Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com - pixel-shot.com (Leonid Yastremskiy)Standard apartment water meters are perfectly suited for today's common cisterns, but not for outdated toilet pressure flushers.
Modern water meters are unsuitable for toilets with pressure flush valves. They can be damaged and cause malfunctions. Landlords should install suitable meters or replace old flushing systems.
Why are water meters and toilet flush valves incompatible?
Many older rental properties still use toilets with so-called pressure flush valves. These systems generate a sudden, very high water pressure when flushed. Modern water meters are not designed for such pressure spikes. This often leads to damage and inaccurate consumption readings.
Technical background: What happens during flushing?
Modern residential water meters – so-called Dry-running runner with magnetic clutch – function very reliably under normal conditions. However, pressure flushers can cause several problems:
- Pressure loss in the pipeThe resistance created by the meter can reduce the water pressure so much that the flushing no longer works reliably.
- Strong pressure spikesThe sudden release of large quantities of water regularly exceeds the permissible flow range (Q3/Q4) of the standard meters.
- Breakdown of the magnetic couplingSudden currents can damage the sensitive coupling inside the meter.
- Meter clicking and malfunctionsThe characteristic rattling sound indicates mechanical overload.
Which solution makes sense?
Depending on the initial situation, there are two proven approaches to solving the problem:
1. Use of robust water meters
- For pressure flush valves, meters with a higher nominal flow rate (e.g. Q3 ≥ 4 m³/h) are required.
- These special models are designed for high loads and prevent defects and measurement errors.
2. Replacing outdated pressure flush valves
- Upgrading to modern toilet cisterns offers several advantages:
- Lower water consumption (approx. 6 liters instead of up to 14 liters per flush)
- Significantly lower noise level
- Standard apartment water meters can be used.
- Long-term cost savings in water and maintenance
Conclusion: Water meter when toilet flushing
Old pressure flush valves are not only inefficient, but also compromise the functionality of modern water meters. A technical upgrade – either to the meter or the flushing system – is highly recommended for rental properties.
Recommendations for landlords
- Check the existing toilet systems in your properties.
- For pressure flush systems: Determine whether robust meters or cistern systems are more economical.
- If necessary, plan a phased conversion.
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