What are the common faults of wet water meters and how to troubleshoot them

Wet-type water meters are widely used in urban water supply systems. Their performance directly impacts the accuracy of water metering and the efficiency of water supply management. Over long-term use, wet-type water meters may develop various faults, requiring professional troubleshooting and repair to ensure stable operation and longevity.

Water Meter Measurement Deviation
Water meter measurement deviation is one of the most common fault types. It manifests as abnormal water consumption display, with slow or stagnant meter readings during low flow rates. Causes of measurement deviation include worn impeller bearings, loose gear transmission systems, impeller sticking, and impurity deposits in the water. Troubleshooting methods include first inspecting the water meter for foreign objects obstructing the impeller's rotation, then checking bearing wear and gear meshing accuracy, replacing damaged parts if necessary. Cleaning the meter interior and adjusting gear clearance can effectively restore metering accuracy.

Water Meter Leakage
Wet-type water meter leakage is a common problem in water supply management and can be categorized as internal leakage or external pipeline leakage. Internal leakage is primarily caused by aging seals, a poorly sealed meter cover, or worn impeller bearings. External water leakage is often caused by loose joints or corroded pipes. Troubleshooting methods include shutting off the water supply and inspecting the meter body and joints for water seepage. Check for deterioration of the seals. If necessary, replace the seals and retighten the meter body connections.

Stuck Water Meter

A stuck water meter refers to a phenomenon in which the water impeller rotates erratically or even stops completely. This is usually caused by mud, rust, or other particles in the water entering the meter, causing the impeller or gears to become blocked. The solution is to disassemble the meter and clean it to remove any impurities from the impeller and gears. For meters that frequently stick, consider installing a filter or using wear-resistant ceramic bearings to improve operational stability in complex water conditions.

Abnormal Readings

Abnormal readings include a significant discrepancy between the meter display and actual water usage or abnormal counter jumps. Causes may include decreased gear meshing accuracy, wear on the counter mechanism, moisture on the meter cover, or magnetic field interference. Troubleshooting steps include checking the counter for proper operation, confirming that the gear clearance meets design requirements, and eliminating external magnetic field interference. Severely worn counters or gears require prompt replacement to restore accurate meter readings.

Excessive Noise
Abnormal noise during operation of a wet-type water meter typically indicates increased internal friction. The noise may be caused by worn bearings, poor gear meshing, or minor impact between the impeller and the housing. Troubleshooting methods include disassembling the meter to inspect the bearings and gears, cleaning any impediments, and checking and adjusting the impeller clearance. Selecting high-precision bearings and wear-resistant gears can effectively reduce operating noise and extend the meter's service life.

Abnormal Flow
Abnormal flow refers to erratic meter readings under high or low flow conditions. Causes include worn impeller blades, stuck bearings, mismatched meter diameters, or pipe resistance. Troubleshooting methods include measuring the meter's rotational speed at various flow rates, inspecting the impeller and bearing wear, and confirming that the pipe diameter and installation conditions meet design requirements. Severely worn impellers require prompt replacement to restore accurate flow measurement.

Electromagnetic Interference or Readout Module Failure
Some modern wet-type water meters are equipped with an electronic readout module. Electronic module failure manifests as an unresponsive display, abnormal data, or communication interruption. The cause may be poor power contact, water intrusion into the module, or aging circuits. To troubleshoot, check the power circuit and contact points, confirm the waterproof performance of the electronic module, and replace the damaged module if necessary.