Water meters: how to choose a model? Overview of manufacturers and device types

It's no secret that the water consumption standards, according to which utility services charge us, are set with a small margin, to put it mildly.

As a result, we simply donate about 30% of the amount paid monthly to the housing office or Gorvodokanal. And if your whole family went on vacation, for example, then 100%.

If you are not happy with this state of affairs, it’s time to think about installing a flow meter on your water.

In this article we will answer all the questions that concern those who want to purchase water meters: how and which one to choose, which manufacturer to give preference to and with whom to coordinate the installation of the device.

Types and types of water meters

There are several types of water meters, but they can all be divided into two main groups: non-volatile (use mechanical processes) and volatile (require electricity).

In general, there are four types of counters:

Tachometer (turbine or vane). Refers to mechanical devices (non-volatile). The main working part is a small turbine or impeller, which is located in the water. The amount of water is calculated by the number of revolutions the impeller makes. The revolutions of the impeller axis cause the mechanical counter to move. It works with any water (hard, with a high iron content, etc.), but the accuracy of the readings is not very high; there is a possibility that after a few years the impeller will become overgrown and begin to rotate more slowly. But it may happen that it will spin faster than necessary. In general, the option is inexpensive and meters of this type are mainly installed in apartments.

Tachometric water meters with impeller

Induction or electromagnetic. This device requires electricity to operate. The operation of the device is based on the ability of water to conduct electricity. The device is expensive, has a long service life - more than 10 years, and in the absence of foreign inclusions in the water and rust/scale in the pipes, provides accurate data. Since clear water and ideal condition of the pipeline are not about our networks, they are installed infrequently.

Electromagnetic (induction) water meter

Ultrasonic. They also require power supply. The principle of operation is to compare the speed of ultrasound propagation “along” and “against” the flow. The accuracy is high, but also only on clean pipes. The price is even higher, although the service life is around 15 years.
Vortex. They analyze the rate of formation of a vortex street behind an obstacle of a special shape. The behavior of the water vortex is analyzed by an electronic device (power supply is also required). They work normally only with clean water without impurities, the service life is about 8 years.

From all that has been said above, it turns out that in our real conditions - old pipes and not the cleanest water - only tachometer meters are suitable. They are basically installed.

Ultrasonic water meter

Price

The cost of meters depends on the manufacturer, technical characteristics and service life.

The average price of domestic models ranges from 330 to 457 rubles. For example, a “Water Meter” meter will cost the buyer 433 rubles, and a “Meter” SV-15X will cost 330 rubles.

Imported products are more expensive - from 500 to 2000 rubles.

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Design features of flow meters

All modern water measuring devices are conventionally divided into two blocks, independent of each other. The main part of the flow meter is the housing. For the manufacture of the case, metal that is resistant to corrosion is most often used. The most common option is bronze. The technical characteristics of this material are ideally suited to the operating conditions of the meters.

The flow meter body has an external thread, which is necessary for inserting the device into the communication. The thread is located on two pipes, which are fixed to the pipes using special connecting elements. The materials used to manufacture the flow meter must be of high quality and comply with government regulations. The water meter includes an impeller, which is part of the housing.

The second block of the flow meter (upper) is represented by a counting drum. From the name it becomes clear that this element is necessary to calculate the exact fluid flow in the system. The block has a dial with an arrow. When the arrow travels one circle, the number 1 appears on the drum, which corresponds to the number of liters of water consumed.

All modern water meters consist of two blocks: a housing and a counting drum.

Both units have one thing in common: they are completely sealed. Payment for water at the meter is made in accordance with the amount of media consumed. The reel displays all the necessary information, which can be easily removed.

Note! Each water measuring device must be checked for accuracy. For this purpose, a special pouring stand is used. 200 liters of water are passed through each meter, after which the accuracy of the data recorded by the device is checked. If during testing the device was found to be insufficiently accurate, then it is sent for reconfiguration.

Where and how can I find out the number

To find out the serial number of the electric meter, the owner can use the following methods:

study the markings on the body;
data in passport documentation;
in acts drawn up based on the results of verification or installation;
in the energy payment receipt;
upon request from the Energosbyt service or on the company’s website.

Let's consider each of these methods in more detail.

Markings on the body

The manufacturer labels manufactured individual metering devices. The serial number of the product is displayed on the front panel. Typically, the indicated designation represents a 6-digit number following the symbol “No.”

In most cases, the specified digital code is placed at the bottom of the dial, under the line with the current data. But another location is possible - at the top or on the side. The data is designated in such a way that it does not require dismantling or disassembling to identify the meter. The number is placed in a visible and accessible place.

In modern devices, this information is indicated on a sticker with a barcode, at the bottom of this designation, along with the voltage, operating current value, accuracy class and year of manufacture of the product.

In passport

Like any other product, the electric meter is accompanied by a passport from the manufacturer - the main document containing a description of the design and operational features of the device. Among other information, the passport contains an indication of the serial license plate, usually affixed to the document with a special stamp on one of the initial pages.

Such data, if you have an original passport, cannot be disputed. This method, along with reading from the case, is the most accurate way to restore the necessary information about the device. Other methods are based on secondary information recorded from the passport or markings on the case.

It must be taken into account that the owner’s responsibilities include ensuring the safety of passport documentation. And in its absence, the consumer may have problems when checking the device again or checking the Energosbyt controller. In this article you can find: What to do if you lose your passport at the meter.

In verification or installation reports

Based on the results of the completed installation or verification, the organization that performed the specified work draws up a corresponding report. The specified document must contain information about the consumer and the meter itself, including the serial number code to identify the device. If the consumer has any of the specified documents, the information can be determined from this act.

On the receipt

When issuing a receipt for consumed energy resources, the supplier indicates in the document not only the amount of energy consumed, but also the data of the consumer and the meter, including the serial number of the electric meter.

Such information can be gleaned from any document for the period after the installation of the meter.

In addition to the paper receipt, the number must be indicated on the personal page of the consumer’s website. To do this, the owner needs to go through a simple registration procedure. As a result, he gets access to data on the amount of energy consumed and the amount of debt. In addition to personal data, the serial number of the metering device is indicated on the page.

In Energosbyt

Energosbyt collects and stores information about consumers. This organization also has information about installed metering devices. The specified data is necessary to ensure control of timely verification of meters.

Classification by temperature and operating principle

All water measuring devices are divided into two large groups. The first includes models that are used to record data on cold water consumption. The second ones are installed on the DHW communications. Before purchasing one or another variety, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the permissible temperature conditions for meters.

All meters are divided into two groups, for cold and hot water.

Cold water meters can operate at a maximum temperature of +30 °C. Exceeding this indicator will lead to malfunctions of the device. Water measuring devices for DHW networks are permitted to be used if the medium temperature does not exceed +130 °C.

The price of hot water meters is higher than the cost of their cold counterparts. In addition, such devices have a shorter interval between verifications. The high cost of metering devices for hot water networks is due to the fact that they are made from more expensive materials that are resistant to high temperatures.

Note! Today you can purchase universal models that can function both in hot water supply networks and in cold communications.

How to distinguish a cold water meter from devices that cut into hot water supply networks? To eliminate possible problems when purchasing a particular device, they are usually painted in different colors. The housing of the meter, intended for cold water communication, is blue. Water meters for hot water are available in red. Universal devices also have a unique color – orange.

The price of meters for hot water is higher than devices for cold liquids.

All devices used to record data in water supply networks are differentiated by one more feature - by the principle of operation. Depending on this factor, the following devices are distinguished:

single-jet;
multi-jet.

In the first case, the device is designed in such a way that water moves through it in one stream. During operation of the meter, it gets onto the impeller, which adversely affects the accuracy of the recorded data. Such models are produced for indoor use. It is recommended to purchase meters for hot water and for cold water networks of this type only in reliable places. It is also not worth saving on the purchase of measuring equipment.

Multi-jet models are mounted on pipes whose diameter exceeds 40 mm. They are characterized by higher measurement accuracy, but are not used at home.

How to find out the electricity meter number - from your personal account

After several years of operation, electrical energy metering devices must be verified by representatives of the energy supply company. The frequency of verification procedures is regulated by the manufacturer (for example, for Mercury 201 series devices, the interval is 16 years). When carrying out inspections, repairs and installation work, owners need to know how to find out the electricity meter number. There are several ways to define it.

Electromagnetic water meters

This type of appliance cannot do its job without electricity. The basis of its functioning is the property of water to pass electric current.

Electromagnetic water meters are characterized by high data accuracy. The measurement of readings is based on the parameters of the interaction of the magnetic field and water flow

When a liquid overcomes a magnetic field obtained artificially, it changes its parameters, sensors record this, and the data appears on the display. This is an expensive type of meter. It serves well and for a long time if the pipes are free of scale. Because such conditions are rare, electromagnetic devices are used infrequently.

Advantages and disadvantages

If high accuracy of readings is the main advantage of electromagnetic water meters, then the complexity of installation is their main disadvantage. They need a power source. When the electricity goes out, the house will be left without water, since the device will cut off its supply.

The advantages include the following:

large measurement range;
absence of moving elements in the flow chamber;
instant display of consumption;
data archiving.

Installing a meter does not entail a large increase in resistance to water pressure. For this reason, it is often installed on low pressure pipelines.

Among other disadvantages, it should be noted the uneven distribution of liquid velocity over the diameter of the meter and susceptibility to flow turbulence.

Features of installing an electromagnetic meter

When installing such a meter, you must not forget about filters. They must be present in the system, since the magnet attracts grains of metal present in the water. It’s good if two filters are installed - a standard mud filter and a magnetic one.

The electromagnetic meter controls the flow of water with different temperature parameters and viscosity over a wide range. The structure of the flow converter includes a magnetically permeable cylinder with an electromagnetic coating inside and electromagnetic windings located outside.

The measuring signal is taken through two electrodes, which are located diametrically and are in contact with water. They install meters in metal-plastic, metal, plastic pipes in the bathroom and toilet.

Tachometer counters

This type of water meters is the most common. They operate on a simple principle.

Operating principle and design

The main element of the meter is the impeller. It has a perpendicular orientation of its axis relative to the direction of the water supply. The nominal diameter of a device of this type does not exceed 50 mm.

Tachometer meters are installed to measure the flow of both cold and hot water, if we are talking about small volumes. These water meters are not designed for high flow rates.

When an avalanche of water transits through the impeller, it moves in a circle. Each is accompanied by the pouring of a certain amount of liquid through the device. The more pressure the water creates, the faster the impeller rotates.

A sensitive counting mechanism receives information about the number of revolutions through the gearbox, and all changes are shown by the dial.

Devices with an impeller can be single-jet, multi-jet, or combined. First, water is supplied to the input blades in one stream. A magnetic coupling sends a torsional impulse to the counting unit indicator. Experts advise installing such meters on hot water pipelines with a cross-section of 15 to 30 mm.

In multi-jet models, the flow is broken into parts on the way to the impeller. The measurement error decreases because the blades are exposed to the same force. In this case, flow turbulence is completely eliminated.

The device is designed for installation on cold water pipes with a maximum diameter of 50 mm. This water meter is ergonomic and easy to install and dismantle if you need to perform verification.

When the coverage of water use measurements needs to be expanded, a combined type tachometer device is installed. It is understood that with a change in the flow rate, one counter comes into operation. The transition occurs automatically.

A combined meter consists of a main and an additional device. The first is activated by opening the valve when large volumes of water are consumed

There is only one measuring unit, it is highly accurate and sealed, so it works even in flood conditions. For pipe diameters greater than 50 mm, a rotating turbine is installed in the design of the device instead of an impeller. In this case, the water meter is installed along the axis of the main line. The ideal place to install it is at the entrance.

Such meters are installed on pipelines of industrial enterprises with a cross-section of up to 500 mm, where significant volumes of water flow. The direction and angle of the flow is determined by a special fairing.

Advantages and disadvantages

Mechanical water meters are compact. They can be installed in remote places, so they do not spoil the interior of the room. The simplicity of the design allows these devices to be priced at an acceptable price for most consumers. The error in their readings is insignificant.

Tachometer counters are non-volatile devices. The main element in their design is the impeller placed in the water. The volume of water is calculated by the number of revolutions it makes.

The following characteristics are considered negative:

blade wear;
sensitivity to impurities present in water;
dependence of water meter readings on the magnetic field;
inability to record instantaneous flow;
the presence of moving elements in the flow chamber.

Despite the presence of shortcomings, if you follow the verification schedule, the meter can last up to 12 years. The device does not require external power supplies to operate.

Dry and wet-propelled devices

Based on the location of the counting device, tachometer water meters are divided into dry and wet running. In the first case, the liquid has no effect on the counting mechanism. The rotational movement from the impeller is transmitted to it through a special magnetic coupling.

The mechanism is protected from corrosion by an impenetrable partition. The model has a fairly high cost, but it can be used even where hot water is supplied, which contains foreign impurities in large quantities.

In addition, the accuracy of the readings of such a device is very high. If there is a need for remote data acquisition, you can include a pulse output device in the system.

Mount the pulse output unit directly at the pipeline inlet. The information transformed into an impulse is sent to the recording device

The module collecting information can be located at any distance from the measurement site.

In a wet-flow device, the counting unit is in constant contact with dirty liquid. This negatively affects the duration of its service. To correct the situation, a filter is installed in front of the meter.

The most famous manufacturers

Technical progress does not stand still and therefore the water meter market segment is constantly increasing

Technical progress does not stand still and therefore the water meter market segment is constantly increasing. Some manufacturers are pushing others out, and consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to make the right choice. In this section, based on photo ratings, we have identified the most popular brands in this area of products. So:

Betar, Tatarstan. It has established itself as a manufacturer of metering devices for hot and cold water. All products are certified and have a quality guarantee.
Meter, Italy. The operating temperature range of flow water meters is from 5 to 90 degrees.
Valtec, Italy. High quality devices. Feature of the accuracy of hot water readings.
Triton, Russia. The brass body of the devices creates high strength. Works with flows up to 90 degrees.

We have familiarized ourselves with the classification of water meters, which will make it possible to choose the most optimal option for your water supply.

Devices called water meters would be more correctly called flow sensors. The housing and communal services reform that began in Russia has made these devices extremely in demand on the market.

Water meters have been used for quite a long time in various industries, in cases where it is necessary to ensure accurate accounting of water consumption.

Water meters are used for commercial metering of water use in the home, public utilities, pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries. They allow for accounting of waste and drinking water, as well as coolant.

Types of meters

Based on their application and functional purpose, meters are divided into flow meters and water meters.

Flow meters record the amount of liquid that flows through a specific section in a fixed unit of time. Values are measured in units of mass per unit of time, or in units of volume per unit of time (t/hour or m3/hour). In the first case, the mass flow rate is measured, in the second case, the volume flow rate.

Water meters are devices that are used to measure the volume of water (or its mass) flowing through a known cross-section of a water conduit (pipeline).

Water meters are used to take into account water consumption in all types of water supply systems:

in multi-apartment and private residential buildings;
in administrative buildings.

Groups of water meters

The market today offers the widest selection of water meters. All of these devices are divided according to a number of characteristics.

According to the design of the liquid flow metering mechanism used:

Tachometer - they implement the principle of placing a turbine (impeller) connected to a counting mechanism in a flow of water (working medium).
Electromagnetic - most often used in industry. The operating principle is the interaction of a liquid with a magnetic field. The field is induced at a speed that is proportional to the speed of the water.
Ultrasonic – liquid, passing through a stream of ultrasonic vibrations, changes flow due to the acoustic effect.
Vortex - a body of a special shape is placed in a fluid flow. The frequency of vortices arising on the specified body is proportional to the speed of water flow.

By design:

Compact (single-jet).
Separate (multi-jet).
Valve.
Turbine.
Combined.

By the number of simultaneously serviced pipelines:

Multichannel.
Two-channel.
Single channel.

Tachometer counters

Tachometer counters are the most common models. The principle of their operation is very simple.

The flow of water passing through the meter rotates the impeller (1). Through a gear transmission system, the number of revolutions is transformed into meter readings. The mechanism of the tachometer counter (2) does not have contact with the water flow (3), therefore it is called dry-running or dry. The indicator device (5) consists of five rollers, which through a mechanical scaling gear (4) display the results of the displaced volume of water in cubic meters. The red roller installed in the device and the arrow pointer display the fractions of m3.

The interaction between the counting mechanism and the impeller is carried out due to magnetic coupling through a sealed partition (6). The supporting parts of the counting mechanism and impeller have solid axles and watch stones made of ruby (positions 7 and 8), which ensures high reliability and extends the service life of the measuring device.

Similar meters are also built into heat meter designs. They are equipped with a pulse output, which sends a signal to the heat meter. The device that performs remote reading of the signal emits one pulse into the circuit for every 10 liters passed. The presence of such a device through additional devices allows for centralized metering of water consumption.

Some models of such meters have a turbine instead of an impeller, which allows measurements to be taken with greater accuracy, especially at high flow rates. There are meter models that have both a turbine and an impeller. At low pressures, water flows through the impeller. As the pressure increases, it is transmitted to the turbine, and the impeller is closed by a separate valve.

If the meter is multi-jet, then the flow at its input is divided into several independent flows in order to reduce turbulence. This reduces measurement errors, but increases the price of instruments.

Dry and wet meters

Tachometer meters are divided into dry and wet type products.

Wet water meters have a simple design, because... the mechanism does not require waterproof insulation. The stream passes through it. They are much cheaper than dry-type meters, but have limitations: they cannot be used in cases where dirty water flows.

In dry meters, the mechanism is hermetically isolated from the liquid flow by a special partition with antimagnetic properties. The readings are recorded by transmitting them from the turbine (impeller) using a magnet fixed inside the structure.

The dry mechanism is most often used in multi-jet water meters, which makes it possible to increase the accuracy of liquid flow metering. In single-jet meters, the dry mechanism is used much less frequently, which significantly reduces their price.

Meters intended for hot water supply use the same devices, but made from materials that are more stable and wear-resistant. According to the requirements of current standards, the minimum service life of a hot water meter is 12 years.

For cold water networks, the interval between scheduled verifications is set at 5 - 6 years, and for hot water supply networks - 6 years.

For hot water supply, only dry type meters are used, which is explained by the high content of impurities in it.

Characteristics of water meter models

Universal water meter	VLF-R-IL	VLF-RI	VLF-RL	VLF-R
Nominal diameter	½”			½” or ¾”
Nominal water flow	1,5			1.5 or 2.5
Maximum water consumption	3,0			3.0 or 5.0
Sensitivity threshold	0.01 m3/hour			0.01 or 0.02
Mounting length	80 mm	160mm	80 or 110mm	160 or 190 mm
Magnetic protection	+	+	+	+
With pulse output (does not have surges)	With pulse output	Has no slops

Water meters of these models are currently quite popular on the Russian market. Reasonable price/quality ratio, very high accuracy, reliability, and versatility make these models the most popular. These meters can be used in systems with the temperature of the transported water from 5 to 90 degrees. Most often they are installed as apartment meters.

The mentioned meters have increased sensitivity and increased service life. They are equipped as standard with built-in check valves, connecting pipes and are non-volatile. There is a structurally implemented protection against magnets.

Installing a water meter is an economically feasible solution, since actual water consumption is most often much lower than the standard. When choosing a meter, you need to take into account many factors: water temperature, pressure, type of water supply, etc. If you are not sure about the correctness of your choice, it is better to seek advice from a specialist.

The market for modern measuring equipment offers a fairly wide range of water meters for apartments, houses, buildings for various purposes and industrial facilities. The correct choice guarantees the accuracy of water consumption readings, which is reflected in the resulting bills. So which water meter is better?

Ultrasonic and vortex devices

In addition to mechanical and electromagnetic, there are two more types of flow meters on sale. The first of them are ultrasonic. They are also classified as volatile, so they require electrical energy to operate.

Operation and data recording in this case is carried out using ultrasound. By moving in the direction of movement of the carrier, as well as against it, ultrasound allows you to obtain the data necessary for comparison. A water meter of this type has one significant disadvantage - high cost.

Note! Among the positive aspects, it is necessary to mention the long service life of ultrasonic devices (15 years).

In addition to mechanical and electromagnetic meters, there are also ultrasonic devices.

In turn, the vortex models determine the amount of water passing through them using a special electronic device. The design of such models implies the presence of a special barrier that creates a turbulence in the water. The rate of formation of such a track is a key indicator. The electronic device reads this parameter and, based on the received data, determines the media consumption.

Cold water meters, as well as devices used in the DHW network, work effectively only if the water does not contain contaminants. The service life of vortex devices is approximately 8 years.

Thus, in conditions that correspond to the operation of domestic pipes, only mechanical models - tachometer ones - work relatively well. Therefore, it is mechanical devices that occupy a leading position in sales.

Pros and cons of an ultrasonic water meter

The main mechanism of operation is to calculate the difference in sound transmission over time. Thus, the received data is sent to the computer, which determines the flow of cold and hot water. It is worth noting that the information received is saved in the archive. Having studied various photo diagrams, we can identify the standard components of these types of devices. These are the details:

Flow measurement segment;
Calculator;
Pulse transmitter.

These types of meters with an ultrasonic operating mechanism have a number of advantages:

High accuracy of cold and hot water consumption data;
Capable of measuring a wide flow volume;
No moving elements;
Instantaneous consumption calculation;
Functioning of the archival system;
Long service life.
Ultrasonic meters have the following advantages:

There are only two disadvantages in the performance of these meters, namely:

Operates exclusively with autonomous power supply;
Exposure to air bubbles may result in inaccurate flow rates.

The meaning of inscriptions and symbols on meters

Symbols and inscriptions on water meters can tell a lot about the device. Therefore, you need to learn to decipher them in order to find out certain capabilities of the product and determine which meter is suitable for specific conditions.

Manufacturers put four main designations on devices:

Qmax is the maximum flow rate that does not cause errors in the operation of the device. The device can operate at this flow rate for a maximum of 1 hour. This must be followed by a break.
Qn is the optimal flow rate for the water meter. In relation to its maximum capability, this parameter is 50% less. In the case when a volume of water equal to the normal flow rate passes through the body of the device, it will function flawlessly. The device will be able to pass verification and will not have to be replaced with a new one for a long time.
Qmin is the lowest flow rate that gives the smallest error when measuring water flow.
Qt is the pressure at which it is unprofitable to operate a water measuring device, since it begins to operate with a significant error. At the same time, it is difficult to predict what sign the error value will have - it can be either a minus or a plus to the actual readings.

In addition to these designations, the maximum temperature at which the device can operate is marked on the body of the water meter.

There are meters for hot and cold liquids on sale. There are also universal ones that operate in a wide temperature range without errors.

Cold water flow meters have the inscription 40 °C and the housing is blue. The casing of flow meters for hot water is red or, which is much less common, black. On this background there will definitely be the inscription 90 °C.

If water whose temperature exceeds 90 °C is centrally supplied under pressure, you need to select the meter marked 150 °C.

Where to begin?

When it comes to installing flow meters for cold water and hot water systems, not everything depends only on the apartment owner. The meter that will conduct accounting activities in your home should be liked not only by you, but also by Gorvodokanal (or another organization that maintains the building).

Therefore, before going to the store, you should find out from these comrades what water meters they recommend and, so to speak, recognize, or at least what requirements they place on these devices.

Employees of a workshop that repairs water meters, if there is one in your city, can also be a good source of information. They know the failure statistics better than anyone else, so you should trust the advice of these people.

Water meter: which is better by brand and manufacturer

The Pulse water meter is a universal mechanism with a Russian impeller or turbine. This is high quality at an affordable price. The manufacturer uses modern technologies and high-quality materials in production, so the guaranteed service life of the devices is 12 years.

Pulse meters can be installed on water supply lines and hot water supply systems. In the first case, the withstandable temperature range is 5-30°C, in the second up to 90°C. The water pressure should not exceed 1.6 MPa.

Pulse water meters are one of the best brands on the Russian market.

Valtec water meter , adapted to Russian operating conditions. The Italian company has shown interest in the Russian market. Together with Russian engineers, production was organized where water meters of this brand are produced. Multi-stage production control, the latest technologies and high quality.

The Russian developer of meters for cold and hot water is LLC Research and Production Enterprise ITELMA Building Systems. Production is based on our own developments, which makes ITELMA water meters fully adapted to the operating conditions of domestic water supply and heating networks. The manufacturer guarantees 6 years of trouble-free operation and 12 years is the minimum period.

Pulsar water meters are products of the Teplovodokhran research and production enterprise. The model line includes universal devices, both for hot water and cold water, with and without a pulse output. And also with digital outputs and radio output.

All the water meters presented above have excellent technical and operational characteristics. And if you answer the question of which meter is better to install in an apartment or private house, then you can safely choose any one. Of course, no one has canceled the savings, so there are inexpensive options in the above catalog, for example, the Pulse brand, which in all respects is not inferior to the others.

Criteria for choosing a water meter

When purchasing a meter, it is important to choose the best option for your water supply system

When purchasing a meter, it is important to choose the best option for your water supply system. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to the photo label of the device, where you should find data on the following criteria:

Pressure level at the initial stage;
Adder indicators;
Sensitive threshold coverage;
Minimum pressure condition;
Accounting area.

Important! When purchasing water meters, pay attention to the tightness of the structure, the series number and the availability of a documentary base.

If your choice is between brands, then pay attention to the following indicators:

Brand licensing;
Guarantee period;
Availability of a device maintenance package.

Rating of TOP 10 water meters for apartments according to experts

1 – ECONOMY

100% Russian development, adapted to the conditions of domestic water supply. Thanks to precise assembly, constant monitoring in production and reliable materials, the percentage of defects is minimal.

At the same time, the cost of meters remains at a fairly low level. Due to the best price-quality ratio among all analogues, Econom meters took an honorable first place in the expert ratings.

Pros:

Excellent value for money and quality
Durability and reliability
Great guarantee
Democratic price
Reading accuracy

Minuses:

Not available in all stores

2 – Itelma

These water meters are created according to German standards, but are assembled in Russia. There are no complaints about the quality of materials. Both plastic and metal comply with regulations. The developers really tried to find a middle ground, but over the past few years, reviews about defects and unsatisfactory work have begun to appear more and more often. That is why Itelma lost first place in the ranking of the best, which it rightfully occupied for a long time.

Pros:

Recognizable brand
German development
Not bad quality

Minuses:

Overcharge
Marriage meets

3 – BETAR

Initially, the manufacturer took the right path, trying to offer the client the best product on the market. The developments really turned out to be durable and accurate. However, due to production costs, the final cost has increased. All subsequent shortcomings appeared precisely because of this situation.

Pros:

Good mechanism
Easy to install
Good operating pressure range

Minuses:

Excessive design reliability
High price
Aggressive advertising
Lack of universal metering devices

4 – VALTEC

Valtek is the result of the work of Italian engineers. Despite the fact that the mechanism is designed for European water, these water meters work quite well in our conditions. Of course, the consumer will have to pay for the brand and foreign production from his own wallet.

At the same time, there are often inexpensive Chinese counterfeits on sale, which are sold to gullible people at 40-50% cheaper than the original.

Pros:

Thoughtful design
Versatility
Build quality

Minuses:

Outdated design
There are many fakes
High price

5 – ZENNER

Real German quality! These water meters can easily compete with any competitors regarding the accuracy of assembly, fit of parts and seriousness of the working resource. However, remote transmission of readings is actively working in Europe and Zenner, focusing on its native market, is introducing technologies that are still useless in Russia.

Pros:

Excellent build quality
Good measurement accuracy
Resistance to pressure surges

Minuses:

High price
For some models, the calibration interval is 4 years
Most models are already designed for Wi-Fi and remote transmission of readings (but even in Moscow, not all new buildings can boast the necessary equipment for the correct operation of this system).

6 – METER

A strong "average" guy. If the water supply system works properly, it will be a worthy choice. Problems can begin with changes in water pressure. A leak, of course, is unlikely to happen, but a breakdown is quite likely.

Pros:

Compactness
Reasonable price
Good resistance to high temperatures

Minuses:

Problems operating with low water pressure
Marriage meets

7 – DEKAST

A fairly strong, trustworthy water meter. The mechanism operates correctly on any type of pipe and with any pressure. But when purchasing such meters, be prepared for the fact that you will have to purchase all the components and consumables separately.

It is also worth emphasizing the weight - 500g and the ability to install only on horizontal pipes.

Pros:

Low price
Good overall performance

Minuses:

There are still models on sale with a calibration interval of 4 years.
Poor equipment
There are installation features

8 – PULSE

One of the most famous meter manufacturers in Russia. It became widespread largely due to its low price. It has the most controversial position in the ranking, because a number of users report defects and negative verification results, while others, on the contrary, are satisfied.

Pros:

Low cost
Can be found in most stores

Minuses:

“Floating” quality from batch to batch
Budget materials

9 – NORMAL

Essentially, a classic mechanical vane counter without any modifications or features. The body is made of brass and durable plastic. But the mechanism is the weak point of the device.