Which water meters to choose: the best options for assessing technical and operational characteristics

So, a law came into force that requires the installation of metering devices in every home. To encourage citizens to install meters, the amount of payment for consumed water according to standards has increased significantly. Thus, the question of how to choose a water meter has interested many people. If you choose the right meter, this will significantly reduce your utility bills. Payment based on actual expenses is significantly less than payment according to the norm. The main thing is to choose the right counter.

Installation required

The water flow meter measures and displays as accurately as possible the consumption from a hot or cold water supply. As a rule, the calculation is carried out in cubic meters or liters for a certain period of time, for example, a month. This provides the following number of advantages:

• When connecting a private water supply from the central main, it becomes possible to pay bills based on the actual volume - the exact volume consumed, and not according to the established tariff. The latter’s figures are sometimes greatly exaggerated, and the consumer has to overpay.
• Detail water consumption in the warm season and winter. During these two periods of different consumption levels, the discrepancies in the device readings can reach tenfold. If you have a personal well, this will allow you to accurately determine the exact energy consumption and determine the service life of the equipment and source.
• Do not pay for the period when water is not actually withdrawn - on vacation, departure, accident, shutdown, etc.
• Do not be subject to unreasonable overpayment for the debts of neighbors or the whole area, when the debt for non-payment is spread over all consumers of the site.

Reconciliation of readings from the water meter Source gazeta.ru

• Reduce costs for paying for main sewerage. When detailing the water intake, the volume of wastewater is automatically specified.
• Discipline households in water consumption - do not waste it in vain, fix leaks in a timely manner, control consumption during watering and other procedures.

Note! Not all types of water meters are suitable in terms of technical and economic parameters for installation in a home. Inexpensive tachometer models equipped with an impeller are well suited for private households. The measurement error per month will not exceed 5-7 liters. More accurate electromagnetic or vortex analogues are at least 5 times more expensive. They are installed to control individual sections of highways - apartment buildings, settlements and technological lines.

Tachometer meters in a private water supply system Source rosschet.ru

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

Varieties

There are the following types of water control meters:

• Tachometer.

The simplest, most affordable and most commonly used type of water meter in everyday life. The operating principle is based on the interaction of the flow with a paddle wheel, the rotation speed of which determines the dial indicators. Based on the design of the working elements, the devices are divided into several subcategories:

1. With impeller.
2. Turbine.
3. Jet.
4. Combined.
5. No contact with water.
6. Digital.
7. With the possibility of hot water metering - depending on the set temperature.

• Ultrasonic.

They are based on the passage of sound pulses generated by a piezoelectric module through a stream and received back by it. A fairly accurate device. Versions for domestic use are produced, but due to their high cost they are not in great demand. Among the main advantages is the non-volatile storage of collected data.

• Electromagnetic.

It is based on an inductive coil that produces a corresponding magnetic field. Based on the nature of its change as it passes through the stream, the water flow parameters are assessed. They are distinguished by the most accurate measurements. However, they are very expensive and therefore are used only for installation on large objects.

Operation diagram of an electromagnetic water meter Source ytimg.com

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in water supply, sewerage and related work

• Superstatic or vortex.

The device operates on the principle of dividing the flow into three parts using a special swirler and counting the frequency of transitions in individual channels. In private practice, such models are usually not used.

Advice! Popular brands of water meters offer the average consumer almost the same as not very well-known manufacturers. Therefore, when choosing a device, it is necessary to proceed, to a greater extent, not from the popularity of the brand, but from the cost, practicality and benefits of its use in specific conditions.

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.

Selection rules

When deciding which water meter is best to choose, you need to proceed from the following number of factors:

• Technical requirements.

The water meter must first of all meet a given set of operating parameters for a particular water supply system:

1. Temperature.
2. Pipe diameter.
3. Body length.
4. System pressure.
5. Allowable flow limit.
6. Error.
7. Integrity of the package.

• Price.

One of the important selection criteria for most consumers. More expensive models, as a rule, have the same set of characteristics as cheaper ones. Therefore, there is no point in overpaying just for the prestige of the manufacturer.

A water meter quickly pays for itself Source stroyday.ru

• Reliability. The build quality must allow the device to be used for the entire service life declared by the manufacturer without unexpected accidents.
• Factory warranty.
• Period between checks.
• Compliance with operating conditions. The device must be designed for low water quality, the presence of particles in the water mass and other factors characteristic of domestic water supply systems.

Recommendation! A correct idea of ​​how to choose a water meter comes from knowledge of its material. It is better not to deal with devices with a silumin body. Models made of brass or bronze are quite reliable. Water meters in constant contact with water exhibit maximum durability if made of stainless steel. Reliable electronic analogues are produced in a polymer shell.

How it’s made: a standard meter device

A standard mechanical water meter is designed quite simply . The water flow interacts with the impeller blades. The speed of its rotation is proportional to the amount of water passing through the device.

The impeller rotates the counting mechanism, the readings of which are taken into account when determining the volume of water used. At the same time, the impeller and the counting mechanism are isolated from each other by a sealed film, and interaction is carried out using magnetic elements.

As a rule, there is a large ring-shaped magnet on the impeller. Changing its poles contributes to the rotation of the counting mechanism on which the driven magnets are installed. This eliminates contact of the flow meter with water and ensures stable operation.

Read more about the design of a water meter here.

The photo below shows a diagram of a mechanical water meter:

TOP 10

A quick and trouble-free way to find a solution to the question of what is the best water meter, which one to choose - a rating of the most popular models. The 10 most popular representatives are presented in the following list:

• ECONOMY.

Product from a domestic manufacturer. Maximum adapted to operating conditions in Russian conditions, taking into account the main features of both main and private water supply systems. It is distinguished by accuracy, durability, and reliability.

• Betar SHV 15.

Inexpensive model for controlling cold water - no higher than 40 degrees. at pressures up to 10 bar. Characterized by durability and the ability to be mounted at any angle.

• ITELMA WFW20 D080.

A device for monitoring the operation of a water supply system with the ability to transmit data at a distance by connecting a pulse sensor. It has a long service life, protection from magnetic fields and leaks.

• Decast Metronic VSKM 90-15 DG.

This specimen was included in the rating of water meters as one of the inexpensive, but at the same time practical and durable devices. Operates on direct and return lines at temperatures up to 90 degrees and a pressure of 1 MPa. Serves for at least 10 years.

What does he look like?

Externally, the water meter is similar to a medium-sized pressure gauge, but with two pipes - inlet and outlet. The dial has an oblong rectangular hole, through which the discs of the counting mechanism with numbers are visible. They show the current water consumption value.

The case size is small, which allows you to compactly place the device in a small space, among many pipes and other elements.

Modern designs of electronic water meters can have rectangular shapes and a liquid crystal display . This depends on the type of device, manufacturer and other specific features.

Video description

Video – TOP 7 water meters for 2021:

• Gardena Water Smart.

Mid-priced model. Equipped with a digital information display. Designed for installation only at the outlet of the water intake point. Works in 4 modes.

• “Norma” STV-50 (flange).

Premium category device. Designed to account for both cold and hot water.

• Zenner ETWI-N DN 15.

One of the best water meters for measuring hot and cold flow at an affordable price. Capable of withstanding a sharp surge in pressure up to 1.6 MPa.

• Valtec ½.

Budget, long-term counter, equipped with a pulse output. Does not show errors during the first two periods of testing.

• METER SVU-15.

A cheap water meter from a domestic manufacturer that operates up to 100 degrees. Equipped with protection against leaks and magnetic disturbances.

• PULSE.

Inexpensive Russian model. Widespread on sale.

Good to know! The rating of water meters is compiled taking into account such important criteria as the ratio of the price of the product to its quality, popularity among users, expert opinion, equipment, availability of spare parts, degree of installation complexity, sensitivity to magnetic interference and the quality of the main components separately.

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.

Installation features

Only at first glance it seems that installing a cold water meter is no more difficult than a regular mixer. In fact, it is important not only to install it correctly from a technical point of view, but also to connect and register it correctly. It is better to entrust all these actions to a specialist. In addition, the warranty on the operation of the device will only be valid during official installation.

If you install it yourself, the user runs the risk of encountering a number of problems of the following nature:

• Breakage of threaded connections.
• Disruption of the water flow due to incorrect position of the device.
• The meter malfunctions due to connection errors.
• Water breakthrough in case of violation of plumbing technology.

Note! It is important not only to know how a cold water meter functions and what it is, which one to choose and how to connect, but also where to buy it. If you trust a company or a master installer, he will take care of it himself. Otherwise, it is necessary to select only certified points of sale of devices.

What is a device called “smart”?

A smart meter is a universal multifunctional device that can not only keep track of water consumption, but also accumulate and transmit this data to housing and communal services companies via the Internet.

It consists of several blocks:

1. hot and cold water consumption Associated sensors are used, which are activated depending on the speed and temperature of the water flow (pulse, electronic, with a temperature sensor).
2. Controller is a device for collecting, processing and transmitting information from the meter. It also controls the functioning of water meters and an electric valve.
3. An electrovalve is a mechanism for automatically supplying/blocking water into a pipeline system.
4. Flood sensor . Additional control unit attached to the controller. In the event of flooding, the sensor signals this to the controller, who will switch the solenoid valve to the blocking state.

All information about the operation of the smart meter can be monitored on the smartphone screen through a special application.

You can learn even more about smart meters from our article.

Briefly about the main thing

The water meter is designed for accurate measurement of water consumption in everyday life. Installing it in your home provides the following number of advantages:

• Actual payment of water bills from the central water supply.
• Detailed consumption in winter and summer.
• An idea of ​​the water flow of a private well.
• Exclusion of payment for periods of downtime, accidents, vacations.
• Teaching home residents to save.
• Automatic reduction in sewage charges when connecting a house to a central sewer system.
• Elimination of payment while evenly distributing debts from non-paying neighbors.

Most often, tachometer meters of various types are used in private households. In addition to them, there are ultrasonic, electromagnetic and vortex varieties. When choosing a device, it is necessary to take into account technical indicators, price, reliability, quality, guarantees, test periods and compliance with operating conditions. During installation, it is important to follow all connection steps, plumbing rules and registration.

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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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Qmin is the lowest flow rate that gives the smallest error when measuring water flow.
4. 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.

List of manufacturers

Let's look at the most famous companies producing water meters. For convenience and clarity, let's create a table:

Read more about water meter manufacturers here.

When choosing a meter, you must first consider its technical characteristics, and only secondarily consider whether it belongs to a well-known brand.

It is generally accepted that imported devices are much better quality than domestic ones. In practice, this is not confirmed, since the products of Russian manufacturers are adapted to the water quality and standard pressure characteristic of Russian water supply networks.

Meters with pulse output

The above types of devices can be equipped with a pulse output module, which converts the readings into an electrical signal sent to a recording device, which can be located at any distance from the point of water consumption. This means that a smart water meter with a pulse output allows you to place the display for taking readings in a convenient place, and a hot water meter with a temperature sensor and a pulse output helps to further save money.

How it works? After opening a hot tap, water heated to a high temperature does not flow immediately. Sometimes you have to drain it for a long time to get really hot water. A regular meter will record hot water consumption all this time. A meter with a pulse output and a temperature sensor determines the water temperature - while the water is cold, the pulses are recorded by the cold water adder, the volume of hot water consumption begins to be calculated only when it is heated to the desired temperature. Since the tariff for cold water is significantly lower than the tariff for hot water, choosing a meter with a pulse output in order to save money will be more than advisable. In the near future, when creating automatic accounting systems, devices with pulse output will be most in demand.

USEFUL INFORMATION: In-line water filter for washing machine: cleaning the water supply for household appliances

Review of popular water meter manufacturers

We have compiled a table that includes the most popular models from various manufacturers. Sorting is done based on rating based on customer reviews.

Table of meters in demand among buyers

We cannot guarantee the relevance of this rating, since the emergence of new models on the market may change the price-quality balance. Therefore, before purchasing water meters, we recommend reading reviews on thematic forums.

video review:

Types of water metering devices

The classification of metering devices has a very ramified scheme, since each type also has subtypes. In the previous section we examined only one of its branches, and now we will try to briefly familiarize ourselves with the other divisions. So, types of meters according to the number of pipes:

• Single channel;
• Devices with two channels;
• Multichannel.

Before choosing the optimal water meter, you need to know what flow they will serve. Based on this criterion, devices are divided into the following types:

• For cold water flow. It is typical for them to work with liquid temperatures up to 40 degrees.
• For hot water. Temperature maximum reaches 150 degrees;
• Combined types of devices - work with both streams of water supply.

Water meters are divided according to the type of power supply into the following types:

• Energy-dependent models;
• Non-volatile devices.

Important! Based on this indicator, you can choose a device if you know about the possibility of providing constant power.

These are not all branches of this classification. Today, new counters are appearing that are gradually expanding it.

How to use?

Let's consider the basic rules for installing, using and maintaining meters.

Installation

Most devices are produced with threaded connecting pipes.

To connect, you must use union nuts with adapters so that problems do not arise later during dismantling.

Typically, the meter input is connected to the output of the ball valve, and the output to the gearbox or directly to the apartment outlet. The connection is not difficult, the main thing is not to confuse the inlet and outlet pipes. All the most important information about installing water meters is here.

Sealing

This is a procedure whose purpose is to prevent opening or unauthorized replacement of the device . Sealing can only be carried out by specially authorized organizations (usually employees of the Management Company or representatives of the Gorvodokanal).

The procedure is performed after installing or replacing the device. You will find everything you need to know about sealing water meters in this section.

Verification

These are periodic tests of the accuracy and performance of meters. Verification is carried out by specialized organizations that have the appropriate authority.

Each meter has a calibration interval, which is counted from the date of manufacture of the device (not sale). Modern methods allow you to perform verification at home, without removing the device.

All the necessary information about checking water meters is presented here.

Commissioning

The installation of the meter itself is not officially considered the start of its operation.

Documentary confirmation of its performance, sealing and other procedures are required.

They are carried out after installation, for which employees of management companies , homeowners associations or resource supply organizations are invited.

Commissioning must be carried out no later than 1 month from the date of installation in the line.

Terms of use

There are no specific requirements in this regard. Only the usual conditions - keeping it clean, taking readings in a timely manner, no interference with the structure or external influences.

Attempts to stop using magnets are not allowed - this is an offense for which you will have to be held accountable.

Frequent breakdowns

As a rule, breakdowns occur due to poor water quality . Lime deposits make it difficult for the impeller to rotate, and solid particles accumulate.

Sometimes it happens that the meter leaks - leaks require urgent repair or replacement of devices.

These tasks are solved in specialized workshops, although most users prefer to purchase a new device. This section will tell you about breakdowns and their elimination.

When and how to change?

The water meter is replaced for several reasons:

• failure;
• errors in testimony;
• violation of tightness;
• end of service life.

If the condition of the device has deteriorated, it is replaced. It must be sealed and put into operation within a month, otherwise payment will be charged according to the standards. Read more about replacing water meters here.