Water meters - which is better for an apartment?

The modern market offers a huge range of models of water meters, which differ not only in the quality of execution, but also in the principle of operation. It’s quite difficult to figure out such a variety on your own, so you should follow the advice of professionals, carefully study their recommendations in order to choose water meters on your own. Which is better for an apartment, which for a house, which device is more reliable, which is better? - We will talk about all this in our article, so that it would be easier for you to make a choice.

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Classification of meters for water metering

Manufacturers supply a huge number of models today. What kind of water meters are available, which is better, what operational characteristics to pay attention to in domestic conditions - it all depends on the specific situation: condition, diameter of the pipeline, water quality. Focusing on these parameters, you can choose the best option for the device according to the principle of its action.

All devices, depending on the principle of operation, are classified in this way.

Ultrasonic

They act simply - the transit time of ultrasound is measured along the water flow and against it. The measuring instrument and source are piezoelectric sensors, alternately emitting and receiving ultrasonic vibrations. The sensors receive information about the time for which the signal has passed, then it is processed by the chip according to a certain algorithm.

Almost all ultrasonic water meters have non-volatile memory, so when the power is turned off, all current data and archive information remain intact.

Important! Ultrasound, which comes from devices, is completely safe for human health, since it spreads in a liquid medium.

Electromagnetic

They work according to the principle based on the law of Faraday. The device consists of a coil that induces a magnetic field. The water that flows between the poles of the magnet is saturated with an electromotive force, and its magnitude is strictly proportional to the speed of the water flow.

When measuring this force and flow velocity, the meter determines the flow rate. All data is recorded in a special energy-protected archive.

Superstatic Resonance

Such devices have a section measuring the flow of water, consisting of three channels parallel to each other. In the central channel there is a swirler, alternately directing the water stream into the auxiliary channels. So, the frequency of jet transfer indicates the speed of movement of water.

The piezoelectric sensor registers the number of transfer cycles, then transfers the data to an electronic computer, which processes and stores the data in the archive.

Tachometric mechanical

These devices use the force of water to rotate the turbine impeller. The mechanical movement is transmitted by the impeller to the counting device. Many models are equipped with a reed pulse transmitter, which automates the process of obtaining, monitoring and saving data.

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Appointment

Which water meter is better to buy in an apartment - a modern one with a lot of additional functions or the most ordinary meter? Everything, of course, depends on how much you need these functions, how often you plan to use them.

Depending on the temperature prevailing in the working environment, water meters are divided into the following models:

• For hot water - up to 130 degrees.
• For cold water - up to 40 degrees.
• Combined. Such devices can be installed on any water supply line.

Important! Most household measuring instruments are designed for pressure that does not exceed 1-1.6 MPa.

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Advantages and disadvantages

All types of water meters described above are combined in two groups: electronic and mechanical. And before you determine which water meter is best to put in the apartment, carefully study their positive and negative qualities.

Advantages of electronic devices:

• The most accurate data capture, regardless of pressure, water quality, surrounding electromagnetic fields.
• The ability to independently configure the multi-tariff payment grid. But, of course, for this it is necessary to first agree with the water supplier.
• Possibility of both vertical and horizontal installation.
• Data can be transmitted both remotely and automatically.
• Convenient verification of the device, the mechanical unit, which is embedded in the water supply, is always in one place, only the upper analytical module is subject to verification. Verification is carried out every ten years, it all depends on the model.

Cons of electronic meters:

• High price. Such devices are five times more expensive than mechanical measuring devices of domestic production.
• Mandatory need to connect to the mains.

The advantages of mechanical meters:

• Low cost in comparison with electronic devices.
• High level of maintainability and reliability. Most models have a life of more than 10-12 years.
• The devices are quite accurate, their measurement error is minimal.
• The compact dimensions of the devices go well with a rather large information panel, which makes it easy to take readings of water flow.
• Simplicity in terms of mounting and removal.
• Counters are completely non-volatile. They do not need to be connected to the network or to change batteries periodically.

The disadvantages of mechanical devices:

• High level of sensitivity to surrounding electromagnetic fields.
• The composition and quality of water, the presence of solid impurities affect the accuracy of their work.

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The main criteria for choosing a water meter

How to install a water meter, which is better to buy for operation in an apartment? Much depends on the quality and composition of the supplied water. The consumption of water with a large number of various kinds of impurities and an increased level of mineralization is best measured by instruments in which there are no rubbing mechanical parts. However, not the least role is played by the material from which the working case is made, which is in contact with the working medium. Now, let's examine separately each criterion on which the right choice depends.

Material

The most popular materials from which water meters are made are various metal alloys:

• Brass and bronze. These are reliable and durable alloys having a high impact coefficient. Such devices are quite resistant to aggressive components contained in water and durable.

Important! Cavities may form on them or calcification of the ducts may occur.

• Alloyed stainless steel. The mechanical properties of this material, like its price, significantly exceed alloys. Due to the complexity of processing the final product, this material is less popular among domestic manufacturers.
• Silumin. This material is an alloy of aluminum with silicon. It is quite resistant to aggressive environments and is inexpensive, which is why it is so popular among Chinese manufacturers.Nevertheless, it is very fragile, unable to withstand even the average load. Such devices are not worth buying on their own.
• Polymers These are often extruded polyethylene and polybutylene. They are mainly used in components for devices for cold water. They can not withstand temperatures of more than 90 degrees, so the scope of their operation is limited.

Equipment

Devices can have nozzles, overhangs, gaskets, other parts for connection to the water supply in a set. When buying, you must check their presence, absence of defects and compliance with the dimension of the threaded connection.

Important! Each device must have a passport with a stamp indicating factory inspection.

Imported water devices, often found in stores, must have special certificates of compliance with quality standards, confirming their adaptation for operation in domestic networks.

Service maintenance

The main indicator is the interval between checks. Of course, it is better to buy appliances at the largest intervals. For hot water - 4 years, for cold water - 6 years. But it is worth noting that many modern models last much longer. The countdown should be carried out starting not from the date of inspection, which was carried out at the plant, but from the moment of registration and installation of the seal on the device directly at the installation site by representatives of the city water utility.

Location

Morally obsolete models are often mounted vertically or horizontally. But in our time, choosing which water meter is better to put in the apartment, it is worth giving preference to universal devices. You can even check them yourself by simply blowing vertically and horizontally into the inlet pipe. At the same time, air must pass with the same pressure, all numbers change uniformly without braking and jerking.

Protection

Annually, the protection conditions for such devices only become tougher. How to choose a device so that you don’t have to change it after a year? It is better to buy a model with a pulse output for reading indicators or remote control.

Important! If the meter will be located in an easily accessible place, it is recommended to pay attention to the fact that it has a protective cover on the front side.

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Rating of the best domestic and foreign manufacturers

The key point when choosing a device for measuring water flow is the manufacturer. The quality of its work and its lifetime depend on which company you buy the device.

The best water meters for an apartment, according to users, are produced by the following foreign manufacturers:

• Elster Metronica. They are made in many countries of the CIS under license.
• Zenner Russia under license, Germany.
• Actaris. France.
• Sensus Germany.
• Metron Poland.
• Viterra. Canada.
• Valtec. Italy.

When choosing an imported device, you need to remember the sensitivity of its internal elements to the quality of our water and its compatibility with domestic communication systems. In the event of a breakdown, the meter repair can be significantly delayed due to the lack of necessary components.

Important! Before buying an imported device, ask the seller if there is a certified warranty service center in your city, where exactly is it located.

The rating of water meters for quality is headed by models of such domestic manufacturers:

• Gas Electronics.
• Staroruspribor.
• Heat appliance kit.

Devices of domestic companies have a more meager set of functions compared to imported counterparts.

Important! How much does a domestic-made device cost? The cost of devices comparable in function with foreign counterparts is 1.5-2 times less. At the same time, some Chinese models have lower capabilities compared to the declared ones, so their quality in most cases is very disappointing.

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Stock footage

As you can see, there are a lot of nuances that you need to pay attention to for the water meter to work for you for a long time, clearly fulfilling its functions and not giving you unnecessary trouble. In this case, it is best to consult with a representative of the company serving your water supply line.