What to do if the gas meter creaks during operation: the main causes of noise and methods for eliminating them

Agree, harsh and creaking sounds annoy and interfere with focus. Especially if the noise lasts for a long time at the same level or occurs many times during the day. Similar troubles often arise in everyday life. Imagine your new gas meter creaks at work what to do when the money is no longer refundable and the sound is unbearable. Is it worth it to change? Can I fix it, and where to go for it?

If you are the owner of a creaky counter, then you should not worry too much. You are not alone, and some gas meters can not work silently. In the article, we described all the reasons why a gas meter can creak. Here you will find options for action in such a situation.

The meters begin to work more actively when the gas equipment is turned on. Sometimes a specific creak and even a whistle appear. Sometimes the strength of sound does not depend on the speed of gas. The state of the device has its effect, as well as the features of its structure. Even before the purchase, you can find out how the product manifests itself during work. If the old meter is noisy, then on the one hand it should not cause concern, and on the other, it can talk about an impending breakdown.

The principle of operation of gas meters

Gas meters show the volume of gas consumed, less often 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 membrane gas meter: 1 - body, 2 - cover, 3 - measuring mechanism, 4 - crank mechanism, 5 - upper valves of the gas distribution device, 6 - tension strip

Manufacturers check the protection of devices for resistance to moisture, sunlight and temperature contrasts.100% correct operation is not guaranteed by any laboratory tests. 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

Squeak counter interferes with everyday life. The noise usually costs a long time and resembles the sound from ungreased parts. Counters can serve the entire period, despite the creak. For rotary flowmeters, noise is the norm.

Counters are noisy due to several factors:

• debris and debris;
• design features;
• problems with tightness of joints, tightness;
• wear.

The formation of extraneous sounds is caused by normal pollution. Dirt sometimes gets inside, insects, leaves and debris get stuck on the outside of the case (if the meter is not located indoors). Due to the vibration of the device, foreign objects can completely go inside.

The quality of work depends on type of appliance. Counters with converting elements in the form of eight-shaped rotors give a creak at low temperatures. These gas meters are cheap, therefore, 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 internal parts in the case.

Malfunctions arise due to initial defects or rapid changes in temperature. Exhaust gas will emit a characteristic squeak. The insulation of the device is also affected by the deformation of the housing. Damage occurs due to improper installation and shock.

In the worst case, a noisy gas meter may jam, and gas will cease to flow in the required volume or completely stop movement

Due to depressurization in the area of ​​the dial, they resort to urgent replacement. Subscribers are sometimes forced to pay according to clearly inaccurate data, and if the indicators are too low, the supplier calculates the amount based on consumption in the first months of the year.

Also, users often encounter a situation where a gas meter begins to record a too high gas flow. It can happen by several reasons.

A rattle in the gas meter indicates a temporary problem, failure, or the likelihood that the meter will break in the near future. The old and almost expired equipment observe wear of parts, friction and loss of power, which leads to unpleasant sounds.

The counters also creak if too wet fuel enters the cold room. Sometimes a sound appears due to oxidation of the wires that go to the electronic display. Some gas meters emit sounds immediately after disconnecting gas-powered appliances. Excess noise then leaves itself or periodically continues to appear. In some cases, after a squeak, there is a problem with the movement of gas.

How to remove interfering sound?

It will be possible to get rid of the squeak independently only with an external problem. The device is inspected close, the slots are cleaned with a thin brush. The smell of gas in the air means an internal problem.

Instruments become explosive, and a few careless breaths of toxic gas during examination can sometimes lead to loss of consciousness.

It is impossible to disassemble the meter yourself, as well as to perform unauthorized actions with the gas equipment inside the apartment, do not touch the seals - you will be able to avoid fines and review gas charges

With a hardware problem, they call gas companies. The parties to the maintenance contracts are usually these organizations. The operator will accept the application if it is only in the noise. The gasman will examine the gas meter inside and out, determine why it is noisy, and try to fix the problem. Emergency officers will soon arrive at the gas leak call.

Before the arrival of the gasman, 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 membrane counter. Type 2 devices are less noisy and have better insulation.

Soundproofing the meter with 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. Use metal profiles that connect and then sheathe. The box will almost completely absorb noise if it does not touch the flowmeter itself.

On each side, 2 sheets of drywall are installed and a soundproof layer is made between them. The cabinet door is made on 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 in the bud, if you put it in the kitchen furniture - for this you need to agree with the installer

The disadvantage of a soundproof cabinet is that gas can accumulate. The likelihood of an explosion will increase, and the air vents will not help to smell in time.

Gas workers have the right to issue fines for such installations. The option with a cabinet is useful primarily for those to whom the sound prevents them from falling asleep. Most of the time the structure should be kept open.

Alternative Noise Reduction Options

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:

1. Move meter.
2. Reduce noise by insulating the gas pipes through which it is distributed.
3. Soundproof the kitchen or other room.
4. Buy another counter, which is economically more profitable than repairs and reinstallations.

A creaking counter will not cause discomfort if you move it outside. Technical feasibility depends on the design of the pipeline. You will need to contact the gas distribution company. The level of complexity of the operation determines whether the organization agrees to work or not.

A gas meter in the street also requires additional protection, a visor or the same locker, as well as gas pipe insulation. 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 serve for some more time. You will need a temperature corrector and in addition the recorded indicators will increase.

Not all meters are suitable for outdoor use, and sometimes it’s better to immediately buy a new one, because you will have to spend money on protective and metrological equipment

Sound from the meter is distributed, including through pipes. The problem will become less noticeable after their thermal insulation. As a result, gas consumption will also decrease. In practice, a blanket is often used, and close to the counter. Ideally, they resort to reliable 3-layer insulation.

The base is formed from 2 layers, including a primer and a primer as an adhesive. Initial coatings protect against peeling of the polymer from the steel pipe. Extruded plastics are used directly as insulation. These measures also reduce the risk of differences in humidity and temperature in the pipes, which is good for the meter.

Sound can be isolated from spreading around the apartment, at the same time softening its strength in the kitchen or technical room. Soundproofing foam or polyurethane foam is mounted on the walls, with installation on the frame. Soundproof panels are mounted on top. The decoration is then decorated with plaster. Noise isolation on 1 wall with a counter is not enough. To enhance the effect, it is better to process the opposite.

Without technology, the end result will be weak. The first layer of sound insulation must be made with a blown structure, the second is heavy and dense. You can not leave gaps between the soundproof 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

Repairing or moving the meter will take a lot of money if the subscriber lives in a small village, at a considerable distance from the organizations that do this. A buzzing counter is worth replacing another model, and how to do it right can be read in this stuff.

The essence of the work is to compare the speed of ultrasonic flows directed along and against the movement of fuel.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The noise from the gas meter goes to the pipes:

What meters should be bought, and what do not say in stores:

Gas meters for various reasons fail. It’s bad if all the savings “disappear” because of this. If the gas meter is just humming or whistling, then it will be possible to find a way out. First of all, eliminate the cause of noise.

This will help the staff of the organization with which an agreement was signed on the maintenance of gas equipment. They should examine and establish everything, when and why the meter squeaks, whether the gas boiler, stove works normally. In which case you need to leave the emergency team. If there were no technical problems, extraneous sounds, too, and the meter continues to buzz, 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 work of gas flow meters to our experts and exchange information with other readers of our site. The contact form is located below.