We understand that you might have questions regarding our meter. Below are the most frequently asked questions we get from our current and new customers.
Paddle meters have rotating parts within the flow with bearings that wear over time. They must be removed during system blowout because they will exceed the maximum rotational speed of the bearings. The wearing causes a continual loss of accuracy and range over time. A vortex meter will never change calibration and does not have rotating parts or bearings.
A vortex meter works from the same principle as a flag waving in the wind. The flag pole “sheds” vortices which cause the flag to wave. The frequency of the flag waving is directly proportional to the wind speed. This same physics also works in water and is used by the vortex meter.
No, the vortex meter is not affected by system blowouts and does not have to be removed.
No, our meter is made of ABS plastic, EPDM rubber, and stainless steel (in some models).
Yes, as long as the pipe is full at all times, the meter can be mounted in any orientation.
No, because the calibration (+/-2% of NIST standard) is based only on the width of the vortex shedder and the diameter of the pipe-which are not going to change measurably over time-it does not change calibration.
The meter comes with the 6” of upstream straight run included as well as the PVC unions which are ready to glue (chemically weld) with the same glue found on any plumber’s truck.
If you drive through any neighborhood, you will see about 1 in 5 houses with a broken sprinkler head pouring water down the sidewalk. Since most people water during the night, they don’t find problems with their systems until grass is dead, the water bill spikes, or even the basement starts flooding. A flowmeter in your system can alert you to leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads in real time.
The biggest reason that flowmeters have not been standard in residential systems is cost. Until Everydrop released our patented meter design, the most widely used meters were over $300 retail. Having accurate and reliable metering at a cost that is acceptable has only happened with the evolution of our new vortex meter.
Using the appropriate plumbing adapters, the meter can be installed with any kind of pipe and a range of sizes from ½” all the way to 1 ½”. Many sprinkler systems are ¾” and the meter works fine in these systems. Keep in mind that the pipe must be kept full with appropriate back pressure (10 psi min.) and the range of the flow meter must be taken into account. (i.e. A 1 ½” system may have flow rates that exceed the meter maximum of 30gpm.)
No, the current version works only with controllers that accept a frequency proportional to flow rate input. (NOTE: In 2021 we will introduce an adapter to make the meter work with any controller)
Currently, we know that the meter works with Spruce Irrigation, Rachio, and K-Rain. But, there may be others since there are dozens of controllers on the market.
We strongly recommend consulting the controller manufacturers wiring instructions as they may change them over time. However, as of this publishing, the following connections would apply:
Spruce:
Meter Red wire: S1 or S2
Meter Black wire: C terminal ONLY on the sensor terminal block, not the valve terminal blocks.
Rachio:
Meter Red wire: GEN 2 (S1 or S2) GEN 3 (S1 or S2)
Meter Black wire: GEN 2 (SC); GEN 3 (24VAC –)
K-Rain:
Meter Red wire: + Flow Input
Meter Black wire: – Flow Input
It is very important to make solid electrical connections with waterproof (gel filled) wire nuts. The meter draws so little power than ANY oxidation on the leads can cause a loss of connection.
This meter has not been through the certification process to be officially NSF 61 rated for potable water.
We always recommend shielded wire, but in most cases that is not necessary. Maintaining good practice of routing wires away from electrical noise sources (AC compressors, breaker panels, etc.) is important. You should also consult the controller manufacturer recommendations since even if the meter is not affected by noise, the controller could be susceptible. Some controllers have more robust flow meter drive circuits than others.
Some controllers (Rachio for sure ) only sample the flow at the beginning of each zone. It then applies that measured flow rate to the entire duration of the zone. Flow is not perfectly stable and will tend to undulate (or even oscillate rapidly) on some systems more than others. The meter will record these fluctuations but some controllers will not.
Everydrop Technologies provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for orders purchased from everydropmeters.com. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Everydrop Flow Meter, you can return it within 30 days of purchase for a full product refund. Please reach out to sales@everydropmeters.com and we will help you! Keep in mind that you will be responsible for return shipping. If the meter is deemed un-sellable upon receipt by Everydrop Technologies, then a refund will not be offered. It is up to the sole discretion of Everydrop Technologies to determine if a meter is re-sellable.
If you don’t find an answer to your question here, please send us a message here.