Calibration dates for cold and hot water meters. Hot and cold water meters - how often do they need to be changed by law? Meter verification deadlines: federal law

When water meters are installed in your apartment, you want and need to be sure that their readings are correct. To do this, check them in a timely manner on time. This is a standard procedure by which the level of error is determined.

The manufacturer provides a warranty for the manufactured device. Over time, equipment wears out and simply shows incorrect numbers. To avoid overpayment, after the period specified by the factory, it is necessary to carry out control measurements - verification.

This is carried out by organizations that have accumulated extensive practical experience and are accredited to carry out such work. Russian legislation stipulates that all individual cold and hot water must be checked for accuracy.

The date for checking water meters in Moscow is set by the manufacturer. On average, control is carried out 4 and 6 years after the water meter leaves the assembly line, but perhaps more, for example, if you have a foreign mechanism. Of course, it all depends on the brand of your unit.

Inter-check distances are also indicated in the technical accompanying document. This document is included in the kit, or is issued by the organization that produced it.

Additionally, inspection deadlines for water meters are established by law and are specified in the commissioning act. This paper is also issued by the company that did the installation work on the premises of your apartment.

How is the procedure performed?

Two ways:

1) The equipment is removed and delivered to the meteorological laboratory directly by the owner on time. It's long and expensive. You need to do the following:

1. Record the indicators.
2. Remove the unit.
3. Take the “controller” to the laboratory.
4. Fill out the application and make payment.

This method should only be used when extreme cases, since it will take up too much of your time and Money.

2) At home, without replacement or removal. To do this, you need to call an accredited specialist. He will complete everything independently and on time, using a portable calibration station. After completing all the work, the metrologist will provide you with an official conclusion about the operability of the installation, the reliability, and correctness of its data. If the indicated error does not exceed the permissible threshold, then the life of the water meter is extended for a certain time.

When the device is installed in your home, you must be given the following information:

• installation contract;
• verification agreement;
• commissioning certificate.

It is advisable to conduct independent monitoring of water data. Monitor the correctness of all data monthly. After all, no one wants to overpay. Moreover, the money spent cannot be returned. This is an important factor .

If you find the slightest discrepancy or a sharp deviation from the norm, immediately call a technician and, if necessary, replace the faulty meter on time. This applies to both hot and cold taps.

Hot water meter verification period

What is the calibration interval for water meters? Simply put, this is the date determined by official documents by which the water meter must be checked. In the absence of verification or its official confirmation, citizens acquire the problem of charging them money for the provision of a resource according to the standards adopted in the housing and communal services system. That is, the equipment begins to be considered inoperative.

Let us remind you once again: for hot water monitoring devices, the verification period is usually determined at 4 years. Some foreign manufacturers it may be a year or two more. Why this time period is shorter for hot meters is explained by the fact that, due to a more aggressive exposure environment, they have higher wear and tear on the materials from which they are made.

Cold water meter verification period

The frequency of verification of water meters is determined by the manufacturer. Today it is virtually identical to the calibration interval for IPU cold water in the vast majority it is determined at 6 years of age.

Here, too, one can say, as with the hot one, that if they do not believe him, then the citizen will be expected to spend extra money. In other words, people are starting to pay more for water, according to the standards that will be indicated in payment documents Management Company.

Service life of meters according to GOST

The process of functioning of water equipment is regulated by various regulations. Calibration interval for cold and hot water supply meters domestic production is fixed by GOST and accordingly is measured in 4 years - for hot and 6 - for cold. For imported models, this period can be increased for water to 7-8, respectively.

Some time ago, verification time intervals were established by various laws and regulations. But since 2017 in Moscow, the frequency of verification of cold and hot water meters has been established technical documentation, which is issued together.

There is no point in being ironic about GOSTs. Also, one should not confuse rather complex mechanisms with sausage. In their production it is not enough to simply have technical specifications. This the whole process, providing for strict precision execution. Are taken into account as much as possible possible conditions operation of products, testing them in various modes of water heating.

Main types of meters

We have already indicated the verification dates and expiration dates of meters above. The only thing that can be added is that occasionally an imported model is indicated with a shelf life of up to 15 years. But this is rather an exception to the rule.

To record the amount of cold and hot water, the same types of flow meters are used.

There is almost no limit to the variety of domestic and imported hot and cold water meters today. Choose the required device accounting for proper quality is half the battle. But for the water meter to work long years OK, it also needs to be installed correctly.

Today in Russia there are over 500 types of such equipment of all types. If desired, you can install a unit with remote transmission of readings.

When buying a water meter in Moscow (it is clear that in the capital there is more choice than in the regions), keep in mind that these water devices come in different accuracy classes - the simplest and the most “advanced”.

Why adhere to the deadlines for checking water meters? After all, no one will know that you did not submit your meter for control on time. In fact, such a number will not work. After installation, you submit all available documents to the management company or HOA of your home. These departments strictly monitor the frequency of verification.

If the deadlines are violated, then you will be informed about this and asked to correct the situation and carry out all activities in accordance with as soon as possible by any convenient method. Therefore, this issue must be approached as carefully and responsibly as possible. Remember, verification is not a recommendation, but an obligation, which is indicated in legislative framework. If you ignore the work or fail to comply with the established time periods, certain sanctions may be imposed on you.

As for the shelf life of water meters, each manufacturer determines it himself. On average, the manufacturer indicates a figure for hot and cold water - 12 years, provided that verifications are carried out on time.

But sometimes real time is greatly reduced, for example, due to poor water quality or a simple filter.

What to do if the water meter verification is overdue

What threatens the owner if it is overdue and what to do in this situation? After all, starting from the day of verification, the principle of payment for water supply will change and the consumer will be transferred to pay according to the standard tariff.

It is necessary to write a statement to the water supply organization about the verification and explain in it why this was not done on time over the years.

A master will come to you and examine the IPU, after which he will draw up a verification report.

There is a so-called calibration interval for water meters, which consumers must comply with.

And there are explanations for this. Due to wear and tear on the parts of the water metering device, errors in the accuracy of readings may occur, both upward and downward. Verification must also be carried out in laboratories using appropriate equipment.

What is the frequency

Any water meter has in its technical passport interverification interval. U various manufacturers The intervals vary and generally fall within the following periods:

• cold water meters from 4 to 6 years;
• for hot water supply the interval is also up to 6 years.

From May 17, 2013, by order Federal agency on metrology and technical regulation No. 509 for domestic hot water meters, the interval between verifications is set for a period of 6 years.

According to the manufacturers of water meters, their products can operate in normal mode from 8 to 15 years without loss of measurement quality. Testing is carried out in factory laboratories using drinking water prepared according to GOST standards.

In reality, meters are installed on worn-out pipeline networks. Water contains chemical and mechanical impurities that negatively affect the operation of the measuring device.

A negative factor that reduces the MPI (calibration interval) is the water pressure in the pipelines. At night, the pressure is increased due to the lack of water consumption by consumers, and at daytime and in the morning it falls.

Take note: Household water supplies are generally not equipped with water pressure equalization systems. Periodic impacts (pressure surges) lead to premature wear counters. Therefore, manufacturers are reducing the thresholds for calibration intervals.

The problem of low water quality and worn-out pipelines indirectly affects the consumer in the form of the need to verify metering devices with such small frequency.

Verification procedure

The consumer is required to periodically have the water meter checked.

The onset of the verification period is determined not from the moment of commissioning of the device, but from the date of factory verification (if such data is missing, then the date of manufacture is taken as the basis).

Before submitting the meter for verification, the consumer must agree on this procedure with the management company. Dismantling and installation of the meter is carried out at the expense of the consumer.

Good to know: The entire device verification procedure can take up to three weeks. During this period, you should submit an application for recalculation of water consumption according to average standards.

When positive results verification, a stamp indicating the date is placed in the meter passport. If the device shows deviations in operation, then it is opened, worn parts are replaced and then adjusted. In such cases, the consumer is given a “Certificate of Verification”.

In general, the procedure takes quite a long time and is associated with inconvenience and financial costs. The calibration laboratory charges a fee for its services. Payment rates in various centers may differ, but for the consumer they are not that cheap.

In some cases, it is more profitable to replace it with a new water meter than to have it checked. Firms specializing in services of this kind will replace the meter and issue an appropriate certificate.

Alternative verification

For people who value their time there is alternative way meter verification.

The meter verification procedure can be carried out at home without removing the meter. The benefit is obvious. There is no need to find time for a technician to come and remove the meter for the first time and for the second time to install a verified device.

Based on your request, the master will complete all the work at a time convenient for the client. Compact special metrological equipment will allow you to carry out the procedure for verifying the water meter without dismantling it.

Note: Upon completion of the work, the technician will issue a certificate of verification of the device, which should be submitted to your service company.

In addition, such a service costs less than verification in a stationary laboratory.

Selecting a water meter

To obtain a certificate and production license, unscrupulous manufacturers resort to such tricks as submitting ideal prototypes of products for testing.

The series contains products made from cheap components and low-quality raw materials. The declared service life does not stand up to criticism when the meter begins to produce inadequate indicators.

You can buy cheap counterfeits on the market. famous brands. Be careful when choosing a meter.

It is advisable to purchase meters from specialized salons, licensed stores and positive reviews buyers.

For expert explanations about the inspection interval for water meters, watch the following video:

VII. Accounting procedure utilities using
metering devices, grounds and procedure for inspections
condition of metering devices and the correctness of their readings

81. Equipping residential or non-residential premises with metering devices, putting installed metering devices into operation, their proper technical operation, safety and timely replacement must be ensured by the owner of the residential or non-residential premises.
Putting the installed metering device into operation, that is, documenting the metering device as a metering device, based on the readings of which the amount of payment for utility services is calculated, is carried out by the contractor on the basis applications owner of residential or non-residential premises submitted to the executor.
The application contains the following information:
– information about the consumer (for individual- last name, first name, patronymic, details of the identity document, contact telephone number, for a legal entity - name (company name) and place of state registration, contact telephone number);
– proposed date and time of commissioning of the installed metering device;
– type and serial number of the installed meter, location of its installation;
– information about the organization that installed the metering device;
– readings of the meter at the time of its installation;
– date of the next verification.
The application is accompanied by a copy of the passport for the metering device, as well as copies of documents confirming the results of the last verification of the metering device (with the exception of new metering devices).
The installed meter must be put into operation no later than the month following the date of its installation. In this case, the contractor is obliged, starting from the day following the day the metering device is put into operation, to calculate the amount of payment for the corresponding type of utility service based on the readings of the metering device put into operation.
Availability (absence) criteria technical feasibility installation of metering devices, as well as the form of the inspection report to determine the presence (absence) of the technical feasibility of installing metering devices and the procedure for filling it out are approved by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Russian Federation.

81(1). The contractor is obliged to consider the date and time proposed in the application for putting the metering device into operation and, if it is impossible to fulfill the application within the specified period, agree with the consumer on another date and time for putting the installed metering device into operation.
In this case, a proposal for a new date and time for carrying out the work is sent to the consumer no later than 3 working days from the date of receipt of the application, and the proposed new date for carrying out the work cannot be later than 15 working days from the date of receipt of the application.

81(2). If the contractor did not appear on the date and time proposed in the application to put the meter into operation or another date and time agreed with the consumer and (or) the new date and time proposed by the contractor were later than the deadlines established in paragraph 81(1) of these Rules , the metering device is considered to be put into operation from the date of sending to the executor an application that meets the requirements established by paragraph 81 of these Rules, and from this date its readings are taken into account when determining the volume of utility service consumption.

81(3). If the installation of the metering device is carried out by the contractor, commissioning is carried out by the contractor by drawing up and signing the act of putting the metering device into operation, provided for in paragraph 81(6) of these Rules.

81(4). During the commissioning of the metering device, the following must be checked:
a) correspondence of the serial number on the metering device to the number indicated in its passport;
b) compliance of the metering device with the technical documentation of the device manufacturer, including the configuration and installation diagram of the metering device;
c) presence of signs of the latest verification (with the exception of new metering devices);
d) operability of the metering device.

81(5). Non-compliance of the metering device with the provisions provided for in paragraph 81(4) of these Rules, identified by the contractor during the inspection, is grounds for refusal to put the metering device into operation.

81(6). Based on the results of checking the metering device, the contractor draws up an act of putting the metering device into operation, which indicates:
a) date, time and address of putting the metering device into operation;
b) last names, first names, patronymics, positions and contact details of persons who took part in the procedure for putting the metering device into operation;
c) the type and serial number of the installed metering device, as well as the location of its installation;
d) a decision to commission or refuse to commission a metering device, indicating the grounds for such refusal;
e) in the case of putting the metering device into operation, the readings of the metering device at the time of completion of the procedure for putting the metering device into operation and an indication of the places on the metering device where control disposable number seals (control seals) are installed;
f) date of the next verification.

81(7). The act of putting the metering device into operation is drawn up in 2 copies and signed by the consumer and representatives of the contractor who took part in the procedure for putting the metering device into operation.

81(8). Before signing the act of putting the metering device into operation (if there are no grounds for refusing to put the metering device into operation), the representative of the contractor installs control seals on the metering device.

81(9). The commissioning of metering devices in the cases provided for by these Rules is carried out by the contractor without charging a fee.

81(10). Operation, repair and replacement of metering devices are carried out in accordance with technical documentation. Verification of metering devices is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the legislation of the Russian Federation on ensuring the uniformity of measurements.

81(11). The metering device must be protected from unauthorized interference in its operation.

81(12). The metering device is considered to be out of order in the following cases:
a) failure of metering devices to display measurement results;
b) violation of control seals and (or) verification marks;
V) mechanical damage metering device;
d) exceeding the permissible error of the meter readings;
e) expiration of the verification interval for verification of metering devices.

81(13). In the event of a meter failure (malfunction), the consumer is obliged to immediately notify the contractor about this, report the readings of the meter at the time of its failure (malfunction) and ensure that the identified malfunction is eliminated (repair, replacement) within 30 days from the date of failure the meter is out of order (a malfunction occurs). If dismantling of the metering device is required, the contractor is notified of the above work at least 2 working days in advance. Dismantling of the metering device, as well as its subsequent installation, is carried out in the presence of representatives of the contractor, except for cases where such representatives did not appear by the time for dismantling the metering device specified in the notice.

81(14). Commissioning of a metering device after its repair, replacement and verification is carried out in the manner prescribed by paragraphs 81 - 81(9) of these Rules. Installed device metering, including after verification, is sealed by the contractor without charging a fee to the consumer, except for cases where the sealing of the relevant metering devices is carried out by the contractor again due to violation of the seal or verification marks by the consumer or a third party.

82. The contractor is obliged:
a) carry out checks of the condition of installed and put into operation individual, common (apartment), room metering devices and distributors, the fact of their presence or absence;
b) carry out checks of the reliability of the information provided by consumers about the readings of individual, common (apartment), room metering devices and distributors by comparing them with the readings of the corresponding metering device at the time of verification (in cases where the readings of such metering devices and distributors are taken by consumers).

83. The checks specified in paragraph 82 of these Rules must be carried out by the contractor at least once a year, and if the metering devices being checked are located in the consumer’s residential premises, then no more than once every 6 months.

84. If the consumer fails to provide the contractor with the readings of an individual or general (apartment) metering device for 6 months in a row, the contractor no later than 15 days from the date of expiration of the specified 6-month period, another period established by the agreement containing provisions on the provision of utility services, and (or ) solutions general meeting owners of premises in an apartment building are obliged to carry out the check specified in paragraph 82 of these Rules and take meter readings.

85. The inspection specified in paragraph 82 of these Rules, if it requires access to the residential or non-residential premises of the consumer, is carried out by the contractor in the following order:
a) the contractor sends the consumer in a manner that allows him to determine the date of receipt of such a message, or delivers a written notice against signature with a proposal to inform the consumer about the date(s) and time convenient for the consumer of the contractor’s admission to carry out the inspection and an explanation of the consequences of the consumer’s inaction or his refusal to allow the contractor to metering devices;
b) the consumer is obliged, within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt of the specified notice, to inform the contractor in a way that allows determining the date of receipt of such a message by the contractor about the date(s) and time convenient for the consumer within the next 10 calendar days when the consumer can ensure the contractor’s admission to residential or non-residential premises occupied by him for inspection. If the consumer cannot ensure the contractor’s access to the residential premises he occupies due to temporary absence, then he is obliged to inform the contractor about other possible date(s) and time of admission for the inspection;
c) if the consumer fails to fulfill the obligation specified in subparagraph "b" of this paragraph, the contractor re-sends a written notice to the consumer in the manner specified in subparagraph "a" of this paragraph, and the consumer is obliged to inform the contractor within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt of such notice , allowing to determine the date of receipt of such a message by the contractor, the information specified in subparagraph “b” of this paragraph;
d) the contractor, on the date and time agreed with the consumer in accordance with subparagraph “b” or “c” of this paragraph, is obliged to conduct an inspection and draw up an inspection report and transfer 1 copy of the act to the consumer. The inspection report is signed by the contractor and the consumer, and if the consumer refuses to sign the act, by the contractor and 2 disinterested persons;
e) if the consumer did not respond to the contractor’s repeated notification or did not allow the contractor into the residential or non-residential premises occupied by him 2 or more times on the date and time agreed upon by the consumer, and at the same time, in relation to the consumer living in the residential premises, the contractor does not have information about his temporary absence from the occupied residential premises, the executor draws up an act of refusal of access to the metering device. The act of refusal to allow the contractor to access metering devices located in the residential or non-residential premises of the consumer is signed by the contractor and the consumer, and if the consumer refuses to sign the act, by the contractor and 2 disinterested persons. The act indicates the date and time of the contractor’s arrival to conduct the inspection, the reasons for the consumer’s refusal to allow the contractor to access the metering devices (if the consumer informed the contractor about such reasons), other information indicating the actions (inaction) of the consumer that prevent the contractor from conducting the inspection. The contractor is obliged to transfer 1 copy of the act to the consumer;
f) the contractor is obliged, within 10 days after receiving from the consumer, in respect of whom the act of refusal of access to the metering device was left, a statement of readiness to allow the contractor into the premises for inspection, to carry out an inspection, draw up an inspection report and transfer 1 copy of the act to the consumer. The inspection report is signed by the contractor and the consumer, and if the consumer refuses to sign the act, by the contractor and 2 disinterested persons.

Anyone who has installed meters on pipelines supplying cold and hot water from central networks has been able to see that this is beneficial. There is a category of the population that believes that, and this is the most correct approach.

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Laws regarding the installation of water meters

The government has adopted a number of legislative acts relating to measuring instruments and methods.

Federal Law No. 102 dated June 26, 2008

Federal Law “On Ensuring the Uniformity of Measuring Instruments”, it defines the need for verification of measuring instruments to metrology requirements.

The purpose of the Federal Law is to protect the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, society and the state from the negative consequences of unreliable measurement results.

Verification (verification) is a set of activities carried out to confirm the compliance of metering devices with metrological requirements.

Verification of a device is a check of its serviceability and accuracy using special equipment.

The law regulates the period during which the meter can operate unhindered and what intervals are permissible between verifications of hot and cold water flow meters.

Metering devices are allowed to be installed only those included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments State standard RF.

Federal Law No. 261 dated November 23, 2009

This law states the need to draw up contracts between the service provider and their consumer; this act allocates 180 days for compliance with the requirements.

The Energy Saving Law makes it mandatory to measure the consumption of utility resources.

Mandatory installation of metering devices will make it possible to:

1. Increase the ability to save resources;
2. Allows you to determine losses.

You may be interested in an article on how to save energy at home, you can read about it.

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 354 of 05/06/2011.

This act explains the nuances of fees for the use of water and other services for residents of apartment buildings and residential buildings, as well as the rules for the provision of utility services.

Here the concept of the amount of payment in the presence of a metering device and in the absence of one is clearly divided.

Why are water meters subject to mandatory verification?

A water meter is a fairly accurate and sensitive device, which after a period of time can fail, that is, show an inaccurate water consumption.

Such indicators are of no interest to either the consumer or the supplier. Why are the readings on the meter no longer accurate, and how much do the device data differ from the actual ones, and in what direction?

Hot and cold water have different effects on metering devices. It is clear that hot water contains chemical additives, so its composition and heat more aggressive towards the meter parts, and therefore verification of metering devices on hot water supply pipelines needs to be done more often.

A check may show that the device is working properly, and damaged metering equipment must be repaired or replaced.

When do you need to change water meters?

The calibration interval for a meter installed in a hot water supply system is 4 years, for one installed on a cold water pipe - 6 years.

Cold water meters should be checked no later than after 6 years, and hot water meters after 4 years.

There is no need to think that the period set for verification means the replacement of flow metering equipment. The water meter needs to be changed only if it does not work or shows incorrect water consumption figures.

The service life of a water meter is on average 12 years, which means that one device can last 6 years before failure, and another - 18 years.

It should be remembered that it is better to take care of the issue of verifying the water flow meter in advance, 1-1.5 months before the end of the verification interval.

The service provider company maintains records for each apartment, each house or other facility. If the user himself has forgotten that the period between verifications is coming to an end, he will be reminded - he will be sent a notification.

Procedure for checking water meters

How are water meters checked? Since verification must be carried out only with the help of special equipment, not everyone knows that verification can be carried out not only in stationary conditions, but also on site.

To carry out work, citizens independently choose an organization that has the necessary permits.

How to replace a water meter?

1. Before work starts it is necessary to take care of turning off the water, having agreed upon this with the Housing Office;
2. Provide access to water supply pipes;
3. Pipes must be in satisfactory condition;
4. Taps (valves, ball valves) must completely shut off the water in the apartment.

The check can be carried out in several ways:

• With removal of metering devices
• Without removing metering devices

If the verification is carried out by a specialized company, then you should call the plumber servicing the house to remove the meter. The dismantled device will be put into operation by drawing up a withdrawal report, indicating the brand and serial numbers. You need to have a document for a water meter with you - a passport and your passport as a citizen of the Russian Federation.

For the verification procedure, special calibration installations are used, which allow the accuracy of the readings to be verified as accurately as possible.

Read the article on who is entitled to subsidies for housing and communal services.

Having received his accounting equipment back after some time, from several hours to several days, the consumer will receive the following documents:

1. Agreement on installation of water meters;
2. Certificate of completion;
3. Certificate of commissioning of a water meter;
4. Certificate for cold water meter
5. Passport for hot water meter
6. Certificate for meters
7. Maintenance contract.

A water meter found to be unsuitable will have to be replaced; a working one must be installed on old place and use it until the next check comes.

There are methods in which removal of meters is not required - verification will be carried out right on the spot.

It is necessary to make sure that the company is accredited and its employees are certified.

How are water meters verified? We invite you to watch the video.

Of course, this verification method is extremely convenient. Representatives of the company will contact the supplier themselves and remove the issue of verification. The service consumer will receive a document stating the date and results of the procedure performed.

This method also has disadvantages. In order to carry out an accurate verification, about 250 liters must pass through the device connected to the tap. water, for which the apartment owner will have to pay.

If an error is detected on the water meter, you will not have the opportunity to repair or adjust the device on the spot. The device will still have to be removed.

What threatens the owner of a residential property if he does not check on time?

Having the IPU verification certificate in hand, the owner must ensure that he does not miss the deadline for the next inspection.

An unverified water meter, both hot and cold, is considered unusable, which means it is impossible to pay according to the readings of such a device.

Further bills for water use will be issued at average rates, as for users who do not have meters, taking into account the number of residents registered in the apartment.

These standards will force the consumer to spend a significantly larger amount each month than when the meter readings were taken into account.

IPU verification is a paid service or not?

Citizens are required to carry out verification of IPU (individual metering devices) at their own expense within the time limits specified by the manufacturer and specified in the passport of the metering device.

You have to pay for verification. IN different regions the cost differs, but the average figures range from 370 rubles. up to 1000 rub.

If you want to find out how to pay for housing and communal services via the Internet without commission, we advise you to read.

At the same time, it would be useful to note that the cost of work when using a portable standard, that is, on site, without dismantling the water meter, and in the case of removal are almost equal.

Tracking the verification period and organizing its implementation is not so difficult. A self-respecting home owner will always be interested in ensuring that the equipment in his living space works correctly and is in good working order. You can choose any of the methods for checking water meters.

In order to save money, citizens are interested in installing individual control and measuring devices. The vast majority of utility service users do not encounter non-standard situations. However, in particular, water is not only an instrument of government regulation Russian market plumbing services, but also the subject of legal challenges from the population. Unfortunately, the problem of bottlenecks also exists in this area of ​​government regulatory regulation accounting for water consumption.

This article aims to highlight aspects of the provision of this service. For reference, we will select the housing and communal services of Moscow with its regulatory field.

General view

Is it necessary to verify water meters? Of course yes. Its need is intensified by old, rusting water pipes, low-quality water, and substandard meters. This procedure (though in various ways regulated) is normatively present in municipal regulation in various countries. Examples of its clear regulation are Germany and the United States.

As you know, devices with which consumers track their water consumption are usually classified as individual devices (IPU). This term will also appear as a synonym in our text.

How is servicing of various meters organized? According to international experience, a one-year service cycle is desirable. Regarding the meters we are considering, we can say that this can even come from one technical detail: clogged filters. And, as you know, it is recommended to clean them once a year.

Citizen's appeal

To check the meter installed in his home, a citizen contacts a commercial company that is licensed to carry out such work. Do not rush to go to those service organizations that besiege your mailbox with letters (although if you take the shortest path, then this is also an option).

Thrifty people find a service company with the most affordable rates. At the same time, it is stipulated that the company can check the existing meters rather than change them (this is cheaper). If installation is contemplated, ask whether the company installs meters purchased by users. Honor and glory to you if you choose in the company store, based on the configuration of your pipes, German meters from the companies "ABB", "Zenner-Vodopribor", "Viterra", "Wehrle". This is the major league. You can also choose a Russian one (remembering that it was manufactured under a Western license). However, in the latter case, it is worth asking about its verification period, recorded in the instructions.

At the same time (an important circumstance!) You should prepare in writing for an audit using the meters you have. You should have with you the technical passports of the devices, certificates of their sealing, and preliminary verification reports. If there is a gap in the documents, you can expect additional costs.

We will express our thoughts about the legal aspects accompanying the transaction later. In the meantime, let’s find out what the deadline for checking water meters is. The housing office will answer you without hesitation: “For hot water meters - 4 years; for cold weather - 5-6 years.”

They won’t let you forget the verification deadlines

The day before, as a rule, the consumer receives a notice from the management company (or, alternatively, from the housing office.) This process is strictly accounted for, because periodic verification measuring instruments is an important revenue item for housing and communal services. It should be taken into account that hot water is traditionally produced more often. However, in any case, all information on installations, verifications, etc. of your devices must be submitted by you to the management company and agreed with it.

As mentioned above, you contact the service organization directly to check. Not necessarily to a commercial one, you can go to the center for regional metrology and standardization or Mosvodokanal. If you find it difficult to find an inspection contractor, contact the management company for help, which will recommend the right organization.

Two types of meter service companies

There are two options for maintenance: periodic, once every 4-5 years (it is based on the period of verification of the hot water meter), and permanent (monthly) service maintenance. In the first case, payment by the consumer is made upon verification. In the second, it is divided into equal parts and occurs monthly along with the rent.

Regarding the second option: the provision of service is secured by a contract of the same name. This approach is more consistent technical standards. In this case, the verification itself is not paid separately by the consumer. IN service companies this process is shown as " free verification water meters."

Often, service companies offer free first verification and installation (which, in principle, is beneficial to both them and consumers) when the client signs a service agreement with them. What can’t you do to outshine your competitors by driving consumers away from them?

Under such circumstances, service companies temporarily incur some costs that are guaranteed to be paid by the client in the future. However, the subject of our discussion is periodic maintenance.

Knock Knock. I am a fitter

As we mentioned above, the consumer contacts service center by phone or through the form on the website. If we talk about the performance side of the issue, then checking hot water meters, as well as cold ones, is carried out in two ways: with and without replacing the device.

An important circumstance: specialists who arrive to carry out verification must have with them a copy of the certificate authorizing them to carry out such work. Its authenticity is verified using the state accreditation register.

Meter verification without replacement

In case of “clean verification”, the most convenient and economical for Muscovites is the classic servicing of water meters using a portable verification unit UPSZH-3-PM.

In practice it looks like this. Using an adapter, the installation is connected to the mixer, having previously ensured that it drains into the sink. Measurements are taken at the limiting flow of water. Then, with the same timing - on the current user measuring device. In this case, deviations are allowed - plus or minus 5%. This type of verification of water meters without removal, lasting 30-40 minutes, is the most widespread.

If individual device meter, which is generally in good working order, requires an in-depth examination, it is dismantled (the client is temporarily provided with another meter as a replacement). The dismantled device is delivered to the laboratory. The estimated time for checking it is two days. Not because of the labor intensity (it takes the same 30-40 minutes), but because of the presence of significant volumes of homogeneous work and, accordingly, the queue. Thus, verification of water meters without removal is carried out by authorized (licensed) companies. For the consumer, it costs about one thousand rubles.

Verification with meter replacement

This type of maintenance is usually carried out by service companies using individual instrumentation purchased in advance by them. The cost of such work is higher than the service we previously reviewed without removing meters. Average prices are presented here, so it is indicated whether the cold water meter is being checked or hot. Approximate tariffs for these works are presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Cost of verification work regarding hot water supply (HVS) meters in Moscow

Legal regulation

If practical side the question is simple and understandable, then the legal side, so to speak, is out of the question. Let's start with the recent history of the provision of this service in Belokamennaya (as we will see later, this matters). Since 2004 and for 7 years, it has been regulated by Moscow government decree No. 77-PP dated February 10, 2004, according to which the verification period for water meters was determined to be 5-6 years for cold water (depending on the design) and 4 years for hot water.

Thus, the maximum possible profitable terms for licensed intermediaries in the market for this service and for increasing tariffs.

Next, they are trying to change the situation towards democratizing prices for the service. Federal Law No. 102-FZ “On the Uniformity of Measurements”, Article No. 13, establishes that the inspection interval must be determined by the manufacturer (and it is often more than 4-6 years). The process is evolving. On December 26, 2012, the Moscow Government removed the controversial paragraph 3.1 of Resolution No. 77-PP with the new Resolution No. 831-PP “On Amendments...”. Finally, it was said in principle that the period for verification of water meters was tied not to the administratively established standard, but to technical parameters specified in the device data sheet. However, not all so simple!

Position of the prosecutor's office. Restoration of legal norms

This step was forced - under pressure from the Prosecutor's Office, which responded to numerous complaints from citizens. The highest body supervising the implementation of legislation has established that the above-mentioned clause 3.1, which unreasonably establishes the frequency of verification of water meters, does not comply with the legislation of the Russian Federation.

He pointed this out in his official letter first deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation A. Busman. It was precisely under pressure from the prosecutor’s office to eliminate the conflict with the current legislation, in fact, that Resolution No. 831-PP was adopted. Consumers complained not only about the unreasonableness of the tariffs, but also that the verification of water meters without removal was systematically, at the arbitrariness of the verification intermediaries, replaced by a more expensive replacement for a low-quality meter, which was guaranteed to break down after 3-4 years.

This option for market development has seriously curtailed the interest of intermediaries, who, over the period since 2004, have managed to “grow” into both management companies and housing offices. In addition, it is obvious that Resolution No. 831-PP was signed by the Moscow Government involuntarily (at the suggestion of the Prosecutor’s Office), i.e., as people say, “signed with reluctance.” It is obvious that it is being fulfilled with the same “reluctance”. The proof of this seditious thought can be considered in the real circumstances outlined below.

Intermediaries' position

At this stage, the Resolution adopted by Sobyanin is systematically opposed by a scheme in which commercial intermediaries and federal management companies participate at a visible level.

Of course, it has its own gaps, but not every citizen has enough money and time to “raise” this issue with the prosecutor’s office. This is what the bet is on.

At the first step of communication with the consumer, operators of licensed companies fundamentally deny its effectiveness. “Such a resolution does not exist!” - they claim, in fact, “in the old way”, tying the period for checking water meters to 6 and 4 years, i.e., supposedly being within the legal framework of the already canceled Resolution. The businessmen’s arguments are quite critical: “If it existed, we would know!” Don’t you think, dear readers, that this logic is a lose-lose for any consumer in advance, which is reminiscent of the classic example of “Catch 22”? “Businessmen” send “too smart” users to the management company for advice.

Position of management companies

Next, “player No. 2” comes into play - the federal management company. She, just as “sincerely” as a commercial intermediary, “does not know” about the frequency of checking water meters, according to Resolution 328. But unlike merchants, she has leverage over the consumer.

Let's operate with facts: in this situation, the management company operates in a “fully autonomous mode.” Let's follow this moment:

1. In fact, it itself sets the standard for the timing of meter inspections (by arbitrarily “revitalizing” the canceled standard).
2. It organizes control and notification itself (using the “help” of commercial intermediaries and housing offices).
3. If the water meter verification period has expired, the Criminal Code itself punishes consumers who have illegally overstayed the assigned verification period with rubles. They are transferred from individual to common house metering devices, and the formula for calculating water consumption changes. (According to the standard (approximate value), 9 m 3 per person, based on the number of registered people, regardless of their actual availability.)

Do management companies really have sufficient “sovereign” potential to fail to comply? regulatory requirements Resolution No. 831-PP? The question is, of course, rhetorical.

Conclusion

The above situation is capital market verification of water meters requires legal permission from the state. In the language of macroeconomics, the problem is that in the market of numerous service companies there is no pure competition leading to the quality of service, and indeed this happens for one simple reason: all organizations, collaborating with the state monopoly (management companies), essentially become the same monopoly .

And the monopoly behaves in accordance with its nature - it maximizes profits. At the same time, the population suffers.

An example of the most economical verification option to date is demonstrated by Mosvodokanal. Verification of water meters carried out by specialists of this enterprise, two times cheaper than other licensed service companies - about 474 rubles. This is a good signal for players in this market to lower the already high rate of profit.

This suggests the conclusion about the need for more active government regulation of the excess profit rate of this monopoly, where the Moscow Government together with the Prosecutor's Office should play a decisive role in the spirit of supervision over the implementation of Resolution No. 831-PP. The verification period for water meters must be set in accordance with international practice solution to this issue: not declaratively, but according to technical instructions. The latter would be logical.