Agree, harsh and squeaking sounds are annoying and interfere with concentration. Especially if the noise is kept at the same level for a long time or occurs many times during the day. Such troubles often arise in everyday life. Imagine your new gas meter squeaks when you work, what to do when the money cannot be returned, and the sound is unbearable. Should I change it? Can I fix it, and where can I go for it?
If you are the owner of a squeaky meter, then you shouldn't worry too much. You are not alone, and some gas meters cannot work silently. In the article, we have described all the reasons why a gas meter can creak. Here you will also find options for action in such a situation.
Counters begin to work more actively when the gas equipment is turned on. Sometimes there is a specific creak and even a whistle. Sometimes the strength of the sound does not depend on the speed of gas movement. The state of the device also exerts its influence, as well as the features of its structure. Even before buying, you can find out how the product manifests itself during operation. If an old meter is noisy, then on the one hand, this should not cause concern, and on the other, it may speak of an imminent breakdown.
The content of the article:
- The principle of operation of gas meters
- Causes of noise during gas meter operation
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How to remove interfering sound?
- Soundproofing the meter using a cabinet
- Alternative options for getting rid of noise
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The principle of operation of gas meters
Gas meters show the volume of consumed gas, less often the mass. Among the measurement methods, 2 options are used: direct and indirect.
The direct method means counting the amount of gas through the filling cycles of the chamber / chambers. In the indirect method, volume determines the flow rate. Sensors detect the movement of rotating parts. Unpleasant noise is observed primarily in low-quality devices, more often in mechanical ones.
The figure shows a diaphragm gas meter: 1 - housing, 2 - cover, 3 - measuring mechanism, 4 - crank mechanism, 5 - upper valves of the gas distribution device, 6 - coupling band
Manufacturers test the protection of devices for resistance to moisture, sunlight and temperature contrasts. No laboratory tests guarantee 100% correct operation. At the 2nd verification period, there are often problems with loud sound during operation, especially for meters with rotors.
Causes of noise during gas meter operation
The squeak of the counter interferes with everyday life. The noise is usually long lasting and resembles the sound of unlubricated parts. Counters can last the entire period, despite the creak. For rotary meters, noise is the norm.
Counters are noisy due to several factors:
- debris and foreign particles;
- design features;
- problems with the tightness of connections, tightness;
- wear and tear.
Normal pollution leads to the formation of extraneous sounds. Sometimes dirt gets inside, insects, leaves and debris get stuck on the outside of the case (if the meter is not located indoors). The vibration of the appliance can cause foreign objects to escape completely.
The quality of work depends on device type. Meters with converting elements in the form of eight-shaped rotors produce a creak at low temperatures. These gas meters are cheap, so they are in demand.
The leakage problem also causes noise. A complete inspection will indicate a lack of insulation. If there were no foreign objects inside and outside, then the reason for the squeak is the leakage of the internal parts in the case.
Malfunctions occur due to primary defects or rapid temperature changes. The escaping gas will emit a characteristic squeak. Deformation of the housing also affects the insulation of the device. Damage is caused by improper installation and shock.
In the worst case, a noisy gas meter can jam, and the gas will stop flowing in the required volume or completely stop moving
Due to depressurization in the area of the dial, they resort to urgent replacement. Subscribers are sometimes forced to pay based on clearly inaccurate data, and if the rates are too low, the supplier charges the amounts based on consumption in the first months of the year.
Also, users are often faced with a situation when the gas meter begins to record too high a gas consumption. This can happen by several reasons.
A rattling sound in the gas meter indicates a temporary problem, failure, or the likelihood that the meter will break in the near future. Old and nearly obsolete equipment will experience wear, friction, and loss of power, resulting in unpleasant noises.
Meters also squeak if too damp fuel enters a cold room. Sometimes there is a sound due to oxidation of the wires that go to the electronic display. Some gas meters make sounds immediately after turning off gas-using appliances. Excess noise then goes away by itself or continues to appear periodically. In some cases, after a squeak, there is a problem with gas movement.
How to remove interfering sound?
It will be possible to get rid of the squeak on your own only with an external problem. The device is examined close by, the cracks are cleaned with a thin brush. The smell of gas in the air indicates an internal problem.
Devices become explosive, and a few careless breaths of poisonous gas during examination can sometimes lead to loss of consciousness.
It is impossible to disassemble the meter on your own, as well as to perform unauthorized actions with the intra-apartment gas equipment, do not touch the seals - you will be able to avoid fines and revision of charges for gas
In case of a hardware problem, call gas companies. These organizations are usually parties to maintenance contracts. The operator will accept the request if it is only a matter of noise. The gasman will inspect the gas meter inside and out, determine why it is making noise, and try to fix the problem. Emergency service personnel will shortly arrive to call for a gas leak.
Before the gasman arrives, you should do the following:
- shut off the fuel supply to gas-using devices;
- turn off all gas meters, as well as electricity meters that are nearby.
If the problem was in the rotary counter itself, then it should be replaced with a diaphragm counter. Type 2 devices are less noisy and have better insulation.
Soundproofing the meter using a cabinet
There are metal and plastic products on sale. In order to reduce noise and just at home, it is better to assemble the cabinet yourself, from drywall. Metal profiles are used, which are connected and then sheathed. The box will almost completely absorb the noise if it does not touch the meter itself.
On each side, 2 sheets of drywall are installed and a soundproofing layer is made between them. The cabinet door is made for the entire facade or only in the form of a closed window. The second option is better in terms of sound isolation.
The problem with the squeaking gas meter can be solved at the root if you place it in kitchen furniture - for this you need to agree with the installer
The disadvantage of a soundproof cabinet is the potential for gas accumulation. The possibility of an explosion will increase and the ventilation holes will not help you hear the smell in time.
Gas workers have the right to issue fines for such installations. The option with a wardrobe is useful primarily for those who are prevented from falling asleep by sound. The structure should be kept open most of the time.
Alternative options for getting rid of noise
If external cleaning, inspection of the gasman and repairs did not bring results, and the cabinet cannot be installed, you will have to choose one of the alternatives.
If the device is buzzing, there are still 4 ways out of the situation:
- Move flow meter.
- Reduce noise by insulating the gas pipes through which it travels.
- Arrange soundproofing of the kitchen or other room.
- Buy another meter, which is more cost-effective than repairs and reinstallations.
A creaking counter will not cause discomfort if you move it outside. The technical feasibility depends on the drawing of the pipeline. You will need to contact the gas distribution company. The level of complexity of the operation depends on whether the organization agrees to work or not.
A gas meter on the street also requires additional protection, a visor or the same locker, and heat insulation of gas pipes. The likelihood of a meter breakdown on the street will increase. The idea has a modest economic benefit and only if the gas meter will last some more time. You will need a thermocorrector and, in addition, the recorded indicators will grow.
Not all meters are suitable for outdoor installation, and sometimes it is better to buy a new one right away, because you have to spend money on protective and metrological equipment
The sound from the meter also spreads through the pipes. The problem will become less noticeable after they are insulated. As a result, the gas consumption will also decrease. In practice, a blanket is often used, and close to the counter. Ideally, reliable 3-layer insulation is used.
The base is formed from 2 layers, including a primer and a primer as an adhesive. Initial coatings prevent the polymer from peeling off the steel pipe. Extruded plastics are used directly as insulation. These measures also reduce the risk of moisture and temperature fluctuations in the pipes, which is good for the meter.
Sound can be isolated from spreading throughout the apartment, while simultaneously softening its strength in the kitchen or technical room. Soundproof foam rubber or polyurethane foam is attached to the walls, with installation on the frame. Sound-absorbing panels are mounted on top. The decoration is then made out with plaster. Noise insulation for 1 wall with a counter is not enough. To enhance the effect, it is better to process the opposite one as well.
Without adherence to technology, the end result will be weak. The first layer of sound insulation is necessarily made with a blown structure, the second is heavy and dense. Do not leave gaps between soundproofing panels, but also make a hard joint with a wall, floor or ceiling.
For thermal insulation of pipes and reduction of noise transmitted through them, the same materials are used as for insulation of chimneys of gas boilers: expanded polystyrene and polyethylene
Repair or relocation of the meter will take a lot of money if the subscriber lives in a small settlement, at a considerable distance from the organizations that are engaged in this. A buzzing counter is worth replacing with another model, and how to do it correctly can be read in this material.
The essence of the work is to compare the speed of ultrasonic flows directed in the direction of and against the movement of fuel.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
The noise from the gas meter is transferred to the pipes:
What counters should you buy and what the stores don't say:
Gas meters fail for various reasons. It is bad if because of this all the savings "disappear". If the gas meter just hums or whistles strongly, then it will be possible to find a way out. The first step is to eliminate the cause of the noise.
This will be helped by employees of the organization with which an agreement was signed for the maintenance of gas equipment. They must inspect everything and establish when and why the meter beeps, whether the gas boiler or stove is working normally. In which case it will be necessary to leave the emergency team. If there were no technical problems, no extraneous sounds, and the meter continues to hum, then you will have to reduce the noise itself.
If you are faced with the problem of noise from a gas meter, then write how you managed to solve the problem. Ask questions about the operation of gas meters to our experts and exchange information with other readers of our site. The contact form is located below.
