Installing water meters yourself

Fees for hot and cold water are growing constantly. This makes consumers constantly save money. One way is to install metering devices. They help reduce the water charge almost doubled. First, the estimated consumption is always more than the actual, and secondly - when you see the flow, you can control it. Why pay plumbing, if the installation of water meters with their own hands is very real.

Where to install

According to the requirements of organizations that supply cold and hot water, metering devices must be on the water input to an apartment or house. The apartment is a branch of the risers. In a private house, this connection to the cold water supply line in the nearest well (hot water is centralized in such housing is not connected). If you decide to install meters, you will need to contact these organizations for the preparation of technical documentation and permission to install. Having received such documents, you must clearly fulfill all the requirements, otherwise the meters will not be accepted for operation. In addition, the unauthorized installation of metering devices will lead to the imposition of penalties and problems with acceptance into operation.

So, the meters should be on entry, but this place can be inconvenient for taking readings from them and carrying out maintenance, for example, taking them for state verification or for replacing gaskets. In principle, the devices can be installed anywhere in the pipe, the main thing is that all connections to the water points should be after water meters. Therefore, for convenience and aesthetics, a box or a niche in which meters are installed is made near water risers and sewers. Its size should ensure comfortable operation of water metering devices. Of great importance is the condition of the pipes: on the risers and entering the apartment. The amount of work will depend on this, because in case of their poor condition, they will have to additionally change the section of the water supply system.

Installation process

Consider how to install water meters in the apartment. Installation should begin with the overlap of water flow into the apartment. If there is an introductory valve, then block them. If there are no shut-off valves, then they agree with the organization serving intrahouse networks about water shut-off. True, you have to pay for this service. Next, we carry out the dismantling of the pipe section at the installation site of water meters. To do this, use either scissors for plastic (plastic pipe) or a grinder with a cutting wheel for metal (if the pipe is metal).

In the case of a metal pipe, when there are no stop valves at the inlet, first of all we cut the threads with the aid of a gauge and install a ball valve (on both pipes). We leave them in the "closed" position. After that, you can run water on the riser and continue the installation of water meters.

• According to the installation diagram, coarse filters are installed after the valves. Since they have threaded connections, FUM tape or flax fiber is wound on the thread to prevent water from leaking around the joint. To make the connection on flax easier to unscrew, use a special under-paste. In the filter screwed fitting water meter with a union nut.
• Next, to determine the distance, thoroughly fasten the water meter, the second fitting and a check valve. This is done to determine where the gauge assembly will end. This is important because after the water meter it will be necessary to make water distribution to the points of water pumping, that is, to connect new and existing pipes.
• When everything is determined, complete the installation of a water meter. All that screwed temporarily, removed.
• At the other end of the pipe wind the tee and check valve. It also thread and isolate the joints.
• Then screw the second fitting and screw the water meter on the cap nuts. Here, silicone pads are insulated against leakage. Why exactly they? Because they cost a long time and do not subside. Nuts are first twisted by hand, and then tightened with an adjustable wrench.
• Having finished to mount the water meter unit, proceed to the restoration of the pipe installation. This is done depending on the installation of existing pipes. The main thing is to have a closed loop, pipes should go to the faucets and the toilet bowl tank after the water meter.

If at least one inset is in front of the water meter, you will not be accepted for commissioning.

When all work is done, the inlet valve opens and checks the joints for leaks. All leaks are eliminated either by tightening the nuts or replacing the insulation. To do this, you have to unwind everything in the leak, replace the winding, and then tighten it back.

This sequence of work is done when installing each water meter.

Completion of work

The final step in the installation of water meters is their sealing. To do this, the company that provides services for the supply of hot and cold water, an application. Inspectors come, check the installation. If there are no violations, they take the device into operation and issue the appropriate act.

Video

In this video, you can see how the meters are installed and the pipeline is replaced: