How to determine the pressure in the water supply and increase it if it drops?

In the view of ordinary residents, water supply is associated with a system of pipes hidden in the walls or laid along them, and taps, when they turn, water begins to flow. Many ordinary citizens do not even represent the complexity of the device of this complex communication network, which has a number of specific features that affect the state of important technical indicators during its operation. One of the main parameters of the quality work of the system is considered to be the pressure of the water in the water supply, on the value of which depends on the performance of sanitary equipment and the comfortable conduct of hygiene procedures.

The insufficient pressure, manifested in a weakly flowing trickle of water from the tap, indicates insufficient pressure in the water supply network. This problem is especially relevant for owners of urban apartments located on the upper floors, as well as for owners of suburban cottages. With low pressure, washing and dishwashers, showers and a jacuzzi refuse to work. Residents who are faced with the problem of insufficient water pressure would like to know how to increase the pressure in the water supply once and for all.

Installation of devices providing increased pressure in the water supply to the required level, is an effective way to combat this problem. However, before using modern equipment, you must make sure that the pipeline is not clogged.

The problem is resolved in one of two ways:

• the installation of a pumping device that contributes to an increase in pressure;
• modernization of the water supply system through the installation of a pumping station and the installation of a storage tank.

Which way to choose, each apartment owner decides individually, based on the goals pursued and the amount of water needed to cover all the domestic needs of people living with him.

Autonomous plumbing system of a country house with a pumping station providing sufficient water pressure in the pipes

What is the norm in the water supply?

For a unit of pressure in the water supply network, it is customary to consider 1 bar or 1 atmosphere, which, due to minor differences, are equal to each other.

One bar is equal to 1.0197 atmospheres (technical parameter) or approximately 10 m water column. The pressure in urban water supply networks is regulated by the requirements of building codes and regulations, currently amounting to 4 atmospheres. To understand what pressure in the water supply actually exists is possible only by measuring instruments that are installed to account for water consumption. According to their testimony, the pressure in the water supply can be in the range from 2.5-7.5 atmospheres.

Inserting a pump into a water pipe to increase the water pressure level to the optimum value

When a pressure level of 6-7 atmospheres is reached, malfunctioning of hypersensitive plumbing is possible, as well as damage to ceramic valves and joints in the pipeline. Therefore, when buying equipment for subsequent connection to the city water supply network, it is necessary to choose models with a safety margin that allows the devices to withstand water shocks, that is, sharp pressure surges. Installed mixers, taps, pumps, pipes must withstand a pressure of 6 atmospheres, and during the annual pressure testing of the system - 10 atmospheres.

At what values ​​does home appliances work?

When buying equipment, you need to ask what pressure in the water supply will be sufficient for its normal operation. When water comes under pressure in 2 atmospheres, the normal operation of the automatic washing machine is ensured, and this will not be enough for a hot tub, as this plumbing requires a pressure of 4 atmospheres. With the same indicators, the equipment used to irrigate the infield with all plantings will work correctly.

It is important to note that in a private house it is necessary to provide such a pressure of water so that it is possible to turn on several water consumption points without problems at the same time. This is ensured at a minimum pressure of 1.5 bar.

To ensure a good water pressure in all water distribution points, a pump is installed

It is also important for owners of suburban cottages to solve the issue of providing facilities with water for organizing fire fighting. For such buildings, a pressure of at least 1.5 l / s will be sufficient.

Specific features of autonomous water supply

The main feature of an autonomously operated water supply system operating from a water intake source independent of central water supply systems is:

• the need for lifting fluid from a mine well or from a well;
• ensuring good pressure at the points of draw-off located on any floor of a private country house, and on the site, at its most remote points.

Users of a decentralized water supply system directly depend on the existing pressure and on the daily flow of water.

During the operation of a private water supply system, two options for standard development of the situation are possible, which depend on the productivity (flow rate) of a mine well or artesian well:

• the flow rate of mine wells and artesian wells with a low pressure, as well as pressureless wells, is not able to cover the daily need for water of a family of three to four people. Pressure drops due to periodic emptying of the source. How to increase the pressure in the water supply in this case? What technical means to use in this case? Questions are not idle for the inhabitants of a country house.
• the flow rate of a pressure (artesian) well significantly exceeds the required water flow per day, approximately 500 l. A pump with high performance in such conditions can create a maximum permissible pressure level of 6 atmospheres. Excess pressure contributes to leaks at the joints, as well as premature wear of plumbing.

When choosing pumping equipment, it is necessary to pay attention to its productivity, which should most closely match the flow rate of the well and the planned water flow. Moreover, the daily water consumption characteristic of the summer period, which is the most intense interval for water consumption, is taken as a guideline.

Devices built into the water supply system allow you to control the level of water pressure in the pipes

Options for increasing pressure in the water supply

The pump, the insert of which is carried out directly into the pipe of the cold water supply system directly at the entrance of the general water supply to a separate apartment. An autonomous network can be equipped with additional pumps that increase pressure by installing them in front of the breakdown points. Compact pumps are controlled manually or automatically using the control system that most models are equipped with. However, such pumps are suitable only for those residents who are thinking about how to increase the pressure in the water supply to a minimum value of 1.5 atm.

More global problems can be solved by a pumping station equipped with a storage tank, which is necessary in case of alternating low water pressure in the network with its complete absence in the pipes. A storage tank or accumulator ensures the availability of water reserves that cover the daily need for water.

Maintenance of a pumping station is more difficult than a pump embedded in the system. She needs more space. The tank needs regular cleaning. Installation of a large accumulator can be performed in the basement, on the roof or, in general, buried in the ground.

A pump station with an accumulative tank allows you to ensure the daily water requirement of residents of an apartment or country house

Professional advice on how to produce increase in water pressure in the water supply, justified by the presence of accurate calculations of the performance of equipment introduced into the system, designers of firms involved in the development and installation of autonomous communications are able to give. The plumbers from the housing department can also upgrade the network according to the finished project. If there is experience, the owner of an apartment or a house is able to perform similar work.