Many owners mistakenly believe that everything ends with the purchase and installation of meters for the water supply system, and you can no longer worry about this. In reality, such an attitude can then go sideways, because it is always worth considering the service life of water meters. These meters are a set of mechanical parts, and any mechanism has certain limitations.
Therefore, with the arrival of the end date, the counter must be replaced with a new device. Otherwise, no one guarantees its proper operation, and the accuracy of measurements may be in doubt.
Meter service life
The service life of the device is indicated in its technical data sheet. It is worth noting that after this period, the manufacturer can no longer give guarantees regarding its further uninterrupted operation. As a result, technical failures may occur, whichnegatively affects readings.
For example, for P50601-93 meters, the service life of uninterrupted operation can be 12 years. At the same time, it should be understood that this indicator is individual for each meter. This is mainly due to the manufacturer of each particular model.
Causes of failure of water meters
But what can affect the correct operation of water supply metering devices? This largely depends on a number of factors due to which the life of water meters is noticeably reduced or they simply fail:
- hard water;
- poor cleaning;
- rusty or worn water pipes;
- chips, cracks or other damage to the meter itself;
- drying of the mechanisms of the metering device due to problems in the operation of the water supply system.
Besides this, there is a purely human factor. Some consumers of water resources intentionally underestimate the readings of meters by using special magnets. Ultimately, this inevitably leads to the fact that the device breaks down. The installation of water meters should be entrusted only to masters of their craft. They have special training and a license to carry out this kind of work.
Lifetime of water meters and law
The need to save natural and energy resources has contributed to the emergence of various legislative regulations. Among them there are those that regulate (rather even oblige) the owners of private and commercialreal estate to install metering devices and pay according to the readings.
All this is regulated by the following regulations:
- Federal Law N 102 "On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measurements", adopted on 2008-26-06.
- Government Decree on the improvement of water meters (2004).
- Government Decree No. 354, which entered into force on May 6, 2011. It regulates the provision of public services to persons who are owners of premises in multi-apartment residential buildings.
In addition, if the water in the houses meets the requirements of GOST 2874, then the meter will be in good working order for a long time.
Mandatory manipulations with metering devices
How long does it take to change water meters (DHW or cold water)? It is worth noting that the size of the monthly payment for utilities is affected not only by the service life of metering devices, but also by the timeliness of their verification. This is also determined by law. There is one important rule that regulates issues regarding the timing of the verification of meters. This takes into account the date of manufacture of the meter, and not the day it was installed.
In addition, the frequency of checks also depends on the type of counter device:
- cold water meters – 6-7 years;
- hot water meters - 4-5 years.
Both periods are also included in the current legislation. Even if no one bothered to notify citizens about the timing of the inspection, itcan be determined by yourself. To do this, just pay attention to the date of manufacture of the meter.
As for the verification itself, here the owner will not be able to perform such actions on his own. This is done by an employee who has permission and certain skills to do so.
No matter what the life of the water meters, in some cases, unscheduled verification may be required. The following situations usually become the reason for this:
- manufacturer's defect;
- counter impeller damaged;
- personal desire of the owner to change the water meter;
- losing documents on device.
To replace the water meter, you need an application to submit to the Gorvodokanal.
Need to check metering devices
As previously mentioned, homeowners will not be able to independently check water meters. For this, there is a special person who is able to determine the degree of performance of the counters. In addition, the frequency of such verification is important. However, why is this being done at all, if each device has its own service life?
We have already familiarized ourselves with the timing of verification of water meters. the need to regularly check the device allows you to control the readings, as accuracy is important here, since this factor affects the amount of monthly utility bills.
The whole catch is that standard metering devices fail forquite a short period of time. They start spinning either too fast or too slow.
In addition, it is important to consider that, due to its design and mode of operation, the hot water meter is much more affected than cold water metering devices. This is mainly due to the passage of heated liquid through them. If a problem occurs, it is better to replace the device with a new one, which will be the only correct solution.
Characteristics of counters
The delivery set of any metering device necessarily includes a technical passport, which, in fact, shows all the technical characteristics of each specific meter, including the service life. For imported appliances, there must be an appropriate certificate that confirms compliance with standards and allows installation.
Among the technical characteristics of water meters, some deserve attention:
- Nominal diameter (DN) - the size of the opening of the connecting pipes. If the diameters do not match, the use of adapters is allowed.
- Rated flow (Q ) is the longest period of water use.
- Maximum consumption (Qmax) - in this mode, the meter should work no more than 60 minutes a day, respectively, less than 200 hours per year.
- Transitional flow rate (Qt) – the limit from which the maximum allowable error starts.
- Minimum flow rate (Qmin) - in this caseerror remains within acceptable limits.
Besides this, the weight of the meter is taken into account, including its length with fittings. The error is also important, which each class has its own:
- Class A - 0, 04-0, 10.
- Class B - 0, 02-0, 08.
- Class C - 0.01-0.015.
- Class D - every 10 liters (precision instruments).
Many meters may come with additional modules to automate the reading and transmission of meter readings, water payment. Models with a sophisticated filtration system are provided with replaceable cartridges. However, many of them are also equipped with an audible filter change alert.
Functions and material of manufacture
The main functions of water meters are to control consumption and save the budget, natural resources. The service life of water meters largely depends on what materials the body of these devices is made of:
- brass, bronze;
- stainless alloy steel;
- silumin;
- polymers.
Brass and bronze have high impact strength. And due to these qualities of materials, a long service life of the meters is ensured. The same advantages allow devices to endure aggressive water components, including various impurities.
As you know, steel, due to its mechanical properties, is more wear resistant than other existing alloys. This makes it more expensive.
Alloy of aluminum and silicon has good resistance to water impurities. At the same time, the material itself is fragile. And due to its cheap cost, it is relevant in the production of inexpensive metering devices, which is used by many Chinese manufacturers. However, in this case, the service life of water meters is very short, so the use of such devices is undesirable.
As for the pressed polyethylene, this material is also of high quality and resistant to aggressive water environment. However, sensitivity to high temperature makes it possible to manufacture metering devices only for cold water supply.
Universal metering devices "Betar"
Betar is the largest manufacturer of consumption meters. Moreover, specialists produce not only water meters, but also gas meters. In addition, the company also produces components for water supply systems. It is worth noting that the company produces metering devices only with the name "Betar" and has nothing to do with other commercial brands.
Those consumers who are interested in the service life of a hot water (or cold) meter will be interested to know that the company currently produces up to 37 brands for domestic and industrial use. For apartment owners, the following types are provided:
- Antimagnetic type - SHV-15, SGV-15 and SHV-20, SGV-20.
- Remote water meters - SHV-15D, SGV-15D and SHV-20D, SGV-20D.
- Meters with a radio channel - SHV-20D.
Betar's water meters are rated by most consumers as the best and most solid in the Russian Federation.
Features of anti-magnetic protection
Many (if not all) water meters are equipped with a magnetic fluid coupling to transfer the rotation of the impeller to the data meter. In fact, the device is presented in the form of a magnet pushing another magnet, which is turned to the opposite pole.
The pushed element is connected to the clock mechanism. It is equipped with a set of gear wheels with printed numbers. The movement of water causes the impeller to rotate - on the instrument panel at this time you can observe the change in reading values.
Those consumers who have purchased Betar metering devices should not worry about the expiration date of the meter for cold water (or hot). A special system is provided to protect the meter from external magnetic influence in order to distort data. Its function is to protect the magnetic clutch from blocking the accounting mechanism by applying a magnet to it.
An anti-magnetic seal has been developed for better protection. This is a special sticker over a case made of different materials (plastic, polished wood board, glass, iron), including paper and painted surfaces. It sticks easily, but without destroying the filling, it cannot be removed.
What to do if the deadline has expired?
What should water consumers do if the meter has expiredto the water? In this case, the meter needs to be replaced. The cost of installing new meters, as a rule, ranges from 500 to 700 rubles per unit. Thus, the total amount for the installation of two metering devices for the water supply system (cold water, hot water) will be 1000-1400 rubles. But this is without taking into account the cost of water meters.
You can install the meter yourself or contact a service company or other organization that has permission to carry out such work. After installing the device, it is necessary to invite a specialist from the water utility who will seal it. According to the law, this procedure is performed free of charge. All data is sent to the accounting department, which begins to make calculations for new devices.
Metering check procedure
Now it is clear how to find out the service life of a water meter - just look at its technical data sheet. However, many are interested in the procedure for checking it.
If consumers of water resources have noticed incorrect operation of metering devices, it is possible to order verification ahead of schedule. To do this, you can contact a specialized organization or management company. In this case, the check itself can be performed in two ways:
- with the removal of the meter;
- without dismantling.
The same authorities should be contacted when the service life of water meters has already ended. You can identify a malfunction of the metering device by a number of characteristic signs:
- Device readings fluctuate dramatically and unreasonably during monthly water use.
- The flow dial or motion indicator shows no "signs of life".
However, only an authorized specialist is able to officially determine the breakdown. For this reason, verification is required within the legal deadlines.
Removing counter
As a rule, the check in most cases is performed with the removal of the water meter. To do this, it is enough to call the appropriate specialist who will dismantle it in order to check the water meter. In this case, the master in return must provide the owner of the property (apartment or other dwelling) with an act in writing, where the following data will be indicated:
- Number, brand and date of instrument readings.
- Data of the specialist who dismantled the meter.
- Date of work.
After the verification is completed, the device is returned to its rightful owner. And if a malfunction is found, the meter must be replaced.
Inspection without dismantling
Fortunately, it is possible to check water meters without removing them. For this, modern special equipment is used, with the help of which the verification of water meters can be carried out at the owner's home. In this case, the risk of missing a meter malfunction remains.
Given the advantages and disadvantages that both methods of verification have, each consumer has the right to acceptindependent decision in favor of a particular test.
As a conclusion
Inspection of meters of the water supply system can be carried out by both public and private companies. It is worth noting that each counter has an individual number, which is entered into a separate database during the check.
Of course, this is done once and after each replacement of devices, and by no means at every check procedure. And if the contract was concluded with a state organization, then the verification of meters of a private office will be considered invalid.
Meters are designed to control the consumption of water resources by citizens. But first of all, it is worth understanding that any water meter is a mechanism with a limited period of operation. In order to get accurate readings and save on paying for resources, it is necessary to change metering devices at the end of the service life of water meters.
