The best water meters. The best water meters according to customer reviews Which cold water meter is better

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of installing a water meter, because this device is indispensable for all families who do not want to overpay utility companies. Thus, the bills of residents of private houses often include the costs of watering and washing the car, and it does not matter that you water the area with rainwater and wash the car only at a car wash. Installing a water meter will allow you to pay only for the volume of water consumed.

Fig 1. A water meter allows you to significantly save on utilities

How to choose a water meter that suits your needs?

Before you begin searching and installing a suitable water meter model, it is recommended to settle organizational issues with the management company:

• Find out if all models are approved for installation and operation? Sometimes there are exceptions, although not always legitimate;
• You should always buy a water meter new, in packaging and from a trusted organization, otherwise the inspector may refuse to register the device;
• Keep in mind that the period for checking water meters is specified in the documents for the device - be sure to save them so that problems do not arise in the future.

Fig 2. Do not lose the documents for the water meter, as it indicates the inspection period

Some housing and communal services companies refuse to register multi-tariff water meters. However, such reluctance is not supported by laws, and the actions of negligent specialists can be appealed in court or the prosecutor’s office.

Assessment of water meter technical characteristics

When organizational issues have been resolved, you should begin to search for a suitable model. Water meters differ in their features depending on the manufacturer and other parameters, so you need to consider the following recommendations:

• Do not buy devices in silumin cases; it is better to choose brass, stainless steel or bronze products - they are much more reliable and are not subject to corrosion. An alternative is polymer water meters;
• Choose products based on their purpose - meters for cold water are produced in a blue case, for hot water - in a red case. Universal meters are gray;
• Consider the diameter of the pipe on which the meter will be installed. If in apartments pipes with a diameter of 15-20 mm are usually used, then in private houses this figure reaches 32 mm;
• Throughput is another meter characteristic that affects measurement accuracy. Approximately calculate the water consumption to make sure that the device will work properly.

In addition, when choosing a water meter, you should also take into account the accuracy class - the higher it is, the more expensive the device, but the more accurate the measurements.

Video 1. Water meter. What are the accuracy classes?

Which water meter manufacturer should you choose?

Manufacturers of water meters for apartments are few in number, but you can purchase devices from both foreign and Russian companies in the economy and premium segments. Users claim that the best models for apartments are the following water meters:

• Itelma WFW20 D080 is a high quality water meter sold at a very attractive price;
• Meter SVU-15 is the most budget option for domestic consumers;
• Betar SHV-15 – has an impressive service life and high measurement accuracy;
• Zenner ETWI-N DN 15 is an inexpensive but high-quality measuring instrument from a well-known brand;
• Itelma WFW24 D080 – famous for its quality;
• Valtec 1/2 - this manufacturer produces affordable models for a wide range of users;
• Ecomera EKO-80F is an expensive water meter that could rightfully be recognized as the best, if not for the high price. Ideal for flanged pipes.

You should choose a water meter for cold and hot water taking into account its reliability, performance characteristics and installation features. The most popular measuring instruments are foreign-made devices with an electronic control system. They require verification less often, are suitable for use in apartments and private houses, and have proven themselves well.

Video 2. Selecting a water meter

Water is a substance that you cannot do without. The water that flows from home taps is a resource for the state, for which consumption is accounted for and paid for. In order to become independent from accidents and overpayments, it is beneficial for a person to install metering devices in his house or apartment. This will improve the management of part of your household budget. The article will help you better understand why water meters are needed - how to choose a water meter and what to pay attention to.

1. Saving the family budget.

Installing meters allows you to make housekeeping more efficient. Until recently, most apartments and houses connected to water supply networks paid for water consumption according to established standards. The norm was multiplied by the number of living (registered) people. This approach often significantly exceeded the actual picture of water consumption and did not encourage owners to save resources.

If an apartment building has a water consumption meter, but such devices are not installed in the apartments, then the residents find themselves in a situation of a general approach. If excessive water consumption is noticed, then payment for the excess is usually distributed among all residents.

2. The ability to manage your budget.

Any householder wants to save on utility bills. Before you think about water meters for hot and cold water - which model to choose, you should take some measures to make savings become a reality. This:

• Put the internal water supply networks in order.
• Replace pipes and appliances that are leaking.
• Replace taps with more efficient designs.
• Calculate which is more profitable: a shower or a bath. You can use an economical nozzle in the shower.
• When using water, become familiar with the culture of being a careful user. It implies that the tap should be open exactly as much as necessary. For example, to brush your teeth, it is better to use water collected in a glass, rather than spill rivers from the tap.

3. Be a law-abiding citizen.

The law obliges all users of tap water to install meters for their consumption.

In order for the purchased metering unit to perfectly perform its task, you need to figure out which water meter is best to choose.

What types of water meters are there?

Devices are classified according to their intended purpose:

• household meters,
• industrial meters.

Water meters are also divided into:

According to the fundamental structure they differ:

Stores sell household water meters in a large assortment - how to choose the right option for an apartment that will satisfy a particular consumer - study the product features. For example, if the device has a pulse output, then they immediately go to the settlement center. This is possible in houses where there is an automated accounting system. These devices are new generation and have a higher cost.

There are also a number of devices that are more often used in industry or in special conditions.

• Ultrasonic meters– used when liquids have aggressive qualities.
• Volumetric instruments– can take into account very weak flow.
• Vortex counters– are able to influence the flow of the technological process through their participation.

Tip: Don’t think long about how to choose a water meter. In most cases, it is recommended to opt for a mechanical model, which, at its low price, has a long service life and high reliability.

What to look for when choosing

To determine which is better to buy a water meter, you need to understand for yourself:

• what degree of accuracy of readings is suitable for premises,
• does the manufacturer provide service support,
• what are the installation dimensions of water meters,
• You should also talk about the chosen meter model with a sales consultant, or better yet, with a Vodokanal employee.

When inspecting the device, experts advise blowing into the inlet pipe and seeing if fogging has appeared on the transparent lid that covers the counting mechanism. If it appears, it means that the device was depressurized during verification. This type of meter should not be purchased.

Tip: If possible, purchase a water meter with a pulse output (even if the house does not have an automated metering system) and with the ability to switch from one standard to another. This will prevent the need to change the meter when modernization comes to the house.

You must carefully select the device, distinguishing between the purpose for cold water and hot water. The presence of blue color on the front of the device indicates that it is intended for cold water. The presence of red color indicates purpose. What is the fundamental difference between them?

• The internal components of the device for cold water are not prepared for exposure to high temperatures (designed for temperatures up to +40 ° C).
• They have different verification regimes. For a cold water meter, verification is done after six years, for a hot one - after four years.

Universal devices for cold and hot water are available for sale.

Note: Pay attention to the verification date in the product passport. The next verification will be counted from this day, and not from the date of purchase. Although it is worth noting that, for example, in Moscow, since 2013, verification of water meters has been recognized only as the right of the owner, and not his responsibility.

Manufacturers use materials for meters: copper and brass. If the device has painted surfaces, this suggests that there may be an alloy that will release harmful substances when in contact with water.

Tip: When purchasing a water meter, you need to purchase a mesh mechanical filter designed to purify water in front of the meter. The finer the filter mesh, the greater its benefits. This will increase the durability of the device.

How to choose water meters - their prices can vary significantly. The most accurate instruments are more expensive. Mechanical meters do not have such high measurement accuracy and their price is much lower.

Popular manufacturers

The topic of manufacturers is connected to the question of how to choose a water meter for an apartment.

The device must have a passport, which indicates its serial number, and a certificate. There is a wide variety of domestically produced and imported water meters. When studying which water meters are best, reviews often mention the companies listed below.

German manufacturers:

• the company Zenner-Vodopribor (Zenner) has been operating in the market for a long time, has enterprises in forty countries,
• Viterra,
• Wehrle.

Russian manufacturers:

• enterprises of Mytishchi Heating Network. They include factories that operate using imported parts or are representatives of foreign enterprises.
• Betar,
• Meter.

Which water meter is better to install in an apartment - imported or domestic - is a question of price and quality. Imported devices are more expensive, but are considered to be of slightly higher quality. Domestic manufacturers produce products that are more adapted to local conditions, and their prices are lower.

All apartment owners have to decide which ones are best to install in their apartment as the verification period approaches. The following types exist:

• Tachometer or mechanical water meters - the maximum service life is 10-12 years. Operating principle: a miniature turbine and a turbine connected to a reading unit are placed in the flow of the substance. Among all types of flow meters, these have the simplest mechanism. They are affordable, compact, load-resistant and provide accurate measurements. It is believed that the best water meters for an apartment are vane mechanical measuring instruments.
• Electromagnetic meters are used in 84.3% of cases for industrial purposes. Operating principle: in an electromagnetic coil, the flow of a substance produces a current, the magnitude of which is proportional to the speed. The devices are characterized by high cost, complexity of maintenance and high performance. Therefore, it is beneficial to install this meter to calculate the consumption of municipal and industrial waters.
• Ultrasonic devices are recommended for water metering in enterprises, since these types of water belong to the full-range group of measuring instruments: powerful, productive and expensive. Operating principle: the time of passage of the ultrasonic beam along the flow of the substance and against the flow and the speed of movement of the liquid in the pipe are measured.

There are also vortex water meters, but they are not recommended for installation in apartments. The purpose of such devices is to control and regulate technical processes.

To determine which device to install in an apartment, it is necessary to compare water meters both by type and by manufacturer. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the technical, operational and price characteristics of the measuring equipment. And they depend 70% on the manufacturer. The manufacturer will tell you which one is best to install a water meter in the apartment - the most reliable companies are the following:

• – Italian water meters, verification period from 4 to 6 years.
• "Rosich" - a Russian manufacturer produces flow meters with a service life of 2 to 6 years.
• Viterra is a Canadian manufacturer, some of whose devices have a service life of up to 10 years.
• "Elster Metronica" and (Germany) - meters are manufactured under license from the Russian Federation.
• - Russian water meters for domestic and industrial use, produced separately for hot and cold water (there are few universal models and their service life is no more than 4 years).

There are other manufacturers, but those listed above are among the top five. Tell us which water meters are better, consumer reviews or expert recommendations. It is more correct to contact a commercial organization that installs and verifies water meters to get expert advice or personally go to the housing complex service and ask there.

Those who have already used specific equipment under certain operating conditions will help determine which water meter is best to install. But still, you should not rely solely on the opinions of neighbors or acquaintances. It is better to approach the problem of which water meter is best to install in an apartment by familiarizing yourself with the types of metering devices and comparing them (cost, functions, installation features, calibration interval, manufacturer and protection).

We remember: when comparing water meters, determining which ones are better, reading reviews and listening to recommendations, do not forget that the measuring device you like must be certified (approved by law) in the territory of the Russian Federation. Otherwise, it will not be possible to register it with the EIRC.

Detailed description of water meters, or Which type to choose?

Before determining which water meters are better and which manufacturer to buy from, you need to understand the classes of flow meters. They are as follows:

• Mechanical devices - insignificant measurement error, small dimensions. We will look at the most popular vane water meters, which ones are better and customer reviews about them below. There is also a division into single- and multi-jet. Multi-jet water meters are the best because these meters have more accurate measurements.
• Pulse equipment is a dry-running water meter, since its functional components and mechanisms do not come into contact with the substance. They have one significant advantage - the transmission of readings can be performed remotely. When figuring out which water meter is best to buy by reading reviews about devices, it is worth considering that these types of measuring equipment are advantageous to install in apartments and houses where there is no access to a bathroom for reading metering data.
• Electromagnetic options - are manufactured in most cases for industrial purposes. But they can also be used to measure smaller volumes of electrically conductive substance. When choosing which water meter is best to install, pay attention to the reliability of the equipment. Electromagnetic flowmeters are considered reliable and, with proper maintenance, can last for years.

We remember: there are also turbine models of devices, but they should not be taken into account when deciding which water meters are best installed in an apartment. They are not installed in apartment buildings, since they are designed for large pipelines (high performance).

• installation method - you can call a specialist from the residential complex service or our company, who will tell you which water meters are best to install in specific conditions;
• the diameter of the device (must correspond to the diameter of the water supply pipe in the apartment) is indicated in the technical data sheet of the device, therefore, when choosing which water meters are best to buy, do not be lazy to look at the technical data sheet;
• equipment throughput.

Remember: when deciding which water meter is best to install in your home, do not forget about choosing the company that will perform the installation. Each type of device has its own installation features. For example, multi-jet devices need to be installed using the correct fittings, and if the apartment owner decides to buy a vane type water meter, then it will need to be embedded into the pipeline. You need a truly qualified specialist. Our company employs experienced professionals who can advise which water meter is best to choose for specific operating conditions.

Existing types of water meters, or Which flow meter is suitable?

Devices are produced separately for hot and cold water. These water meters, which is better to choose based on manufacturer, calibration period and price, work on the same principle. They are distinguished only by the operating temperature range:

• for substances up to 400C you need a flow meter for cold water;
• for substances up to 1200C you need a hot water meter.

When reading reviews about water meters and deciding which one is better, we do not forget that volatile and non-volatile devices are produced. The first type of equipment requires additional installation of a power source. More often, when deciding which water meters are best to install in an apartment, owners choose a non-volatile type of flow meters. It does not stop working when there is a power outage.

The most popular water meters

Most often, apartment owners, faced with a dilemma about which water meter is better to buy, give preference to:

• Tachometer (mechanical) flow meters. If the cost of equipment is important, then these are the best water meters. Vane models are suitable for pipes with a diameter of 40 mm (inclusive), and turbine models - from 50 to 200 mm. Some manufacturers produce combined devices, but you will need to call a specialist to install them. When deciding which water meter is best to buy, keep in mind that tachometer models can have a service life of 12 years (the maximum calibration period, which is important). Also, when choosing between a “wet” and a “dry” device, keep in mind that in the first case the counting mechanism is located in the water. Therefore, the best pulse water meters are dry-running - the mechanism is not subject to the destructive effects of water.
• Electromagnetic devices. Slightly less popular devices due to their higher cost. When figuring out which water meter is best to install, remember that it is electromagnetic models that are considered highly accurate - they determine the speed and area of ​​flow. The viscosity, degrees and density of the substance are not taken into account in the calculation. But there is one “but”. In many respects, electromagnetic devices are the best water meters, but customer reviews say that they fail faster. The reason is low water quality indicators (chemical and physical composition of the substance).

If you encounter any difficulties when deciding which water meters are best to install in an apartment or enterprise, contact our company. We will help you make the right choice in accordance with the operating conditions of the equipment and your wishes.

Excellent functionality

Meters are devices that allow you to constantly and with a high degree of accuracy control the consumption of a particular resource, in our case we are talking about water. Practice shows that the use of meters in everyday life (in most cases) makes it possible to reduce the cost of paying for water supply, both cold and hot in apartments and private houses. According to their design, meters are divided into three main types: they are mechanical, electromagnetic and ultrasonic. The most common, due to their practicality and reasonable cost, are mechanical type meters, which have a sectional counting mechanism and an impeller.

The modern market offers a huge number of models of such meters of the most varied quality, cost and brand name. Some of them have excellent performance characteristics and serve faithfully for decades, some are of very mediocre quality and barely survive the next inspection. Having reviewed many models, we present to your attention the eight most noteworthy mechanical water meters. We hope this rating will help you choose a decent model suitable for your home.

The best budget mechanical water meters

Mechanical water meters of the budget category are characterized by absolute simplicity; they contain a minimum of components, but at the same time they have excellent performance properties. The principle of operation of such devices is very simple: the impeller, located in the center of the device, begins to move under the influence of water flow, and the torque is transmitted to the counting wheel. It, in turn, records the volume of liquid that was consumed.

Score (2018): 4.5

Advantages: Excellent performance

Manufacturer country: Russia

A Russian-made mechanical meter, the purpose of which is to measure the volume of cold water consumed, is distinguished by its universal installation methods. After all, some models have the ability to be mounted exclusively in a vertical or horizontal plane, or a hybrid installation option is provided; here, there will be no problems when installing at an angle (which is what the manufacturer prescribes in its recommendations). The meter can easily withstand operating temperatures from plus five to plus forty degrees Celsius, as well as pressure up to ten bar. The warranty period is set by the manufacturer for the period until the first verification; it is six years. However, users claim that in practice the meter can work for two or three periods, it all depends on the conditions of use.

Score (2018): 4.5

Advantages: Attractive price tag

Manufacturer country: Russia

This Russian-made meter can be called one of the best options in terms of cost and quality characteristics. And if in terms of quality it may be behind a couple of models, its low price tag leaves them all far behind. The device is universal; it will operate in a temperature range from +5 to 9 degrees. The mechanism is protected from external magnetic fields, which will prevent it from being “twisted” after sealing, as well as from leaks. The meter has another distinctive feature, although it is somewhat useless - for a short period it is able to withstand the temperature of a boiling liquid.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages:

Manufacturer country: Germany

This German-made model enjoys well-deserved popularity among buyers. The device not only has excellent build quality, it can be called an advanced model. The device is capable, as usual, of reading direct readings from the counting wheel, as well as transmitting data to remote bases. This transmission is made possible by connecting pulse sensors at the output; it is used mainly in administrative buildings. Well, in general, we can say that this is a standard device, which, according to consumers, has a high service life.

Although electromagnetic and ultrasonic water devices are considered more modern developments, which have a number of advantages, the number of users who prefer to purchase a simple mechanical type meter is much larger. What is the main reason here, what advantages and disadvantages do each of these types of meters have? We will try to explain in the following table.

The best mechanical water meters with pulse output

Mechanical type meters with pulse output are usually multi-jet. The essence of their work is to divide the total flow into separate smaller flows, which helps reduce turbulent flows and, accordingly, minimizes errors. The data received at the output goes to the head terminal, which controls the general information.

Score (2018): 4.5

Advantages: Attractive price

Manufacturer country: Italy

The Italian-made Valtec ½ mechanical type meter has nothing superfluous. But don’t let the absolute external simplicity fool you - the device has excellent contents inside. The device can easily operate for two verification periods without increasing the measurement error. But still, unfortunately, there are some disadvantages. The most significant problem is the pulse output problem. In some devices, sudden interruptions in the transmission of information were recorded, i.e. the system is very vulnerable. Problems with the pulse output can be attributed to the low cost of the device, which, by the way, considering the overall quality characteristics, is quite good.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Excellent quality. Popularity with users

Manufacturer country: Germany

This model, in general, like all products produced by the German company, leaves a very positive impression. The meter is assembled under a license from Siemens, meeting modern requirements for safety characteristics and workmanship. Which, in general, is expected, because the devices are developed and manufactured on the most precise modern equipment, using high-quality components. Plastic parts are based on fiberglass material, which provides additional wear resistance and durability; the counter can last more than ten years. This figure is guaranteed by the manufacturer in the device passport. The device can withstand strong water hammer up to 2MPa, i.e. it is, one might say, invulnerable. In addition, it is worth noting that in conditions of service in dirty water, which are often found in our cities, both small and big cities, the meter will not require additional installation of a filter element.

Score (2018): 4.8

Advantages: The best ratio of cost and quality characteristics

Manufacturer country: Germany

The German-made device Zenner ETWI-N DN 15 is notable for its small but very useful property for the user. The point is that devices that measure the volume of hot water consumed also work accurately with cold liquid, essentially being universal. At the same time, the accuracy of the output of the pulse sensor is very high. The quality of materials and components is beyond doubt, as is generally the case with German manufacturers, as a result of which the operation of the transmission mechanism is uninterrupted and highly accurate. This device can be called one of the best among devices for mass use.

The best premium mechanical water meters

The main difference between premium segment mechanical meters is a more durable body (usually made of cast iron), expanded operational capabilities and some other specific abilities. But in general, they are the same devices for metering water resource consumption as others.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Excellent functionality

Manufacturer country: Russia

The Russian-made device METER VK 25GI is distinguished by a combination of increased reliability, excellent quality and the presence of a pulse output, which is useful if centralized control of water consumption is necessary. The device is convenient due to its versatility, it works with both cold and hot water (up to a temperature of +100 degrees). The base of the structure, which is made from cast iron, is very durable and will last you up to fifteen years.

The main disadvantage of the device is the fact that its impressive weight, strong body and rather “delicate” mechanism negatively affect the meter’s ability to resist water hammer. It can withstand pressure of only 1 MPa and this is a very low figure.

Score (2018): 4.7

Advantages: Best option for flanged pipelines

Manufacturer country: Russia

This model in our review represents a line of meters designed for flanged pipes. The principle of operation of the device is the same as that of conventional meters, only the rotating element is a blade turbine - an element of more impressive size. It also transmits torque to the counter mechanism (which is 7-bit, unlike smaller 8-bit counters). It is not used so often for domestic premises, but in chemical or food production conditions it is quite widespread. The manufacturer's warranty is twelve years, but if the load is not too intense, the device can last longer.

A water meter is a measuring device that allows you to monitor the consumption of hot and cold water. With this device, it becomes possible to see the actual cubic meters of water consumed per month. Purchasing and installing a water meter is one of the important steps towards saving money. “Plumber Portal” will tell you how to choose a water meter for your apartment, recommended by the water utility and other consumers.

Housekeeping becomes much easier after installing water meters. Until recently, most people paid their water bills at the general rate, which was very unprofitable for many.

The general tariff does not depend on such factors as accidents, repairs, maintenance of water supply networks; all losses in the network are included in consumer bills. The temporary absence of residents from the apartment also does not in any way affect the water bill and does not relieve the owner from paying it.

In some houses, the actual water consumption is distributed among registered residents. At the same time, many have to pay the amount indicated in the payment book, regardless of the actual number of cubic meters consumed.

If there is a water meter, the water bill does not depend on how many people live in the apartment. Payment depends only on the actual volume of liquid consumed, which is recorded by the device.

In the standard payment, the water utility includes water losses due to damage to pipes in street mains and basements of houses, which amount to almost a third of the cost of the resource. An individual water meter will allow you to avoid paying for a resource that you have not consumed; the volume of water consumed in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen will be directly included in the bill. Thus, it is worth noting that payment by meter is much less.

Based on all of the above, it should be concluded that installing a water meter is undoubtedly a wise step, since it will significantly save money. The actual payment of the bill is several times less than the amount for the tariff calculation.

In addition, installing a water meter means being a law-abiding citizen. By law, every consumer is required to install metering devices recommended for installation in residential premises.

Main types of water meters

Nowadays, construction stores have a fairly wide selection of different water meters. In order to select the right device, it is recommended to know their classification and study the main types of water meters for cold (cw) and hot (sgv) water supply systems. Before purchasing and installing a measuring device, it must be selected according to certain criteria. Which water meter is best to install in an apartment?

There are the following classification categories for water meters:

1. By appointment. The operating principle of flow meters does not differ for both hot and cold water; the only difference is the materials from which the internal elements are made (bearings, impellers). Cold water meters are designed to operate at water temperatures not exceeding 400C. For hot water - from 120 to 1500C, but a meter designed to measure the volume of hot water is quite capable of measuring cold water.
2. Based on the type of power supply, water meters are divided into 2 types: volatile and non-volatile. The first type of meters only works if there is power supply, the second type does not need it.
3. According to the principle of operation, water meters are: vortex, tachometer, ultrasonic and electromagnetic.

An electromagnetic meter operates on the principle of magnetic field induction, where the speed of the field is proportional to the speed of flow of water passing through it.

A vortex counter records the frequency of vortices that occur when a special body is placed in a liquid. The flow rate directly affects the data received.

A tachometer water meter is a mechanical device, the basis of which is a turbine or impeller that rotates under the action of a water flow and thus transmits rotation to a calculating device.

An ultrasonic water meter analyzes the acoustic effect that occurs when ultrasonic vibrations pass through a water stream. Water meters are produced for domestic and industrial use. Domestic water meters are recommended for installation in the residential sector, industrial ones are used in enterprises.

Flowmeters with ultrasonic and vortex operating principles most often find their application in heating systems.

The most popular in the residential sector are water meters with electromagnetic and tachometer operating principles. Their most distinctive features are:

• compactness;
• reliability;
• acceptable price;
• long service life;
• small measurement error.

Periodic verifications extend the service life of the device and determine the accuracy of the readings in operation.

How to choose and install a water meter?

Before purchasing a water meter, it is recommended to consult about the permitted types of devices. You can obtain this information from a local water utility specialist. The production of meters must be carried out by specialized enterprises, and the documentation must indicate the necessary data:

• manufacturer country;
• guarantee period;
• installation size;
• recommended interval between verifications;
• price of the device;
• instrument accuracy class;
• list of documentation;
• Availability of service support from the manufacturer.

The main condition that characterizes all water measuring instruments is their production taking into account GOST. Latin letters from A to D indicate the accuracy class of the device; the price of the product directly depends on it.

The most popular are products from foreign companies: Sensus, Zenner (Germany), Viterra (Canada), Valtec (Italy), Actaris (France), Metron (Poland).

Before buying an imported device, you need to consider not only its compatibility with our communication networks, but also how sensitive the internal parts of the device are to water quality.

Moreover, in the event of a breakdown, water meter repair may be delayed due to the fact that there may not be components available. Before purchasing a device, it is recommended to ask the seller about certified warranty service centers and their locations.

Among the domestic companies we can highlight: Staroruspribor, Gaselectronics, Teplopriborkomplekt. Domestic water meters are less functional than devices from imported manufacturers. The average price of domestic devices, comparable in functionality to imported ones, is 1.5-2 times lower.

After the technical parameters and functional data of the water meter have been clarified, it must be installed and sealed. Water meter installation is carried out by licensed businesses and not by a regular plumber. Payment for installation falls on the consumer, or you can install the flow meter yourself, and then invite a specialist to seal it.

Installation of a water meter is done only on the condition that the individual product number corresponds to the passport. This data will be needed for the next filling. When installing, you need to remember that you should think in advance where the device will be located.

The installation location of the water meter should be selected based on the convenience of its installation and subsequent dismantling for periodic checking, the possibility of taking monthly readings and access for cleaning the coarse filter.

In relation to the pipe, the installed water meter is a fairly heavy structure. In order to reduce the load on the pipe and eliminate the risk of the structure breaking, the water meter is attached to the wall using mounting clamps. Also, a corner is attached to the sewer riser using a clamp and, similarly to the wall, a water meter is also attached to it.

If the water meter is equipped with plastic fittings, they are replaced with brass ones during installation. In order to prevent the structure from leaking, it is recommended to install silicone or rubber gaskets instead of paronite gaskets.

After the water meter has been installed, the specialist issues permission to install the meter and a contract for its maintenance. After completion of all activities, payment is made according to the readings of the installed device.

In order to avoid inflated meter readings, the site recommends following simple and accessible rules that will save money associated with paying water bills:

• periodically check all plumbing fixtures and devices that are connected to the water supply;
• promptly change appliances and pipes with leaks;
• The washing machine tap must be kept closed;
• periodically check the serviceability of cold and hot water mixers, preventing water from flowing into a pipe with lower pressure;
• installation of check valves;
• replacing valve mixers with more efficient designs;
• installation of pressure relief valves that will help reduce the pressure that arises after emergency work on highways;
• timely elimination of toilet cistern leakage;
• Calculate how it is more profitable for you to use a bath or shower. For a shower, you can use an economical nozzle.

To save money, it is recommended to follow a culture of frugal users. For example, the tap should be opened exactly as much as necessary; when brushing your teeth, it is better to use water collected in a glass, rather than thoughtlessly pour a whole river out of the tap.

There are also so-called “black methods” of saving; they involve stopping the meter completely. This is often done by using magnets to stop the meter. However, during the first check, the controller may detect the use of a magnet, which can lead to unpleasant consequences for the consumer.

There are also standards that stipulate the frequency of verification for water meters. For cold water meters this period is 6 years, for hot water meters – 4 years.

There is a fairly wide selection of residential water meters on the market. Domestic-made devices are excellent for working in local conditions, taking into account the characteristics and properties of water, as well as the perfection of water supply systems and lines.

Now you know which water meter is best to choose for installation in an apartment or other residential premises.