You installed water meters yourself, what to do next?

How often to change?

There are three deadlines associated with water meters. This is the time of their service, guarantees for them and their verification. The service life of flow meters is set by their manufacturers.
Technical documentation determines that the average service time is 12 years.

This period is indicated in the meter’s passport and applies to vane devices. Other types of water meters may have a longer service life.

Manufacturers also set a warranty period for devices. It is also recorded in the water meter passport. The warranty is 30 months. The moment of its counting is the day the flow meter is put into operation.
Important! The maximum warranty for water meters does not exceed 36 months, starting from the date of their initial verification.
This condition is also stated in the device passport. The technical documentation establishes another time period associated with the operation of water meters. This is the calibration interval. It is the same for cold and hot water meters. Their verification should be carried out every 6 years.

We replace the counter with a new one

Cold water meter prices

Cold water meter

We have dealt with the important legislative part regulating the installation of the meter. Now let's see how the replacement is performed. The instructions will be detailed, with a step-by-step description, so that you can complete the work yourself. At the end of the article there will also be videos attached that will help you consider the whole process in more detail.

Video - Replacing a water meter in 5 minutes on your own

Hot water meter prices

Hot water meter

Tools and materials

Before you start, make sure to purchase the following kit:

Table 1 . Tools and materials for work.

Photo Tool:	Description:
adjustable wrench	The meter is connected to the pipes through union nuts. It is very convenient to work with an adjustable wrench, since this tool can be adjusted to the desired size. Or use a 24mm open-end wrench.
Gas key	No plumber can do without a gas wrench. It can be used to tighten nuts, but most importantly, it can clamp and secure round pipes.
FUM tape	Fum tape will help seal threaded connections so that they do not leak. You can also use plumbing flax (tow) - masters of the old school, and many young people prefer this particular material, since it is reliable, inexpensive and has proven itself over years of use.
Silicone mounting	Silicone sealant will come in handy if you use tow in your work. The combination of these materials will create a connection that is guaranteed not to leak, and this is very important. We remind you that in order to unscrew the meter you will need to break the seal, and this will entail many unnecessary problems, so immediately do everything as securely as possible. Advice! If you do not have a gun for tubes of this format, as shown in the photo on the left, then buy sealant in a regular tube.
Filter element	The coarse filter is installed directly in front of the meter. It will protect the sensitive device from large debris, which can cause it to fail. Advice! If the pressure deteriorates, the plug is unscrewed from the filter, the metal mesh is removed, which needs to be cleaned, and then put everything back together in the reverse order.
Ball valve	If you did not have a faucet installed in front of the old meter, now is the time to correct this oversight. Its presence will save you in the future from the need to shut off the water in the basement along the entire riser, and subsequent meter replacements will be much easier and faster.

Advice! When choosing a valve, give preference to the ball model, since its service life is longer than that of the rod (worm) model. At the same time, it is much easier to open and close. Additionally, we recommend making sure that the handle is reliable.

Replacement process

This is what the water meter delivery package looks like - filters and other items must be purchased separately

So we bought the meter and unpacked it at home. The kit usually includes the following:

The device itself, from which leads to the water inlet and outlet extend to the sides;
Two fittings through which we will connect to the pipes;
Two nuts for fixing the fittings - the elements have special ears on the outside through which the wire is threaded when sealing;
Two gaskets for sealing connections;
Documents – passport, certificate and installation instructions.

We also already bought the rest, so let's start the installation.

Important! Connection through fittings may not be required if the pipe outlets are equipped with appropriate nuts.

Table 2. Step-by-step instructions for replacing the meter.

Steps, photo:	Description:
Step 1. Shutting off the water supply. Shut off the water supply Read also: Collection of utility bills from shared owners	We turn off the water supply. As you can see in the photo, the person already has inlet taps installed from the riser. This allowed him to avoid the need to call the appropriate services - he simply turned the handle. After this, you need to open the tap at any water point to drain the water, but only a small part of it will drain; when you unscrew the connections, the rest will flow, so prepare a bucket and dry rags.
Step 2. Unscrew the device. Unscrewing the device	The meter is supported on two pipes, to which it is screwed with nuts. They need to be unscrewed using a wrench. No one should have any problems with this; we twist it counterclockwise when looking at the connection from the pipe side. The only thing is, if you see that the pipes are starting to warp, fix them with a gas wrench. Attention! Do not unscrew the meter if you have not yet written an application to the Housing Office for its replacement. If the seal is broken in this case, you will be fined. And don’t forget to place a bucket or rags underneath.
Step 3. Determining the sides of the counter. Determining the sides of the counter	It is very important not to confuse the input and output of the device. This can be recognized by the location of the plastic filter, as in the photo on the left - this will be the entrance (there is nothing installed on the other side), or by the arrow on the body, which shows the direction in which the water will flow.
Step 4. The fitting is assembled. Assembling the fitting	We assemble the fitting. The diagram is shown on the left - it is threaded into the nut. Next, you need to screw it into the outlet on the pipe. Please note that on the body of the part there are edges for a wrench - this is what we use to tighten the element. The fittings are installed on two pipes. After this, a rubber gasket is inserted inside the nut. Before tightening the threaded connections, wrap a little tow around them, then take literally a drop of silicone and coat the entire flax with it around the circumference.
Step 5. Attaching a new meter. Attaching a new counter	We take a new meter and connect it to the pipes through nuts. If your connections are in hard-to-reach places, you can first tighten everything as much as possible by hand, and then turn the counter itself. The final tightening must still be done with a wrench, so these points should be taken into account before installing boxes and false walls.

In principle, the installation ends here, but there are a couple more points. The first is installing a coarse filter. If it was already standing, then simply unscrew it, clean it, and put it back together. If it is not there, and the distance between the pipes does not allow for its addition, then you most likely will not be able to do without a plumber. They act in this situation differently, depending on the material of the pipes and the taps, tees and other things installed on them.

Video - How to replace a water meter yourself

The next point is checking the quality of the resulting connections. We supply water by opening the tap and closing all faucets. We carefully inspect the connections for leaks . If any are found, then we tighten up the details. In this case, both the fitting and the nut must be held simultaneously and pulled in different directions. Once you are sure that the joints are dry, you can stop tightening.

Find out how to take electricity meter readings, and also read tips and instructions on how to take them correctly in a special article on our portal.

Also, be careful with the device’s information board - turn it in a convenient direction and do not accidentally crush the glass during installation. That's basically all there is to it. As you can see, installation can be very simple, in a matter of minutes, or it may require the intervention of a specialist, so first assess the complexity of the work before touching anything.

The interval for changing the device according to the law

Clause 81(10) of the Government Decree dated May 6, 2011, number 354, states that the operating conditions and reinstallation of water meters are fixed in the technical documentation .

The same paragraph of the Resolution states that verification of metering devices is carried out on the basis of the Law of June 26, 2008 under number 102-FZ.

These acts contain only general information about the operation and verification of flow meters.

Specific time periods regarding the use of water meters, guarantees for them and their verification are established by technical documentation.

More often, instead of a time limit for reinstalling flow meters, a period of their mandatory verification is implied. Consumers need to ensure compliance with the calibration interval.

However, there is no set deadline for reinstalling the accounting device. It needs to be changed only in cases where it has not passed the verification procedure or has failed for a number of reasons.

3.1. Selecting a company for registration

The company can install meters without a license for such work. Representatives of service departments must have accreditation for parallel types of activities, for example, for carrying out verification.

Such an organization has the right to install a seal. After installation, a certificate of work performed is issued, which is submitted to the ERIC. In fact, the management company or HOA may refuse to accept such an act, based on the rules in Government Decree No. 354 of 05/06/2011, which states that the act is signed by the executor, and in this case, the executor is the Management Company/HOA/Vodokanal, or representative of the performer.

It is better to discuss questions about commissioning and sealing with the management company in advance.

To confirm competence and professionalism, at the first request, the company is obliged to provide any organizational and licensing documents, including certification.

It is imperative that the completion of installation work must be supported by a guarantee for a certain period. During this period, the organization, at its own expense, must troubleshoot problems and restore the correct operation of the meter. Including in the event that during a test run an error is detected in the instrument readings.

The list of services in such organizations may differ. The more extensive the list of work carried out, the faster it will be possible to put the meter into operation. Issues in which representatives of installation services may be competent may include the installation itself, preparation of the necessary documents, including permits, maintenance, and subsequent replacement, if such a need arises.

Reviews and recommendations from friends will help guide the consumer in choosing a company.

The cost of services is set at the market average, but can be adjusted by the organization’s management and is not fixed at the legislative level. The price remains within the specified limits after drawing up and signing the contract.

The moment from which the countdown begins

The warranty always starts from the date the flow meter is put into service. This is indicated both in GOST R 50601-93 (clause 11.2) and in the technical data sheet of the device.

If the technical documentation does not contain the date when the device was put into operation, then the warranty for it starts from the moment of its initial verification .

The period of operation of the water meter begins from the day it was released. This is confirmed by its initial verification. It is from this moment that the verification interval begins. The date of initial verification must be indicated on the device data sheet.

3.3. Verifying the installation

After a meter is installed, for the first time or to replace an old one, the consumer must contact the management company or water utility with information about the installation date and commissioning (if this information is not provided during the installation and inspection process).

After providing information about installing the seal, the subscriber will pay for the water consumed in accordance with the indications. Calculations based on the readings will be made (accepted) until the next inspection period.

After the deadline for the next verification has passed, if the subscriber has not initiated such verification, a fee may be charged according to the standard.

Current verification is carried out in accordance with GOST, which is specified in the technical passport. For a cold water meter, the approximate inspection interval is six years, for a hot water meter - four years. A regional municipality can set its own inspection deadlines; such a clause is in RF PP No. 354. Verification can be carried out on site or the meter can be taken to a specialized institution for inspection.

To carry out this procedure, you need to contact the service organization with a corresponding application. After reviewing the application, the controller is sent to the specified address. He takes readings and records them, which allows the meter to be removed for further verification. The entire procedure, if it does not take place in the apartment, takes up to 14 days. This period is calculated based on readings for the last three months. The costs associated with establishing operability are paid by the subscriber.

Recommended frequency of replacement of cold and hot water meters

The specific moment when an old water meter needs to be replaced with a new one is not defined.

It all depends on the quality of the device and the water that will pass through it.

DHW meters need to be replaced more frequently than cold water meters. Hot water destroys them faster, and they cannot always last 12 years.

Cold water meters can last more than 12 years, provided the water quality is good and they are used correctly. Therefore, there is no fixed deadline for reinstalling devices . It all depends on a number of factors.

Note! It is important to promptly invite a specialist to check the devices. It is recommended to monitor the operation of DHW meters more often. It is necessary to be more guided by the guarantee and the verification period.

Recommendations

The consumer, especially when installing the device independently, is recommended to adhere to the following tips:

it is necessary to prepare for replacing the water meter in advance so as not to exceed the service life;
Before purchasing a device, you should consult with specialists from the management company regarding the choice of device model and study the technical characteristics of the meter for compliance with operating conditions;
before starting installation, it is necessary to study in detail the provisions of the passport or operating manual in order to take into account the manufacturer’s requirements for installation;
installation is carried out with the water supply taps closed;
the device is installed taking into account the arrow on the body indicating the direction of water supply, and is positioned so that the front panel is as accessible as possible for viewing;
The union nuts are tightened evenly, with the gaskets tightly compressed, ensuring the tightness of the connections.

Timely replacement will allow the consumer to use the water meter readings when paying for consumed resources. But if you are late in installing a new device, the readings of the old one will be considered invalid, with corresponding consequences for the owner.

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Early failure of devices

It is necessary to reinstall the old flow meter with a new one earlier than the warranty and calibration interval in the following cases:

improper installation of the device;
improper operation;
violation of the integrity of the flow meter body;
poor water quality;
fixing the meter to a clogged pipeline;
carrying out welding work on the pipe where the device was previously fixed;
lack of a flow filter in front of the flow meter;
increased pressure and temperature of water in pipes.

Often the reason for early replacement of water meters is their improper transportation. also negatively affects the service life of devices .

Possible consequences of failure to meet deadlines

If the consumer does not replace the meter due to its breakdown, then the main consequence for him will be a subsequent increase in payments for water.

Clause 81(13) of the Resolution number 354 states that the consumer must immediately notify the management company of the need to reinstall the metering device . At the same time, he is obliged to transmit readings from the flow meter as of the date of its breakdown.

Important! The water meter must be replaced within 30 days from the moment the device fails. The water meter must be replaced by a specialist from the management company himself or in his presence.

According to the requirements of paragraph 59 of Resolution No. 354, for the period of unaccounted resource consumption, the fee is charged to the consumer based on the average consumption value . It is calculated from the moment when the water meter fails, and if this moment cannot be established, then from the date when the billing period began.

The consumer will pay for water according to the average volume of consumption over 3 months. Upon completion, payments for the resource will begin to accrue according to consumption standards. In this case, the increasing coefficient will be additionally taken into account. This is indicated in paragraph 42 of the Resolution under number 354.

As a result, the consumer may accumulate large amounts of debt . If they replace the water meter, the billing center will recalculate for the entire period of unaccounted resource consumption. The consequence of this will be the formation of a debt that the consumer will be obliged to pay.

Procedure for registering a water meter

After purchasing a meter, its installation must be done by companies that have a license allowing them to carry out work on installing the metering apparatus. Upon completion of all processes, the apartment owner must collect all the necessary documentation package, which must be sent to the Information and Settlement Center or to a company dealing with these issues. This action will allow you to enter your metering device into the state register.

Where to contact

Upon completion of the installation work, you must go with a package of documents to the company that manages this issue. After a while, its representative will come to you and analyze the process’s compliance with all norms and requirements. If everything is correct, then your passport will be stamped and a report will be drawn up. Then, they will enter all the information into the state register of accounting means.

Necessary information

To register, you must have the following information:

Series number of the device and passport;
Year of release of the device into production;
The exact date of completion of installation work;
Primary data of flow readings.

Registration procedure for self-installation

When installing the device yourself, registration is quite simple. To do this you need to perform the following sequential steps:

After installation, apply for a call to meter accreditation specialists who will check the suitability and performance of the system.
If they have no complaints, then a seal will be installed and a commissioning report will be drawn up;
With the received documents, you should go to the funds management and accounting campaign and submit the device for registration;
After entering the meter into the general register, the water consumer can pay for consumption according to its readings;

Attention! The meter owner is required to submit monthly readings from the water meter and pay them at the current rate per cubic meter of water.

As a result, we can say that the issue of further actions after installing a water meter is resolved by registering the meter. To do this, you need to check with specialists that the installation is correct and collect a package of documents that must be submitted for registration of your device. If everything is correct, then soon you will be able to pay only for the consumption of the actual number of cubic meters of water.