The gas meter fluctuates a lot. How do you know if your gas meter is working correctly? Extraordinary check of gas meters

Gas / Gas meters

You noticed that the gas meter in your house (apartment) is faulty. For example, it does not “turn” when a gas stove or water heater is turned on. This must be reported to your gas supply company. This is the requirement of current legislation. However, before calling the gas workers, some details should be clarified. Otherwise, there is a risk of incurring serious financial expenses.

The gas meter has failed. How are gas fees calculated?

The issue of paying for gas consumption when replacing a failed meter is described in clause 28 of the “Rules for the supply of gas to meet the household needs of citizens”, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 21, 2008 N 549. It is not long, so we will present it in full:

28. In the event of damage to the integrity of any of the seals ... or a malfunction of the gas meter, which the subscriber notified the gas supplier on the day such a malfunction was discovered, the volume of gas consumed is determined in accordance with gas consumption standards for the period from the date of notification to the day following day of restoring seals, including installing a seal at the place where the gas meter after repair is connected to the gas pipeline.

If damage to the seals or a malfunction of the gas meter is revealed as a result of an inspection carried out by the gas supplier, the volume of gas consumed is determined in accordance with gas consumption standards for the period from the date of the last inspection to the day following the day the seals were restored, including the installation of the seal at the place where the gas meter after repair is connected to the gas pipeline, but no more than 6 months in advance.

With the current version of the Rules.

As you can see, the Rules consider two options for calculating gas payments after a meter malfunction (violation of the integrity of the seal) is discovered:

• the first implies that the subscriber himself discovered the malfunction and reported it to the gas workers.
• the second is that the gas workers themselves found out about the malfunction during a regular or unscheduled inspection.

In the first case, during the period between the notification of a malfunction of the meter and the moment of its replacement (i.e., sealing), the gas payment is calculated based on the gas consumption standards in force in the region.

In the second case, the consumer is also transferred to payment according to the standard until the seal is installed on the new meter, but in addition to this, gas workers recalculate the subscriber’s payment for the previous six months according to the standard. It should be understood that gas consumption standards for heating are greatly overestimated. In this case, the consumer is billed an amount that is several times greater than his regular payments on the meter.

Of course, this situation does not seem entirely fair for the consumer. Without having the necessary skills (and often without even being officially notified), he is appointed by current legislation to be responsible for the good condition of his gas meter.

A gas supply organization that has specialists and the necessary technologies to monitor the correct operation of the meter does not bear any risks. Moreover, he definitely benefits (by overcharging for gas) by discovering a faulty meter during the inspection.

However, these are the requirements of current legislation. Whether they are fair or not is a separate question, but they must be fulfilled. That is, you need to monitor the counter.

However, even if you notice a faulty condition of the meter and call the gas workers yourself to correct the situation, there is a risk that you will be billed for gas according to the standard for the last six months.

They reported a faulty gas meter, but the gas workers still issued a bill for six months according to the standard

Let's consider a typical example that took place a couple of years ago in the Orenburg region. The circumstances of the case became known from the materials of the subsequent trial.

A resident of the Orenburg region, Kuznetsova A.A., discovered a malfunction in the gas meter installed on the street (the meter made loud clicks). I reported this by calling the emergency telephone number of the gas services - number “04”. After a while I called back again to the same number. As a result, an inspector arrived who drew up a report about the malfunction of the gas meter, which the woman’s adult son, who was in the house at that time, signed.

However, after some time, Kuznetsova received an invoice from the local gas supply organization to pay for gas consumption according to the standard for the previous six months. The requirement was motivated by the second paragraph of clause 28 of the “Rules for the supply of gas to meet the household needs of citizens.” Thus, where we are talking about the case of a malfunction of the meter being discovered by the gas workers themselves during an inspection.

A resident of the Orenburg region did not agree with such a blatant violation of her rights and filed a lawsuit in the local court. She won the case in both the first and second instances, where the gas workers appealed.

The position of the gas supply organization, as it turned out during the consideration of the case, boiled down to the fact that Kuznetsova was calling the wrong person - the number “04” does not belong to the gas supplier OJSC Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Orenburg. Accordingly, the company does not have information about this call and its content. And the gas workers checked the meter as part of a regular inspection, which is recorded in the company’s internal documents. The fact that the inspector came to the house and checked the gas equipment shortly after calling the number “04”, according to the gas workers, is just a coincidence.

The court found these arguments unconvincing.

Having received a transcript of calls from A.A. Kuznetsova’s phone from the telecom operator, the court found that the woman had indeed called the number “04” on the indicated days. It was also established that this number is actually serviced by another organization - OJSC Gazprom Gazoraspredeleniye Orenburg, which services gas equipment, but does not supply gas to the population. It turned out that the employee of this organization, who received Kuznetsova’s call on “04”, did not inform her of the need to contact the gas supplier directly.

Thus, the court found that Kuznetsova fulfilled her obligations to notify about a malfunction of the gas meter. And it’s not her fault that gas workers cannot establish an exchange of information among themselves.

Based on this conclusion, the court determined that in the case considered it is necessary to apply the first paragraph of clause 28 of the Rules. Those. that option when the subscriber himself notified the gas workers about the malfunction and, accordingly, must pay for gas according to the standard in the period from the day the malfunction is discovered until the day the meter is replaced (a seal is installed on it).

By the time the decision was made, Kuznetsova had managed to pay the amount billed to her (so as not to have to pay penalties on it later). This money was offset by a court decision against future gas payments.

The decision of the court of second instance in the case described above.

Faulty gas meter: what is the right thing to do so that you don’t get charged according to the standard?

As an analysis of judicial practice shows, cases involving faulty gas meters do not always end in favor of the consumer. In many cases, they fail to prove the fact of treatment. And it’s clear how this happens.

Suppose the owner of the house was alarmed by something in the operation of the meter. He called the gas workers once, twice... No one came. There doesn't seem to be a leak. The device does not take into account excess consumption. Quite the opposite. Well, okay, so be it...

And then the inspector comes, turns on the burner on the gas stove, and finds that the meter does not respond. After that, a report is drawn up about the malfunction of the meter and a receipt is received with a recalculation for the last six months according to the standards.

People argue, but many pay. After all, not everyone is ready to sue, and the outcome of the case is unpredictable. It is not always possible to prove the fact that information about a meter malfunction has been reported. And gas workers can, in turn, submit internal documents to the court confirming that the inspection was planned.

What resume? As mentioned above, the current legislation gives a clear preference to gas workers; the balance of rights and responsibilities is obviously shifted in their favor, and not in the direction of the consumer. And it's difficult to do anything about it.

However, we will try to give some practical tips that will help you avoid unnecessary spending:

• If you discover a fault with your gas meter, please report it to your gas supplier. That is, the organization whose details are indicated on your payment
• When communicating with a representative of your gas supplier, try to find out whether your appeal has been registered and how it was done?
• The most reliable way to protect yourself from possible future claims for recalculation according to the standard is to submit a statement about the malfunction of the meter in writing in two copies, one of which, with the appropriate mark, to keep for yourself
• when a gas service employee comes to check your meter, try to find out whether he came at your request or what? If you do not receive a clear answer, contact your gas supply company.

There is no point in preparing yourself for inevitable troubles in advance. It may well turn out that in your case, replacing the meter will take place without unnecessary problems and expenses.

But of course you need to think about how to protect yourself from negative consequences in advance and take simple actions.

Over the past few decades, all large cities have replaced old gas and electric meters with new ones. Previously, they were used only on communal pipes, and residents had to pay a fixed amount based on the square footage of their home. Now it has become much easier to save gas, since meters have been installed directly in apartments. Most consumers regularly keep track of consumed resources. Some try to use any methods to save gas. Often, residents of apartment buildings and private buildings are faced with the problem that the gas meter turns quickly. From our article you will learn what to do, where to go and what measures to take in such a situation.

1.1 Algorithm of actions

• First of all, you need to check the system for leaks. If there is no corresponding smell in the room where the meter is installed, you can continue to use it. You do not have the right to take any measures on your own, as they may pose a danger.
• While waiting for the technician to arrive, you should not try to correct the situation yourself. Gas is a combustible and flammable substance, which is why intervention in the system by the average person can lead to negative consequences. You may also break the seals, which will require you to pay fines and send the device for verification.
• When specialists come to you, their actions also need to be kept under constant control. They may accidentally damage the filling and shift the blame for everything that happened onto you. Such situations occur quite often. Many users of city gas communications have repeatedly complained that unscrupulous workers may even demand money for applying a new seal without completing the appropriate documents.
• Upon arrival, the safety of the seals must be immediately certified by specialists.

After on-site diagnostics, emergency gas service workers can dismantle the device for examination. In the event of a malfunction, the specialist is obliged to provide you with a document indicating the need to replace the meter.

The cost of meter replacement and repair services directly depends on the company that serves you.

While the appliance is not on site, you will likely be charged based on your average gas consumption. A specialist should provide you with more detailed information about this.

If you find a leak, immediately turn off the gas at the entrance to your house or apartment. You should also not use a stove or other appliances of this type that are connected after the meter.

2 Checking the meter readings for accuracy

To check the correctness of the gas meter readings “in both directions”, there is a method in which you need to perform a number of simple steps:

• Check how your meter works when all appliances in the house are turned off. If the machine continues to run, there is a leak in the line, or someone has illegally connected to your system.
• Turn on any device at full power for about 15 minutes. The indicators from the meter must match those indicated in the passport for it.

When working with meters with an electric display, a problem with indicators often arises. Due to the so-called “stray currents”, the device counts the used cubic meters of gas even if all equipment in the house is turned off. To solve this problem you will need the help of qualified specialists.

Most often, such meters fail when there is a stove with electric ignition in the apartment or house.

3 Common causes of gas meter malfunctions

Only a specialist can determine the type of breakdown and method of solving the problem. The question of why the gas meter shows a lot can be answered in different ways. You most likely will not be able to solve the problem on your own, but it is worth considering the most common causes of device breakdowns:

• The most common cause of gas meter failure is a malfunction of gas equipment. In particular, you can use approximately 20 cubic meters of fuel using only a boiler with one wick. These indicators mean that your device is faulty or has errors. First of all, you need to assess how well your home is insulated. After installing high-quality double-glazed windows and applying an insulating coating, the situation with gas consumption may change for the better.
• The second reason that the meter is moving quickly could be a leak. The line needs to be checked after the device itself, since if there were problems outside your house or apartment, changes in the readings would not affect you. A soapy water solution must be applied to the entire length of the pipe and connection. If bubbles appear in any of the areas, that is where there may be a leak. If it is detected, contact a specialist immediately.

4 Subtleties of repair and replacement of the meter

• The standard you will have to pay during the period without a meter is calculated for each family member. Most often, service companies apply tariffs that are used for houses and apartments without metering devices.
• If you do have to buy a new meter, you will have to re-register it. In this case, it is difficult to determine the cost of all services, since it depends on the service company.
• You should not delay contacting specialists, as they may not arrive right away. First of all, close the pipe at the inlet and turn off all gas appliances in the house.

5 Expert opinion

“The most common reason for wrapping extra cubes is leakage. It is worth checking the system for it even if there is no characteristic odor. You can use soap or shampoo for this.”, writes Internet user Anna.

Although gas meters appeared in homes many years ago, not everyone knows the details of their maintenance. In order for the owners and the gas supply service to have confidence in the accuracy of the measurements, the device must be tested periodically. You can carry out verification without dismantling the device. But you need to know how to do it. Do you agree?

You will find detailed information on how to check a gas meter without removing it in the article we presented. We have described in detail the types of flow meters, their operating principles and the frequency of maintenance. We have detailed the sequence of actions required to carry out verification without dismantling.

Gas controllers are convenient devices that allow you to monitor natural gas consumption.

There are many models of such devices, which according to their operating principle can be divided into categories:

• membrane;
• rotary (rotary);
• turbine;
• vortex.

Let's look at each type in more detail.

Type #1 – membrane devices

Such devices (they are also called chamber or diaphragm) have a low throughput (approximately 12 m 3 / h). The work is based on the principle of dividing the gas flow using membrane components into volume fractions and then summing them up.

Controllers of this type are most often used in everyday life. They are easy to operate, have good measurement accuracy, and are resistant to magnetic fields. Membrane gasometers are also affordable due to the fact that their internal parts and components are made of plastic.

Membrane counter models are widely used in everyday life. Such devices are installed not only inside residential premises, but also in private houses or in entrances

At the same time, such devices are quite durable: their covers are made of cast aluminum or stamped steel coated with an anti-corrosion compound, and the polymers from which the mechanism is made are resistant to aggressive substances contained in natural gas.

Type #2 – rotary devices

Although such devices are small in size, they are characterized by high throughput (10-1000 m³/h) and a wide measurement range.

The operating principle of rotary controllers is similar to chamber ones, but the converting element is made in the form of an eight-shaped rotor, which rotates under the influence of a gas pressure difference. To reduce friction, which wears out the operating part, constant oil lubrication is required.

Rotary or rotary gas meters are designed to measure the flow of non-corrosive gas mixtures and natural gas on a commercial and industrial scale

This type of gasometer is characterized by such qualities as durability and the ability to control the readings of the pressure drop in the meters. Due to this, such devices are widely used in housing and communal services institutions, especially in heating boiler houses. Small rotary units can also be used in homes and apartments.

Type #3 – turbine options

The operating element of such gasometers is a turbine wheel that rotates under the influence of gas flow, and the number of revolutions directly depends on the volume of the flowing flow of volatile fuel.

The counter mechanism installed in the device counts the number of rotations, showing the volume of substance that passed through the counter during its operation.

Turbine models are produced for measuring flow in high-pressure pipelines. They are equipped with electronic devices for convenient data reading and regular monitoring

There are various models of turbine gasometers, which differ both in size and in the level of automation used to carry out measurements and process the results. However, due to the ability of such devices to withstand large volumes of gas flow, it is most advisable to use them at large industrial enterprises with fuel consumption up to 10,000 m³/h.

Type #4 – vortex devices

The operation of vortex gasometers, designed to process 50-12,000 m³/h of blue fuel, is based on the dependence of the purity of pressure fluctuations on gas flow. Such devices are most often used in large enterprises.

The advantages of devices in this category include:

• no rapidly wearing moving parts;
• ability to work in a significant measurement range;
• correct operation even in difficult conditions, regardless of pressure drops in the pipe and temperature effects.

The disadvantages of vortex devices include the inability to work with gas flows moving at low speeds; the difficulty of measuring gas flow in contaminated aggressive environments; the need to use electric current.

Vortex gas flow meters are also available for monitoring technological processes and measuring volumetric consumption by industrial and commercial organizations

The following article will introduce the criteria and guidelines in detail.

Period of use of measuring instruments

In practice, devices usually fail much earlier.

Among the reasons causing a decrease in the period of actual use compared to the planned one are:

• excessive moisture content in gas;
• reduced device throughput;
• absence of a dust filter or insufficient size of its cells;
• violations committed during installation of the device.

To avoid failure of the gas meter, you should periodically check the condition of the device and replace it if unsuitable. Since only licensed specialists have the right to carry out such manipulations, you should contact specialized companies for this.

Purpose of performing a gas meter test

A mandatory procedure for all users of gas meters is a check, the purpose of which is to determine the compliance of the device with metrological requirements. Article 13, paragraph 1 “On ensuring the uniformity of measurements” of the Federal legislation informs that the gas meter must undergo primary control before using the device or immediately after its repair.

If the meter owner evades periodic verification or detects a malfunction of the meter, he will have to pay for gas at higher tariffs

According to the regulations, during operation of the device it is also necessary to carry out regular checks of the device. The “Rules for the supply of gas for municipal and domestic needs” (clause 21) states that citizens are required to present meters for control within the prescribed time limits, and they are responsible for delivery costs.

The procedure for carrying out control activities

The performance of the device is assessed in accordance with regulatory documents.

Any check of the meter should only be carried out by qualified personnel. These include employees of the city gas service or licensed companies

Russian Government Decree No. 549 dated July 21, 2008 defines the timing and procedure for diagnosis:

1. Carrying out control measures must be agreed upon with the owner of the apartment. To do this, the specialists who are entrusted with the responsibility of the examination must report it no later than a week before the planned date of diagnosis, and they must receive confirmation of the delivery of the information letter.
2. The inspection can only be carried out by employees/representatives of a specialized company that has entered into an agreement with residents on the maintenance of in-house/in-apartment natural gas equipment.
3. Specialists conducting gas meter diagnostics are required to present the owner of the apartment with official documents, and, upon request, an identification document.

All results of control activities are recorded in the gasometer inspection report.

This document should reflect the following information:

• date and place of diagnosis;
• information (full name, passport details) about the owner of the gas controller being tested;
• information about the persons who were present during the inspection, including their passport details;
• device readings at the time of diagnosis;
• description of the technical condition of the seals on the device and at the place of its connection to the gas pipeline;
• information about violations, which indicates the specific clause of the agreement in which a defect was made, or a record of the absence of malfunctions.

If at least one of the above rules has been violated, the meter check may be considered illegal.

Possibility of recalculating gas fees

The verification procedure for gas controllers is important. Recently, such devices have become widespread, since they help not only to reduce the consumption of non-renewable natural resources, but also reduce gas payments.

At the same time, effective consumption of fuel resources is possible only if the meters are fully operational, which cannot be achieved without an established system for checking them. In addition to the initial assessment of the condition of the device, users are prescribed to carry out scheduled and urgent checks.

Correct operation of gasometers provides the following advantages:

• Significant savings in money.
• Developing consumer discipline when using gas.
• Establishing a scheme for the rational use of blue fuel in everyday life with careful control of its costs.

Thus, the controllers allow economical use of natural fuel reserves, and also serve as an incentive to maintain intra-house/apartment gas communications in good condition.

The use of meters is subject to compliance with certain rules, one of which is strict adherence to the prescribed deadlines for diagnosing gas meters and regular checks of equipment

According to the regulations, installation of equipment must be carried out by specialized specialists. This procedure, which takes a minimum of time, is convenient, safe and comfortable.

Extraordinary check of gas meters

In addition to scheduled inspections of the condition of the device, there are a number of reasons why an extraordinary (urgent) procedure for assessing the condition of the gas meter may be required.

Representatives of gas services can send the meter for inspection ahead of time if they suspect the transmission of incorrect data or for falsification.

Such situations include:

1. Violation of the integrity of the seal or verification mark. The seal and imprint are considered broken if the printed information cannot be read without the use of special means.
2. Changing the position of the seal, allowing access to internal elements and making payment corrections.
3. Mechanical damage to the device (impact, heavy impact, depressurization) or suspicion of it. In this case, it is necessary to carry out an urgent check of the gasometer in order to determine its ability for further operation, which is confirmed by the issuance of a new permit.
4. Re-preservation. A similar procedure is necessary for gasometers that have been idle for more than one calibration interval.
5. Suspicions of unreliable information shown by the meter.

Consumers must report problems to gas supply authorities themselves and call specialists for an unscheduled inspection. In some cases, the initiative for additional verification may come from the relevant organization.

Frequency of gas meter inspections

In addition to the initial check, there is also a specially developed diagnostic schedule, which outlines the timing of periodic checks of gas meters.

The interval between such events must be specified in the technical data sheet of the device. It also indicates the period during which the full functionality of the gas metering device is guaranteed.

The date of the previous check can be found out by examining the gasometer seal under a magnifying glass. The stamp that is applied to it bears the year and quarter of the procedure.

The documents indicate the time of completion of the diagnostic procedure and put a stamp certifying the gasometer’s suitability for use.

Do not neglect the specified date of the planned inspection. If the device does not pass the inspection within the scheduled period, it is considered unfit for use, and the data taken from it may be invalidated.

In this case, the fee will be charged according to the average meter readings for the previous period or according to the standards specified in the contract. It is also possible to recalculate the payment for blue fuel already paid upward.

For each brand of gas meter, a certain verification interval is prescribed, implying a maximum period of operation of the device before it is checked. Thus, the SG-SGK-1.6 model is designed for 8 years of operation, while SGMB-1.6, Grand-1.6, SGBM-1.6 “Betar” - for 12 years.

It should also be taken into account that the service life of the gasometer is calculated not from the date of sale, but from the date of its manufacture (PR 50.2.006-94 “GSI. Procedure for verification of measuring instruments”, Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation No. 640 07.21.94).

In the absence of a technical passport (for example, if it is lost), gas service specialists can independently determine the calibration interval of any meter using technical documentation and reference literature.

How is verification carried out without removal?

Gas services offer two options for control measures.

Traditional diagnostic option

Regular verification takes place in two stages. After calling the specialists and agreeing on the time of their arrival, the company’s employees visit the apartment, where they remove the meter from, which is taken to the laboratory. A temporary jumper is installed in place of the device.

After completing the procedures, workers return to the house, where the device is installed, followed by sealing, after which the controller is considered to be put into operation.

The activity may include the installation of a new power supply, as well as complete maintenance of the device, which is disassembled and cleaned, thereby significantly increasing its service life.

Checking the gas meter at home

There is also a modern technology for testing devices, which is suitable for most models of gas meters SGB, NPM, SGMN, BK. It involves procedures for assessing their performance without removing them at the installation site, while seals and stickers remain intact.

To check the gas meter at home, special diagnostic devices are used, which are trusted only to highly qualified specialists

Gas meters are checked without removal using special equipment that is connected to the gas network, which makes it possible to check the readings of gas controllers.

Such an examination costs slightly more than a traditional one, but it can significantly shorten the procedure for determining the operability of the device. In addition, in this case, noise, pollution and other troubles associated with dismantling equipment are eliminated.

To carry out the procedure for checking the device without removing it at home, the user must ensure:

• Visual accessibility of the counter. If the device is hidden behind a kitchen unit or hanging cabinet, it is necessary to remove or move away the interior items so that the specialist can see the window with fuel consumption indicators.
• Free passage to the tap. Workers must be able to turn on and off the faucet that is installed on the pipe connected to the gas stove.
• Access to an electrical outlet. Near the junction of the gas meter with the pipe there should be a source of electric current, which will be needed to turn on the special device.

However, such a survey also has a number of disadvantages. This method allows you to diagnose only the general condition of the meter, while malfunction or damage to its individual parts may go unnoticed. In addition, this option is not suitable for all gasometer models.

There are a number of models of gasometers (UBGS, OBOE and others), the inspection of which is possible only after dismantling, carried out by specialized services

Regardless of the verification method, upon completion, the user is given a report on the results of the procedure performed and a receipt for payment.

Actions upon completion of verification

Having carried out the verification procedure with or without removal, the specialist makes a conclusion about the possibility of using the gasometer during another verification interval.

If the test was carried out in the laboratory, the device recognized as working is installed back in place, while the workers carrying out the installation apply a seal and mark to the junction of the device with the gas pipeline section

After this, a representative of the organization that conducted the examination issues an authorization certificate, and the device is sealed with a verification stamp. Comprehensive information is entered into the technical passport of the meter, certified by a signature and a seal image.

If deviations are detected between the device readings and the actual data on consumed resources, the device is considered faulty, and the owner is issued a “Notice of Unsuitability.” In this case, it is necessary to repair the gasometer or, preferably, purchase a new device.

Specialists draw up an act of checking and sealing the gasometer in two copies: one remains with the service provider, the second with the owner of the device. After applying the seal, gas payments are calculated according to the meter readings

Timing and cost of verification work

Device checks are carried out within the time period established by the laws and regulations of the Russian Federation.

If the removal of the meter and other measures are carried out by an organization that has entered into an agreement with the owner of the apartment for the maintenance of in-house devices and networks, then the laboratory test may take 15-30 days.

You should take care of the verification in advance by calling specialists 1-1.5 months before the date when the verification interval expires

If the test without removal is carried out by a specialized company using high-tech equipment, the research is carried out much faster (within an hour), although at a higher cost.

According to legislative norms, control of gas meters is carried out at the expense of subscribers, who are also responsible for the good condition and correct operation of the devices. Based on this, the services of the company conducting the gas consumption inspection of the device must be paid for by the apartment owners.

The specific cost of the work varies depending on the region, the distance of the recipient and the type of device. Before calling a specialist, it is advisable to call the company and ask the manager or dispatcher about the prices for the service.

Without dismantling and transportation to a verification organization, you can test not only the gas flow meter. You will learn how verification is carried out by reading the article we recommend.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video below shows how you can check a household gas meter not at home, but near the house:

Checking a gas meter without removing it at home is a fairly simple procedure, but its implementation requires high-tech equipment, as well as qualified personnel. To carry out such an operation, you need to contact a specialized company.

Please write comments in the block below. Tell us about how you checked the gas meter without dismantling it and transporting it to the service that supervises the device. Ask questions and leave photos related to the topic of the article.