Features of using a check valve for a water meter

With proper installation of the water meter and normal operation of the water supply system, the liquid moves in the intended direction. However, situations are possible when, for some reason, the water flow begins to move in the opposite direction. This situation is especially true for apartment buildings.

According to the principle of communicating vessels, when the pressure in certain areas of the overall system decreases, a reverse flow of water flow is possible. To eliminate incorrect operation of the water meter and possible technical malfunction in this situation, a check valve is used.

Design

A non-return valve is an automatic device that prevents the flow of liquid in the water supply in the opposite direction. In relation to a water consumption meter, this element can be used:

• as a separate node;
• as a structural part of the water meter.

A water meter additionally equipped with a check valve is more difficult to repair and less reliable due to the complexity of the design. But such a device facilitates the assembly of the finished unit - there is no need to install additional elements.

Using a check valve as an additional element is preferable, since if it fails, it can be individually replaced or repaired without dismantling the meter.

How to install a water meter in an apartment with your own hands: procedure and rules

We already talked about this above, so now briefly point by point:

• the riser must be blocked, otherwise there will be a flood;
• the valve located after the equipment is closed;
• the holding devices are unscrewed - if new equipment is installed that was not there before, the required area is simply cut off;
• the water meter is removed - in cases where it was not there, a step is skipped;
• a water meter is installed;
• The locks are opened and checked for leaks.

Main table dispenser AquaPro 919H/RO (hot and cold water)

Main table dispenser AquaPro 929CH/RO (cooling/heating)

Floor dispenser AquaPro 311 (empty, without cooling)

Principle of operation

The principle of operation of the device is based on the fact that a directed flow of water overcomes the resistance of a spring-loaded closing element and, due to the energy of liquid pressure, opens the passage. When pressure arises in the opposite direction, the passage cross-section is blocked, since the lock is pressed against the seat.

This device performs the following tasks:

• plays the role of a locking device in case of reverse direction of liquid;
• divides the general water supply system into separate sections according to functional use between individual consumers;
• prevents the negative consequences of water hammer.

In the absence of a check valve, especially for apartments in a multi-storey building, it is possible to bypass water from a cold pipeline to a hot one or vice versa through faucets in bathrooms and kitchens, if a corresponding pressure drop or other emergency situations occurs.

The check valve protects the owner from improper operation of the water supply system. At the same time, the consumer is excluded from the possibility of unauthorized intervention in the operation of the meter by creating a reverse flow through the metering device.

Installation diagram, connecting water meters in an apartment with your own hands with video

If all wiring is done in a standard way, then the system will look approximately the same:

1. the shut-off valve is where it all starts;
2. filter - you can change and install new ones if you suspect blockages;
3. water meter - any purchased by the owner and approved by a housing office specialist;
4. check valve - the circuit ends there.

In order for everything to be done correctly, it is advisable to choose a suitable area in the bathroom or near the entrance to the house. This should be a point before the first branch so that the equipment can take into account everything that enters the home. Otherwise, the master will not approve of such amateur performances and will not give a filling.

How to install water meters yourself: installation video and choosing a location

When choosing a specific point in the room, it is advisable to evaluate how the pipe is located and check whether there is any wiring at this point.

It is worth noting that the device can be positioned both vertically and horizontally, depending on the wishes of the owner. The main thing is that there is free access to its inspection at any time.

It is recommended to mount the equipment as close as possible to the main entrance into the sanitary zone. In private households this is usually 20 cm from the pipeline outlet.

Often, if the owner installs the water meter himself, the installation and installation diagram goes under the washbasin or next to the toilet. Please note that the technical passport specifies the distance of the straight segment that must precede the insertion.

Another requirement is that if the fittings are outdated or questionable, then it is advisable to replace them with a newer ball one. It is necessary to purchase high-quality spare parts from trusted manufacturers. Their task is to withstand temperatures of 100 degrees and above, as well as high pressure. Otherwise, use will end with a pipe break.

We purchase the necessary materials

How many counting devices are needed depends on the number of risers in the building. Be sure to purchase ball shut-off and check valves, as well as a filter. Inspectors will check the presence of all parts and refuse to seal if something is missing.

Tools you will need:

• grinder - for cutting off old fasteners;
• hacksaw - suitable for places where previous equipment cannot reach;
• scissors and soldering iron - if the connection is made of plastic;
• adjustable wrench - for tightening the nuts;
• FUM tape and O-rings - for insulation;
• bends and corners - if you need to connect them to a water pipe;
• couplings - when changing to another size.

How to properly assemble, install and connect a water meter in an apartment yourself

The simplest process is if the pipeline is plastic. The polymer is easily cut using special scissors. Their upper part is sharp, especially for cutting, and the lower part consists of a small holder. And further connection is made with a soldering iron, which is designed for this task. It will be easy to understand its technology. But you should not use any other soldering tool for these purposes - there is a high probability of burning through the wall. This method applies to all metal-plastic and polypropylene materials.

If the pipes are metal, it will be a little more complicated. Usually, correct installation of water meters with your own hands, as in the photo and video, is carried out simultaneously with a complete or partial replacement of the pipeline in the house.

To make assembly easier, we recommend that you arrange all the elements in advance in the order in which they should be connected. Before starting assembly, you need to wind the seal onto the threads of the mechanism. Try to drown it into the coils as much as possible. And when tightening, it is important not to overdo it, otherwise the connection may burst.

AMETHYST - 02 M up to 2 cubic meters/day.

Aeration unit AS-1054 VO-90

The sequence of actions is quite simple:

• The water supply is turned off.
• When a section of the pipe is cut off, it is worth placing a basin to drain the remaining moisture.
• The water meter block is connected to the shut-off element - do not forget to put a gasket there.
• The device should be rotated so that the arrow points away from the embedded tap.
• Where the tail faces, a check valve is placed, and where the sharp part is, an “American” valve is screwed in.
• When the counting device is secured, it is necessary to accurately measure the location in which the counter thread is located.
• The excess pipeline element is cut off.
• At the end of the pipe, a thread is created and a fitting is mounted.
• A piece of “return” is unscrewed from the water meter and fixed in a prepared place.
• Once everything is completed, the connection is restored.

Installing a cold water meter on polypropylene and metal pipes should not be difficult, even if you install it yourself. To do this, we have written detailed instructions with all the important points. But if it seems that this is too difficult, then you should call a specialist from the housing office. Most offices will send a specialist free of charge.

There is a nuance. In order for the equipment to work for a long time and without failures, you should install a filter device in front of it. It will trap particles and mechanical inclusions that are often contained in the flow. You can purchase such a filter on the website - ovteh.ru. Our consultants will help you choose the appropriate model depending on your wishes.

How to install water meters video: checking the functionality of the device

This is done quite simply. All you need to do is connect to the water supply. It is necessary to slowly open the lock, which is responsible for cutting off the apartment from the general water supply.

When the system is running, it is worth opening any tap and observing whether all connections are tight and whether there are any leaks somewhere.

If everything is fine and functioning, all you have to do is fill out an application and wait for a specialist to arrive to seal it.

The tasks of the invited master include checking the correctness of the connection and placement, as well as the location of all identification marks. The controller will perform a test run and check how the equipment works.

Types of valves for meters

The industry produces the following types of check valves used in domestic water supply systems:

• spring couplings - characterized by a cylindrical body consisting of two parts connected by thread. The locking is carried out by a spring-loaded plate placed on a plastic rod;

  
  Spring Clutch Valve

• spring spool valves - the brass body is made of one piece and has a spherical spool chamber. This design feature allows you to increase the throughput of the device. The mechanism works in a similar way, due to the spool overcoming the force of the installed spring. View passport .
• spring, containing drainage and air vent - mainly used for heating systems and hot water pipelines, providing the possibility of bleeding air and releasing working fluid collected after the valve. This allows you to relieve pressure, simplifies the assembly of such systems, and increases their reliability. View passport.

  
  Check valve with air vent

• spring propylene - mounted in plastic water pipes. Structurally, the valve elements are built into a separate outlet, which allows repair and replacement of individual parts without dismantling the body. View passport.

Other types of check valves are used in water transportation systems, but are not used in conjunction with household meters.

Repair

Like any other mechanism, a check valve may require repairs. In most cases, this is due to the influence of contaminants contained in the water, deposited on the elements of the device and preventing its normal operation.

For repair and maintenance, the element must be dismantled, cleaned of dirt and reinstalled. If necessary, individual parts must be replaced.

Some valve models provide the possibility of repair and inspection without dismantling the body. In this case, the task of restoring the device's functionality is simplified.

Taking into account the peculiarities of operation of water supply systems, the serviceability of an individual metering device throughout the standard service life and calibration interval cannot be guaranteed without a check valve installed with it. Together with the safety function, this element will eliminate possible claims against the consumer from regulatory organizations.

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How to choose

The check valve is selected taking into account the following characteristics:

• nominal diameter and thread of pipes on the pipeline and meter;
• maximum and minimum operating pressure specified in the technical parameters of the device in relation to the characteristics of a particular water supply system;
• compliance with established quality standards.

Features of using a check valve depending on the nominal diameter are presented in the table:

The product is selected individually for specific operating conditions. The selection of the device must be entrusted to a qualified plumber. You must first study the technical documentation of the water meter developed by the manufacturer and the operating conditions of the device, taking into account the characteristics of the water supply network.

What is better to install in an apartment building

There are several types of meters from which the owner will have to choose. Most often, the Housing Office issues recommendations. Usually they require that the owner install the wing, sometimes they even prescribe a specific make and model. The fact is that office workers know well which pipes go where, and it makes no sense for them to ask them to purchase expensive equipment.

When choosing, you need to remember:

• pipeline cross-section - it must match exactly;
• reliability is the main indicator, because the counting device will function for years;
• Is there a “smart home” system in the housing? This will greatly reduce the choice of varieties.

Check valve installation procedure

Despite the simplicity of the design of the device used in conjunction with a water meter, its effective and durable operation is impossible without preliminary installation with a filter element. Some valve models include additional strainers included in the design of the device. This guarantees long-term operation and protection of this element from contamination.

But in most cases, an additional filter is used, mounted in front of the water meter. A check valve is installed after the water meter.

Check valve installation diagram

Installation of the entire complex of components, including a filter, meter and check valve, is carried out in the following sequence:

• the water supply is shut off by closing the tap at the connection to the main water supply;
• a small section of pipe after the tap is cut off with a grinder;
• the remaining segment is unscrewed from the locking device;
• the filter element is installed. The position of the unit relative to the axis of rotation is adjusted by winding. The tightness of the connection is ensured by fum tape;
• A fitting with a union nut is screwed into the filter, then a water meter is mounted. The required number of revolutions with the choice of the optimal location of the metering device is ensured in a similar way;
• after connecting another fitting with a union nut to the outlet pipe, a check valve is mounted;
• The water supply is opened by gradually opening the tap to prevent water hammer. The tightness of the connections is checked.

When installing a meter and check valve, it is necessary to ensure the correct location of these devices, according to the direction of the arrows on the product bodies.

After installing the equipment, it is necessary to call representatives of the controlling organization to apply seals and draw up an act on the installation of an individual metering device.

What the law says

Legally, there are no prohibitions on the fact that the owner wants to do everything carefully and without help.

It is important to use common sense when performing this activity and think about what to install and in what order. And also during the process it is recommended to comply with the standards and rules according to the instructions, which are often included in the kit.

If you plan to involve craftsmen in this matter, then you need to inquire if they have permission for such work and access.

Remember that if the housing office imposes the services of a specific company that installs and installs a water meter according to the scheme for a fee, then the office is doing this illegally. Each owner has the right to carry out the entire procedure without outsiders. His responsibilities include only inviting employees to seal and conclude an agreement.

But there are a couple of nuances that it is advisable to take into account:

• It is recommended to purchase equipment only from trusted certified companies. Remember that the package must contain a technical passport.
• Before the action begins, you will have to shut off the riser. In apartment buildings, this is often problematic to do without the help of housing office employees.
• In the process, you should strictly follow the assembly, installation and connection diagram of the water meter in the apartment. Do not allow operations to be performed outside of the standards. Otherwise, in the event of a pipeline breakthrough, you will have to reimburse all costs from your budget. And they can be significant in case of damage to public and private neighboring property.

Samples of documents used for registration

You only need two papers:

The first form can be taken to the housing office, and the second form will be brought with them by the people who will put the seal.

It is filled out according to a standard template, but it can also be filled out in free form. In the upper right corner it is written who the petition is intended for. By . Below, I ask you to ensure, in accordance with the procedure established by law, the transition to calculating water consumption based on existing instruments. At the end there is a signature and date.

Who does the sealing and when?

We reviewed the installation diagram of the water meter both independently and with the assistance of craftsmen. Now let’s take a closer look at the moment when experts certify the correctness of the technology.

The very fact of the employee’s arrival and the drawing up of the report is confirmation of the correctness of the measures taken. That is why only people from the housing office or specialized companies with a license can sign it.

The plumber performs an inspection, checks for the presence of factory seals and looks for damage. Then he opens the taps and makes sure that the readings change. When he makes sure that everything is correct, then he will draw up the paper in two copies. He will take one of them with him and transfer it to management, and the second will be kept by the owner.

Is it necessary to install: legal requirements

There are discussions online on thematic forums about the need to comply with the requirements of management companies for the installation of metering devices and related fittings.

The confusion is caused by the fact that three documents are available for review:
The documents have the same name: “Internal water supply and sewerage of buildings.” Despite the similarities, upon careful reading you can see differences in the issue regarding the installation of check valves. In addition, commentators do not always understand what equipment they are talking about.

In clause 1.1. it is expressly stated for which objects and when the requirements are applicable, namely:

• for the design of internal water supply at newly constructed facilities;
• for designing networks of reconstructed objects.

The objects include public buildings up to 55 meters high and residential buildings no higher than 75 meters. Government Decree No. 354 “On the provision of public services...” does not provide a direct indication of the owner’s obligation to install the device.

Where is it installed?

The composition of the equipment that is installed in internal water supply networks is discussed in Section 7 of SP 13. 30.13330.2016 . Management companies often refer to clause 7.1.4, which lists all devices that can be used.

Further paragraphs of the document list the exact installation locations. It is paragraph 7.1.9 that is devoted to check valves that install:

• on water pipelines supplying liquid to group mixers;
• on the circulating water supply.

Faucets located in apartments, even if there are a large number of them, are not grouped . In group devices, cold and hot water are mixed to the desired temperature in a separate container and only then supplied to the tap.

Hot water circulation pipelines belong to common property, so these points cannot justify the obligation to install a check valve in apartments.

Clause 7.2.1. In conjunction with the meter, it provides for the installation of check valves on the supply and circulation water pipes. But upon careful reading of the entire clause, it becomes clear that the requirements apply to the entrances to the building, and not for an individual apartment .

On what basis may installation be required?

The only clause of SP 13.13330.2016, on the basis of which they can require and achieve the installation of check valves, is the requirements of clause 7.2.11.

Two conditions are important in this paragraph:

• the organization must supply water directly to the subscriber;
• requirements must be agreed with local authorities.

In each specific case, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with local legislation in order to decide whether or not to fight with the supplier over an “extra” device.
In Moscow, for example, the procedure for paying for devices and installation is determined by a separate Law No. 35 of July 5, 2006. Lawsuits addressing the need for check valves to one degree or another are not uncommon.

For example, you can look at Appeal Determination No. 12-27/2014 dated August 12, 2014 in case No. 12-27/2014, in which the judge clearly indicated the illegality of the supply organization’s requirement to install equipment.

What can the supply organization do?

The metering unit should be equipped in accordance with the technical specifications and the design, which will include a check valve. In addition to newly designed and reconstructed objects, any apartment can be included in the list.

For example, in these:

• the meter stopped displaying readings;
• there are signs of unauthorized interference in the operation of metering devices;
• seals are broken;
• mechanical damage to devices, etc.

If the unit is found to be out of order, to put it into operation it is necessary to obtain new technical specifications and prepare a project in which the supplying organization has the right to specify a check valve.

How to properly assemble, install and connect a water meter in an apartment with your own hands - video

The basic rule that all property owners on whose territory there are such devices will have to follow is maintaining open access to them for housing office employees if necessary. Now this happens much less frequently than before. But sometimes, if the readings diverge from what they expected, they ask to show them a working device in order to check and check the seals.

It will also be more convenient for the owners themselves if this part of the interior is located so that there is no risk of breaking it. In addition, it is important to feel comfortable checking the payment figures.

We figured out how to install, assemble and install cold water meters in an apartment, vertical connection diagram with your own hands, according to all the rules. We compared when it is worth installing a water meter and when its presence is not beneficial to users. We looked at whether this can be done without specialists, what is needed to carry out this difficult event, and what tools are best kept nearby. To ensure your equipment lasts as long as possible, use filters.

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