The installation of water meters is essential in any hydraulic system. Do you need to know how to install a water meter?
Most installations must be performed by specialized personnel, and water consumption monitoring devices must meet the approval requirements and specifications mandated by the relevant organizations (hydrographic confederations, water management companies, etc.) when their function is to record consumption for billing purposes.
If you’re wondering where and how to install a water meter, it depends on the certification the meter has obtained. There are various installation options, as there are many models of meters available on the market. In this article, we will provide you with the key points for the installation of water meters.
For any installation, the following aspects must be considered:
- Turn off the water supply before removing the existing meter from the system.
- Before installing a meter in a new pipeline, it is recommended to drain the system to remove any particles.
- Position the meter so that the arrow matches the water flow direction.
- Meters must always operate fully filled with water, with a minimum pressure of 0.3 bar at the outlet, and be installed at a lower level compared to the rest of the pipeline slope. This setup also prevents the formation of air pockets inside the meter.
- Install air release valves if there is air present in the pipeline.
- Provide for a gate valve or butterfly valve upstream of the meter to facilitate maintenance and/or repair.
- Avoid forcing the meter during installation. Prevent tensile and torsional stresses, especially in threaded connections.
Water meters, depending on their certification, can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in any position. This information can be found in the manufacturer’s technical specifications.
Another aspect to consider, also determined by the meter’s certification, is the requirement to maintain certain straight pipe lengths at the inlet and outlet of the meter. At Hidroconta, we offer devices that do not require straight pipe sections (U0/D0), such as the Atlantis, Triton, Predator, and Centinel models, among others. If you have any questions about how to install a water meter, feel free to contact us.