How to properly install a water meter in an apartment?
Decided to install the meter myself to avoid paying a technician. Do I need it sealed after installation and where do they do that?
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Listen, I've seen lots of attempts at DIY installation like this, and half the time it needs to be redone later. Here's what you need to know: the meter gets installed on the inlet pipe for cold and hot water supply, preferably after the shut-off valve and strainer. Before installation, turn off the water, drain any remaining water from the pipes, then install the device according to the arrow on the body (water flow direction). Make sure to use plumber's tape and sealant on all threaded connections - that's where leaks usually show up later. No underground work needed here, it's all done right in the apartment.
Now about sealing - this is critical. Yeah, sealing is mandatory, otherwise the meter won't be considered official and the management company won't accept it. Don't try to do this yourself, only authorized organizations can do it. Usually the sealing is done by representatives from the water utility or a specialized company that's accredited in your city. Call your local water utility, they'll tell you who to contact, and it costs basically nothing - like two or three hundred rubles max in 2026.
Keep in mind that before sealing, the meter needs to be inspected. If it's new and has a passport with a factory inspection stamp, you can go straight to sealing. The seal is placed on the meter's inlet opening (where the wires come from) and on the mounting bolts. After that, just send the passport and a copy of the sealing certificate to the management company.
Before you pick up your tools, check if you have a shutoff valve before the meter in your place - if you don't, you'll have to cut off water at the main riser for all your neighbors, and that's a solid reason to just call a plumber. If you do have a valve, the main thing is not to mess up the flow direction (the arrow on the meter body should match the direction the water's flowing) and tighten the connections nice and tight using thread seal tape and plumber's tape, but you'll still need it sealed afterwards.
The sealing is done at your management company or the water utility - you need to call them and ask for their meter acceptance schedule. Here's a pro tip: some plumbers actually coordinate this with the management company right over the phone during installation, so they schedule the inspection a few days after they're done, and you get time to check for any leaks. Without the seal, the meter's basically useless - you'll be paying for water at the standard rate instead of by actual usage, so it's not optional.
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