Is it necessary to seal meters?
The problem of saving water resources is very acute at the moment; it is necessary to properly use the available natural reserves. Federal Law No. 261 “On Energy Saving” dated November 23, 2009 Art. 13 (as amended on July 29, 2017) and RF Government Decree No. 776 recommend that all co-owners of housing install water meters, otherwise utility bills are calculated with an increasing factor (clause 42 of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 as amended on March 27, 2018).
Installing water meters significantly reduces the amount of payments and allows you to regulate resource consumption. According to RF PP No. 354, clause 81(8), commissioning of a water meter is accompanied by sealing. If there is no seal, then the readings are considered invalid and payment is calculated using increasing factors.
Responsibility for a broken seal
For breaking the seal, the company may demand payment of an amount without taking into account the meter. The reference number is the date of filing the application or the last day of checking the meter.
The fine for a broken seal on a water meter is calculated as follows: the throughput of the water supply system is multiplied by the number of calendar days when the seal was not installed. This amount is paid by the owner.
If the seal was damaged accidentally, you need to proceed according to the following algorithm:
- write a statement about the fact that the seal was removed;
- apply for a new filling;
- wait for the inspector to arrive to reseal it.
The application must indicate the reason for the situation. The inspector will check the device and make a decision whether an illegal attempt was made to change the readings. Then he must replace the filling with a new one.
If no unauthorized access is detected during the preparation of the report, the owner will not have to pay a fine. In this case, the testimony must correspond to reality. Payment is made only for refilling.
The seal is an element for correctly calculating resource consumption. Plastic or metal products are used. The seal is attached to a wire, sometimes knots are tied on a fishing line behind the seal. The installation is carried out by special structures associated with water supply. Sealing is done free of charge if the owner himself was not the cause of the broken seal. The absence of a seal can result in high costs for water supply services. If the seal is accidentally broken, you should contact the appropriate services and write a statement.
Probably, many, having contacted the management company to seal meters, heard the technician’s requirement to provide a copy of the license. And also about the need to pay for the meter sealing procedure.
More than once, I personally have had clients ask: “Do you have a license?”
Yes, previously such a license was necessary to install water meters. Not now!
On January 1, 2010, licensing of organizations was stopped. As well as all previously issued and renewed licenses have become invalid.
Now, instead of licenses, SRO (Self-Regulatory Organization) permits are in effect. These permits are issued for the construction and repair of particularly dangerous, high-rise and unique objects.
Current repairs and installation of water meters are not subject to the requirements and do not require SRO approval when performing work.
But some management companies still continue to require a license. They scare residents that they won’t seal the meter without a license. These words and actions are illegal and this fact is confirmed by the Housing Committee (letter No. 150/07 dated 08/04/2010)
All this is done to ensure that meters are installed only by specialists from the local management company. As a rule, at inadequately inflated prices. But everyone has the right to choose.
Meter sealing is also a free service. According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated September 19, 2013 No. 824 “On amendments to the rules for the provision of utility services to owners and users of premises in apartment buildings and residential buildings.”
Charging a fee for sealing meters is contrary to Article 16 of the Federal Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights No. 2300-1 of 02/07/1992. It prohibits conditioning the purchase of some services on the mandatory purchase of others.
Also, all of the above has been confirmed by the State Unitary Enterprise “Vodokanal of St. Petersburg”. Quote from the official website:
“To install an apartment water meter, residents can contact any organization that provides such services. We emphasize once again that their activities do not require any licenses or powers of attorney from Vodokanal. When installing a metering device, the requirements for its installation (installation) specified in the device passport must be observed.
The organization that carried out the installation of apartment metering devices, in addition to payment documents and documents for meters, is obliged to provide the owner of the residential premises with warranty obligations for the installation work performed. If any defects are discovered during the operation of the meter, the organization that installed the meter will be responsible for poor-quality installation or components of the metering unit. If a resident installed the meter himself, this responsibility falls on him. The warranty obligations of the water meter manufacturer are indicated in the passport for the metering device.
It is also necessary to call a representative of the organization that manages the apartment building (Zhilkomservis, HOA, ZhSK, LCD), who, after inspecting the device and assessing the completion of work on its installation, will draw up documents for putting the meter into operation (so that the meter can be used to make payments for cold weather). water) and seals it."
If the management company refuses to register water meters, request the refusal in writing and then contact the Housing Committee and the Prosecutor's Office.
P. _ S. _
Having a license in hand, the master will not do this job better. His experience, skills and abilities are important for quality work. After all, licenses were not issued to individuals, but only to organizations. Who, in pursuit of profit, hire everyone.
A water meter is a measuring device that measures the flow of consumed water from a centralized water supply. Water metering is included in the mandatory list of utilities, and is carried out in liters or cubic meters. Consumption readings are transmitted to the service company every month, which, according to these data, issues an invoice to the owners in accordance with the tariffs of the region.
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When is it necessary to seal an IPU?
Unlike an electricity meter, the water meter is located in a closed transparent case that cannot be removed, otherwise the control plastic ring will be damaged. In addition, modern cold and hot water meters are equipped with an anti-magnetic sticker. Such a seal responds to attempts to change the readings by exposure to electromagnetic waves (the substance spreads in a transparent capsule). If a sticker is accidentally or intentionally torn off, the word “Open” will appear on the surface when it is put back in place.
On a note! The presence of an antimagnetic element slightly affects the cost of the device, but eliminates any claims from the resource supplying organization in terms of deliberate influence on the device.
The final sealing of the water meter is carried out using a plastic numbered part. To do this, an employee of the relevant organization is called. The work does not directly affect the main part of the device, except for mechanisms without an anti-magnetic sticker. Sealing occurs between two control nuts, which serve to connect the device to the supply system.
This procedure is necessary in the following cases:
- Initial commissioning of a water meter in newly built private and apartment buildings.
- Completion of the period of use or return of the mechanism from a certified inspection. For cold water IPU, the period after the first verification is 6 years, for hot water – 4 years. If the DHW device is installed on cold water pipes, then the period is calculated based on the data specified in the commissioning certificate.
- Meter failure. The fact of damage is detected independently or during inspection by regulatory organizations.
- Replacement of valves and pipes (if work cannot be carried out without removing the device). This is especially true if the inlet ball valve fails.
- An emergency situation that required the rapid dismantling of the IPU or pipes.
- Cleaning filter clogged. If the supplied water contains coarse impurities, the mesh installed at the inlet gradually becomes clogged. To clean, you will need to remove the mechanism.
- Damage to the wire used to seal the device.
To avoid problems, you need to take into account the basic rule, which involves maintaining the integrity of the element used to seal the mechanism.
In case of any intervention in the operation of the water supply system, which entails complete or partial dismantling of the water meter, it is necessary to reseal the meter
How to seal a water meter when first installing or replacing
You can perform the initial installation of a water meter yourself, but it is recommended to entrust the installation procedure of the water meter to a specialist. You can find a specialist by contacting the housing and communal services department, but these services will be provided for a fee. After installing the water meter, the owner needs to contact the service company to seal the water meters.
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Like all IPUs, the water meter has a service life. At the end of its service life, the water meter is replaced. Typically, the failure of a water meter coincides with the calibration interval. These terms are indicated in the technical data sheet of the water meter. Basically, cold water meters are calibrated every 6 years, and hot water meters every 4 years.
After the service life of the water meter has expired, it is necessary to dismantle it and then install the water meter. But do not forget to inform the service organization about the unsealing of water meters. After completing the procedures for replacing the metering device, it is necessary to seal the water meters by leaving a request to the Criminal Code.
Who should seal the water meter?
To seal a meter, you need a license; you must contact the following organizations:
- Management company or homeowners association. When charging for the supplied water resources, it is these structures that carry out the sealing. Exceptions are situations where the owners of an apartment building or cooperative at a general meeting agreed on direct interaction with the supplying organization.
- MUP "Vodokanal" or MUP "Water Supply Service" (depending on the region). If the company acts as a resource supplier, then it is the company that is responsible for resealing.
In accordance with clause 81(8) of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354, the installation of seals is carried out by a representative of the utility service provider who has access. In some regions, the presence of an employee of the resource supply organization is also required.
Who does the filling?
Before considering who is authorized to install seals, it is worth considering the types of protective equipment specified. The following types of fillings are distinguished:
- factory - installed by the manufacturer, preventing interference with the mechanism of the product, but not preventing its installation and connection;
- after connecting the device.
One of the types of fillings is anti-magnetic: read the article about anti-magnetic filling.
The first of these types of protective devices should be of interest to the consumer only in terms of integrity monitoring when purchasing a product. The owner purchases the device with the factory seal already installed, and its reinstallation may be required only after the device has been repaired in the manufacturer’s workshop or a specialized organization.
After the initial connection of the meter, or as a result of dismantling and reinstallation associated with the next verification or repair, the seal must be installed by a representative of the energy supplier or management company (if we are talking about an apartment in an apartment building).
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It is not permitted to install this protective device yourself or to hire the company that installed the device to do so. Such a connection will be considered illegal, and the readings of the device in this case will be invalid. As a result, the owner will pay the organization for work that goes beyond its authority.
According to the provisions of paragraph 81 (9) of Government Resolution No. 354, adopted in May 2011, these works are performed free of charge. An exception applies to situations where sealing is performed again if previously installed protective equipment is damaged due to the fault of the consumer or third parties.
The cost of sealing in situations in which a fee must be charged to the owner ranges from 200 to 500 rubles, depending on the region and type of energy resource.
Procedure
Process diagram:
- A water meter is purchased and installed. Self-installation is allowed provided all the details are followed.
- An application for re-sealing is submitted. It is advisable to indicate the expected installation date.
- An invited employee will check the correct installation of the meter and documentation.
- The device must be sealed with a special plastic element or a lead seal. It is imperative that the wire passes through the holes of the two screw-on nuts.
- An act is drawn up. The document indicates the date, full name and address of the subscriber, the name and position of the representative, the purpose of the survey, installation location, number, verification date, service life, cubic capacity of the water meter, seals for meters. If there is an old device, its parameters are overwritten. All indicators are checked and confirmed by signature.
The act must be drawn up in two copies, one remains with the owner. Most often, the contractor’s employee independently transfers documents to the resource supply organization.
Important! If after a month the line indicating the water meter number in the receipt has not changed, then you need to immediately contact the municipal unitary enterprise.
When do you need to seal the meter?
- Initial installation.
- The water meter has been replaced due to its service life.
- If a damaged seal is discovered on a previously installed water meter.
- The ball valve is broken.
- Work has been carried out to update the pipeline.
- Resealing when buying and selling an apartment.
- There was an accident on the highway.
- Independent change of water meter (scheduled repairs, model update).
All of the above situations require work to be done to seal the water meter. Without sealing, the settlement center has the right not to accept water meter readings for calculation and tariffication.
Installation diagram and holes for wire.
How to apply
Many organizations accept requests for initial or re-sealing by telephone, which is most often due to the presence of previously issued replacement certificates. But it is necessary to take into account that this procedure will not allow you to prove the fact of the application in case of problems, so it is better to submit the application in writing (based on clause 81 of the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 as amended on March 27, 2018).
Standard form:
- Information about the owner of the premises. Full name, address, passport details, phone number.
- Date of installation of the water meter.
- Parameters and placement point of the IPU.
- Although the RF PP requires information about the organization that performed the work, this point can be skipped. The fact is that this rule applies to meters, the installation of which requires mandatory licensing or certification.
- Accurate readings.
- Date of next verification.
- A copy of the mechanism’s passport or document confirming the inspection in a special laboratory.
The application must be submitted to the management company, HOA or municipal unitary enterprise; the second copy with the date and initials of the receiving person remains with the owner. If it is necessary to change a device with an expiring service life, then the implementing organizations notify the subscriber in advance, indicating the period during which a new meter needs to be installed and the sealing dates.
Step-by-step instruction
The meter installation process requires documentation. You have the right to install the device yourself, but in this case you will have to spend more time and effort on the registration procedure. It is much wiser to delegate the installation task to a professional company, then the specialists themselves will provide you with the appropriate package of papers. has all the necessary approvals and provides the customer with a full package of documents after installing water meters.
Next, the owner with the issued papers goes to the management company at his place of residence. Employees of the organization register an act authorizing the launch of the meter into operation. A similar document is issued when an old device is replaced with a new one.
With the same package of documentation you go to the EIRC. This institution will draw up an agreement for payment for hot and cold water supply. You will also carry documents there after each check of water meters, so remember well the address and contacts of this organization. The registration procedure itself is quick and does not cause any difficulties.
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Order
So, we figured out where to carry the certificates of inspection and installation of devices. Now let's find out what is included in the package of documents.
You will need the following papers:
- An official agreement with the company that installed the device.
- Acceptance certificate for completed work.
- Act on permission to put the water meter into operation - make three copies.
- Flowmeter data sheet.
Please note that each of the two devices installed in your apartment must have a separate passport. EIRC employees will need the serial numbers of water metering devices and their readings at the time of installation. This is necessary to take into account water consumption readings.
During the process of registering equipment, EIRC employees will enter the following information into their database:
- Unit release date.
- Its serial number (it is indicated in the technical passport of the meter).
- Date of installation of the device in your home.
- Indications at the time of installation.
Those who install the unit themselves do the same things with the documents. They visit the management company and the EIRC, carry out all procedures for registering devices and transmitting information. Before submitting documents, do not forget to invite an employee of the management company or another similar organization responsible for accounting for water metering equipment. The specialist will check the correct installation of the unit, put seals on it and provide you with registration documents.
Duration of the procedure
Time intervals are also specified in RF PP No. 354, paragraph 81-81(2):
- The device is put into operation no later than the month following the installation date.
- After receiving the application, the contractor can agree on a new deadline. For this purpose, 3 days are given from the moment the notification is accepted. The postponement cannot be more than 15 days from the original date.
- If the contractor does not appear at the agreed time, then the device is considered to be put into operation from the moment the application is accepted. Although the law allows the use of IPU without a seal, it is necessary to contact the regulatory authorities so that the work is completed.
The water meter may not be put into operation if violations of the installation technology or non-compliance of the device with standards are discovered.
Features of the filling procedure
Sealing after the initial installation of the device is carried out in the following order:
- The owner submits an application to the management company or resource supplier about the need to connect a meter.
- The owner prepares the necessary documentation.
- On the appointed day, a representative of the resource supplier or management company connects the device and installs protective devices.
- The results of the work are confirmed by the corresponding act, drawn up in duplicate.
Protective devices are installed in a similar manner during verification or after repair of the device. The consumer removes the old seal independently, after notifying the resource supplier of the need to dismantle the meter.
The owner is required to prepare the following set of documents before the arrival of a representative of the above organization:
- agreements for the supply of resources,
- civil passport,
- meter passport, what to do if you have lost the meter passport.
- documents confirming the verification of the device or its repair (for re-installation),
- documentary confirmation of the installation of the device (if it is installed, and we are talking only about sealing).
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The specified protective equipment must be installed within 15 days from the date of submission of the relevant application, and the date of completion of the work must be agreed upon no later than 3 days.
In what case do you need to pay?
Existing legislation stipulates that sealing is performed free of charge if a new device is installed or a certified verification of water meters has been carried out.
Paid sealing is possible in the following cases:
- If the element is damaged due to the transfer of the connection point. The exception is the reconstruction of communications, which is carried out by the management company or HOA. But if the management organization does not have the right to put a seal, then before tearing off the old one, it is better to coordinate the actions.
- If the wire has rotted and the locking device has come off. Many performers restore this element only for money, since it is the consumer who is responsible for the safety of the meter. In such a situation, it is necessary that when carrying out control checks, the owner himself inspects the seal in advance and points out possible violations that have arisen due to the failure of the wire. The sealing element may fall off due to the fact that the contractor used low-quality and unsuitable fixing material.
- If the seal is damaged. Exceptions are the actions of employees of a management company, homeowners association or resource supply organization.
Attention! The element may fly off due to the fault of pets, so it is necessary to limit the area of their influence.
Sealing of water meters
Installation of special water consumption meters is mandatory for city apartments. However, you cannot limit yourself to installing water meters yourself. The point is not so much the complexity of the task, but the need for correct registration of the device. Our company specializes in sealing water meters and offers its customers installation and connection services. In order to put water meters into operation, an expert opinion on the correct installation of the device is required. The equipment inspection report confirms the absence of leaks in the areas where the meters were installed, as well as the mandatory presence of a seal on the device. The equipment passport must contain a mark confirming the metrological verification of the device, which was performed by the manufacturer. Our company’s specialists will take valid readings from the device at the moment when the water meters are installed and sealed.
Sealing water meters is a necessary precaution to prevent illegal use of water, opening and dismantling of the device. After the inspection, a commissioning report will be drawn up, which serves as confirmation of the correct installation of the equipment and is the basis for recalculation of the service.