How to change the meter for water

The content of the article

• When water meter replacement is needed
• Scheduled change of water meter
• Malfunctions detected
• How to replace the water meter yourself
• Permission in the Criminal Code
• Removing an old appliance
• Installation of a new water meter
• Commissioning
• Sealing and registration
• Replacing metering devices with a wizard
• How much is the work

Installing a water meter will reduce utility bills by about 30%. The law prescribes to periodically check the operation of the device in the laboratory or call a specialist at home. If the counter displays false indicators, you need to put a new one. You can dismantle and install the water meter yourself or call the master from the UK.

When water meter replacement is needed

Companies that produce meters indicate in the instructions that the average life of the device is from 12 to 20 years. The specific period depends on the quality of the meter and the water flowing through the pipes. A water meter that deteriorates must be replaced. A device that shows the correct results after the expiration date declared by the manufacturer can be left in place.

Scheduled change of water meter

The procedure and conditions for the installation of meters are regulated by FZ-261 “On energy conservation and on improving energy efficiency”.

The law obliges the owner of the apartment to install a water meter, but does not force to change if the device is serviceable.

A water meter is a sensitive device that starts to fail over time, showing incorrect results. The question of the dates of its verification is regulated by FZ-102 “On ensuring the unity of measuring instruments”. It says that a scheduled inspection must be carried out according to the technical documentation for the device.

Previously, Moscow adopted Decree No. 77-PP “On Measures to Improve the Metering System for Water Consumption,” which obliged cold water meters to be checked every 6 years, and hot water every 4 years. The prosecutor’s office protested such terms. Today, on the basis of Decree No. 831 “On Amendments to the Moscow PP No. 77-P,” companies are punished that force them to test the device ahead of time or replace old water meters with new ones.

Malfunctions detected

1. False indicators. The reason is a breakdown or interference with the operation of the device. Some citizens attach a magnet to the water meter to twist the data, which distorts the results.
2. Defects corps.
3. Damage to control seals. Replacement of the counter is not needed, but the landlord will be fined.
4. Instrument depressurization. Sign – fogged window.
5. Garbage inside the counter. Often gets in with water and lingers on the filter.
6. Violated the installation rules of the device. A typical case if the device was installed by a layman.

How to replace the water meter yourself

First buy a device. Counters for hot and cold water are different. The first can withstand liquids with temperatures up to 150 °. Devices for cold water supply are designed only for cold, maximum warm water (up to 40 °), so you can not put them on pipes for hot water.

Pay attention to the type of power supply of the device:

1. Electricity.
2. Offline mode.

Water meters differ in principle of action:

1. Electromagnetic. Indicators depend on the speed of running water. They are characterized by high accuracy, but operate only on current..
2. Whirlwind. The device calculates the frequency of oscillations that occur when vortices form around an obstacle installed inside the device. It works stably if clean water flows through the pipes (without foreign particles).
3. Tachometric. The main element is the impeller. Water spins it in a circle, the counting mechanism captures the speed.
4. Ultrasonic. Waves are directed to the fluid flow, the device counts acoustic vibrations. Accuracy – 1%.

Permission in the Criminal Code

Before starting work, contact the management company or Vodokanal. You need to write a statement about replacing the counter. A master will come to the house, who will check the integrity of the device (seals and case) at the time of removal and issue an appropriate act. If the management company insists that the installation of the meter be done by their master for a fee, you can refuse. The law does not prohibit installing the water meter on its own, but its incorrect installation will not allow you to register the device.

Removing an old appliance

To change the water meters in the apartment, it is necessary to agree with the Criminal Code on the disconnection of water supply in the riser. If there are few floors, and the neighbor at the bottom has a shut-off valve, you can ask him to do it. Open a tap somewhere to drain the remaining water. Prepare rags to wipe away any residual liquid that will flow from the pipes..

Change water meter:

1. Unscrew the nuts from the counter with an adjustable wrench. If they do not give in, use special solutions. You can heat the nut with fire or cut.
2. If the pipes begin to warp, fix them with a wrench.
3. Clean the nozzle for rust and other dirt..
4. Dry mounting location.
5. Remove debris from the coarse filter.

Installation of a new water meter

1. When you put the water meter, do not confuse the entrance and exit. Many buildings have an arrow that shows where the water flows. If not, look where the plastic filter is located – it is installed at the entrance.
2. Assemble the fitting. Thread it into the threaded nut, then screw it into the pipe outlet with a wrench.
3. Place the rubber gasket inside the nut.
4. Before twisting the thread, wrap a little tow on it, drip the silicone and coat it with flax.
5. Use a wrench to connect a new water meter to the pipes through the nuts..
6. Check the quality of the connections. Run the water over the riser. Close all the taps in the apartment. Carefully inspect the mounting location. If fluid leaks, tighten parts. The fitting and nut must be held at the same time, pulled in different directions.

Commissioning

The meter registration procedure is controlled by the Decree of the RF PP dated 05.06.2011 No. 354 “On the provision of public utilities”. The owner of the apartment must write a statement to KU, indicating personal data, information from the data sheet (type of water meter, number, installation location, indications at the time of installation) and the date of commissioning of the device.

The representative of the management company will set a date if he cannot arrive on the specified day, but no later than 15 working days from the date of application.

If the master ignores the call, the device is considered to be put into operation one month after installation (paragraph 81 (2) of the RF PP No. 354).

Sealing and registration

1. The employee of the Criminal Code checks the data of the serial number on the passport and counter, the configuration and installation diagram. They must match the data from the document, otherwise they will refuse to register the device.
2. Checks the operation of the counting mechanism.
3. Puts control and anti-magnetic fillings.
4. Fixes counter readings.
5. Draws up an act of commissioning in 2 copies (one remains with the landlord).

Replacing metering devices with a wizard

1. Write a statement to the Criminal Code about the need to replace the device, indicating the desired date and time of arrival of the master.
2. The plumber will check the device and draw up an act of work indicating that the seals and water meter are not damaged.
3. Device replacement.
4. Drawing up an act on commissioning a meter. If the device is installed by a wizard from another organization, you must call the ZhEK employee to register the device.

How much is the work

Replacement of water meters is carried out for the money of the owner of the apartment. The price depends on the quality of the device, pipe material, region. You will have to pay from 1.5 to 7 thousand for the work. The meter will be installed free of charge in a municipal apartment.

If there are documents confirming the preferential status, the water meter will be delivered without money to low-income families, participants of the Second World War and disabled people of groups 1 and 2.