This article covers in detail the question - how to properly replace or install a water meter yourself, installation schemes, how to choose a water meter, what tools and documents will be needed, etc.

Under the current conditions, the time for standardized water consumption has not yet come, but the first step towards this is accounting for its consumption using water meters.

Installing a water meter today is required by the Federal Law (penalties are applied to coerce the population to install it), and in order for it to work correctly, a typical scheme for connecting a water meter in an apartment has been developed.

Is it possible to install a water meter yourself - what does the law say about it

The ability to install a water meter on your own is not stipulated separately in the legislation, the law only obliges all citizens of the Russian Federation to have them available.

The only way to save the population from the temptation to distort the readings of the water meters, their independent sealing is not allowed. All works must be performed by organizations certified for this, having an appropriate license.

At the same time, all water meters must comply with the requirements of the standards and be included in the list of permitted for installation in apartments. However, specialists from authorized organizations will offer the owner of the apartment certified water meters, with which there will be no problems.

It is allowed to install the water meter on your own, but the device will not be sealed and registered, so that additional efforts will be required to register it.

Until 2012, in order to install a meter on a pipe, it was necessary to contact the territorial housing department with a statement - the rules for installing water meters in an apartment did not provide otherwise. Now everything can be connected with your own hands.

Install the counter by the representatives of the management company - registration procedure

Nowadays, it is allowed to independently install a water meter in an apartment. But if you nevertheless decide to install a metering device by the company's representatives, then you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Submit an application to the housing and communal office of the affiliation. Here they should offer a choice of a list of specialized organizations that install water meters for water in apartments
2. Next, you need to sign an agreement with the contractors for the implementation of work on the installation of a water meter in the apartment and their further maintenance
3. Upon completion of the installation work in the apartment, an act of acceptance of the equipment is drawn up and its commissioning.
4. Simultaneously with the drawing up of the act, the water meter is sealed.
5. An agreement is concluded with the operating organization on the use of these devices for calculating payments for used water.

Install for free - to whom the law provides free installation of the device

It should be noted that according to the law, a certain group of citizens can install a water meter free of charge.

Free of charge this service can be used by:

• citizens with a total income below the subsistence level;
• participants of the Second World War;
• incapacitated citizens belonging to the first and second groups;
• citizens raising children with disabilities.

In some regions of the country, the local government may supplement this list of citizens who have the right to free replacement under the law (for example, retirees), for completeness of information this must be clarified with the local government.

Installation diagram of a water meter in an apartment

It is possible to install a measuring device for general use only in compliance with all SNiP requirements and in strict accordance with the project. This work is carried out only by specialized organizations. The situation is somewhat different with in-house water meters..

The rules for their installation have not been developed to this day, and it is unlikely that this will happen in the foreseeable future. The only thing is that you must strictly follow the installation instructions set out in the manual attached to the device. Here are some points to adhere to:

1. Water meters in an apartment should be installed in easily accessible places with a prerequisite for direct visual accessibility.

1. It is necessary to maintain the condition of the length of straight sections of the pipeline up to and behind the device.
2. Most water controllers for an apartment are equipped with the necessary nozzles to solve the problem outlined in the previous paragraph.

Water must enter it through the filter (2). The meter (1) is connected to the piping through the coupling (3). In the places where such a unit is connected to the pipeline, shut-off ball valves are installed to ensure that the internal wiring is turned off if repair or replacement is necessary without blocking the riser.

It should be noted that it is preferable to use two types of filters - coarse and fine. This will ensure a longer operation of not only the filters, but the entire system as a whole.

In order not to interrupt the water supply during the repair or calibration of the meter, it is advisable to include in the wiring diagram by-pass with ball valve... It will be a little cheaper to keep an insert of the required length in stock, which can be installed during the repair.

How to choose the right water meter

When choosing a water flow controller, it is necessary, first of all, to take into account the diameter of the internal wiring pipe. Recommended dimensions are indicated in the technical documentation for the meter and this circumstance must be taken into account first of all.

Last but not least, the cost of the meter matters. By purchasing the cheapest of the suitable options, you can miscalculate in another. You also need to consider:

• warranty period and operating time;
• the duration of the calibration period;
• ease of installation and assembly;
• the date of issue of the water meter, because during the time it is on the shelf of the store, its resource is inexorably decreasing.
• type of device - below we will consider in detail the main modifications, here it can be briefly noted that they are non-volatile and powered by the electrical network

The service life of cold water meters is usually about 6 years, and hot water meters - 4 years.

It should be noted that the next calibration of metering devices (after 6 years for cold and 4 years for hot water) rarely gives a positive result. As a rule, water meters are recognized as unsuitable for further operation.

Place of installation of the water meter in the apartment

The generally accepted connection point is at the inlet riser. A shut-off valve is installed first, followed by all other equipment.

It must be remembered that the crane on the riser is in the area of ​​responsibility of the management company. If it is found to be malfunctioning, you should refer to them.

Replacing the water meter in the apartment, at whose expense is it made? No replacement or installation is available free of charge. It is necessary to use the paid service of specialized services or companies for work. If possible, the work can be done independently, but the registration of the device in the apartment and the installation of a seal on it is the concern of the management company.

The rules for replacing water meters are simple:

• after installing the water meter, you must submit an application to the management company for sealing and registering a new device;
• attach a free-form connection diagram to the application;
• a photocopy of the counter's passport is also needed.

Coordination of the arrival time of a specialist who must check the correct installation of the equipment and install seals on the water meter itself and the bypass lever, if installed. Violation of the integrity of the seals automatically prevents the use of meter data, and the charge is made on a general basis according to averaged data.

The signing of the instrument commissioning certificate provides for the mandatory monthly transfer of data to the management organization. Currently, water meters are being produced that are connected to the control network and transmit data in an automatic mode.

You should also ensure that the employees of the management company have access to the meter for control.

According to the norms, such a visit is obligatory no more than 1 time in six months, but if you did not allow the employee to inspect the water meter earlier, this may become a reason for accruing according to the standards.

Tools and materials for self-installation or replacement of a water meter in an apartment

Before installing or replacing the device, it is worth determining the need for materials and checking the availability of the necessary tools. And this is preceded by a thorough examination of the state of the working water meter:

1. Locking valve between the riser and the water meter. It is necessary to make sure that it works, if it does not lock, the replacement event will have to be postponed until the malfunction is corrected by the managing organization in charge of this product. An application to the dispatch office can be sent by phone.
2. The coarse water filter must be checked for throughput. To do this, remove the cover and take out the filter element. It must be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned to ensure the mesh is intact.
3. The check valve is used in this unit only if there is a storage tank in the system.
4. Actually a metering device for water. Its suitability for further use is determined by the results of verification. As a rule, according to its results, the water meter is recognized as unsuitable for further use.
5. Ball valve with internal thread. Its operability is checked by closing and checking for leaks on the nearest console.

The decision on the suitability and further use of the listed parts is made on the basis of their ability to qualitatively perform their main functions.

Watch the video how to make a DIY replacement

If the water meter is being replaced, then first of all it is necessary to dismantle the old system. Threaded connections in water pipes tend to "stick" over time. When disassembling them, damage to the parts at the joints is possible.

To avoid this, before disassembling, it is necessary to treat the threaded connections with a proppant liquid (for example, VD-40). Having applied it to the threaded connections, you need to give time to settle for 10 minutes, and then repeat the operation. The cost of this tool is low, if you manage to save at least one detail, they can be considered justified.

From materials it is also necessary to purchase means for sealing threaded connections. Their use is mandatory. For this purpose are used:

1. The traditional material is linen tow.

1. FUM tape is a fluoroplastic sealing material. It is produced in the form of a tape on spools. It is wound on a thread in several layers. When the mating part is installed, it collapses, filling all irregularities on the surface of the threads and, thus, preventing fluid from seeping.

1. Cord "Tangit Unilok" is a material made of the same fluoroplastic, but in the form of a cord.

In addition to the listed funds, a silicone sealant in the form of a gel is actively used for this purpose, which is desirable to have when replacing the meter with water.

Before starting work, you need to purchase sealing washers made of rubber or silicone. However, a good owner always has them in stock.

To carry out work on installing or replacing a water meter in an apartment, you do not need a large set of tools. It is enough to have a few wrenches.

Adjustable wrenches can also be used, but they are less convenient to use. It should be understood that it is undesirable to use a tool with corrugated jaws, as they cause serious damage to the surface of the parts.

Replacing water meters in an apartment, procedure

First of all, it should be noted that with the massive distribution of water metering devices, there were also massive attempts to make a business based on deception on this. More and more often, in the apartments of the owners of water meters, calls are heard about the time of the next verification and replacement of these devices.

As a rule, representatives of private organizations call, and regardless of the operating period of the operating device. The substitution is presented as planned or forced under various pretexts. When replacing the meter for water in the first How legitimate are these requirements?

You should know that:

There is practically nothing to break in this device, it consists of one moving part that does not have a significant moment of inertia. The change in readings occurs when a magnet, mounted on a turntable, passes. The rotor operates in an aqueous environment that acts as a lubricant, ensuring long-term operation of the mechanism.

As we have already established above, the decision to replace the accounting device is made only by the owner of the apartment in which it is being operated. He is also responsible for the accuracy of the data provided. A critical indicator for the forced replacement of a water meter is the maximum service life specified in the passport.

Above, we have already considered the procedure for replacing the water meter in the apartment. Physically installing a water meter with your own hands is absolutely elementary. It is necessary to unscrew two American nuts of the old device and tighten two new ones. Naturally, you need to use a sealant and replace the gaskets.

There are no differences in the installation of devices for cold and hot water. In general, these two types of meters are practically no different, except for the maximum permissible operating temperatures. For cold and hot, the lower level is 0.1 degrees, and the upper one can differ significantly, therefore it is specified according to passport data.

For hot water, the upper limit is limited to 70-130 degrees. Obviously, a hot water device can be used on a cold line with the same results.

A significant difference is the cost of devices, which is higher for hot water devices. This is due to the use of heat-resistant materials for them, the cost of which is much higher.

Which meter to install in the apartment

Various types of devices can be used to measure water flow:

1. Induction or electromagnetic provide for connection to the mains. The positive aspects include the absence of mechanical components, which determines a long service life. The principle of operation is the use of electrical conductivity of water. He is very picky about the purity of the liquid, which is not a distinctive feature of our water pipes. It has a high price, which does not contribute to its popularity.
2. Ultrasonic water meters work on the principle of comparing the speed of ultrasound propagation in the direction of the flow and against it. They are very demanding on the purity of water and have a high cost. Energy dependent, rarely used.
3. Tachometric devices operate on a fluid flow acting on the impeller. A cycle is every revolution marked by the action of a magnet. Non-volatile, work stably in environments with suspended solids. But since contamination contributes to increased wear of the impeller, a coarse fluid filter must be installed in front of the water meter. Affordable and most popular.
4. Impulse- work with the use of a reed switch closing the low-current circuit at each revolution. There is a dial gauge duplicated by a digital scale with flow rates. The device is volatile and requires a network connection. In terms of price indicators, it is budgetary, which is the reason for its popularity.
5. Vortex The devices operate on the principle of measuring the flow velocity behind a specially shaped obstacle. The flow characteristics are analyzed by a special electronic device. Volatile, roads.

From the above characteristics, it is obvious that the most acceptable devices for use in our conditions are simple and reliable non-volatile tachometric instruments.

Samples of documents for registration of water meters

The proposed forms of documents for the replacement of water meters are optional. Many management companies have their own ways of formalizing the process. Therefore, it is better to get acquainted with them directly in these organizations.

The final act of registration of the replacement of metering devices for water in the apartment is the sealing of the meter.

Sealing water meters

The very fact of placing a seal on the water meter is a confirmation of the correctness of the work performed, and the use of their permitted type.

Therefore, the right to perform such an action is entrusted to special organizations - the local Gorvodokanal or HOA (may differ by region). To initiate such an action, the user of the device submits an application to this organization, where the date and time of arrival of the specialist is agreed.

After installing the seal on the water meter and bypass (if any), an appropriate act is drawn up, which is the basis for the transfer of the management company to the calculation of payment for water at its actual consumption. The meter reading and data transmission of the CC is carried out by the consumer himself.

We examined in detail how to install water meters in an apartment. It is troublesome, but worth your attention, which will be reflected in your water bills. And every home master can install the device with his own hands.

Watch DIY installation video

Recordings

Are you thinking about installing a water meter against the backdrop of a regular increase in tariffs? Agree that it would be nice to use it to determine the consumption of water resources and significantly reduce the cost of paying for the use of hot and cold water. You do not want to call a master from the utility service for installation, but plan to do all the work on your own, but have never done this before?

We will show you how to independently install water meters, where to start and what rules should be followed when putting them into operation. The article proposes a diagram of the correct connection of water meters, a step-by-step installation process with visual photographs and video tips from experienced craftsmen is considered.

We also paid attention to the legal aspect of self-assembly - we told in detail which statements and other documents and to which organizations should be referred.

Installing a water meter is the first step towards rational consumption of communal resources and competent management of the family budget. After all, the volume of the saved cubic meters will directly depend on the amount indicated in the receipt.

The widespread installation of metering devices also disciplines the workers of the water utility, not allowing them to uncontrollably write off the losses resulting from the operation of worn-out networks on residents.

Image gallery

You may also find useful information about the existing types of counters, discussed in our article:

When purchasing a product, make sure of two parameters:

1. The serial number on the water meter must correspond to that indicated in the passport.
2. On the seal, the device must have an imprint of the State Standard.
3. The date of the factory check must be recorded in the passport for the device.

At the time of purchase of the goods, the seller must stamp the store and indicate the date of sale.

The best option is if there is not too long an interval between the date of the factory check of the meter and its sale.

The purchased device must be checked by contacting one of the following organizations:

• department of the housing office;
• water utility management;
• private licensed firm.

To carry out the check, the device is handed over together with a technical passport. Upon completion of the procedure, the passport will be stamped with the checking organization and all the relevant fields will be filled in. In parallel with this, the date of the sealing will be set.

Keep in mind that it is forbidden to damage the instrumentation seal, otherwise it will simply not be accepted at the water utility. If you accidentally damaged the factory seal, the department can still accept the device.

But, if there is no instrumentation seal, then the meter data is considered invalid.

The equipment connection plan will clearly describe the sequence for installing the parts.

There is nothing complicated about it. Traditionally, the "garland" looks like this: the first comes the shut-off valve, after it is a collapsible filter, followed by the water meter itself and the check valve completes the "chain".

Installing the water meter yourself

In advance, on the day when the water meter is supposed to be inserted, it is necessary to write a statement in the name of the organization serving your house in order to call a plumber to temporarily shut off the water supply in the riser.

Stage # 1 - choosing a place for placement

When choosing a place for the installation, it is necessary to assess the current state of the pipelines and determine whether there is wiring from the risers.

Metering devices can be placed both horizontally and vertically..

The task of the wizard is to provide free access to inspect the device.

The meter is placed as close as possible to the place where the highway enters the bathroom. For private houses, this parameter is 20 cm from the exit point of the pipeline.

In most cases, meters are mounted on pipes that drain water from a common riser, trying to place them immediately after the shut-off taps

Most often, the device is placed near the toilet or under the washbasin. The distance of the straight section, which must be set aside before inserting the device, is written in the meter's data sheet.

According to the requirements for the installation of metering devices, if the shut-off valves are old, they must be replaced with more reliable ones without fail.

Ball valves of various markings are used for HV and GW pipelines: for hot water - DN25, and for cold water - DN15.

The ball valve is equipped with an internal thread on one side and an external thread on the other; it is used to screw on the coarse filter

For installation, it is better to use high-quality taps from trusted manufacturers that are able to withstand operating temperatures reaching 100 ° C and above, and high operating pressure.

Stage # 2 - purchasing the necessary components

The number of water meters is calculated based on the number of risers located in the apartment.

To simplify the task of inserting a meter according to the scheme, you should clearly understand for yourself the purpose of each node of the system:

1. Stopcock- "advanced" intra-apartment pipeline. To overlap polypropylene pipes, plastic taps are cut in, for metal and metal-plastic - brass models.
2. Purifying filter- protects the equipment from large suspensions and therefore needs periodic flushing. Available in two versions: straight and oblique.
3. Check valve- prevents the reverse unwinding of the device back in the event of a sudden stop of the water supply.

The ball valve can only be in two positions: open / closed.

The presence of a check valve immediately behind the meter is a prerequisite when connecting a water meter.

Placing this device right after the counter prevents the possibility of starting the air flow against the movement of water, which is often used by some unscrupulous "craftsmen" when unwinding the device.

Vodokanal inspectors always check the presence of this valve and, without it, never allow the device to be put into operation.

Of the tools for carrying out the work, you will need:

• grinder (angle grinder);
• soldering iron;
• scissors or hacksaw;
• gas and adjustable wrench;
• FUM-tape or tow;
• corners and bends;
• couplings (to change to another size).

Stems and corners will be needed to connect the device to the water pipe. If desired, they can be replaced with flexible hoses made of rubber or rubber, the outer walls of which are covered with an aluminum or nylon braid.

The flow meter must be supplied with "American" and O-rings.

"American" is a connecting fitting equipped with a union nut, the main purpose of which is to remove the device without harm to the elements of the water supply system

When planning to embed a meter for hot water, you will additionally need to purchase paranite gaskets, and if the water meter is for cold water, rubber seals. Tow and FUM-tape will help to ensure the tightness of the connections of the American women with the check valve.

Stage # 3 - installation and connection of the water meter

The easiest way is to install a water meter, made of metal-plastic or polypropylene pipes. The polymer is easily cut with special scissors, the upper part of which is equipped with a sharp knife, and the lower part is equipped with a pipe holder.

You may also be interested in the information about and the rules for its conduct, set out in our article ..

But in the future, it is only necessary to hand over the metering device for inspection every four years and enjoy the benefits of civilization without overpaying significant amounts.

Have you been installing water meters? Tell us what difficulties you had to overcome while doing this.

Perhaps you have encountered problems when registering the device with a water supply organization? Your experience will be of interest to many users who are just thinking about buying meters. Leave your comments in the block below this article.

According to the adopted law, all homeowners must install water metering devices. Deadlines are constantly shifting, but sooner or later they will have to be set. There are a decent number of organizations that can do this for you. For a fee, of course. Some operational campaigns offer to do this for free and are even willing to provide a counter. But the accounts for these water meters come from space - the indicators are too high. Therefore, installing water meters with your own hands is the best way out if you do not want to pay the company for services.

Is it profitable or not

It is no longer necessary to ponder whether a water meter is needed or not - a law has been passed according to which everyone is obliged to install it. But many are wondering how beneficial it is. If the number of people living in the apartment is as many as prescribed or less, the installation of the meter is beneficial. It is also beneficial if, say, someone moves to a summer cottage for the summer or spends a vacation there. If the situation is diametrically opposite - fewer people are registered than they live, it is not profitable for you to set a meter. But there is no getting away from this.

How large the savings will be for permanent residence depends on the calculation method adopted in your management company and how intensively you use the water. At least you will save about 30%, but there were cases when payments after installation decreased significantly. This can be if there is a common metering device on the house. In this case, according to the results of the month, the consumption of those tenants who have meters installed is deducted from the total readings, and the remainder is divided between the remaining apartments according to the number of registered people. Usually, those who actually have more people than it is prescribed do not install counters. In this case, the consumption per month per person can be 8-10 cubic meters of cold and about the same amount of hot water. In fact, even if you do not particularly economize, you get about 3 cubes of cold and 2 cubes of hot. So there really is a sense.

Should you install it yourself or through a firm?

According to the current legislation, the installation of water meters is at the expense of the home owner. That is, you have to buy a meter, install it at your own expense. Installed water meters are sealed by representatives of the water utility or DEZ free of charge.

Self-installation procedure

Self-installation of water meters is possible. Nobody should object. You just have to do everything with your own hands - and put the meter, and call the representative of the housing office to seal it. What you need:

All papers are considered, a standard contract is filled out, you sign it, it is considered that you pay for water by the meter.

How to hire a good firm and what they should do

There are two ways to find a company that is engaged in the installation of water meters: take the list in the DEZ or find it on the Internet yourself. The list will already contain licensed firms, but obviously not all of them that work in this area. On the Internet, it is imperative to check for a license. A copy of it should be posted on the site.

Then, in any case, you should read the standard contract that the company will conclude with you. It should contain a full list of services. The conditions may be different - someone provides their own meter, someone puts yours, someone comes with their spare parts, someone works with what the owner has. By combining the list of services provided and make a choice.

Previously, the contract included a clause on service maintenance, and without it, the companies did not want to install meters. Today this item is recognized as illegal, since there is no need to maintain the meter, and it should not be in the agreement, and if there is, you have the right to refuse these services and not pay for them.

Preparing for installation

If you have chosen not a certain campaign, you must leave them a request. There are two options - some firms accept applications on their website and may even offer a discount for this, while others prefer to see you in the office and sign an agreement.

In any case, first a representative of the campaign comes (you agree on the date and time of arrival), inspects the "field of activity", assesses the condition of the pipes, makes measurements, and often takes photos of communications. All this is necessary in order to be able to develop a meter connection diagram and quickly assemble it. Then you should call and clarify the date and time of installation of the water meter. In this conversation, you need to find out who negotiates the disconnection of risers with an operational campaign. Normal firms take it upon themselves.

Installation of water meters by representatives of the campaign

At the appointed time, a representative of the campaign (sometimes two) arrives and does the work. In theory, they should agree with you on what and how to stage, but this does not always happen. At the end of the work (it usually takes about 2 hours), they give you a certificate of completion and a special paper on which the serial numbers of the metering devices are written. After that, you must call a representative of the govodokanal or DEZ to seal the meter (different organizations are engaged in this in different regions). Sealing of meters is a free service, you only need to agree on the time.

In the certificate that was given to you during installation, the initial meter readings must be entered (they differ from zero, since the device is calibrated at the factory). With this act, a photocopy of the organization's license and the passport of your water meter, you go to the DEZ, sign a standard contract.

How to transfer data

You will need to transfer actual consumption data on a monthly basis. In different regions, the procedure is implemented in different ways, but basically there are several ways:

• the leaves torn off and filled in from the subscription book are lowered into special boxes;
• leave data in the personal account on the website of the water supplying organization;
• send e-mails with testimonies to a special address of the organization.

There may be other ways - each water utility or DEZ develops them itself. If there are several ways, you choose the one that is easier for you.

Water meter readings can be transferred to the campaign website, dropped into a special box on their email address or tear-off vouchers

Water meter installation diagram

It doesn't matter whether you install the meter through a company or do it yourself, you need to know how the correct scheme should look like - it is very desirable to control the process.

Where and how to install: choosing a place for a water meter

Counters are installed immediately after the riser in a straight section before the first branch to plumbing fixtures. There are water meters that can be installed only in a horizontal position, there are models with the possibility of vertical installation. Just keep in mind that in the horizontal position the accuracy of the device is higher than in the vertical one and it is not a fact that it will count less. So it is highly desirable to find a way to put it “lying down”.

What and why should be in the scheme

The standard scheme for installing a water meter looks like this:

Now more about what each element is needed for.

A ball stop valve is needed to turn off the water if necessary - repair the mixer, clean the filter, change the meter, etc. Therefore, its presence is required. It must be placed so that it is convenient to turn the valve.

The coarse filter captures the largest particles in the water supply. It must be installed so that the branch is directed downward. Otherwise, it will quickly clog.

All of these elements most often have an internal thread. So that they can be connected to each other, connecting elements are used, which are often called "sgons". They have an external thread on both sides and a small section of a flat pipe (in some versions, only a few millimeters in general). with their help, everything is connected to each other.

Optional schema elements

Often a check valve is installed after the meter. It is required so that in the absence of parsing, the water does not go in the opposite direction. It also excludes an increase in the reading in the presence of unstable pressure.

It cuts off two more unpleasant situations: and prevents cold water from flowing into from one pipeline to another. This happens if someone has a hygienic shower on the riser (on a toilet or bidet), a shower cabin with cheap mixers. Check valves are not provided in them and such overflow is possible.

Check valve circuit

If the pressure of cold water is higher than that of hot water, then cold water reduces the DHW temperature, and in the opposite situation, hot water can flow from the cold water tap. Therefore, the installation of a check valve for both cold and hot water is highly desirable, but not required.

Sometimes it is recommended to install another shut-off valve after the check valve. It is needed so that when removing the meter or when cleaning the same filter, the water from the pipes in the apartment does not drain onto the floor. In principle, you can substitute a container, but this is not always possible. The water in the pipes of an ordinary apartment is about 6 liters, collecting from the floor is not the most pleasant experience. But this element of the strapping is installed or not at the request of the owner.

There is another device that can be installed - a pressure reducer. It stabilizes system pressure, extending the life of all appliances and taps / mixers. Placed after the coarse filter. Not the cheapest thing, but very useful.

Some subtleties and nuances

When buying a meter, you need to make sure that the number in your passport matches the number stamped on the water meter. The device must also bear the certification mark. The passport must contain a stamp with the date of the factory calibration. The fresher the date, the better - the more likely you will not be forced to verify it before installing. Another necessary detail is the store record of the sale with a stamp. In the event of a meter malfunction, you will be given an act with which you can demand its replacement.

It is also highly desirable that the date of the factory calibration was "fresher" - you do not have to carry the device longer for verification.

Installation features

When installing meters on water, all threaded connections must be sealed - the pressure in the lines is serious. For this, linen or fum tape is used. If you use a winding, wound on the thread, it is advisable to lubricate it with packing paste - it will be easier to work. Fum tape does not need lubrication, it is elastic itself.

One important point: when tightening the connections, do not use excessive force - micro cracks may appear, which then lead to a leakage of the connection.

If you have steel pipes from the outlet of the riser, you will need welding or a grinder to cut off a piece that is now unnecessary. You will also need to cut the threads at the end of the branch pipe (if it is not there) - this is the only way to connect the shut-off valve. On the reverse side, the situation is the same - either a transition fitting or threading is required.

Flow direction

When assembling all parts, note that each has an arrow on the body. It may not be there except on the ball valve, since it does not matter which direction to pass the water in. Although, if installed incorrectly, the handle will have to be turned in the other direction, but this is not fatal. For other devices - meter, filter, check valve and reducer - the direction of flow is critical. Therefore, when assembling, expose them so that the water flow follows the arrow. This is really important.

If there is no arrow on the body of the listed parts, most likely in front of you is the cheapest and, possibly, low-quality part. If possible, it is better to replace it with a normal one, if not, find out the direction of the flow yourself, by examining the structure, you can understand where the flow should move.

As you can see, installing water meters with your own hands is real, but there are a fairly large number of features. And one more thing: when you agree to turn off the risers, ask not for two hours, but rather four. And pre-assemble everything without reeling, measure the length, figure out where and how everything will fit, draw where to cut off, weld, put the retaining clips (if the pipeline is from), etc. In general, do as much preparation as possible. In this case, self-installation of water meters will take place with a minimum of hassle.

Related Videos

• Which flow meter to choose
• Installation features
• Checking and sealing
• Where to install the counter
• Installation procedure
• Commissioning
• Some nuances

Installation of water meters is a pressing issue. According to the legislation, such a flow meter must be installed in every home. You can do such work in two ways: hire a company that specializes in this, or do it yourself. The first option suits very few people, since the services of professionals are not cheap. As for the second option, not every owner knows how to properly install water meters.

Which flow meter to choose

Do-it-yourself installation of a water meter begins with the choice of a device. There is a wide range of such products on the market. Turbine mechanical devices are considered the best option. They are inexpensive and reliable. As for modern electronic flow meters, although they look cool, they often fail. As a result, you will have to replace the water meter, which will entail money and time costs.

Cold and hot water meters have some design differences. This can be seen in their belts. So, a “hot” water meter has a red belt, and a “cold” one - blue. The red belt flow meter is suitable for both hot and cold water. The problem is that it costs an order of magnitude more expensive than its "brother". If a flow meter with a blue belt is put on hot water, then the inspector will not be able to take it into operation.

It is better to buy ordinary flow meters for an apartment. They have corresponding certificates. Therefore, there will be no problems with commissioning. When buying, it is worth checking if the kit contains all the elements used during installation. Unfair market sellers open the kit and sell the parts separately from the main product. Therefore, it is better to make a purchase in special stores. The complete set consists of:

• filter;
• connector with nipples - 2 pcs.;
• cap nuts;
• check valve;
• gaskets.

When purchasing a water meter, it is worth checking if there is a passport in the kit. It is printed using a typographic method and sealed with a factory stamp. The serial number of the product and the passport number must be identical. If instead of a passport there is a xeroxed piece of paper, then you will need to pay extra during the check.

Shut-off valves: why and which is better

Hot cold water meters are often equipped with special shut-off valves. There is a special hole on the tap, which is used for sealing. If a plastic pipeline with welded joints is arranged in an apartment or house, then the water meter is installed without a seal. Of course, the last word rests with the inspector of the city water utility.

When buying, it is also worth checking the type of crane. If it is silumin, then problems may arise in the future. The fact is that such products are subject to sudden destruction from corrosion. This is dangerous because the destruction of this element will lead to a leak, and there will be nothing to shut off the water. Therefore, it is better to purchase a water meter with a metal-plastic shut-off valve that can serve for a long period.

Installation features

When installing a water meter with your own hands, you need to take into account some of the nuances:

• If the apartment where the flow meter will be installed has a fire drainage system, then you will need another valve. It is installed on the bypass pipe and sealed. According to all standards, firefighters must carry out this work. Therefore, you need to warn them in advance about the installation of a water meter. Of course, if necessary, work can be done independently.
• There are also problems with hot water supply, which are made according to a two-pipe scheme. Such systems are extremely rare. Here you will need to additionally mount a bypass valve on the circulation pipe. Otherwise, cold water meters will constantly work and count cubic meters of water that are not actually used.
• The temperature regime in the room where the meter is installed is also important. The temperature should be at least 5 degrees Celsius. This is especially true for private houses, when devices are installed on the street or in the basement. At low temperatures, the hot water meter may be damaged.

Installation diagram of a water meter in a multi-storey building using a pressure reducer.

These nuances must be taken into account before proceeding with the installation. Otherwise, problems may arise that will lead to a malfunction of the device or to errors in measuring the consumed water.

The pressure reducer is used to reduce the pressure to a nominal 5 atmospheres.

Self-installation of water meters begins with checking them. There is no need to ask the seller for a device with all zeros and a check. Initial readings are recorded when the meter is put into operation. With regard to performance, everything is pretty simple here. If, as a result of the check, it turns out that the meter is faulty, then the owner is issued an expert opinion. With such a document, he can easily change the device. The exceptions are cases when the product was purchased from hands without issuing any documents.

When buying a water meter, it is very important that there is a passport for the meter. It is imperative to look at the date of manufacture of the water meter, since it is this date that can be indicated as a check. For cold water meters, check after 6 years. For hot ones after 4 years.

The check of the meters is carried out in the instrumentation service. You can find it in the housing office or in the water utility. You can also use the services of specialized firms. Regardless, the check is carried out free of charge, which is in accordance with the law. All the information of interest will be provided by the engineer of the housing office.

Counters are handed over for verification with a factory passport that came with the device. At the end of the check, a stamp from the relevant service is put in the passport. The service is obliged to take any device for inspection, even if there are no relevant documents for it. This is indicated in legislative acts.

Interesting: If the device is "left", then you will need to pay extra for the check, as a result of which the corresponding documents will be issued.

The instrumentation control service must indicate the time when the instrument will be sealed. If, as a result of transportation of the device, the seal is damaged, the engineer may refuse to accept the meter into operation. When the check is carried out, you can start solving the question of how to install water meters.

Where to install the counter

Before starting work, you need to choose a place to install the water meter. It is best to do this as close as possible to the entry of the pipeline into an enclosed space. The fact is that if there is a possibility of connecting to the pipeline in front of the flow meter, then the inspector can refuse to seal. This is due to the fact that there is a great risk that water will be consumed without consideration. It is better to resolve the issue with a specialized organization. This problem will fall on their shoulders. But, if the connection of water meters is carried out independently, then you will have to think carefully about where it is best to do this.

As practice shows, there are many schemes for installing cold water meters. So, the inspector can take it into operation if it is installed near the consumer or half a meter from him. If this is not possible, then the water meter is mounted in the wrong place. Before making any decisions, you need to consult with experts on how to install a water meter.

Interesting: In some cases, the water supply line may be incorrectly laid, which, as a result, will not allow the device to be installed in the right place. It is better to agree on such nuances with the housing office engineer who serves the house.

Do-it-yourself water meter connection in private houses is more seriously monitored. So, the device should be no more than 20 cm from the wall where the pipe comes out. If we are talking about a private house, then there are some features. So, a water well located on the territory should be in a capital structure with a metal cover that fits snugly. A seal is also placed on it to prevent it from cutting into the pipeline and consuming water bypassing the meter. If you need access to the well, you will need to unseal it. So, in detail, how to install a water meter, you can find out by watching the video below?

Installation procedure

The correct installation of water meters is carried out according to a certain scheme. There should be no water intake devices up to the stopcock. If the pipeline is made of metal pipes, then the first and last joints are insulated with waterproofing. The rest use conventional seals. Installation is carried out in the following sequence:

• Ball shut-off valve. If necessary, it allows you to shut off the water supply to consumers located in this room. When it comes to welded plastic water pipes, the flow meter can be moved back a little.
• Mesh filter. With its help, fine suspension is collected. This protects the meter from blockage. According to technical conditions, this element is installed in the water supply system of both city apartments and country houses.
• Counter. The name speaks for itself. The main thing is to correctly install the water meter.
• Check valve. Provided by technical conditions and prevents the reverse unwinding of the water meter.

Coarse water filter

Particular attention is paid to the installation of the filter. If the flowmeter is installed in a horizontal pipeline, then the filter branch pipe is positioned downward. In a vertical water supply, it should stick out to the side. This prevents clogging of the water meter when cleaning the filter. To carry out the installation work, you will need an adjustable wrench and tow to seal the threaded connections. Now, probably, everyone knows how to install a water meter yourself.

Installation diagram of a water meter in an apartment with low water pressure.

It is important to know that a check valve must be installed in order to avoid a pressure difference in the water supply and overflow of water from cold to hot or vice versa.

There are meter models in which a check valve is already provided in the kit. But it is so miniature that it is better to install a full-fledged check valve.

Commissioning

After the flow meter is installed, it is necessary to check the piping for leaks. If they are not there, then you need to immediately contact the water utility and find out when the inspector will come to seal the device. Until the moment the seal is in place, water is charged at the old rate. The water meter sealing scheme looks very simple.

The inspector has only three working days for sealing. To carry out the procedure, you will need an act of checking the water meter and a technical passport. There is no need to provide any documents confirming that the installation was carried out by the appropriate specialists. Therefore, do not worry if this work was carried out on your own.

Important: The inspector has no right to demand from the consumer that the installation of the water meter is carried out by specialists.

When sealing, the inspector draws up an act of putting the flow meter into operation, which indicates the initial readings. At the end of the procedure, a vodokanal employee provides a service contract. It needs to be carefully studied, as there are known cases of fraud. So it may contain a subscription fee for service, as well as information that the consumer is obliged to periodically provide a water meter for verification at his own expense.

Some nuances

In order to protect yourself from problems in the future, it is worth considering some of the problems that may arise during the operation of the water meter:

• If there is a need to clean the filter, then this should be reported to specialists. They are obliged to carry out all relevant work free of charge. Under no circumstances should the seal be torn off.
• If the seal was still broken, then you need to submit an application to the water utility. You will have to pay for re-filling. But, this is better than paying a fine.
• If necessary, the consumer can conduct an unscheduled inspection of the product. This is done in cases where there is a suspicion that the counting is incorrect. The check is free of charge.

Given such features and observing some rules, you can save yourself from various kinds of problems. As for the process of installing the water meter itself, you can do it yourself without any help. The main thing is to choose the right product and prepare the tools. Details about the water supply system.

Video: The installation of the counter / Correct installation of a water meter with your own hands in 13 minutes

Video: Water meters. How to install it yourself and what you need to know. / Water counters.

Video: How to install water meters

To control water consumption, it is imperative to include devices for measuring water consumption in the water supply circuit, namely, to install water meters with parameters that comply with current standards.

Agree that such a device will not only allow you to control the real consumption and pay only for the used water, but also teach you how to save this resource.

But first you need to buy it and, observing the rules for installing water meters, connect it correctly. And how to do this - we will consider in detail in the article. Here are the basic installation rules with illustrative photos of the individual stages of the device installation.

As an addition to the main material of our article, we have selected video recommendations for self-installation of meters. After all, metering devices are allowed to be installed with their own hands, but with the permission of the services performing the sealing.

Devices for recording water consumption in a particular residential facility are installed on the communication networks of apartments and houses connected to centralized water supply systems.

Installation rules have been developed for management companies with a number of requirements and a commissioning procedure. Although the installation, if desired, can be done with your own hands.

They are easy to use, but fail quickly in the intermediate state between “closed” and “open”.

Before proceeding with the installation of a water flow meter, it is necessary to think over the scheme of its installation and stock up on the necessary parts

A coarse filter is used to prevent large insoluble particles such as grains of sand contained in water from entering the mechanism of the device.

Filters for mechanical purification of the flow are of two types, straight and oblique (only oblique is used to install the meter).

The check valve serves mainly to prevent unwinding of the meter readings, and also, in the absence of parsing, prevents water from flowing in the opposite direction.

If necessary, American women will help to dismantle the water meter without consequences for the water supply system.

Also, other elements can be installed in the water meter unit. They are optional but will be very helpful.

This is a shut-off valve after the check valve (so that when the meter is removed, the water does not drain onto the floor), a pressure reducer is installed after the coarse filter, which stabilizes the pressure in the system, extends the life of household appliances.

Before installing water meters, you must carefully prepare the workplace and stock up on the necessary tools for the entire cycle of work

Now the water meter itself:

• When buying, it is necessary to verify the identity of the numbers in the passport and their counterparts stamped on the water meter.
• It is necessary to make sure that there is a certificate and a stamp in the passport with the date of factory verification.
• And it's nice to take a sales receipt in the store and issue a guarantee, in the event of a malfunction, if there is an act and a receipt, the counter must be replaced.

Try to purchase a water meter in a specialized store, and not on the market, it will be easier to replace it in case of breakdown.

After making sure that you have everything you need, you can start installing the water meter.

Before purchasing a measuring device, you must carefully study its passport. It contains not only the characteristics of the technical device, but also information about the performed verifications.

Water meter installation technology

You can install a water meter either independently or ask for help from specialized institutions, a management company, or a structural department of a water utility.

When choosing a company, make sure that you have a license and provide a warranty period of service, read the reviews.

If you do not trust the work of others and are confident in your abilities, then you can, only consult with the specialists from the water utility first, whether you will be allowed to install the meter yourself, usually it is not prohibited.

Regardless of who will install the water meter, the procedure for installing the meter on water will not change:

• Before starting the installation, you must turn off the water in the riser. You should submit an application to the management company or, if there is a shut-off valve, close it yourself.
• It is necessary to determine the installation scheme of the unit and its position (vertical or horizontal).
• Then you need to connect the stopcock and the coarse filter (without plumbing winding) in such a way that the filter pipe with the mesh is directed to the bottom, we determine the number of turns when twisting.
• Now you need to remove the filter again and completely assemble the entire assembly, taking into account the number of turns, while applying the winding.

All threaded connections are carefully wrapped with sealing tape and treated with plumbing mastic.

When assembling, pay attention to the water meter, there are marks in the form of arrows on it.

The direction of the arrows must coincide with the direction of water flow through the device, otherwise the operation of the installed meter will be incorrect, which is why the representative of the water utility will not accept such work.

It is important to ensure the required position of each element. In the direction of the water flow, it looks like this: a shut-off valve, a coarse filter, a water meter, a check valve.

When installing, pay attention to the order of the elements in the unit, it must coincide with the direction of the water flow

The next stage is the preparation of the pipeline for the installation of the system. This is a rather pedantic process, since the length of the assembled unit must match the length of the existing pipeline with a minimum error.

Of course, you can use flexible eyeliner, but it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing.

Before cutting the pipe, it is advisable to substitute a basin or other container, the water remaining in the system will be drained into it.

Depending on the pipes, it will be necessary in the case of metal pipes, or it will be necessary to use fittings in the case of polypropylene pipes.

You may also find useful information about the rules, which is given in our other article.

The final stage is the insertion of the water meter unit into the water supply system. We install the assembly we assembled into the prepared system, while you need to seal all threaded connections using linen liner or Fum tape.

When tightening threaded connections, do not apply great force, this can lead to the formation of microcracks and subsequent leakage. If everything is done correctly, then there will be no drips when water is supplied, you can proceed to installing the seal.

Cutting into the system using a flexible hose, less laborious, but more costly

Sealing and technical documentation

After you have installed the metering unit, checked the serviceability of its operation, the question arises, how to properly seal the water meter? You should find out who is doing this, whether it is possible to put the seal yourself.

It is worth entrusting the installation of the seal to specially trained people: representatives of a water utility or a management company. To do this, you must submit an application for the acceptance of a metering device.

Do not hesitate with the application, despite the installed meter, the water consumption will still be determined to the maximum before the official registration.

Installation of a seal is a free procedure... You should not install it yourself, you still have to call a representative of the management company.

Over a period of time, usually from three to five days, a local government representative is sent at your request. For normal working contact with him, you must have a verification certificate and a meter passport with you.

The duties of a specialist include checking the correctness of the installation procedure for the water metering unit and all its components, and the integrity of the unit's elements is also checked.

The representative of the water utility does not have the right to control the qualifications of the person installing the meter.

After checking and sealing the unit (with his own seal), the inspector will draw up an act of commissioning, where he will enter the initial meter readings and provide you with a service contract.

After carefully reading the contract, making sure that everything suits you, put your signature.

It is not allowed to use the data taken from the meter in utility calculations, if a seal is not installed or there is no polymer film with an imprint of a verification mark applied to it.

After signing the contract, you start paying for the water by the meter. From the documents, the owners should have one copy of the service contract and the act of putting the meter into operation.

It is also necessary to leave a technical passport and a certificate of calibration of the water meter. An employee of the management company will need a technical passport; it is better to make a photocopy in advance.

There are times when re-filling is required. For example, the service life of the devices has ended, the floor of one of the elements of the unit, the addition of a new element to the system.

Therefore, it is better to store documents separately from other papers so that in case of an unforeseen situation they are at hand.

Operational problems and solutions

During the operation of the water metering unit, some problems may arise. Let's consider their types and possible solutions.

Whatever the problem, it is not recommended to troubleshoot yourself. Use the services of specialists - this will save you time and money.

High-quality sealing, a guarantee of long-term service, but do not overdo it. A large amount of rewinding can cause leaks.

Symptoms and remedies:

1. Water flows poorly through the water meter... The coarse filter may be clogged. It is necessary to call a representative of the management company to eliminate the defect, he is obliged to clean the filter and re-seal it free of charge. Do not do it yourself under any circumstances, breaking the seal is tantamount to the loss of the warranty.
2. Broken seal. Don't fix it yourself. Notify the management company shortly. You will have to pay for re-sealing, but these are trifles compared to fines if the inspector finds out that the seal has been torn off. It will be necessary to pay the full amount according to the tariff from the moment of the last check (maybe several years), as well as the penalty for the absence of an application.
3. Water flows through the meter, but the reading is not recorded. Perhaps there was a breakdown of the counting or rotary mechanism. If you are sure that the water meter is faulty, then you are entitled to a free unscheduled check. This is if the warranty period has not expired.

During the inspection period, the payment for water is calculated according to the average statistical minimum for the region. Verification can take up to several months, sometimes it is easier to buy a new one.

Do not postpone the installation of a water meter - this will help you save up to 30% of the monthly payment

The insertion of individual water meters is becoming an integral procedure in every home, the process is not so much time consuming as troublesome, but it is quite justifiable.

Observing the order in the sequence of works on installing the water meter, you not only save about 30% every month, but also there is an incentive for the rational use of water.

You may also find useful information about and features of this procedure.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video will clearly show the assembly process for assembling cold and hot water measuring devices:

The unequivocal conclusion is that the installation of meters is beneficial for every family, since water becomes more and more expensive every quarter, and supplies of clean fresh water are becoming less and less.

Installing a metering device with your own hands or calling a specialist is a personal matter. As you can see from the step-by-step instructions given in our article, you can carry out the installation yourself, by carefully studying the general recommendations and buying a meter and accessories that will be useful during the installation process.

And although the representative of the water supply company, when sealing, has no right to be interested in the qualifications of the master who installs the meter, but in practice, users are faced with different situations.