Water is an invaluable resource that is vital for every living organism. But it is a product for which it is necessary to pay the owner - the state. In Russia, meters are installed to account for water consumption. Moreover, the right to choose a device remains with the owner of the home. This gave rise to a huge assortment of products, in connection with which each of us at least once in our life had a question: which water meter is better? To understand this, our article will help.
The law requires it
Previously, residents themselves chose how to pay for the consumed water - according to the norms established by law or focusing on the readings of the water consumption meter. But with the entry into force of the Federal Law of November 23, 2009 under number 261- “On energy saving and on improving energy efficiency and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation”, the installation of water meters has become a mandatory procedure for all citizens of the country. However, the law does not regulate which particular recording device should be installed.
Only homeowners who are officially recognized as dilapidated, or where communications are worn out and need to be replaced, can evade this obligation. In addition, all apartment owners are exempted from it, where the installation of a counter of cold water (or hot) is not possible due to the design features of the water supply. In this case, this fact must be proved and documented in the housing and communal services.
Types and types of water meters
Water flow meters are classified according to several criteria. According to the purpose, they are divided into industrial and domestic subspecies. We will not dwell on the first variety, but the second type of devices requires a more detailed consideration.
Household appliances are usually divided into two groups:
- “Wet” meters, in which the recording device is directly connected to the impeller or turbine rotated by the flow of water.
- “Dry” water meters, the design of which has two separate sections for water consumption indicators and recording devices.
When deciding the question "which water meter is better", one cannot ignore the device of the recording device. It, in turn, depends on the group of the device and has its own distinctive properties.
Mechanical or tachometric instruments
Mechanical meters can be installed to register both cold and hot water. The fundamental differences between devices adapted to operate in a certain temperature range, we will consider a little later. Now we will study their design and principle of operation.
Tachometric water meters can belong to the “dry” and “wet” groups. The representative of the first is Valtec. A water meter of this type records the readings by rotating a turbine located in the nozzle. The top of the impeller has a magnet, which attracts the metal plate of the recorder and makes it rotate. Such water meters are reliably protected from leaks and have high durability.
In "wet" instruments, the turbine is rigidly connected to the tachometer. It, rotated by a stream of water, transfers force to a system of sprockets that determine the speed of rotation of the dial. The advantages of such water meters include a simple design, and the disadvantages are the high risk of clogging of the water supply.
Electromagnetic water meters
It is impossible to say exactly which water meter is better - electromagnetic or mechanical. It all depends on the characteristics of the watercourse and the design of the water supply. So, electromagnetic devices, among other things, require a constant connection to the power supply, however, they, unlike tachometric devices, transmit more accurate readings.
The principle of operation of such water meters is based on the law of electromagnetic induction. The impeller, rotating, creates an electromagnetic field, and the higher the flow rate (the greater the flow rate of water), the faster the induction field rotates. The device displays the readings on the LCD display, which simplifies their reading.
Differences between meters for hot and cold water
The principle of operation of hot and cold water meters is the same. Both types of devices can be either mechanical or electromagnetic. But the SGV water meter (for a hot pipeline) has some design features:
- It is made of heat resistant materials that have a low coefficient of linear expansion. This prevents leaks when the device heats up.
- In its design, it has special reinforced gaskets that also prevent leaks.
Meters of cold water are marked with the letter "X", hot - "G". Swapping them, that is, installing SHV in the hot water pipeline and vice versa, is not recommended.
What else to consider when choosing a counter?
Choosing which water meter is better, we must not forget about the correspondence of the device inlet to the diameter of the pipeline. Without taking this fact into account, you will either have to use adapter pipes, or completely refuse to install the purchased device.
The second important factor is the material of manufacture. The main ones are copper and brass. The use of other metals, as well as alloys, is not recommended, because they release harmful substances into the water. And it is better if the counter has a natural color, and is not covered with paint.
It is impossible to ignore how much the meter costs on water. Mechanical devices have a lower price than electromagnetic ones, but their accuracy is much lower. In turn, tachometric water meters are more durable and easier to operate. The specific cost of the device depends on the brand of the manufacturer.
Water Meter Manufacturers
Quality devices are supplied to the domestic market by Valtec. The Italian-made water meter is reliable and durable, it can be mechanical and electromagnetic. Most models are equipped with a pulse device for remote reading.
Zenner water meters, whose representative office is located in more than forty countries of the world, have also proven themselves well. Among other popular foreign manufacturers it is worth noting the company Viterra, Siemens, Wehrle.
Among domestic-made devices, Betar counters can be distinguished. Mainly due to their price. The average cost of devices is in the range of 500-1100 rubles, which, combined with acceptable durability, makes them profitable.
Other domestic manufacturers include the Meter company and the Mytishchi heating network enterprises. Their devices are high-quality, reliable and accurate. They are adapted for various pipe diameters. In addition, their products allow you to ignore how much the water meter costs. The average price for devices is in the range of 500-900 rubles.