How are the service life of hot and cold water meters regulated?

In accordance with the requirements of Federal Law No. 261-FZ dated November 23, 2009 (as amended on July 18, 2011), homeowners are required to use water meters from July 1, 2012. Having installed such a device in their apartment, many citizens do not know that they need periodic inspection and replacement. Like any measuring device, the service life of hot and cold water meters is strictly limited. Its duration is set by the manufacturer and depends on the service life of the parts and mechanisms used.

Service life of meters according to GOST

Water meters comply with state standards or technical specifications, which indicate the main parameters and time characteristics.

Many companies do not make water meters according to GOST, but develop specifications for the manufacture of their water meters. Such technical conditions take as a basis the requirements set out in state standards and adapt them to the production capabilities of the enterprise. This does not mean that products made in this way are always of low quality and second-rate. However, when drawing up technical specifications, the manufacturer often does not take into account inconvenient points. You can find out whether the meter was made according to specifications or GOST from the technical passport.

According to the standard, the service life of water meters is at least 12 years from the date of manufacture. Sometimes the official service life of a particular model is longer. This data is also recorded in the passport.

During this time, the water meter undergoes two verifications, but not every sample is able to withstand even the first test. This occurs due to poor water quality in the pipelines. Foreign impurities and abrasive substances negatively affect the service life of hot and cold water meters. Manufacturers of flow meters refer to this factor in case of premature failure of devices.

The installation of purification devices helps partially solve the problem of drinking water quality. The coarse filter protects against large particles such as slag build-up or scale. If there is no filter, their entry between the impeller and the housing can cause jamming of the counting mechanism. As a result, the flow meter will need to be dismantled much earlier than the official replacement date.

Capabilities of a cold water supply water meter

Such devices, as approved by state standards, can operate continuously for up to 16 years.

A number of factors directly influence the duration of use:

SF-mix Clack up to 0.8 m3/h

SF-mix Runxin up to 0.8 m3/h

SF-mix manual up to 0.8 m3/h

• level of assembly of the structure;
• quality of materials used in production;
• technological features;
• operating conditions under which the water meter operates.

What to do at the end of its service life

After the expiration date of water meters, payments for water consumption will begin to be made according to standards. Therefore, the flow meter must be changed.

The tenant must independently determine the end of the meter's service life. It depends on the production date and period of use, which are indicated in the flowmeter passport. To accurately determine the verification time, you should take into account not only the year, but also the month. This is why it is so important to keep technical documentation for the device.

The service life of cold and hot water meters is the same (standard - 12 years), although the latter operate in more extreme conditions. High temperature negatively affects the technical condition of the entire device. Therefore, the calibration interval of the meter for water supply in an apartment has been reduced to 4 years.

After 12 years of service, the metering device is considered out of order and should be replaced with a new one.

Steps to follow when replacing a flow meter:

• inform the nearest water utility department or your management company about your intention to dismantle the meter;
• after receiving permission to unseal, remove the old one and install a new flow meter (you can do it yourself, you can entrust this to a specialist);
• Call a water utility representative for sealing.

Reference point

How long water meters last and what service life (operation) the metering devices are designed for is determined from the moment the products are released by the manufacturer. The installation date does not affect the duration of use. When planning to purchase a water measuring unit, first carefully study its technical characteristics. Please pay special attention to when the product was manufactured. If an accounting tool has been lying on the shelf for 2-3 years, it is not worth buying it even with a good discount.

When you decide to make a purchase, consider not only the various offers from water meter manufacturers, but also purchase a modern device for purifying your water supply with H2O. Indeed, in a clean water environment, water meters work better and much longer. A suitable model can be selected from ours. We offer high-quality and reliable products in the field of water treatment equipment.

Reasons for failure before the end of the official service life

No water meter can work forever. Flow meters often break down before the end of the official operating period. Most inexpensive meters have to be replaced when the next verification is due. That is, after 4 years for hot water, 6 years for cold water.

The malfunction is recognized simply: the water meter stops correctly determining the volume or stops completely. In this case, the official deadlines for replacing water meters are no longer relevant. Devices will have to be repaired or replaced immediately.

Possible malfunctions:

• depressurization;
• incorrect installation;
• clogged pipeline;
• high pressure;
• illegal interference with the operation of the counting mechanism;
• heat.

Depressurization is an easily recognizable type of failure of a measuring device. It starts with slight fogging of the front glass and ends with streams of liquid gushing from the water meter in different directions. Most often, depressurization of the housing occurs when it is deformed from loads arising in the pipeline, or when it is distorted during installation.

Just as often, the flow meter gives incorrect readings due to incorrect installation. Important components may be loose or poorly tightened, or the hot and cold water inlets may be mixed up.

High hardness and increased salt content in the flowing liquid contribute to the formation of sludge build-up both in the pipeline and on the walls of the water meter itself. Vodokanal cannot always provide satisfactory water quality in water supply systems. Many indicators are within the limit values, and some may exceed them, which significantly reduces the service life. If the water is of poor quality, you need a coarse filter in front of the water meter.

High pressure in the water supply system is one of the possible causes of depressurization; it affects the housing and impeller.

Some residents who want to save money on housing and communal services interfere with the operation of the counting mechanism using illegal means. Magnets, pins, etc. are used to stop or slow down the water meter. External influence on the counting mechanism leads to its breakdown or leaves noticeable marks. Any interference is punishable by a fine and the purchase of a new device.

High temperatures (more than 90°C) lead to deformation of the plastic parts of the water meter, followed by their replacement or the purchase of a new water meter.

These circumstances determine how often water meters need to be replaced.

List of breakdowns leading to forced replacement

You can determine if the water meter is broken visually - incorrect reflection of the actual volume, periodic or complete stops in the movement of the dial.

List of faults:

• violation of tightness, accompanied by sweating of the glass;
• incorrect installation, misalignment;
• detection of a manufacturing defect;
• high water temperature, leading to melting of plastic parts;
• pressure exceeding normal;
• clogged pipes;
• unauthorized intervention by unauthorized persons.

Detection of a breakdown leads to a forced replacement of the water meter.

Warranty period for water meters

The manufacturer of water meters provides a guarantee for its products. But the warranty is only valid if the consumer has stored, installed and operated the product correctly.

The warranty period of service, according to GOST, is 1.5 years from the start of operation. Some manufacturers provide a longer warranty period for their water meters. The deadlines are indicated in the technical data sheet.

In this case, the volume of liquid measured during this period should not exceed the value indicated in the table.

These restrictions for refusing warranty repairs or replacements are used very rarely, since the volume value is unattainable for residential water meters.

Nuances of purchasing a new device

At first glance, buying a meter seems like a piece of cake.

Note! Some nuances that will help you avoid additional costs:

• It is necessary to purchase a water meter from specialized companies. This will help you avoid purchasing a defective product. In addition, when concluding a purchase and sale agreement, you should make sure that the accompanying documentation is available. Without them, water utility employees will refuse to seal the new device;
• Under no circumstances should you lose the technical passport for the water consumption measuring device. The date and results of the inspection are entered there. If the document is lost, the device should be replaced;
• You need to purchase a device that was manufactured as early as possible. In this case, the period for its replacement increases. The production date can be found on the product body or in the technical data sheet.

There is no need to chase cheapness. It is possible that the device is sold with hidden faults.

Verification deadlines

To control the metrological characteristics of the water meter, a control check of its performance is carried out. Verification periods are counted from the date of manufacture, and not from the moment of installation.

Due to the fact that measuring instruments for cold and hot water supply are used in different conditions, the frequency of verification is different. Accordingly, 6 years for cold water supply and 4 years for hot water supply.

Monitoring the verification and replacement of flow meters is the responsibility of homeowners. The management company keeps records of meters. Some criminal codes notify citizens of the need for verification.

When removing a water meter for verification or replacement, you should first notify the housing management company, since after the water meters have been sealed, dismantling cannot be carried out without permission.

After receiving permission to remove the seal, you can begin dismantling the water meter. It is most convenient to replace a water meter with a similar model. Identical mounting dimensions ensure successful installation of new equipment in the old location.

After completing all the work, you should call a representative of the management company to register and seal the meter.

Who is responsible for verification and where to complain about the controlling organization

Monitoring organizations are responsible for verifying meters that are installed outside the apartment; they do not always fulfill their obligations in good faith (device verification deadlines are not met, operating conditions are violated, etc.). In such situations, residents must contact the State Housing Inspectorate. The main task of this body is to help resolve disputes between residents and companies managing the building.

In situations where the State Property Committee was unable to resolve the dispute, citizens have the right to go to court. During the case, the plaintiff may demand compensation from the management company for legal costs and moral damages.

In what cases is early verification or replacement necessary?

Premature verification is necessary if the readings for consumed cubic meters have increased significantly compared to other months. Or if the meter fails. A malfunction can occur for many reasons: poor fluid quality, the presence of impurities in the flow, pressure drop, etc. In this case, there is a need to repair and verify or replace hot and cold water meters.

The management company may require additional monitoring of the operation of the measuring device if, with the same number of residents, water consumption has decreased significantly.

If any irregularities are noticed in the operation of the devices, this is a sign that you need to change the water meters or have them checked. For the convenience of homeowners, many companies offer at-home verification services without dismantling the meter.

If there is visible damage: dents, deformations, destruction of plastic parts, the water meter must be replaced. In cases where a malfunction is detected during the warranty period (and it did not arise through the fault of the owner), the flow meter must be repaired or replaced. For this purpose, the water meter is transferred to the manufacturing company.

Compliance with the requirements of installation, operation and legislation, as well as timely maintenance of the water meter, allows you to increase the duration of its operation.
Fraud and the use of non-working equipment provides only short-term benefits, which are later offset by the imposition of fines and the purchase of a new device. Useful article? Rate and share with friends!

Installation procedure

Meter installation steps:

• An application for installation is submitted to a company that manages an apartment building.
• An agreement is concluded with the organization involved in the installation and maintenance of meters.
• The water meter itself is purchased, and then it is installed. The costs of purchasing the device and its installation are borne by the user, respectively, and although he chooses the model himself, it is only from those approved and contained in the Gosstandart register. However, there are practically no meters on sale that are not included in the register - you only need to pay attention to this when standards change, after which some old models no longer comply with them.
• The meter is sealed, after which it will be ready for use.

Please note that during operation the owner will bear a number of responsibilities, namely:

• If it breaks down or expires, repair or replace the meter.
• Carry out verifications within the time limits specified by the manufacturer and established by law.
• Provide access to the apartment for inspectors so that they can verify the device readings.

Submitting an application

The first step is to submit an application for installation or replacement of the meter to your management company (or HOA). The document should indicate from whom and where it is sent, the essence of the request, the meter model and the form of payment for the work. Of course, it must also contain the date and signature, and from the documents, a copy of the certificate of ownership or, if the apartment is rented, a rental agreement should be attached to the application. There is nothing complicated in drawing up an application, and a sample of its execution is attached to the article. You can also find out the filling details yourself directly in your Criminal Code.

Installation

Installation is usually carried out by specialists, and not by the user himself, so we will explain only some of the nuances regarding the placement location. It is necessary that the meter be located on a straight section of pipe in the bathroom or toilet. It is advisable to install it not far away, but as close as possible to the exit of the pipeline from the home; if the house is private, then a mandatory requirement is that the meter should be located closer than 20 centimeters from it.

You should also leave space for maintenance and ensure that the meter is illuminated and the numbers are readable. If there are two risers in the apartment, you will need two sets of meters.

Sealing

If the installation was carried out by a third-party company, a representative of the supplier checks the device, and then draws up a commissioning report, and as a final touch, a seal is placed on the water meter, guaranteeing that it will not be opened and reconfigured. Payment for water based on meter readings will begin immediately after sealing.