater degree of measurement error (by about 1%).
Meter selection
The market for water meters is represented by a huge number of models of different types and manufacturers. For the installer, characteristics such as operating temperature, water pressure and totalizer limit are important. The quality of German manufacturers should be noted, however, domestic ones are not much inferior to imported ones. The service life of water meters from different manufacturers should not differ significantly.
Many people buy water meters on the market (with hands), which is quite a risky undertaking. To protect yourself, you should check the integrity of the package, the availability of a package of documents, as well as the period of warranty operation indicated in the passport.
Installation of water meters must be carried out in accordance with the regulations for the implementation of relevant apartment appliances. The best option would be installation performed by masters licensed for this type of work.
How to decide on a water meter manufacturer?
When choosing a manufacturer of water meters, you should focus on the following points:
- The firm must provide a license at the first request of the buyer. This document isa guarantee of correct installation and quality of further operation of the equipment.
- It is necessary to clarify all the nuances regarding warranty service. Licensed firms almost always provide accompanying warranty services.
- It is necessary to find out if there is a procedure for checking and replacing the meter. For example, if the cold water meter showed a malfunction during the first test, the manufacturer must issue an act of unsuitability and replace it with a new one.
- Be sure to conclude an agreement with the organization that will install the meters. Demand a certificate of completion, according to which the registration and service of the device takes place.
Procedure for installing and operating the meter
Installation of a water meter should take place in several successive and interrelated steps:
- Appeal to the housing maintenance organization (DEZ) regarding the installation of apartment water meters. The completed application will be the basis for the conclusion of the relevant agreement.
- Checking the condition of the plumbing and faucets. If necessary, carry out repairs.
- Selection of a suitable model and installation by a licensed organization. Commissioning of water meters must take place in the presence of a representative of DEZ and be confirmed by the conclusion of a tripartite Commissioning Certificate. In most cases, two meters should be installed: for hot and cold water.
- Conclusion of an agreement with representatives of the housing stock forthe procedure for calculating payment for water supply and sanitation.
- Conclusion of an agreement with the organization responsible for heating water. 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 cost of water consumption. This is explained by the fact that payment is made according to the actual water consumption, and not according to inflated norms. In addition, it becomes possible to track water consumption by months and, if possible, reduce it.
The following cost-cutting practices exist:
- Check plumbing and appliances for water leaks.
- Brush your teeth with the tap off.
- Use the washing machine and dishwasher when fully loaded.
These tips will help you choose the right water meter and significantly reduce your consumption costs.
