Any resident of an apartment or house is interested in the uninterrupted operation of the gas meter.
Like all measuring instruments, gas equipment has its own service life.
To avoid delays or in case of breakdown, it is necessary to take measures to replace the gas meter. How to change a gas meter in 2021?
Requirements of Russian legislation
The main document is Resolution No. 824 , approved by the Russian government on September 19, 2013.
It made changes to the Rules for the provision of public utilities and affected mainly the requirements for replacing gas meters.
Reasons for replacement specified by law
According to the law, it is necessary to replace an existing gas meter if:
- expiration of the service life specified in the technical data sheet of the product;
- negative verification results.
Negative results include visible mechanical damage, recorded error exceedances, broken seals, and lack of readable indicators.
Detection of a meter malfunction with a damaged seal during an inspection is a reason for imposing penalties on the owner. To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation, you need to monitor the condition of the device and the integrity of the seal.
The initiator of the verification can be the owner who noticed a malfunction of the device, or a gas service employee performing a scheduled or extraordinary audit.
Performer and frequency
Important questions also raised by the resolution are: after how many years does the gas meter need to be replaced, and who should carry out the replacement? The frequency should be determined by the flow meter passport. Most models have a service life of 20 years. But there are also exceptions.
For example, a Betar brand product can only work correctly for 12 years. Therefore, verification with information from the manufacturer is mandatory.
The dismantling of the old device, as well as the installation of a newly purchased one, can be carried out by an employee of the gas service serving the area of residence. Representatives of a private licensed company can also get involved. Self-replacement is prohibited.
Who should pay for the replacement?
According to Order of the Ministry of Industry No. 1815 dated July 2, 2015 , payment for replacing the meter is the responsibility of the owner of the premises. Depending on the type of property, payers can be legal entities, individual entrepreneurs or individuals.
You will have to pay both the cost of the new metering device and all the manipulations performed by specialists. These are services for dismantling an old flow meter and installing a newly purchased one
Accordingly, these are owners of square meters in apartment buildings, owners of private households and holders of rights to commercial real estate.
The exception is municipal housing, where residence is temporary for citizens. In this case, the owner is the local government. Therefore, all costs are borne by the municipality. The only thing residents should do if a flow meter malfunction is detected is to file a complaint with the housing and communal services service.
Free service can be used by war veterans (veterans and rear service personnel), large families and non-working pensioners. At the local level, expanded lists may operate and additional benefits may be provided. You can check this information with your municipal gas company or local government.
Laws and requirements for gas meter replacement
According to the adopted Federal Law No. 261, all owners of apartments, residential buildings, and work premises are required to install gas meters. The owner’s consent is not required: in its absence, the device is forcibly installed.
The flow meter requires some maintenance, inspection and replacement when it expires. The procedure and terms are regulated by the relevant regulations:
- Federal Law No. 4871-1 dated April 27, 1993 indicates that all devices for measuring gas consumption must be delivered for inspection within the specified time frame. The responsibility rests with the user.
- According to State Standard No. 125, the owner is responsible for maintaining the device, its performance and testing.
- Only employees of the relevant service who have confirmation of their qualifications can replace and check the operation of gas appliances. Independent actions are prohibited.
- From January 1, 2021, the requirements of the law on gas meters have been tightened. The brand and design of the meter must comply with regulatory and legislative acts. Not all commercial models comply with them.
Responsibilities for maintaining and changing gas meters are removed from those living in municipal housing. In this case, the owner is the municipality, which also assumes the responsibility for timely inspection and replacement of devices.
Why is it important to monitor the status of the meter?
If the owner of the device promptly discovered its malfunction or violation of the integrity of the seal and notified the gas supplier about it on the same day, then during the replacement period payment will be made according to the standards. The replacement period lasts from the date of notification until the day following the date of sealing of the new/repaired meter.
During the inspection, the technician will turn on the burner and monitor the change in numbers. If the device does not respond, you will have to send it for verification and repair.
The situation is completely different when a gas service employee discovers a problem. In this case, the use of standards will apply to the period lasting from the moment of the last inspection until the installation of a fresh seal.
And, although the duration of the period cannot be more than 6 months, the increase in fees is very significant - as is known, the standards are too high compared to the volume of actual consumption.
Procedure for replacing equipment
The first stage of the algorithm for replacing the metering device is concluding an agreement with the company that supplies gas to the area of residence. The subject of the agreement is a set of measures to replace the device. Motive - an application submitted by the owner of the premises.
The list of documents is approved by law. And the application is written in free form on a blank sheet of paper or on the letterhead of a specialized gas company
Private gas companies operate in large cities. They have the appropriate licenses, and their employees are certified and authorized to work with gas equipment. When contacting them to change a flow meter, you must request supporting documents.
First visit to a specialist
At the first visit after concluding the contract, the technician must confirm or deny the need to purchase and install a new device. There are often situations when, to restore functionality, it is enough to install a new battery or perform inexpensive repairs.
If the device is really outdated or broken, then a specialist must inspect the installation site, evaluate the technical conditions and give detailed recommendations on choosing the appropriate model. Based on these recommendations, the owner of the premises purchases a metering device and prepares for the second visit of gas service employees.
Second visit - installation
For the second visit of the specialist, it is necessary to prepare documents relating to the newly purchased device, as well as make room for installation. Since the meter must be installed in a visible place and in an area of free access, it is worth removing all obstructing objects.
This requirement is specified in SP 42-101-2003 - a set of rules for the design of gas distribution systems. It is necessary to follow it after installation, during operation: the meter must be located where it is convenient to install and maintain it.
Before the installer’s visit, it is recommended to remove all unnecessary items from the gas meter installation area: towels, kitchen utensils, cutlery
After completion of installation, gas workers are required to fill out a certificate of completion of work and issue a document confirming the launch of the device. These documents must be kept along with the technical data sheet of the device.
The procedure algorithm for those living in an apartment is no different from the procedure for replacing a gas meter in a private house. The only addition for owners of private households is a gasification project.
The final replacement cost consists of the price of a new device and installation costs. An increase in the average value may be affected by:
- the need to increase the length of the gas pipeline using additional pipes;
- welding work;
- purchasing parts and consumables.
A more expensive replacement will be made by changing the position of the meter. For example, when moving the device into view.
Who pays for gas meter replacement?
Replacing a gas meter, like installation, is not a free procedure. Who pays for the new appliance and installation depends on the type of housing:
- In a private house, the owner of the house - an individual or legal entity - pays for the replacement of the flow meter. Even if the house is leased to the state, the replacement is still made by the owner himself.
- In a privatized apartment, replacement of the gas meter is also carried out at the expense of the owner.
- Installation in public housing is carried out by the municipality. Citizens living in such housing are not owners and only pay for gas consumption.
Rules for sealing the meter
According to government decree No. 549 of 2008 , only supplier companies are granted the right to install seals. However, it is not the emergency dispatch departments that install the devices themselves that are responsible for this, but authorized employees of subscriber departments. Therefore, for sealing you will have to write another application.
It should indicate:
- Full name, passport details of the owner of the property;
- brand and serial number of the device;
- flow meter readings at the time of installation;
- date of the next verification.
The application must be accompanied by a technical passport of the new device, an installation certificate, and a document on putting the equipment into operation.
The technical data sheet of the product should be kept until disposal of the device. The document is included in the list of mandatory documents for each verification.
If the installation was carried out by a representative of a third-party licensed company, then it is necessary to present documents confirming the qualifications and right of the representative of this company to work.
Installation quality control
Work must be carried out taking into account safety rules:
- The distance from the meter to gas equipment cannot be less than one meter.
- Outside the home, the device can be installed under a moisture-proof canopy or inside a metal cabinet.
- The standard placement height is 160 cm. Any deviations must be confirmed by the technical data sheet of the product.
- There should be no heating devices within a radius of 2 meters.
- The device must be within visibility and easy access.
- The distance between the meter and the wall should be more than 5 cm. This ensures natural ventilation and slows down the formation of corrosion on metal parts.
- Upon completion of installation, a leak check is required. Previously, this was done by applying a soap solution. Now representatives of gas companies are increasingly giving preference to electronic sensors.
Knowing how to properly install a gas meter in an apartment or house, it is easy to control the actions of specialists. In addition, an informed owner will be able to correctly formulate emerging questions and receive comprehensive advice.
The easiest way to check the tightness of gas pipe connections is to apply a soap solution to the joints. If it starts to foam a lot, it means the connection is not tight enough and everything needs to be redone.
After installation, you should monitor the further operation of the device: while maintaining the same volume of consumption, the new device should record approximately the same consumption as the old one. If the readings vary greatly, this is a reason to contact the gas workers again.
How much will it cost?
If a citizen does not belong to the preferential category of citizens, he will have to pay for the procedure for replacing the meter himself. You will also have to buy a new gas meter - its cost will depend on the model and manufacturer, up to 30,000 rubles.
The replacement procedure itself varies depending on the following factors:
- Region.
- Rates.
- Condition of the gas pipeline.
- Pipe length for meter output.
- Difficulty in carrying out the work.
On average, you will have to pay 900-3000 rubles to install a meter. In the capital, the amount can reach up to 4,000 rubles for replacing a gas meter.
The subscriber will have to pay for the following services (except for purchasing a new meter):
- The work of a master dismantling the old meter and installing a jumper pipe.
- Installation of a new meter.
- Checking the new meter.
In general, the procedure for replacing and verifying a new meter can reach up to 15,000 rubles. You cannot do this on your own, even if you know exactly how to do it and have the relevant experience - unauthorized connection will result in a fine.
Choosing the right model
The choice of specialists is based on the size of the room, the location of gas equipment, and the number of devices connected to the metering device. Craftsmen take into account the diameter of the thread and the throughput of the flow meter.
The user is advised to pay attention to the balance between price and service life, as well as the date of manufacture. A production date that is too old will significantly shorten the period until the next verification, since this period is determined by it, and not by the date of purchase or installation.
When choosing a meter, a real specialist will definitely pay attention to the direction of gas flow it is intended for. The photo shows the right counter. The left one has a mirrored entrance and exit
It would not be superfluous to clarify the design features, as this affects the frequency of verifications. Thus, compact rotary models must be inspected every five years. Membranes are subject to professional inspection every 10 years. Turbine devices frequently used in the industrial sector - once every 8 years.
The model chosen by the owner independently will, in any case, be checked to ensure compliance with all requirements. Therefore, before purchasing, you should consult with gas specialists.
The subtleties of choosing gas meters are described in more detail in this material.
Reasons for replacement specified in legislation
According to the law, there is a list of reasons for replacing metering devices:
- The end of the operating time specified in the technical data sheet of the device;
- Unsatisfactory control result.
An unsatisfactory control result is defined as: physical damage to the product that is visible to the naked eye, high error rates, broken device seals, and the inability to read data. The verification can be started either by the owner of the product who discovered a defect, or by a gas service specialist who performs a scheduled or unscheduled inspection.
Replacing the device battery
The need to change the battery is usually indicated by a blank screen. In some cases, some of the numbers become difficult to distinguish or “disappear.” Sometimes users notice the screen flickering, which may also be evidence of a faulty battery.
Most models are equipped with a soldered battery. To make a replacement, the technician first unsolders the contacts of the old battery, and then uses a soldering iron to fix the new one.
In this case, you will also have to turn to the help of the gas service, since opening the device yourself is prohibited. Moreover, most batteries are sealed.
Repair or replacement?
In some situations, replacing equipment may be more profitable than carrying out verification and repair work. If the device breaks down, you will have to pay for the dismantling work, examination and, if it is impossible to restore correct operation, a new flow meter and its installation.
Moreover, all the time spent on these manipulations, gas fees will be calculated based on regional standards.
Therefore, many users who suspect a major breakdown of the device prefer to immediately install a new meter. The old one is either disposed of or, after successful repair, stored as a spare until the end of its service life.
What the law says - rules for replacing a meter in 2021
According to Government Decree No. 824, the gas meter is replaced if:
- Its service life has expired.
- The device is faulty and cannot be repaired.
Who should be responsible for changing the device and who is responsible for paying. Everything will depend on where the meter is installed:
- If this is a private house, the owner of the property must pay for the new device and its installation.
- If it is an apartment, but not privatized, that is, municipally owned, replacing the appliance is the responsibility of the state.
- If this is an apartment that has been privatized, replacing the meter is within the competence of the owners of the premises.
But, replacing the meter can be free for privileged categories of citizens. In this case, these include:
- WWII veterans.
- Large families.
- Low-income pensioners.
Only a gas service employee has the right to change the device or seal it - he must have access to such operations and a certificate of the established type.
Be sure to check the employee’s documents before letting him into the premises!
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The meter is replaced when it breaks down and at the end of its service life. The initiator can be the owner himself or a representative of the gas service. When choosing a device, you should listen to the opinion of a professional, since only he can take into account all the technical details.
Installation should also be entrusted to specialists. This is roughly how their installation visit goes:
After completing the work, the gas service employee must draw up two reports: on replacement and on putting the device into operation. After this, all that remains is to put a seal and monitor the condition of the new flow meter.
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When replacement is required
Government Decree No. 824 regulates the rules for installing and replacing gas flow meters. In accordance with this document, reinstallation of an individual metering device is necessary in the following situations:
- the period of use of the equipment established by the manufacturer has expired;
Flow meter to be replaced due to end of service life
- The device has not passed the next verification.
Equipment performance checks are carried out by specialists within the time limits established by the manufacturer. The frequency of verification is indicated in the accompanying technical documentation.
The gas meter may not pass the test if:
- the equipment has severe mechanical damage;
- the seal is broken, which may interfere with the operation of the device;
- when taking measurements, the device produces an error greater than the maximum permissible value;
- it is impossible to read the readings on the flow meter.
