7 best mechanical water meters for an apartment

To choose a good water meter, you need to look for a device that is suitable for the purpose and maintains the maximum possible pressure in the pipe. Finding the best mechanical counter in this case will not be difficult, and the criteria below will help you with this.

How Do I Pick a Good Water Meter?

Purpose (water temperature). By their purpose, mechanical meters are divided into those that are responsible for cold water and those that are designed for hot. The maximum temperature for blue appliances is usually 40 ° C. And hot ones are capable of passing liquid from 90 to 95 ° C.

Maximum water pressure. The ability of the meter to pass water under strong pressure is also important. The pressure is measured in megapascals and bars. With a higher head, the device may deform, leading to flooding. Budget models are designed for 1 MPa (10 bar), while advanced ones are ready with an indicator of 1.6 MPa.

Pulse output. It is used in modern models for automated data transmission to receiving points. Thus, there is no need to report the testimony to the appropriate services.

Possibility of installing the counter vertically. Depending on how the pipe is located, the device can be installed horizontally or vertically. Some models can stand in different positions, while others only horizontally.

Sensitivity threshold. The sensitivity threshold is the lowest water flow rate that allows the meter to react to its movement. If the indicator is low, then any head will be taken into account. Basic models have a threshold of 40 liters per hour, while advanced models have a threshold of 10 or 5 liters / h.

Calibration interval. An indicator that creates restrictions for checks over a certain period of time. Since over time, the model begins to show not the most adequate indicators, it has to be changed. In this regard, it is better to choose a device with a large calibration interval.

Manufacturer rating

The following brands are considered the best:

1. Economy offers affordable models with good readings. Suitable for water from 5 to 90 degrees.
2. Itelma - a company offering advanced pulse counters in an extended configuration, which allows easy installation.
3. VALTEC produce easy-to-install models that can serve for many years. The lineup mainly includes compact models with high-quality assembly.
4. Meter makes devices with a maximum error of 5%, and also guarantees the efficiency of devices for 6 years.
5. Betar produces compact models that are resistant to mechanical stress, unlike many other competitors.

The buyer decides which device is better to choose. Someone prefers inexpensive models, while others choose pulse counters. For convenience, the presented models are divided into 2 categories depending on the budget.

The best inexpensive water meters: budget up to 1000 rubles

In this category, there are inexpensive models that are not able to independently transmit information about the amount of water consumed. However, the durability of most of the rating representatives deserves respect.

The best inexpensive counter that can be installed vertically or horizontally. Corresponds to accuracy class B, supports a maximum flow rate of 3 m³ / hour and a minimum flow rate of 0.03 m³ / hour. The model works with water at temperatures from 5 to 90 degrees and withstands a pressure of 16 bar. The duration of the calibration interval is 6 years. The installation length is 110 mm and the passage diameter is 15 mm.

Advantages:

• Versatility.
• Easy installation.
• Informative dial.
• Great build.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

The best budget water meter model that supports vertical installation. Customers love the robust design and the enviable calibration interval.

A good universal water meter that supports vertical installation. It has a standard installation length of 110 mm and a 15 mm nominal diameter. The upper threshold for water consumption is 3 m³ / hour, the lower one is 0.03 m³ / hour. The device can withstand a pressure of 16 bar. 6-year calibration interval.

Advantages:

• Suitable for cold and hot water.
• Robust brass body.
• Long intertesting interval.
• Support for vertical installation.

Disadvantages:

• Small dial.

Good option with a 6 year warranty. It has a solid case and mounting flexibility, but, unfortunately, the numbers on the dial are not always visible.

Meter for cold and hot water, which corresponds to accuracy class B. It has an installation length of 110 mm and a nominal diameter of 15 mm. The maximum water consumption is 3 m³ / hour, and the minimum is 0.03 m³ / hour. The model is designed for 6 years of use, is suitable for water temperatures up to 90 degrees and is able to withstand a pressure of 16 bar. The housing meets the IP68 protection standard.

Advantages:

• Dust and moisture resistant housing.
• Universal use.
• Durability.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

A worthy model without obvious drawbacks, ready to boast of excellent assembly and protection of the case from water and dust penetration.

Model suitable for cold water only. The diameter is 15 millimeters, the maximum flow rate is 3 m³ / h, and the minimum is 0.03 m³ / h. The meter can withstand pressure up to 1 MPa and works with water, the temperature of which does not exceed 40 ° C. It can be installed both horizontally and vertically, and the next replacement will be required only after 6 years.

Advantages:

• Good quality materials (brass).
• Easy installation.
• Long calibration interval.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot withstand pressures exceeding 10 bar.
• For cold water only.

A meter that is only used with cold water. And if you can close your eyes to this minus, then the lack of support for a strong pressure can alert buyers. However, a high-quality case and the need for replacement only after 6 years allow this model to be in the rating.

Rating of mechanical meters with pulse output

Impulse models significantly simplify the transfer of information on water flow to the appropriate authorities. Their cost is not much higher, but the comfort in the case of a pulse meter is much more noticeable.

The best pulse hot water meter supports vertical installation. It has an assembly length of 80 mm and a 15 mm diameter. Accuracy class B and pressure resistant up to 10 bar. Indicators of maximum and minimum water consumption correspond to the standard (3 m³ / hour and 0.03, respectively). Suitable for water temperatures up to 90 degrees and is ready to serve for at least 12 years.

Advantages:

• Modest installation length.
• Robust brass body.
• A lot of information on the dial.
• Serves 12 years.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot withstand strong pressure.

An excellent model for those who need an impulse hot water meter. The device is compact and easy to use, does not take up much space, but can withstand a pressure not exceeding 10 bar.

Good impulse meter for cold and hot water with support for vertical installation. It has an assembly length of 80 mm and a nominal diameter of 15 mm. The maximum water consumption is 3 m³ / hour, and the minimum is 0.03 m³ / hour. It works with water from 5 to 90 degrees, and the case is ready to boast of protection according to the IP68 standard. Withstands a maximum working pressure of 16 bar and can last for at least 6 years.

Advantages:

• Universal model.
• Protected case.
• Compact dimensions.
• Withstands strong water pressure.

Disadvantages:

• Small numbers on the dial.

An equally conspicuous model that deserves a mention in the ranking. It is suitable for both cold and hot water, withstands high pressure and is designed for 6 years of operation. However, small numbers are not always visible to the observer.

Cold water meter with an installation length of 110 mm. The nominal diameter is 15 millimeters, the maximum flow rate is 3 m³ / hour, and the minimum flow rate is 0.03. The model is installed both horizontally and vertically. Withstands a pressure of up to 16 bar and works with water whose temperature does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The intertesting period is 6 years.

Advantages:

• Suitable for high water pressure.
• Robust body construction.
• Accurate measurements.

Disadvantages:

• Only works with cold water.

There are no noticeable drawbacks to this counter. But, firstly, it only works with hot water and, secondly, it takes up more space after installation. Therefore, the model did not deserve the highest score.

How to choose a good water meter for an apartment: video