Is it possible to install water meters in the apartment myself?

There are two ways to maintain a decent standard of living during the general price hike: look for additional sources of income or save on resources. The installation of water meters has long been megapopular - the benefits of this are obvious. We will find out whether it is possible to install water meters in the apartment ourselves. By itself, the water meter does not contribute to reducing water consumption. However, with its installation, it becomes possible to control this very expense. In addition, now you will have to pay for the actual consumption of the resource, and not according to certain standards, which, to put it mildly, are overstated and completely unjustified.

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What will be puzzled?

Despite the fact that the current regulatory documents regulate the installation of metering devices only by specialized organizations, the Internet is literally full of articles on self-assembly. In fact, the purchase of a water meter is only the first step towards a civilized accounting of water consumption. If you install the device without notifying anyone, then a fine is inevitable. Such moments are important - sealing the device and registering it at the local branch of Vodokanal.

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What threatens the unauthorized installation of the meter?

Vodokanal in such a situation can make such decisions:

• Order for dismantling the device, in order to avoid an emergency.
• Denial of device registration.
• Reception of the counter on the balance, but at the same time the owner pays a fairly significant fine.

Important! That's not all. If an accident or rush occurs in your section of the water supply system, the same unlucky owner will be recognized as the immediate culprit. And it does not matter who is really to blame for this accident. If you analyze the possible troubles and consequences of self-installation, it is easy to conclude that the savings are more than dubious.

Oddly enough, the answer to the question is whether it is possible to independently install a water meter, positive. Subject to compliance with certain conditions and rules provided by law.

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What is the reason for gigantic accounts?

The duties of Gorvodokanal include accounting for consumed water. In the construction of modern housing in each room, such a device is installed. What to do with old houses? Installing accounting devices in each apartment is an expensive event. Out of the situation by installing common house appliances.

The accounting algorithm is as follows:

• The inspector takes a monthly reading of the instrument.
• The amount of water consumed per month by the residents, in the apartments of which the meters are mounted, are taken from the received figure.
• The resulting number of “cubes” is evenly distributed between the rest of the apartments, regardless of the number of rooms and registered people.

It turns out that you are not paying for the actual consumption of the resource, but for the estimated one. It’s not at all a fact that your neighbors have all the taps in good condition.And, to be honest: Gorvodokanal may ascribe to your house a couple of extra cubic meters.

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Is it worth installing the meter?

It’s definitely worth it. This is beneficial even if you have a large family and you use water quite intensively.

Many people ask whether it is possible to put meters on the water yourself, bearing in mind the hot water supply. The answer is mixed, and here's why. When opening a faucet with hot water, sometimes you have to lower it and wait quite a while until it goes “warm”.

Important! If you come across this regularly, then perhaps you should limit yourself to one water meter - for cold water supply.

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How to choose the meter?

The most practical option is a turbine type mechanical instrument. There are also electronic devices on sale. They cost more than mechanical, while less reliable.

Important! Do not confuse devices for accounting for cold and hot water consumption. Otherwise - Gorvodokanal will not give permission to operate such devices. They differ in color.

When buying, you must take into account the completeness of the water meters. They include such components:

• Connectors, nipples.
• Filter.
• Gaskets.
• Non-return valve.
• Union nuts.

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How to choose the installation location?

The most common place for installation is the pipes that drain water from the riser. However, this is completely optional. Another thing is that when installed on the pipes, you do not have to disconnect all risers.

If the cranes are old, then they need to be replaced. Valve counters are installed on pipes as shut-off valves, and vane meters are mounted on additional fittings.

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What is required for self-installation of the device?

• Hacksaw (it can be replaced with a grinder), scissors.
• Couplings - for changing to another diameter.
• FUM tape, tow, for a snug fit of the device to the pipe and other parts.
• Soldering iron.

In addition, in addition to the counter itself, you need to prepare:

• Two filters for hard water purification.
• Check valves.
• Flexible meter eyeliners with a diameter of 12 mm. You can also use the system of corners and bends.
• Adjustable or gas keys up to 30 mm.

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Installation Instructions

To get started, contact the appropriate application to install the device at the place of residence. The housing office provides the applicant with all the technical information that may be needed during installation. This is the most important condition that will help to avoid registration problems.

Now - the technical part:

• Inspect the pipelines of hot and cold water supply, assess their condition, find out if there is a wiring from risers. If the risers are equipped with conventional shutoff valves, it is advisable to replace it with more modern ball valves.
• As a rule, two accounting devices will be required. If there are several risers in the water supply system, you will have to buy devices for each of the risers separately.

Important! For an apartment with a gas water heater, only a cold water meter is needed.

The parts are connected in accordance with the schemes obtained in the housing office. The assembly of the sanitary structure is carried out in the following order:

1. Using the key, connect the filter to the water meter. Wrap the thread with tow or FUM tape before connecting.
2. Connect flexible hoses or bends, pre-treating their threads with FUM tape.
3. After collecting the structure, shut off the water with a tap or valve. Using a gas wrench, carefully disassemble the squeegee.
4. Install a water meter in the gap, connecting it to the stop valves on both sides. The filter is located on the water connection side. The pointing arrow of the device is directed towards the flow.
5. The second counter is mounted similarly.

As you can see, the work is quite understandable and not particularly time-consuming.

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Is it possible to independently install a water meter according to the law? Last steps

Now you just have to contact the company engaged in the supply of water.The application must contain information that the water meter is stopped and that it must be sealed. In this case, independent installation without the help of specialists is considered completely legal.

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Stock footage

Now you understand whether it is possible to install water meters in the apartment yourself, is it worth it. We hope that you will quickly go through the entire chain of technical works under the law and will save on paying bills from this month.