The hot (or cold) water meter fogged up from the inside - what to do with condensation, why this happens, how to fix it

Sometimes it happens that droplets of water appear inside, on the meter dial itself. This is condensation. It will even make it difficult to take readings. But where does it come from and what to do with it? Let's sort it out in order. Let's look at the main reasons for the appearance of condensation inside the meter and figure out what the algorithm for your actions is. It is necessary to clearly understand that a normally functioning meter is dry inside and taking readings in a timely manner is not a problem.

Why does condensation form under glass?

The main reasons for the formation of condensation:

Leaky gasket. Most often, condensation on the hot water meter is formed due to depressurization of the device. When a person opens a tap, the flow of liquid drives the impeller, and it starts the gearbox mechanism.
If the tightness of the gasket between the parts is broken, then water penetrates into the upper part of the meter. Drops settle on the blades of the mechanism, which is why it begins to malfunction. If the device's expiration date has not yet expired, it can be returned for repair.
In this case, the company must pay for the work, but re-sealing will still have to be done. The main danger of condensation lies in the reason for its appearance. The water meter is sealed, and only in this state can it accurately record the flow of liquid. A faulty mechanism can cause leakage over time.
Sudden temperature change. A more rare cause of fogging is temperature changes.
In the summer, when the hot water is turned off, the sensor cools down, and when the liquid begins to flow through the pipes again, a difference of 40-50 degrees is created. However, most meters are designed for such sudden changes, so they tolerate them normally.
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Deformation or incorrect installation . If the meter begins to fog up immediately after installation, this indicates its deformation or improper installation. In this case, just call the manufacturer - all models come with a warranty.

Why does the hot water meter fog up?

Often the warm water meter is located close to the cold water appliance. Condensation appears faster on the hot water appliance. The problem should be solved immediately, before condensation covers the entire device.

Many people, faced with such a problem, think that this is due to increased humidity in the room, and therefore begin to improve the ventilation system. Very often, such a problem can cause the start of repairs. But the accumulation of condensate has nothing to do with this.

The main reason for the appearance of condensation in the device is depressurization. Inside there is a special hermetic gasket that fits tightly to the pipe; when closed tightly, it prevents hot water from entering the device. If this element of the device is worn out or damaged, steam can get inside, forming condensation.

The seal may be worn out for the following reasons:

Due to loss of elasticity after prolonged use. This problem usually occurs among those who have been using the device for several years.
Due to rupture or deformation. This may be a manufacturing defect or damage due to improper installation. In this case, condensation appears immediately after installation.
Due to rupture, deformation or displacement of the gasket when checking the meter. After you have submitted the meter for inspection and reinstalled it, this problem will appear immediately. This is due to loss of tightness.

It is important to solve the problem immediately, as the formation of condensation can affect the performance.

How to determine indicators if condensation is detected

If you notice the formation of condensation and cannot immediately contact the consumer department, you can determine the data using the following methods:

If there is a lot of condensate in the meter and the readings are difficult to see, you can use steam. To do this, the glass can be slightly warmed with a hairdryer. Although it is often impossible to use this method, as it can cause damage. Many consumers use this method, because in a few minutes you can completely get rid of the problem.
Drops are eliminated simply by lightly tapping the pipe or the device itself. This must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the glass or break the seal. But such actions can be performed once. If there is any problem, you should go to a specialist.

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If you have the skills and the necessary tools, you can carefully make a hole in the glass of the meter. This must be done with caution, because if you damage the device, it will need to be replaced. For this method, an ordinary drill with the thinnest drill bit may be suitable. To avoid problems with replacement, you need to contact the management company, which will send a technician to replace the device.

It is not recommended to remove the top cover of the meter, as this will entail breaking the seal of the device. And this is prohibited by law. Violation of operating rules may result in a fine and replacement of the device.

What to do about this problem?

The gaskets that come with hot water meters are often of poor quality and break several years before the stated date. Therefore, in most cases they become the cause of breakdown. If the gasket fails, then the device can no longer be used.

Important information! All meters are sealed with a special seal. Therefore, before starting repairs, you need to take the indicators and notify the management company about the problem.

How can I temporarily fix problems with transmitting readings?

If the device fogs up, but continues to read indicators correctly, then replacement can be postponed for a while. However, due to drops on the inside of the plastic, it can be difficult to take readings.

Drying

To read the meter numbers, you can dry it with a hairdryer.

But it is better not to set the maximum temperature, but to set the heating to medium. This method is one-time only.

Shaking off drops

You can get rid of condensation by knocking on the glass of the meter. The drops will gather together and make the area with numbers more visible . However, you should not be too zealous, as the meter may be damaged even more.

Attention! In rare cases, the device may dry out, but if the situation does not change within a week, then it is better to call the experts.

Remote transmission of readings

Flow meters with pulse sensors or a radio module can facilitate the process of transmitting readings. The software included with the device remotely monitors fluid consumption. All that remains for the owner to do is open the system and look at the data for the last month.

This method has several disadvantages:

The metering device must be in good working order. If the inspector finds condensation and a damaged gasket, he will impose a fine of 200-300 rubles. And water consumed in recent months will be recalculated at the full tariff.
Possible sensor malfunction. Often the impulse works incorrectly, nullifying all efforts.

Drilling a hole

It is better not to use methods that violate the integrity of the device. If you drill a small hole in plastic, you can get even more problems:

fine from the Criminal Code;
flooding of the apartment due to liquid leakage;
recalculation of indicators.

If there is still sense in risk, then for work you need to take a drill with a diameter of 1-2 mm. If the liquid has not gone away a day after this, then you can additionally warm the device with a hairdryer for 3-4 minutes.

A radical solution to the problem

Blow-drying or remote transmission of indicators can only serve as temporary measures.

Repair

If the meter is still under warranty, it can be repaired or replaced free of charge.

You should not try to insert a new gasket yourself , as this will damage the integrity of the seal.

Only an authorized specialist can remove the device, otherwise problems with regulatory authorities will not be avoided.

Replacement

You can replace the gasket yourself, but after that you need to check the device. And this procedure usually costs no less than a new meter. Especially when you consider the possible repair of the apartment due to a leak. Therefore, a more reliable option is to entrust the matter to a professional.

To replace the device you need:

Call the company where you purchased the flow meter and report the problem. Employees must send their specialist and provide an application.
The technician will take readings and dismantle the meter. If the device is still under warranty, it will be free. Otherwise, you will have to prepare the necessary amount for a new device in advance.
If the device needs to be repaired, it will be taken to a service center.
Afterwards, the new or repaired meter will be installed, sealed and a certificate will be issued stating that it is technically sound.

Note! After all the procedures, the owner of the apartment must take the technical passport of the device, the certificate of its installation to the Criminal Code and a certificate of sealing.

How to read readings without dismantling the meter

The issue must be resolved as soon as possible, since the accuracy of the readings depends on the serviceability of the water meter. But sometimes it becomes necessary to take data before replacing the meter or sending the product for maintenance.

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The consumer will not be helped by reducing the humidity in the room by installing additional ventilation devices. It is impossible to remove the cover of the device yourself, since seals installed by the regulatory organization are attached to it. If the seal is broken, even by accident, you can receive a serious fine for unauthorized interference with the operation of the device. Similar sanctions threaten the consumer when trying to drill glass, since it is very difficult to maintain the integrity of the device during such an operation.

As temporary measures, the problem of taking readings will be solved by:

drying the water meter using a household hairdryer - drops of moisture will evaporate, and the value of the water cubes on the display will be readable. But with this method of exposure, the gasket will become unusable much faster, which will cause final breakdown of the device;
Gently tapping the glass or pipe to shake off any drops of liquid. The procedure is performed very carefully to prevent the glass from breaking or damaging the device.

In both cases, the condensate will not go away, and to finally resolve the issue it is necessary to resort to more radical measures.

Remedy:

What not to do?

If the device is damaged, do not do the following:

Try to remove or repair it yourself.
Call a plumber without the appropriate license. Only an authorized person representing the company from which the meter was purchased can replace or pick up the flow meter for repairs.
Ignore condensation. It indicates a water leak that could flood the apartment at any moment.

Counter selection

Hot and cold water meter

For comfortable and long-term operation of the meter, you need to take the right approach to its purchase and installation. When choosing a device, you need to settle organizational issues related to the management company:

Find out whether all models are approved for installation and operation (sometimes exceptions are made, and not always legal).
You need to buy the device new, packaged and from a reliable supplier, otherwise the management company will require replacement or refuse to register the meter.
Remember that the timing of meter checks is indicated in the technical documentation for the device - they must be observed, otherwise there will be troubles in the future.

A number of housing management companies do not want to register multi-tariff water meters. Such desires are not stipulated in any way by law, so their decision can be easily appealed in court or at the prosecutor’s office.

After organizational issues, you should start looking for a reliable model. Meters have characteristics that depend on the manufacturer and a number of parameters, so it is better to follow the rules:

Meters in silumin cases are not suitable; it is more effective to choose brass, bronze or stainless steel - they last longer and do not suffer from corrosion. Another option is polymers.
When purchasing, the purpose is taken into account - options for cold water are supplied in a blue case, for hot water - in a red case. Universal models are gray.
The diameter of the pipe to which the meter is attached is taken into account. In apartments it is 15-20 mm, in private houses - about 32 mm.
Bandwidth is taken into account as it affects the accuracy of data collection. You need to calculate the approximate flow rate to make sure that the device can handle the load.

Individual meters help residents pay only for the water they consume. Fogging of the device indicates a malfunction that requires repair or complete replacement. If you follow the operating rules, you will be able to extend the service life of the meter.

Radical solution to the problem with your own hands

If all the actions listed above did not change the situation, as before, the hot water meter fogged up, what should I do? In this case, you should invite a technician to fix the problem or try to isolate the pipe from the device yourself. To do this use:

Merilon - insulation made of foamed polyethylene.
Penolon is a heat-insulating material.
Foam insulation for pipes.
Basalt pipe cylinder.

After this work, the instrument readings are clearly visible.

Reasons for water meter glass fogging

Condensation often forms on the glass of individual hot water appliances. For cold water meters, this problem arises if they are located in parallel near hot water pipes or heating system elements.

Drops collect, making it difficult to see the readings on the display, as a result of the penetration of evaporated moisture into the device with subsequent deposition of condensate. Violation of tightness is explained by a technical malfunction of the water meter during a long period of its operation (from 5 to 10 years) or assembly defects at the manufacturer (in the organization that carried out verification and maintenance of the device).

Condensation deposits are caused by:

violation of the structure of the sealing gasket material, with loss of elasticity;
distortion, deformation or rupture of the specified seal due to improper installation.

In the first case, the undesirable phenomenon will appear after several years of operation, and the amount of moisture will increase gradually as the service life of the water meter increases. In the second, the problem will arise immediately after installation of a new product or one that has passed verification.