Today in the services market you can find a large number of various devices for calculating the amount of water used per month. They differ not only in price, but also in quality, accuracy, principle of action. Which water meter is best to buy?
Ultrasonic counter
The most important difference between all existing meters is the principle of their operation. An ultrasonic counter measures the time it takes for the ultrasound to travel in the direction of the water flow and against it.
Piezoelectric sensors emit and receive signals alternately. A special chip processes information quickly. Most often, the ultrasonic counter is non-volatile. If your home has frequent power outages and you don’t know which water meter is better, choose an ultrasonic device. Since ultrasound travels through a liquid medium, it is safe for humans and pets.
Electromagnetic counter
The principle of operation of this device was presented to us by the physical law of Faraday. A fundamental part of the device is a coil, which independently induces a magnetic field. When water passes between the poles of this magnet, an electromotive force appears. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the speed of movement of the water stream. So, following the laws of physics, the device measures the amount of water passing through it and writes data to an archive that is not afraid of a power outage. Very often, an electromagnetic device is an anti-magnetic water meter.
Many manufacturers are aware that consumers have learned how to stop meters with special magnets and are trying their best to prevent unauthorized use of water.
Tachometric and resonance counters
In a tachometer counter, the force of water movement rotates the wheel. Mechanically, it transfers information to a counting device. If a reed transmitter is installed in the device, the account is automatically executed. Tachometric water meters, the price of which ranges from about 600 to 15 thousand rubles, are very economical. The resonance device has a special swirl that directs water jets into the auxiliary channels. About the speed of water movement allows us to judge the frequency of the transfer of jets, which regulates the piezoelectric sensor.
Absolutely all water meters are divided into mechanical and electronic.
Pros and cons of mechanical metering devices
Mechanical water meters, the price of which is cheaper than the price of electronic devices, are purchased by people who do not want to spend a lot of money on water accounting. Mechanical counters are accurate (the error is usually zero or very small), they last a very long time (up to 12 years). They are reliable, even in the event of a breakdown, repairs will not be expensive. The size of the device is small, but the information panel is large, which is convenient for taking meter readings for elderly and visually impaired people. The mechanical counter is easy to install and remove if necessary. Also, the device does not need batteries or a network connection.
What are its cons? The quality and purity of water can affect the accuracy of the measurement. The device is sensitive to electromagnetic fields.
Electronic meters
What are good and bad electronic water meters and what is a better water meter? A big plus of the electronic device is its independence from the quality and composition of the water running through the pipes. It is insensitive to magnetic fields. If you agree with the water supplier, you can set up a multi-tariff payment network in the apartment. You can put the meter on the water vertically or horizontally, while only the upper part of the device, the analytical module, is visible. Among the disadvantages of the device, its high price is highlighted. On average, an electronic water meter is five times more expensive than a mechanical one (we are talking about devices manufactured in Russia). Also, such a device must be connected to the mains.
Which water meter is better for each person individually. If it is fundamentally important for you to own a modern device that has additional functions, and you are ready to pay for it - purchase an electronic water meter. If you are a supporter of the traditional way of life, a mechanical water meter will suit you.
Water meter with temperature sensor
Typically, utilities do not care about what temperature the water comes from the tap, presenting a bill for hot water.
Often the temperature regime is simply not respected. If you want to save money, install a water meter with a temperature sensor in the apartment.
The multi-tariff meter consists of a hot and cold water meter, a temperature sensor and an electronic calculator. Water that passes through the turbine rotates it. The speed is recorded by the calculator.
The temperature sensor constantly measures the temperature of the supplied water. A multifunctional water meter helps you save a considerable amount of money, and it is also resistant to contaminated water. A huge plus of the device is the ability to display in any convenient place for the owner. The disadvantage of the device is its high price (from about five thousand rubles). Often the management company does not want to register a multifunction meter. In this case, permission can be obtained through the court.
Additional selection criteria
Often it is important for the owner, from what material the apparatus for calculating the consumed water in the apartment is made.
Most often, water meters are made of various metals:
- Brass, bronze - guarantee counter strength, reliability, durability. These materials are not afraid of aggressive water, perhaps only calcification of the ducts.
- Stainless steel - such a material is usually more reliable and durable than the alloy, but the complexity of its processing does not make steel popular with a Russian manufacturer.
- Silumin is a cheap material representing an alloy of silicon and aluminum. Although a silumin water meter will be resistant to aggressive water, it will not last long, since the material is fragile.
When buying a meter, be sure to check all the necessary documents and certificates from the seller. If you want to put a meter on imported water, ask for a certificate of its compliance with Russian realities. In addition, ask your consultant if there is a service center for this foreign brand of meter in the city. It may happen that in the event of a breakdown you will have nowhere to fix the device. It is best to choose Polish, German, French and Italian water meters. Among Russian firms, the Gazelektronika and Teplopriborkomplekt counters are famous for their good quality. But in general, which water meter is better - it's up to you!
Focus on the verification interval of the counter, the larger it is, the better. The average calibration time for cold water is 6 years, and for hot water - 4 years.