Having embarked on SESCO (Electric) Meter node to measure my house electrical consumption, this project is similarly on mission to measure and automate another important utility consumed by the house - Water (supplied here by LAKU in Sarawak) using Home Assistant & ESP Home.

Project Objectives | Development | Diagrams | Bill of Materials | Code | Automations | References |

• Power measurement and remote switch for Water Pump (Not covered here. This was just hooking up to a Sonoff POWR2 flashed with Tasmota).
• Water consumption reporting on hourly, daily, monthly interval vs. current monthly bill reporting.
• Notifications for anomalies or where intervention is required i.e. water supply cutoff, backwash required, leak detection.
• Solenoid automation i.e. force natural flow when inlet pressure is sufficient to reduce power use from water pump, irrigate garden, etc.

I started off with a cheap and easy to buy YF-S201 Hall Effect Water Meter flow sensor. Having not doing any research beforehand - the basic idea was the meter would produce pulse outputs - applying similar pulse_counter feature from ESPHome as implemented on the Power Meter skids would give me my water flow rate readings per min/seconds and summing it up would give total water volume consumed.

Hence Phase 1a was deployed but came with challenges noted below:

1. 1/2" connection didn't fit well with poly pipe couplers with minor drip leak observed. Reapplying thick layers of PTFE tape didn't help either so applied PVC glue, let it cure and the drip leaks eventually stopped.
2. Flow rate pulse is characterized as Frequency (Hz) = 7.5 * Flow rate (L/min) . Implemented this in ESPHome but was struggling to see acceptable values - mostly over and beyond the meter faceplate flow rate of 1-30 L/min. Despite having learnt and worked on Field Instrumentations 10 years ago - later did I realized this water turbine meter is undersized hence the overrange readings! Sigh

Hence Phase 1b was sanctioned to resize to a bigger meter:

1. Triggered happily the 'checkout-now' when a DN40 turbine meter recommendations showed up in Shop** .
2. Only realized upon arrival DN40 - 1 1/2" inches is not a normal household size relative to current mains sized at DN25 - 1"!
3. This time around - I was conscious to achieve better accuracy, metering straight line requirements must at least be demonstrated. But having to already default on the requirements with DN40 to DN25 adapter immediately upstream and downstream of the meters - I went with the approach - try first lah, revisit later (only if! where to find DN40 polypipes and couplers in town?).
4. Meters installed horizontally at ground level.

Also included a 2 channel relay; reserved for future phase 4 to (re)deploy and upgrade water irrigation system replacing the now defunct (for more than 2 years) timer based water irrigation tap controller.

AliExpre** must have been reading my mind, having to advertise some pressure transmitter product recommendations. I research through finding if 4-20mA based transducers similar to ones used in my line of work would be better instead of voltage based alternatives.

4-20mA solutions are available but would be too costly for simple home use and the plugin board may need more tinkering to work with ESPHome existing libraries. Hence settled for this 5V based 0.5-4.5Vdc output , 0-174 psi transmitter.

*

Some other notes from this phase:

1. Pressure Tx came in 1/4" - Searched for adapters at local hardware shops but yet again not a common household size except for drinking water filters connections. Ended up shipping from Semenanjung via Shopp**.

2. NodeMCU ESP8266 comes with only 1 ADC channel and reading range of 0-3.3V; more than what the transmitter would output at upto 4.5V. Since I needed more Analogs channels I could swap for ESP32 + voltage divider circuit to bring it down to 3.3V; or use a analog to digital multiplexer - ADC1115. Went for the ADC1115 route which despite an additional board, IMO is simpler and yields better accuracy.

3. I had no other means to verify what my water mains or pump output pressure was or had been delivering. So I ordered a manual pressure gauge and did a bench test - to map out voltage reading to pressure reading from manual gauge to plot in ESPHome curve.

   

   The transmitters performed as specs - produced a straight line curve; though only then I realized my water pressures were no near to 60-80% range of the transmitters at max 12 bar/174 psi vs pump output at 6 bar. Again - oklah, for measuring water pressure only - not as IPF tripping initator or reading production critical Compressor Discharge Pressures (CDP) / Trunkline Export pressures!

This is yet to commence but what gets me motivated is to find the best mechanism to drive this sand filter 3 way multiport valve; requiring step turns at (close to) 0-90-180 angles.

Currently exploring a few ideas:

• 3d printing adapter to current valve handle - drive rotation by coupling it to servo with the enough torque value. 3d model for adapter can try to learn and scan using XboxOne camera.
• Explore linear actuators? Current automatic window openers driven by chain can bend at angle - but can it still bend at 180? Want to explore
• There would be no IP3X products readily available - hence a makeshift ingress protection would need to designed as well.

Ruled out:

• Off the shelf actuators - too costly (RM500++) and is timer based - defeats the purpose to have it Smart Home IOT connected.
• Valve couplers - Have 2 pcs ordered last year, not yet installed anywhere in the house but limited to 90degree turns and on/off mechanism with limit switch as end stoppers - No rotary encoders to do partial turns.

Basic concept is to drive irrigation by 12vdc valves - Not a priority for now but would want to see later if rework can be done to convert existing single zone irrgation (one master valve irrgates front and backyard) to multiple zones (at least three) - but this will require digging up and laying new pipes.

**This would be my first drawing using EasyEDA - yet to master this software beyond drawing simple hookup diagrams. For illustration only.

**Drawn using handy old Powerpoint. Component images from the internet and are not mine.

Current cramped layout as per phase 2:

A combination of local sellers and international - mostly via Shop** and A**Express and also some local hardware stores too. Links are for sharing and verify, proceed at own risk for sellers latest validity/reputation.

Hardware

Electronics

Other consumables - terminal blocks, cable glands, dupont jumper wires (male/female), PCB Spacer

Download code from repo here.

substitutions:
  name: diy-watermeter
  friendly_name: Diy Watermeter
  
esphome:
  name: diy-watermeter
  platform: ESP8266
  board: nodemcuv2

wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi
  password: !secret wifi_pass

    
  # Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
  ap:
    ssid: "Diy Watermeter Fallback Hotspot"
    password: !secret ap_pass

captive_portal:

# esp8266 gpio layout
# D0
# D1 - I2C - ADS1115 SCL / Former pulse counter
# D2 - I2C - ADS1115 SDA
  # ADS1115
  # Channel A0 - Incoming
  # Channel A1 - After Filter (Tank)
  # Channel A2 - Household
  # Channel A3 - Spare
# D3 
# D4
# D5 - Water Pulse Counter / Former Relay
# D6 - Relay
# D7 - Relay
# D8
# RX
# TX
# A0

i2c:
  sda: D2
  scl: D1
  scan: true
  id: bus_a
  
ads1115:
  - address: 0x48
  
sensor:
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A0_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "A0 Voltage - Incoming Pressure Transmitter"
    device_class: voltage
    state_class: "measurement"
    update_interval: 30s
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A0_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "Main Water pressure - Bar"
    id: main_water_supply_bar
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    icon: "mdi:gauge"
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
            - 0.633 -> 0.34  
            - 0.862 -> 1.03
            - 1.11 -> 1.72
            - 1.47 -> 2.75
            - 1.63 -> 3.47
            - 2.02 -> 4.48
            - 2.01 -> 4.68
    unit_of_measurement: bar
    update_interval: 30s    
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A0_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "Main Water pressure - Psi"
    id: main_water_supply_psi
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    icon: "mdi:gauge"
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
            - 0.633 -> 5.0  
            - 0.862 -> 15.0
            - 1.11 -> 25.0
            - 1.47 -> 40.0
            - 1.63 -> 50.0
            - 2.02 -> 65.0
            - 2.01 -> 68.0
    unit_of_measurement: psi
    update_interval: 30s    
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A1_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "A1 Voltage - Tank Transmitter"
    device_class: voltage
    state_class: "measurement"
    id: a1_voltage
    update_interval: 30s    
    
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A1_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "Tank Water supply pressure - Bar"
    id: tank_water_supply_bar
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    icon: "mdi:gauge"
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
            - 0.633 -> 0.34  
            - 0.862 -> 1.03
            - 1.11 -> 1.72
            - 1.47 -> 2.75
            - 1.63 -> 3.47
            - 2.02 -> 4.48
            - 2.01 -> 4.68
    unit_of_measurement: bar
    update_interval: 30s    
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A1_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "Tank Water supply pressure - Psi"
    id: tank_water_supply_psi
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    icon: "mdi:gauge"
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
            - 0.633 -> 5.0  
            - 0.862 -> 15.0
            - 1.11 -> 25.0
            - 1.47 -> 40.0
            - 1.63 -> 50.0
            - 2.02 -> 65.0
            - 2.01 -> 68.0
    unit_of_measurement: psi
    update_interval: 30s    
    
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A2_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "A2 Voltage - Household Transmitter"
    device_class: voltage
    state_class: "measurement"
    id: a2_voltage
    update_interval: 30s
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A2_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "Household supply water pressure - Bar"
    id: household_water_supply_bar
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    icon: "mdi:gauge"
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
            - 0.633 -> 0.34  
            - 0.862 -> 1.03
            - 1.11 -> 1.72
            - 1.47 -> 2.75
            - 1.63 -> 3.47
            - 2.02 -> 4.48
            - 2.01 -> 4.68
    unit_of_measurement: bar
    update_interval: 30s  
    
  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A2_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "Household supply water pressure - Psi"
    id: household_water_supply_psi
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    icon: "mdi:gauge"
    accuracy_decimals: 2
    filters:
      - calibrate_linear:
            - 0.633 -> 5.0  
            - 0.862 -> 15.0
            - 1.11 -> 25.0
            - 1.47 -> 40.0
            - 1.63 -> 50.0
            - 2.02 -> 65.0
            - 2.01 -> 68.0
    unit_of_measurement: psi
    update_interval: 30s    

  - platform: ads1115
    multiplexer: 'A3_GND'
    gain: 6.144 
    name: "A3 - Voltage Ref"
    device_class: voltage
    state_class: "measurement"
    id: a3_voltage
    update_interval: 30s
    

  - platform: template
    name: "Water Filter DeltaP - bar"
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    lambda: return ( id(main_water_supply_bar).state - id(tank_water_supply_bar).state );
    unit_of_measurement: bar
    update_interval: 30s    
    
  - platform: template
    name: "Water Filter DeltaP - psi"
    device_class: pressure
    state_class: "measurement"
    lambda: return ( id(main_water_supply_psi).state - id(tank_water_supply_psi).state );
    unit_of_measurement: psi
    update_interval: 30s    

  - platform: pulse_counter
    pin: D5
    unit_of_measurement: 'L/min'
    accuracy_decimals: 1
    update_interval: 60s
    name: 'Water Meter House'
    filters:
    - lambda: return (x / 27.0);  
    
    total:
      unit_of_measurement: 'L'
      name: 'Water Meter Total'
      accuracy_decimals: 1
      filters:
      - lambda: return (x / 27.0);

  - platform: wifi_signal
    name: "${friendly_name} Wifi "
    update_interval: 60s

switch:
  - platform: gpio
    pin: D6
    name: "Backyard Sprinkler Valve (NC)"  
    id: backyardsprinkler_valve    

  - platform: gpio
    pin: D7
    name: "Water Main Natural Flow to House Valve (NO)"  
    id: watermain_naturalflow_valve 

  - platform: restart
    name: "${friendly_name} Restart"
    

text_sensor:
  - platform: version
    name: ${friendly_name} ESPHome Version
    

# Enable logging
logger:

web_server:
  port: 80

# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
  reboot_timeout : 0s
    
ota:

Work in progress. No automations yet as still in data gathering. Some early ideas to be implemented in Node Red:

1. Alert if inlet pressure goes to 0 to indicate water supply cutoff. Evaluate only if flow meter is 0 (not flowing).
2. Perform household minute leak check during quiet hours (similar to Pressure Leak check sequence during Gas Turbine startup hahaha!). Record pressure, and compare how many psi dropped after interval, compare against acceptable leakage. Abort test if flow meter register reading.
3. Backwash - evaluate filter dP if above defined threshold and evaluate only during no flow conditions. Store and compare max DP recorded over days/weeks to inform if dP is on increasing trend.

Current observations:

• Household supply water pressure at no flow would be higher than Mains water and Tank Water supply (after filter). Can attribute this to the static head to the highest water point in the house.

1. Home Assistant Forum - Using ESPHome to build water flow rate meter