Despite the fact that since 2014 the prices for blue fuel in the Russian Federation have not actually changed, people are trying in every possible way to save and pay only for actually used cubic meters. However, even insignificant costs would be reduced. Do you agree?
Naturally, the consumer thinks about why the gas meter shakes a lot if the device detects too high a consumption of gaseous fuel.
We will tell you what to do if an incorrect display is detected. We will show you which organization to contact so that you do not have to overpay for non-existent volumes. You will also learn a list of possible reasons why there are malfunctions in the flow meter and what measures you can take yourself.
The content of the article:
- How to check the operation of the counter?
- Why does the new gas meter shake more?
- Is the counter not working correctly or is it broken?
- Fault reporting procedure
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How to check the operation of the counter?
You can check on your own whether the counter really shakes a lot.
To make sure that the accounting device is not tricking you, you need to:
- turn off all gas appliances in the house and check if the meter is wobbling (if so, there is a gas leak or they have illegally connected to your meter);
- run the gas appliance at full power for 15 minutes, and compare the readings obtained with the passport data of the device;
- if the gas meter is equipped with an electronic display, and even when the gas valve is closed, the readings continue to change, then the reason is most likely in stray currents.
It is forbidden to perform other manipulations in order to find the cause.
Most often, stray currents appear due to improper connection of stoves equipped with electric ignition from neighbors. Another reason is the use of special gas taps
Some models of accounting equipment (SRS or SGB, MKM, SGMN) are not protected from hacking. If you have a desire to underestimate the meter readings, remember that after interfering with its operation, traces in the form of small cracks, scratches, chips remain on the device. Non-factory parts, damage to the seal, etc., also indicate a malfunction of the device.
No matter how carefully the "craftsmen" try to hide the traces of interference in the operation of the accounting device, experts experienced in the field of verification will be able to detect them. If the fact of violation of the case and design of the device is detected, the device will be recognized as faulty, and its owner will receive a considerable fine.
Why does the new gas meter shake more?
People who have individual gas meters installed often complain that they take inflated readings every month. The data obtained is strikingly different from those recorded by the old device.
Employees of the gas service explain this by the fact that the old device, due to wear of the mechanisms, did not work correctly. As a result, it showed that the consumption of blue fuel per month is lower than the real consumption. After installing new devices, the readings correspond to reality.
A gas meter is a mechanism whose design is as simple as possible. The speed of rotation of the "propeller" depends only on the amount of gas passing through it, so it cannot wind anymore. On the contrary, the rotation speed can slow down if the mechanism jams, which is often observed in old metering devices.
Very often the problem lies not in the meter itself, but in the gas equipment. For example, if a powerful floor standing gas boiler, his gas burner consumes 0.5 cubic meters per day. There is a decent overrun per month. In this case, the readings change, even when the gas equipment is turned off.
Is the counter not working correctly or is it broken?
Most often, if it is noticed that the meter readings do not correspond to reality, consumers are in a hurry to give metering devices for consumed gas for verification. As a result, most often it turns out that the meters are in good order.
Since this procedure is paid, there is no need to rush. First of all, if you find that the gas metering device does not work correctly (shakes too fast / slow, when the gas is on, the numbers do not change), notify the gas service.
The main reasons on the basis of which the gas meter winds unreasonably much:
- problem with gas equipment;
- a leak;
- nearby electrical appliances.
In the first case, you need to calculate how many cubic meters of gas you use per month. If a single-circuit gas boiler is installed in the house, in the operation of which only one heat exchanger is involved, while the consumption of blue fuel is 10-20 cubic meters, then the reasons for such a huge consumption.
It is recommended to first check the energy efficiency in terms of keeping warm. House insulation can solve this problem and gas consumption will be significantly reduced.
In private houses and apartments, membrane gas meters are used, which provide accurate data. Such devices are easy to use.
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You can check for a leak yourself. To do this, coat all connections and the gas valve with soapy water. The presence of a leak is indicated by bubbles appearing. In this case, an urgent need to call the emergency gas service.
If a leak is found, shut off the gas. It is forbidden to use the stove
The operation of the gas meter can also be affected by electrical appliances located nearby. To eliminate this option, simply try turning off the device or moving it to another place. Many users note the incorrect operation of the gas metering equipment if there is a microwave nearby.
What to do if you find that the gas meter shakes a lot:
- it is strictly forbidden to open the meter, interfere with its work and break the seal;
- after arrival, the repair team is obliged to certify the safety of the seal;
- depending on the result of the inspection, the device can be dismantled and taken for inspection;
- if there is no blue fuel leak, you can safely use gas appliances before the arrival of the gas service.
If the meter cannot be repaired, then you are required to issue a document according to which you are shown meter replacement.
Watch closely the representatives of the gas service so that during the inspection they themselves do not damage the seal, and do not shift the blame for this onto you. This happens quite often. The craftsmen then extort money from the tenants in order to "settle" the matter
For the period during which you do not take readings from the gas flow meter, the payment for gas is carried out in accordance with the generally accepted contract for the supply of blue fuel. Most often, this is the average rate of gas consumption, which starts from the day of contacting the gas service.
If the gas meter was found to be malfunctioning during the check, the monthly fee is recalculated for the previous six months. In both cases, the consumption standards are overestimated.
To avoid such a situation, the consumer should carefully monitor the operation of the gas meter and equipment. Responsibility for the serviceability of all devices in a residential area lies with its owners.
Fault reporting procedure
Having decided to check how much a personal gas meter reels, and suspecting something was wrong, most users turn to the gas service. There are a number of nuances in this procedure, knowing which you can save your money and nerves.
The analysis of judicial practice demonstrates that court cases are not always completed in favor of the consumer. This is due to the inability to prove the fact of contacting the gas service
Let's consider the situation. The owner of the apartment noticed that the new gas meter was running much more than the old one, that it was not working correctly or was faulty, and he turned to the gas workers. Gas calls are ignored. Specialists do not come.
A week or even a month later, an inspector comes with a check and discovers a malfunction. An act is drawn up and soon an invoice is received for gas payments for the past six months at an average tariff with inflated rates. Having no desire to get involved with the courts, most of the consumers pay for the receipt, because they understand that the balance of rights is shifted towards gas workers, not consumers.
Here's another example. You found a problem and called "04". A check came to you, identified and fixed the problem. Later you will receive an invoice for gas payments at average rates for the past six months. In any situation, consumers are advised to be vigilant and take a number of preventive measures.
Algorithm of actions to avoid unnecessary financial expenses:
- report a malfunction to the organization that sends you payment orders (contact details are indicated in the receipts);
- when communicating with a gas service representative, find out if your appeal has been recorded and in what form;
- the best solution is to report a meter failure in writing;
- when gas workers come to you with a check, find out if their visit is a reaction to your application or it is a routine check (if you do not receive a clear answer, call the gas service).
Try to keep yourself out of trouble beforehand.
You will learn how to install a gas flow meter from next article, in which all the nuances of installation and connection are detailed.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Video guide for zealous owners who decide that the gas meter records too much flow:
If you notice that the gas meter shakes a lot, is damaged or defective, you should immediately inform the gas supply organization. If this is not done, then serious problems and considerable financial expenses await you. The reason for the incorrect operation of the meter is most often a leak, a problem with the gas equipment, or a malfunction of the meter itself.
Write your stories about gas meter failures and how the equipment was checked. Share your experience of "communicating" with the gas service in the comments section below. Ask questions on controversial issues, post a thematic photo.
Tell us how to avoid troubles when dealing with gas workers. Advise how not to become part of a fraudulent scheme, avoid extortion from the inspection authorities and save personal funds. It is possible that your recommendations will be useful in practice for site visitors.