Some time ago, when going on vacation or a business trip, people were forced to write an application to the Housing Office so that they would not be charged for using water during this time. At the moment, this problem was solved using a counter. These devices are installed in almost every apartment and are designed to record the amount of water actually consumed, measured in cubic meters. With their help, it has become much easier to control water consumption and save money spent on housing and communal services. Currently, there are a huge number of models on the market that allow you to choose a water meter according to the needs of a particular buyer. However, such diversity can sometimes be confusing. To better navigate this issue, you can look at the TOP of the best water meters presented below.
ECO NOM SV-15-110
One of the best functional water meters. You can buy and install it in your apartment for only 400 rubles. A functional device from the TOP 2021 occupies the top positions in all ratings.
Made in accordance with GOST requirements. Mount the water meter horizontally and vertically. The body is made of brass and durable metal. Resists the effects of destructive humidity.
The manufacturer claims that the meter is able to maintain water pressure and pressure. Transfers overheated water, which has a negative effect on other devices.
The period of operation, subject to compliance with the rules, reaches 12 years. Antimagnetic protection installed. It operates completely silently.
Main technical characteristics:
- accuracy class B;
- installation length – 110 mm;
- flow rate 1.5 m³/hour.
The advantage is an affordable price. Disadvantage: unclear instructions. Overall, this is the most functional water meter. It’s worth buying this device from the TOP 2021 and installing it in your apartment.
Is it possible to install the measuring device yourself?
There is no definite answer. The Federal Law states that meters must be installed by specialists or trained people. But you can install it yourself under certain conditions:
- – the meter is selected correctly, there is a license;
- – the quality of the installation was checked by specialists from the local water utility;
- – installation was carried out taking into account all rules and regulations;
- – after installation, the device is sealed by a special service employee.
If at least one rule was violated, the water utility specialist will reject the request to register the meter. A fine may be charged for poor-quality unauthorized installation. If a pipe breaks, the responsibility will be with the person who installed the device.
It is recommended to entrust the installation of the device to water utility specialists or HOA plumbers.
ITELMA WFW20.D110
Costs from 690 rubles. Considered the best in the TOP 2021. Made using innovative technologies using European components.
The company provides a 6-year warranty. This is significantly more than numerous competitors. This allows us to classify the water metering device as one of the TOP 2021.
The device is endowed with unique qualities and properties. The main ones:
- withstands water temperatures up to 110 degrees;
- Horizontal as well as vertical installation is allowed;
- exhibits resistance to high pressure in pipes of 25 atmospheres.
To install a meter in an apartment, you will need to contact professionals. The equipment does not fail and continues to function during pressure tests when the utility service supplies high pressure.
Specifications:
- accuracy category B;
- normal installation length – 110 mm;
- the nominal flow rate is 1.5 m³/hour.
The advantage is a fairly high working life and a long warranty. There are few disadvantages, but some owners, despite the advantages stated by the manufacturer, complain about the quality of workmanship. This is due to the mass production of models of this brand.
On average, a water meter can last 12 years. Thanks to this, it is considered the best solution from the TOP 2021 water volume meters. It’s worth putting it in the apartment.
Installation features
When installing a water meter, the following installation features must be taken into account:
- The installation of wafer gaskets must be carried out taking into account the nominal diameter, that is, the diameters must completely coincide. If this rule is not followed, the hydraulic resistance at the installation site of the meter will increase significantly.
- The placement conditions must exactly coincide with those specified in the product passport. It is prohibited to operate the meter at humidity levels above 80% and temperatures below +5 degrees Celsius.
- The meter must be filled with water throughout the entire operational period.
- Regardless of the quality of the liquid supplied through the device into the pipeline, a metal mesh filter must be installed in front of the device.
- After installation is completed, the water should be turned on smoothly. This is necessary in order to eliminate the possibility of such a dangerous phenomenon as water hammer.
In addition to the listed installation features, it should be borne in mind that the meter must be installed in such a way that information on liquid consumption can be easily obtained. The calibration interval for all models is 6 years, but if problems are detected in the operation of the device, it is necessary to immediately repair or replace the device.
VALTEC VLF-15U
Cost from 700 rubles. The model belongs to the universal category. Suitable for measuring hot water flow and cold water supply. Use temperature – from 5 to 95 degrees.
A European approach is applied at each production stage. Due to this, the device is regarded as one of the best in the TOP 2021. Many people decide to put it in their apartment.
The model's appearance is attractive. There is a protective film on the glass. The kit includes a wire intended for sealing. These little details create a general impression of the device. Many consider this device to be the best solution when it comes to the question of which water meter should be installed in a city apartment.
Among the main modifications of this meter from the TOP 2021 are models equipped with a pulse output. There is a wire for organizing remote reading of readings. This model is designated by the letter I. The characteristics of the meter are standard:
- accuracy class B;
- nominal flow rate – normal – 1.5 m³/hour;
- installation length is 110 mm.
The advantage is the complete set. Disadvantages include statements found in reviews that some models leak.
The best water meters according to the main criteria
Based on factory parameters and customer reviews, the following “nominations” can be assigned to water meters:
- Reliability and durability - Zenner ETWI-N DN 15 with excellent German quality.
- The best price is METER SVU-15 (400 rubles).
- The best price/quality ratio is ITELMA WFW 20 D (from 700 rubles).
Everything you need to know about water meters is presented in this section of the site.
Meter SVU-15
Cost from 600 rubles. Water meters from this manufacturer are produced under the NEVOD series. This is a universal device suitable for measuring water of different temperatures. Many choose this option from the TOP 2021.
A wasted water meter can be installed in a modern city apartment or house. The device is able to withstand any water temperature and standard pressure level characteristic of the pipeline.
The manufacturer produces two modifications:
- with the letter “I” – for transmitting low frequency pulses;
- with the letter “M” – has installed modules of the M-Bus category, is equipped with autonomous power supply and additional memory.
This TOP 2021 device is connected to a smart home. Additional positive factors include:
- presence of antimagnetic protection;
- compact dimensions;
- durable housing that prevents leaks;
- kit includes everything needed for installation.
In addition, such a counter can withstand temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius for a short time. Among the additional technical characteristics, those who have already installed it in the apartment highlight:
- accuracy class A;
- installation length of 110 mm;
- nominal flow rate is 1.5 m³/hour.
This counter from the TOP 2021 is suitable for those who are looking for which device to install in their apartment. Along with the advantages listed above, there are a couple of minor disadvantages.
The first is the cost, which is slightly higher than its analogues. The second is expressed in complaints from users who mention that the device often breaks after the warranty expires.
Despite these shortcomings, the model is deservedly included in the TOP 2021. The device, according to all its characteristics, is suitable for installation in an apartment.
PULSE 15U-110
This counter is one of the cheapest in the TOP 2021. Costs from 560 rubles. Many citizens place it in their apartment. It is also suitable for office premises in megacities, outside the city in private buildings.
If an innovative functional smart home system is installed in the apartment, installing this model is a good solution. There is built-in functionality that allows you to transfer information to third-party media.
Functional advantages include the ability to install vertically and horizontally at the discretion of the owner.
The built-in counter mechanism will not be destroyed by moisture. The built-in impeller is in contact with it. When untwisted, it gives energy to the gears. The body is durable, made of brass. The kit includes a valve that prevents outflow.
The main characteristics of this device from TOP-2021 include:
- accuracy class – standard (B);
- installation length is 110 mm, but there are models with a length of 80 mm;
- the nominal flow rate reaches 1.5 m³/hour.
There is an easy to read dial. There are practically no shortcomings, except for the poorly painted body, but this is of little concern to buyers. Many, choosing a water meter from the TOP 2021, decide to install it in their apartment.
Taking readings
The counting mechanism of the VSKM water meter contains eight windows, behind which there are disks with numbers from 0 to 9 printed on them. Five black numbers indicate the amount of water flowed in cubic meters. Three red numbers show the amount of water in liters. The central panel also houses the MID sensor or DG arrow. There is an indicator in the form of a black star on a mirror background, which makes it possible to carry out verification quickly and without dismantling.
The counting mechanism itself can be rotated around its axis at any angle.
Ecomera ECO-15U
Meter costing from 470 rubles. In TOP 2021 - this is the best solution. It can be installed in an apartment without any problems. Differs in laconic dimensions. Official documents contain a mark indicating that the product has been certified and tested by Rostest.
Among the main characteristics are:
- ability to withstand extreme water temperatures;
- body made of brass;
- built-in antimagnetic protection;
- a unique measurement mechanism that completely eliminates failures;
- period of use reaching 10-12 years.
The counter from TOP 2021 is characterized as universal. It can be installed on pipes of any size and material. The nominal flow rate is 2.5 m³/hour. The model passes a greater flow of water per hour than its analogues and does not break down. The water meter has accuracy class A, and the installation length is 110 mm.
The advantage of the device, which can be installed in an ordinary city apartment, is its high throughput.
The disadvantage is the plastic body. Despite this, a water meter is suitable as a solution to which is the best water meter from TOP 2021 to install in a house or apartment.
Do I need to put a magnet on the water meter?
Many “craftsmen” use a magnet to stop the meter and “save money”, which prevents the transfer of rotation of the impeller to the magnetic clutch. Our experience shows that it is better not to do this. A reasonable question immediately arises - why? There are several reasons:
– modern meters are antimagnetic – yes, they can be stopped with powerful industrial magnets, but this often leads to damage and jamming of the mechanism – and this is not a warranty case.
– if you are lucky and the meter does not jam, after removing the magnet it will begin to greatly distort the readings and not necessarily in your favor.
– some apartment meters have an indicator about the use of a magnet, which will allow the management company to clearly accuse you of fraud with all the ensuing consequences
- and even if suddenly everything worked out for you, then this is not decent - you will steal money from your neighbors, whom you greet so nicely every day.
Decast VSKM-20
One of the expensive models of modern devices for measuring wasted water. Cost from 2600 rubles.
The price of this model from the TOP 2021 is justified by the following advantages:
- connection to interfaces of different brands and categories for remote transmission of indicators;
- installation length 130 mm;
- versatility - suitable for different buildings and rooms with low water consumption.
Based on the listed characteristics, we can conclude that this is the best meter for recording spent water in the TOP 2021, which can be installed in an apartment if a person is not limited in his choice to the budget segment.
The case has sapphire bearings. They remove friction, automatically increasing service life. The mechanism rotates 360 degrees. Thanks to this, you can view the readings regardless of how the screen is rotated.
The accuracy class of this meter corresponds to category A. The nominal flow rate is 2.5 m³/hour. The only drawback with all its advantages is the high cost. However, this is the best solution in the TOP 2021, which can be installed in a standard city apartment.
Varieties
Based on their operating principle, water meters are divided into:
- Tachometer.
This type belongs to mechanical devices. The design consists of an impeller or turbine placed in the fluid flow and connected to a counting mechanism. Based on how many revolutions it makes, the amount of water spent is calculated. The accuracy of the readings of such a counter decreases over time.
- Electromagnetic or induction.
The flow of water causes a current that is proportional to the speed of movement. The devices last about 10 years, provided there is no contamination in the pipes.
- Ultrasonic.
IPUs operate on electricity. Water passes through ultrasonic vibrations, due to which the passing volume of liquid is measured. Service life is about 15 years, high accuracy.
- Vortex.
The operating principle is focused on analyzing the rate of formation of a water vortex. Requires power supply to operate. This type of water meters is used in clean water without impurities.
Standard SVKM-25Х
The meter costs 2900 rubles. One of the high-quality devices from the TOP 2021. Suitable for installation in a house or apartment. It can also be installed in institutions where there is high water consumption. The nominal flow rate is 3.5 cubic meters per hour. This is a fairly high parameter, which is completely unjustified in the domestic sphere.
The coupling in the device is protected by a specialized antimagnetic layer. The body is classic - made of brass, but with additional chrome plating.
The package contains the parts necessary for installation, but in order to install the device, you will need to additionally organize an external power source. The installation length is 160 mm. Before purchasing such a counter, it is worth calculating whether it will fit in the chosen location.
The high quality of this metering device from the TOP 2021 is overshadowed by the fact that the device cannot be classified as universal. The owner will need to buy and place a separate model under cold and also under warm water.
Betar SGV-15 3⁄4
By purchasing a meter at a price of 700 rubles, the owner will receive a functional water meter suitable for installation in an apartment.
The manufacturer produces models separately for different water temperatures. But they have a low level of protection against moisture and pollution. For this reason, few people choose this model to install in their own apartment.
There are several modifications of this counter that differ in purpose. There is a simple option equipped with a special pulse output. The latter is about 200 rubles more expensive. The device not only records consumption, but, if necessary, notifies about attempts to carry out any manipulations.
The characteristics of the metering device include:
- high accuracy class - A;
- installation length is not higher than 110 mm;
- the nominal flow rate is 1.5 m³/hour.
The presence of a version with the possibility of remote transmission is the main advantage of such meters. There are practically no shortcomings, except that some people note that the numbers on the dial are too small.
How to choose a water meter
The selection of such devices should be made based on requirements such as price and service life. The latter depends on the materials used in the manufacture of the meter and the quality of the water in the pipeline. If it contains a large number of various impurities, including mineral ones, then a measuring device should be used in which there are no rubbing parts. The materials used in the manufacture of water meters must not be susceptible to corrosion from contact with water. Experts also advise choosing a water meter following these recommendations:
- The cold water meter must have a sealed housing. To check this characteristic, you need to blow into the inlet pipe. If the housing is not sealed, fogging will appear on the meter cover, which means that the device is not suitable for use.
- For domestic purposes, it is better to buy mechanical models that offer the best combination of price and quality.
- It is recommended to purchase a water purification filter along with the meter. Its presence will significantly increase the service life of the device.
If we talk about the material from which the device is made, it is recommended to give preference to stainless steel, brass or bronze, and avoid plastic, silumin, and various polymer alloys.
Apart from this, you should not buy this device from the market. It is better to purchase the device in a specialized store. To make sure that you are being sold a high-quality water meter, you need to check its technical passport, which contains a manufacturer’s stamp and a document confirming factory verification.
