Forum Topic

Water meter  - effects on boiler

I’ve been advised by a gas engineer to have something fitted to my boiler, now that we’re on a water meter. Does this sound right? Sorry I’m not sure what the part is?

Maggie Dodge ● 1292d14 Comments

Thanks for your comments. If it is belt and braces then I’m ok with that. It wasn’t expensive . The chap in question has been excellent since we started using him. My husband’s  quite practical and is comfortable with what he tells us.  I agree that this can’t be a big problem if it hasn’t been highlighted before

Maggie Dodge ● 1287d

>>RH wrote>>  issues with a knock in the pipes every time water or a boiler activates which appears to be caused by the impeller causing a small delay when water is suddenly turned on.>>TH replies>>  Interesting, thank you for posting. One would think that the compulsory historic non-return valve in all rising mains would be causing a bigger described problem as compared to the presence of a meter's impeller.

Tony Heath ● 1290d

A lot of issues with a knock in the pipes every time water or a boiler activates which appears to be caused by the impeller causing a small delay when water is suddenly turned on.Possibly this is to alleviate this?

Raymond Havelock ● 1290d

It really is belt and braces in that it's fitted in line when there is a non-return valve in the supply, which applies to every home in the UK that has a meter fitted.  I would expect to read about the widescale problems in metered homes if there was an issue.

N V Brooks ● 1291d

It’s a mini expansion valve I think. Apparently a senior British Gas engineer says it may be helpful. It’s possibly Worcester advice and he thinks they’re being over cautious.

Maggie Dodge ● 1291d

more likely a water softener to protect the pipes.

Raymond Havelock ● 1291d

Neither my husband nor I can remember exactly what the heating engineer said. It wasn’t particularly expensive but I’m a bit worried that this chap may have talked us into something unnecessary

Maggie Dodge ● 1291d

>>NVB wrote>> in the even of the water supply being terminatedI don't believe that water meters (dumb or smart) have a remote functionality to terminate supply of water? I believe that water companies rarely (never?) disconnect supply to a residence under any circumstances (other than in the event of a major water leak)?

Tony Heath ● 1291d

Unless the bolier is really old and has no device to shut it off in the even of the water supply being terminated then I can't see that there is anything about which to worry. Google only reveals an issue if the supply is terminated AND there is inadequate pressure in the system AND there is no low pressure cut-off in the boiler.

N V Brooks ● 1291d

>>NVB replied>> Unless your water pressure has dropped dramatically after the meter was fitted then there should be no reason having work done to the boiler.  >>TH replies>> I'm not a plumber (although I've fitted my own central heating with combi-boiler, and do all of my other plumbing work and repairs) . . . .  I totally agree with NVB.  I would love to know what work needs to be done to a boiler after a water meter has been fitted to the incoming rising main. I'm happy to learn  . . .

Tony Heath ● 1291d

Google might help.

Keith Iddon ● 1291d

Thanks for the replies. He’s a good guy and I trust him, so I’m a bit confused.

Maggie Dodge ● 1292d

We’ve had a water meter for, oh it must be the best part of 20 years now.  No mention by the Thames Water bloke of the boiler at any time. Best thing we ever did, our water rates now have finally reached the same as when the meter was first installed all those many years ago.

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1292d

Unless your water pressure has dropped dramatically after the meter was fitted then there should be no reason having you work done to the boiler.

N V Brooks ● 1292d