Pump to increase water pressure: a solution to the problem of low pressure

If the house has running water, it is logical to assume that there is water in it. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes the pressure is so weak that household appliances, having not passed such a test, simply refuse to work, in high-rise buildings, water often does not reach the upper floors at all, stopping at lower elevations. It is in such situations that pumps to increase the pressure of water in the system will come in handy.

How to achieve perfect pressure in water pipes?

As units for measuring the water pressure in the pipes, several quantities are used: 1 bar = 1.0197 atmospheres = 10.19 m water column. According to the standards, the pressure in the city water supply networks should be 4 atmospheres, but the realities are such that the differences can be very significant. Pressure of more than 6-7 atmospheres is detrimental to sensitive imported and domestic plumbing, destroys pipe connections, but low delivers no less trouble. At a pressure of less than 2 atmospheres, neither a washing machine nor a dishwasher can work properly, not to mention a jacuzzi.

The minimum pressure required for the operation of most household appliances ranges from 1.5 to 2, 4 atmospheres; in fire extinguishing systems, the requirements are more serious - at least 3 atmospheres. If the indicators in the system are much lower, for example, because the apartment is located on the top floor of the building, or because of a large analysis of water, then there is a need to use special means (boosting installations) that would maintain the necessary level of pressure.

Before choosing a high pressure pump, it is necessary to specify the problem. The most common complaints are:

• water flows from the tap, but the pressure is so weak that there is no question of any comfort;
• there is no water only on the upper floors of the building, on the lower - everything is in order.

In the first case, a solution to the problem can be a pump for increasing the pressure of water. In the second, he will be powerless, will have to fork out for the purchase of a self-priming unit.

In most cases, a pump station can solve pressure problems, but you need to know how to connect this equipment

The choice is very individual, depending on the need for water and several other important factors. Before this, you need to make sure that it is precisely in insufficient pressure, and not in clogged pipes, because, due to calcareous deposits or mechanical particles, the diameter of the pipes can become much smaller over time, then the pump will not help, you will need to replace the water supply. If the problem lies, indeed, in a weak pressure, then the equipment will be useful.

Classification of models

So, when choosing, they take into account whether it is just necessary to increase the weak pressure or to understand the water from the lower floors to the upper ones.In the first case, you will need a small power and size device, an in-line design that is simply mounted in the pipeline, in the second, a high-pressure centrifugal water unit with a hydraulic accumulator. They work in one of two modes:

• Manual mode - provides continuous operation of the equipment. It is necessary to ensure that it does not overheat and does not fail, turn it off in time.
• Auto mode. With it, the duct sensor controls the operation. As soon as the tap turns on and water starts to flow, the pump turns on. This mode is preferable to the first, with it the water pump to increase pressure is protected from dry operation (in the absence of water), which means it will last longer. The option with automation is more economical.

There is also a classification of pumping equipment according to the method of cooling the housing. It can be carried out using the impeller of the engine or with the help of a pumped liquid:

• Cooling with blades mounted on the shaft, the so-called dry rotor design. Such engines are characterized by high efficiency and low noise during operation.
• Cooling with the pumped liquid, the so-called wet rotor. The unit with such a cooling system works almost silently.

For the user, the size of the pump is also important, because it is often necessary to install equipment in small-sized rooms.

The dry rotor pump boasts high efficiency

In contrast to the previous one, the wet rotor pump runs silently.

Usually pipe insert carried out at the entrance to an apartment or house. It is important to take into account that there are universal pumps that can be used without any hesitation for cold and hot water supply systems. And there are those who use it only for cold water, or for hot.

"Heavy artillery": how to choose a domestic pumping station

If you are convinced that the pipes are not clogged, and the water just does not reach your floor, you will have to acquire a more powerful unit - a self-priming pump station. Installation of the pump can be carried out with or without a hydraulic accumulator. Many owners of small apartments choose the last option, but experts strongly recommend choosing the first, even with the smallest tank.

The pump station will allow you to "raise" water from the lower floor or from the well

The station itself is a surface centrifugal unit for increasing water pressure, which is connected to the accumulator and a pressure switch that controls the entire system. With its help, water is drawn from the system and fed into the tank. Even after the pressure switch turns off the pump, the consumer can use the stored water, it is very convenient if the water is often turned off. In this case, the pressure will drop. As soon as it drops to a certain level, the relay will operate again, and the pump will turn on again. It is easy to guess that the larger the tank, the longer the equipment lasts, since it turns on and off less often.

The scheme of connection to the water supply in a private house

A typical connection diagram for a pressure boosting pump in a private house is shown in the figure below.

Installation diagram of a pumping station in a private house with a well nearby

Video: how the pump works to increase pressure

What to consider when choosing a specific unit for a house or apartment

So, when choosing pumping equipment, it is necessary to consider several important points:

• task assigned;
• characteristics (throughput and generated pressure);
• the authority of the manufacturer;
• the size of the room in which it is planned to install the equipment;
• the amount that is planned to be spent on its acquisition.

Without knowledge of the necessary performance and pressure, it is very difficult to make the right choice. All necessary calculations are best left to a specialist.Many companies selling such equipment provide this service completely free of charge.

If you just need to slightly increase the pressure in the system, by about 1.5 atmospheres, then a compact pump that can be easily and simply cut directly into the pipe is ideal. Scheme (to the photo): 1 - Circulation unit; 2 - Filter; 3 - Shut-off valve; 4 - Thermostat; 5 - Safety valve.

The compact pressure boosting pump can be cut directly into the pipe

Some experts find the installation of an expensive and powerful pump unnecessary. In their opinion, a more rational option is several devices of lower power, which are connected directly in front of the parsing points and household appliances, the operation of which must be optimized.

Video: installation and inclusion of the unit

Video: installation and start-up of a pumping station with a storage tank

It is not a problem to purchase pumping equipment to ensure a good pressure of water in an apartment or a house; it is represented quite widely in household appliances stores, online stores, and construction markets. But it’s better to go to a company salon, in which there is a wider choice, there is the opportunity to get expert advice, and there is warranty service, which is especially true for those who purchase an expensive model.