Adding a meter to my auto feeder.

Kahooli

I fear I am still losing too much steam in yet undiscovered piping leaks (working on borrowing a thermal camera)
I notice the water feeder will turn on at least once per day (while awake).

So I bought a water meter to add to the boiler fill loop so I can keep track of exactly how much, and measure improvements as I find leaks and repair them.

I have a few questions for the pros/general masses.
The meter I bought is a 1/2" npt, brass body, but not "lead-free" Dwyer meter that is accurate between 1-10GPM.

-Being "leaded" should (must I) I connect it after the safety backflow preventer?

-Is it acceptable to use a partially closed valve to limit flow rate to the accurate range? If not, how should I?
(I may be hastily asking a question that is better solved with math. I have a water pressure at one outlet, a pipe diameter, a length, and a connected water column with its pressure)



This is the current layout of the water piping.




This is how I intend to pipe it.

Danny Scully

To be honest, I would return the water meter and get a Hydrolevel VXT water feeder which comes with a built in meter. For more than just the meter, it's the best automatic water feeder.

Danny Scully

You selling those crystal balls @Hatterasguy? My point really is that the VXT offers a lot that its competitor does not. It would be an upgrade and accomplish what you are trying to do as well.

Kahooli

I had considered a feeder with a counter, but decided against it. The rationale for mechanical was far lower cost, long service, high enough accuracy. The VXT had no specified accuracy that I could find.

Ideally my makeup water will approach zero and the auto feed will become obsolete.

Since I have a captive audience in this thread -
I am also going to be replacing all the header piping later this summer to go from copper to steel.
King valves - steel valves seem to cost more than brass.
Costs range from $30 for dubious quality gates to $800 monsters
Are any of these a respectable brand?

https://www.zoro.com/milwaukee-valve-gate-valve-class-125-2-in-2882-m-2/i/G1233014/?utm_term=D_PB200_Pipes&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA_US_2&utm_content=Pipe, Valves Fittings&gclid=CKGZyobLrNECFULxDQod-RQB1g&gclsrc=ds

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H5OGOE/ref=s9_simh_gw_g60_i2_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=SP088CR0M6QB5RRDF4YH&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=a6aaf593-1ba4-4f4e-bdcc-0febe090b8ed&pf_rd_i=desktop

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HE5DR4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2RNJ33MOH3451&coliid=IHBQM3R6029S3
https://www.amazon.com/Female-Stainless-Steel-Handle-WOG1000/dp/B01LASGXYW/ref=pd_day0_328_11?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01LASGXYW&pd_rd_r=7PMYCBTMQ04WB15RES8D&pd_rd_w=sjwn9&pd_rd_wg=P23n9&psc=1&refRID=7PMYCBTMQ04WB15RES8D

https://www.amazon.com/3-Pcs-Threaded-Stainless-Steel-Handle/dp/B01M0JC0V6/ref=pd_day0_328_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01M0JC0V6&pd_rd_r=7PMYCBTMQ04WB15RES8D&pd_rd_w=sjwn9&pd_rd_wg=P23n9&psc=1&refRID=7PMYCBTMQ04WB15RES8D

;-)

Kahooli

or hey Jamesbury
http://valvesandinstruments.com/jamesbury-manual-ball-valves/jamesbury-2-value-line-ball-valve-threaded-ends-cs-body-2-6f-2236mt.html

Kahooli

not that it matters, but I ended up getting the Milwaukee 2" valves since I had a 20% off coupon and 10% off through upromise. Figured a quality set of valves was worth it.