One way to reduce the cost of electricity, water consumption and heating is to save them. This can be achieved by taking into account the consumption of resources through electric meters.
Why install water meters?
It is extremely important to minimize the misuse of fresh water for domestic purposes. This can be achieved by installing a water meter. The main positive points that the consumer gives the installation of water meters include:
- Consumer Discipline. The basic rule will be the principle "do not use water - turn off the tap." In addition, there will be an incentive to close all cracks and leaks.
- Minimization of water consumption also reduces the energy consumption necessary for its heating and delivery to the consumer. That is, energy savings are growing.
The life of the water meters is quite high, and the process of replacing it does not cause any particular difficulties. That is, the costs of its installation and maintenance are not comparable with the benefits that they provide.
What are water meters
A water meter is a measuring device with which the volume of water that passes through a water supply system for a certain period of time is recorded. The unit of measure is a cubic meter.
These devices can be used in various fields of activity and have different purposes. So, there are flow meters and water meters.
To calculate the amount of a substance that has passed through a certain section, a flow meter is used. Consumption can be calculated in mass (kg / h, kg / min) or volumetric (cubic m / min) equivalent.
To measure the volume of water passing through the cross section of the pipeline, a water meter is used.
They are widely used today. They are used in apartments, individual houses, administrative buildings and offices. The main consumers are:
- housing maintenance organizations;
- construction companies;
- private consumers.
Meter Classification
Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of industrial and domestic water meters from both foreign and domestic manufacturers. Choosing a quality model is half the battle. The life of water meters also depends on the quality of its installation.
Water meters can be of different types depending on the device of their mechanism:
- Tachometric A turbine (impeller) is placed in the substance flow, which transmits rotation to the counting mechanism. Divided accordingly into winged: single-jet and multi-jet; turbine: with a mechanical meter and with an induction unit. The life of water meters is at least 12 years. They have a small weight and size, as well as affordable cost. Due to its reliability, this type of meter has become the most popular when measuring water flow in urban apartments and offices. In apartments, winged water meters are usually installed. Their diameter is smaller than turbine ones (40 mm and 50-100 mm, respectively). Therefore, they can read much less.
- Ultrasonic The flux density of the substance is investigated using ultrasonic waves. Analysis of the resulting acoustic flow allows you to determine the flow rate.
- Electromagnetic They work due to the interaction of a magnetic field with a substance that moves. The speed of the latter is proportional to the speed of induction of the magnetic field.
- Whirlwind. A body of a special shape is placed in a stream of water. Analysis of the number of vortices of the body will allow you to find out the proportional rate of consumption of the substance.
Hot Water Meters
Naturally, to calculate the flow rate of the liquid, 2 different devices are used: one for cold water and the second - a hot water meter. Their service life (minimum) is 12 years. These are the requirements of Gosstandart. Calibration of water meters is mandatory for both types of water meters. During operation, the hot water appliance must undergo three calibrations (intertesting period - 4 years). The cold water meter is subjected to this procedure twice (every 5-6 years). All tachometers for hot fluid must be dry.
Calculation of the consumption of hot water does not fundamentally differ from similar actions for cold. Therefore, flow meters of the same types and operating principles are used. The differences include more resistant materials for their manufacture and a greater degree of measurement error (about 1%).
Counter selection
The market of water meters is represented by a huge number of models of different types and manufacturers. For the installer, characteristics such as operating temperature, water pressure, and the extreme limit of the totalizer are important. It should be noted the quality of German manufacturers, however, domestic ones are not much inferior to imported ones. The service life of water meters from different manufacturers should not differ significantly.
Many people buy water meters in the market (with a hand), which is a rather risky undertaking. To protect yourself, you should check the integrity of the package, the availability of a package of documents, as well as the warranty period specified in the passport.
Installation of water meters should be carried out in accordance with the standards for the implementation of appropriate apartment appliances. The best option would be the installation performed by masters who are licensed for this type of work.
How to decide on the manufacturer of the water meter?
When choosing a manufacturer of water meters, you should focus on the following points:
- The company must provide a license at the first request of the buyer. This document is a guarantee of the correct installation and quality of further operation of the equipment.
- It is necessary to clarify all the nuances regarding warranty service. Licensed companies almost always provide accompanying warranty services.
- It is necessary to find out if there is a procedure for checking and replacing the counter. For example, if the cold water meter during the first test showed a malfunction, the manufacturer must issue a certificate of its unsuitability and replace it with a new one.
- Be sure to conclude a contract with the organization that will be involved in the installation of meters. Demand a certificate of completion, according to which the registration and maintenance of the device.
Installation and operation of the meter
Installation of a water meter should take place in several sequential and interrelated steps:
- Appeal to the housing maintenance organization (DEZ) regarding the installation of apartment water meters. The written statement will be the basis for concluding the relevant contract.
- Checking the condition of the water supply and taps. If necessary, carry out repairs.
- Selection of a suitable model and installation by a licensed organization. Commissioning of water meters should take place in the presence of a representative of DEZ and confirmed by the conclusion of a tripartite Act on acceptance into operation. In most cases, two meters should be installed: for hot and cold water.
- Conclusion of an agreement with representatives of the housing fund on the procedure for calculating payment for water supply and sanitation.
- Conclusion of an agreement with the organization responsible for water heating. Within a few days after submitting the application to the appropriate authority, its representative must make the water meters sealed.
Useful Tips
Installation of water meters in the apartment will significantly reduce the cash costs of water consumption. This is due to the fact that payment is carried out according to the actual consumption of water, and not according to excessive rates. In addition, it becomes possible to track water consumption by months and, if possible, reduce it.
The following practical methods for reducing costs are:
- Check plumbing and appliances for water leaks.
- Brush your teeth with the tap turned off.
- Use a washing machine and dishwasher when fully loaded.
These tips will help you choose the right water meter and significantly reduce the cost of its consumption.