The meter, taking into account the amount of water consumed, can significantly save on utility bills. Largely due to this, more and more people are trying to install a similar device at home. However, a large number of such products are presented on the market today, it is quite difficult to choose the most suitable of which.
To fill the lack of information, we decided to devote our today's review to the best water meters of the year. It is possible that you decide to purchase for yourself some other product that is not included in our rating. To do this, before considering the direct models, we gave key rules that you must rely on when buying this device.
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when choosing a water meter?
There are a lot of devices designed to account for the volume of water consumption on the market today, and they can function according to various principles. The simplest in terms of operation are the so-called tachometric counters. They act as follows: the flow of water passing through the pipe and, accordingly, going through the counter, rotates the turbine or the impeller. It is transmitted to the counting device itself, thanks to which the total amount of water spent, expressed in cubic meters, is displayed.
In water meters designed for domestic use, a standard impeller is used, which has some features. In particular, it has a certain inertia, and experts note a dependence on flow turbulence, however, with insignificant volumes of water passing through such a meter (as a rule, they do not exceed 10-15 cubic meters per month), such data can be neglected. The fact is that they will not seriously affect the overall picture - the difference between the actually consumed volume and displayed on the meter is unlikely to be higher than 5-7 liters.
Counters of a tachometric type will also cost a little more, but in their design a turbine will be used instead of the impeller, which reduces the inertia to almost zero. Similar products are installed on pipes whose diameter is 25 mm or more. The error in these structures is minimal.
In addition, commercially available models are available. They have in their design a system of valves that, if necessary, will switch the water flow through them from turbine to vane metering and vice versa. It is also worth noting that the mechanism of the counters is either dry or wet. In the latest design, the water volume meter is in wet conditions, which affects durability. Tap water often contains large contaminants that can clog the meter, which will also affect the operation period.
Dry counters have a mechanism that will not come into contact with water - it is separated from it by means of a special partition, and the torque transmitting information to the digital display is provided with two magnets.Such counters are more accurate and durable, but they are very sensitive to the magnetic field.
When compiling our ranking of the best water meters, we took into account all these points. For this reason, as you can see later, the review is divided into three parts. We also took into account user and professional reviews, value for money devices. We hope that after reading this article you will be able to choose the most suitable product for yourself. Now let's move on to the analysis of the operational characteristics of specific models.
The best budget water meters
4. Decast Metronic VSKM 90-15 DG
This is one of the cheapest models among all included in our today's review, but the efficiency and durability are quite comparable with the most expensive designs. This water meter fully complies with the regulatory documentation - SNiP 2.04.07 and GOST R 51232, which allows it to be used in household plan networks designed for drinking water. According to the instructions, it can be installed on both the supply and return pipelines, cold and hot water supply systems. The temperature of the water in the pipe should be in the range from 5 to 90 degrees at a pressure of no higher than 1 MPa.
This is a wing structure, which is characterized by a fairly high accuracy. This product has a housing equipped with a coarse filter, which greatly extends the life of the impeller itself. The case is made of non-magnetic materials - this eliminates even the slightest possibility of forcibly slowing down the rotation of the counting mechanism. The product belongs to the multi-jet type of devices. It is allowed to be installed on a horizontal section of the supply or return pipe, the length of which must be 5 Du to the meter and at least 2 Du after it (Du means the diameter of the conditional passage).
Benefits:
- Simple construction;
- Low cost;
- Domestic product;
- Long period of operation;
- The housing is made of non-magnetic materials.
Disadvantages:
- Heavy - the mass is about 0.5 kg;
- Allowed to be installed exclusively on horizontal pipe sections.
3. Meter SVU-15
The vane design, characterized by dry running, is suitable for pipelines in which the maximum pressure does not exceed 1.6 MPa. If necessary, you can install a special sensor that allows the transmission of low-frequency pulses. The device is universal, that is, it is suitable for both cold and hot water supply. The measurement accuracy is quite high - the error does not exceed 2 liters per cubic meter. The product can be described as the most compact in its price segment. It is worth noting that it is equipped with magnetic protection against external fields.
The connection is very reliable, since the design features of this meter exclude even a minimal chance of leakage. Protection against interference with the operation of the device is high, so there is no need for sealing, although the corresponding slots are present in the design. A check valve is included with the product, preventing the counter from rotating in the other direction. All elements are made of brass - a material that is completely unaffected by corrosion processes. In the event of an emergency, the meter is able to withstand temperatures of 100 degrees for a fairly long time.
Benefits:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Reasonable cost;
- Universal design;
- Good workmanship;
- Accuracy of readings.
Disadvantages:
- Does not work at low pressure.
2. ITELMA WFW20 D080
This water meter is perfect for installation in private homes, apartments, offices, administrative buildings and so on.The bill is a single-jet type design, it can be installed on pipes with both hot and cold water. The product is manufactured under a German license, and all components are manufactured in Western Europe. The meter characterizes a rather long period of warranty service, which is as much as 6 years. It perfectly withstands serious pressure drops: it is able to cope with a maximum pressure of 25 atmospheres as much as possible, it can also feel good at high temperatures - up to 110 degrees.
The sensitivity of the device at altitude. The parameters regarding antimagnetic protection are also quite good - all relevant tests were carried out in qualified European laboratories. The design and exterior are attractive and beautiful. All indications will be clearly visible even to a person with low vision. In the manufacture of the meter, nickel coating is not used, which ensures high environmental characteristics of the device. Install this model is allowed on both horizontal and vertical pipe sections.
Benefits:
- The volumes of hot and cold water are measured in the same way;
- Maintains operability in a large temperature range;
- Excellent assembly of the product;
- There is good anti-magnetic protection, and the device is also reliably protected from leaks.
Disadvantages:
- Not detected.
1. ECO NOM SV-15-80
This is one of the most budgetary water meters not only in our top, but also in the market. But despite the low price, the EkoNom device can be compared with expensive analogues in everything. Model SV-15-80 fully complies with all domestic standards according to TU4213-001-17666192-2013 and SanPin 2.1.4.1074-01.
The counter is universal, the range of operating temperatures from 5 to 90 degrees allows you to set it both for measuring hot water and for accounting for cold. The verification interval in any case will be 6 years, therefore, the apartment owner does not have to often check the device.
Reliability is just as good. The impeller is quite durable, and the mechanism itself boasts that it works without problems with water pressure in pipes up to 1.6 MPa. There are no complaints about threaded connections; as a rule, everything is done smoothly, without bevels or chipping. Internal parts are made of high-strength plastic, which makes the meter resistant to magnetic fields. A good fit and assembly of parts is responsible for the accuracy of the measurement.
The model does not have any prohibitions or restrictions during installation. Users and plumbers note the ease of installation at home.
Benefits:
- The best value for money among the models presented in the ranking;
- Durability and versatility;
- Protection against water hammer up to 1.6 MPa;
- Reliability of threaded connections;
- 100% domestic production;
- Nice design.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
The best impulse designs
3. Valtec 1/2
This is another versatile product that can withstand temperatures from 5 to 90 degrees. The product is a development of an Italian company, it is also made abroad. The model is made quite accurately, if necessary, the dial can be rotated to the desired angle - it is much more convenient to read the readings. On the inlet side, a special filter mesh is provided that prevents the device from clogging during operation. In the original, the device is mounted on a pipe whose diameter is 34 inches, however, various adapters are supplied with this counter, which allow it to be placed on a pipe half an inch thick. In addition, a check valve is supplied with this unit.
The assembly of the product is of high quality, all elements are firmly adjusted to each other, even the smallest leaks are excluded. This allows you to install the meter in hidden places and not check it daily.The product lasts quite a while, but after a certain period of time it should be checked - the frequency of verification directly depends on local authorities. As a rule, it is 6 years for a cold water meter and 4 years for hot. The warranty period of the device is as much as 6 years.
Benefits:
- Quite an acceptable price - the counter will be affordable for most users;
- Durable device;
- Great equipment.
Disadvantages:
- Too strict appearance, because of which it is better not to install in a conspicuous place.
2. ITELMA WFW24 D080
The installation kit of this product is made on the basis of a high-quality brass alloy that can excellently resist various kinds of corrosion processes that may occur during the operation of this equipment. Together with the meter itself, threaded fittings, nuts, gaskets are supplied - all these elements are very reliable, which eliminates even the slightest chance of leakage. It is made on the basis of components of foreign production, which allows to ensure a long service life of the product. Inside, parts in direct contact with water are coated with special nylon plastic, which increases wear resistance and extends the life of this product. The housing contains a minimum amount of tin, nickel and aluminum.
According to the manufacturer, trouble-free operation can reach 10 years, and during all this time the accuracy of the readings of this device will be maintained. These meters are able to withstand pressure up to 2 MPa, so they withstand even very strong water hammer. If the water supply contains contaminated water, then these products can be installed even without a rough filter, and this will not affect the accuracy of the equipment. Such devices operate absolutely silently, they are allowed to be installed both in the vertical and in the horizontal plane.
Benefits:
- There is no need to install additional equipment - filters, fittings, and so on;
- The service life without breakdowns subject to operating conditions is 10 years;
- It resists even strong hydroblows;
- Superior build quality.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
1. Zenner ETWI-N DN 15
This is one of the most modern models, which combines the latest technology and an innovative approach to measuring the volume of water flow. The roller mechanism may have a 5 or 8-digit counter mechanism; it is additionally equipped with a pulse sensor. These meters can be designed for both hot and cold water. Products intended for cold water supply systems are able to withstand a short-term temperature rise of up to 50 degrees, a similar parameter for a hot water meter can reach 90 degrees. The manufacturer allows you to install such structures on both horizontal and vertical pipelines. The case is made of high-quality brass with a special coating.
All components are of European production, due to which this mechanical design functions stably. The average service life is about 8 years, and even minor malfunctions will not be observed during this time.
Benefits:
- Excellent build quality;
- The pulse sensor is stable;
- The device is able to withstand water hammer, the pressure of which can reach 1.6 MPa;
- Excellent value for money.
Disadvantages:
- The case is somewhat bulky - if there is a need to install the counter in a limited space, then certain problems can arise with this.
3. Decast Metronic VSKM 90
It is a product made of brass, threaded connections designed for a diameter of three quarters of an inch.The calibration interval for this equipment is four years for hot and six years for cold water. The average life of this equipment is 12 years. The product is universal, respectively, it can be installed on both hot and cold water. On the input side, this meter has a special grid that can hold up large contaminants - it does not have to be purchased separately. Unfortunately, gaskets are not supplied with this equipment - they will need to be purchased.
Installation of the counter takes a minimum amount of time. The equipment is able to withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees - this is a unique indicator that no product has in our rating of the best water meters. Also, such a product is well resistant to water hammer, magnetic fields and so on.
Benefits:
- Reliable equipment;
- Good value for money;
- Excellent assembly of equipment, eliminating the occurrence of even the slightest defects.
Disadvantages:
- Before installation, you need to buy a pair of rubber gaskets.
2. Norm STV-50 (flange)
This model will be most suitable for use in public utilities or in industry. The product is placed in a cast iron housing equipped with flange connections. It also has an interchangeable measuring mechanism. This design is recommended for installation on vertical pipelines. In addition, in her case there is a special system of protection against external magnetic fields. There are several diameters of the device - 50, 65, 80, 100 and 150 mm. The meter is a dry-running structure, however, it has a degree of protection IP 68, which makes the equipment reliably protected from dust, moisture, and allows it to withstand even flooding.
The product is an ideal alternative to foreign designs. It is in no way inferior to competitors either in terms of service life or in operational qualities. Counters designed for cold water supply systems can withstand water temperatures from five to forty degrees. Equipment designed for hot water can withstand up to +150 degrees. According to the manufacturer, such a meter can last up to 12 years, but with proper operation they will be able to use much longer.
Benefits:
- There is a reliable system of protection against magnetic fields;
- Minimum error;
- Long period of operation;
- Ability to work in a wide range of temperatures and in the most difficult conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Not very suitable for installation in an apartment.
1. Norm SVK-25
This equipment is truly ideal for domestic use. This meter is designed for installation in pipelines with a diameter of 25 mm - standard systems installed in multi-apartment buildings. The unit has a brass body, on top it is chrome plated. On its upper part there is a mechanical display, on which the water flow will be displayed. If necessary, it easily rotates around its own axis, so it can be set in the most convenient position for taking readings. On the sides there are arrows indicating in which direction water should pass through this counter.
The internal elements are made of high quality plastic, which is not sensitive to the effects of magnetic fields, to various kinds of contaminants. On the nuts, as well as on the device case, there are special holes for fixing the seal. The average life of this equipment is about 12-14 years.
Benefits:
- The simplicity of the device allows for a sufficiently long period of operation of the product;
- Reasonable cost;
- Good product accuracy.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
In conclusion, a small useful video
Well, our review of the best water meters of the year has come to a logical conclusion. We hope that after studying it, you were able to determine which particular design will be most suitable for you. If you have certain questions, then you can ask them in the comments to this article - we will respond to each of them as quickly as possible and try to give an exhaustive answer.
(3 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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