What is the pressure in the cold water riser? How to increase the water pressure in the house

You open the tap and the water flows lazily. The geyser does not turn on, the washing machine does not work. Taking a shower is a problem. The reason for all these troubles is the lack of pressure, or, technically speaking, insufficient overpressure of water. In the article we will look at ways to increase the pressure of water in the house.

According to the standards of water supply, low-rise buildings should receive water with an overpressure of more than 1 atmosphere (atm), and this is at the maximum planned volume of water intake. 0.4 atm of overpressure is added to each floor above the first. Thus, if according to the general plan your development area is listed as one-storeyed, then you have the right to demand from utilities at least 1 atm when entering the house, if it is two-storey - 1.4 atm, if three-storey - 1.8 atmospheres and so on - the higher the excess pressure should be greater. In reality, all this is often not respected. And it is difficult to demand that utilities comply with these standards in the private sector. Utilities are obliged to supply water for domestic consumption, and water for irrigation in water supply projects is not taken into account. Accordingly, it is not enough.

But not only excess water consumption causes low pressure. In the old water supply networks, the pipes overgrow inside with salt deposits, which precipitate out of the water, and the actual cross-section of the pipelines decreases. Sometimes the pressure in the village is provided by the water tower, and its height is insufficient to create normal pressure in the areas located above the relief. In addition, it happens that the hydraulic resistance of the line is too large, for example, if the water intake and its pipelines were built a long time ago, and then the settlement increased, and the delivery distance became longer. Depreciation of equipment at the central pumping station also causes low head pressure.


All causes of low overpressure fall into two categories:

  1. Water objectively in abundance, but its pressure is low. This happens with insufficient height of the water towers and defective pumps of the water supply station.
  2. Water flows a little. This situation arises when parsing water for irrigation, clogged pipelines, wells with low water supply, etc.

The decision depends on your specific case. Consider both options.

Water is enough. How to increase pressure

The easiest and cheapest option is to install a flow booster pump. He uses the water supply network in front of him as a water tank. If we open the water tap, water flows through the pump spontaneously. A flow sensor detects this and turns on a booster pump. For the consumer, it looks like this: first, a weak stream of water flows from the tap, but after 2-3 seconds the pressure rises to the necessary. Flow-through pumps can be installed throughout the house, as well as on individual taps and appliances, for example, in front of a gas column.


The booster flow pump is inexpensive and easy to install, but if you have a washing machine, it will not help. The automatic washing machine has a valve on the water inlet that is set to the appropriate pressure. When there is no pressure, the valve does not work, water does not flow through the pump, and it does not turn on. Also arranged dishwashers and some types of gas water heaters and storage heaters. The operation of such devices requires constant high water pressure in the system. For this purpose, a hydroaccumulator is used. Sometimes it is also called "hydraulic tank" or "expansion tank", but this is the wrong name.


The device of the hydroaccumulator: 1 - a threaded connecting branch pipe; 2 - flange; 3 - housing; 4 - supporting legs; 5 - elastic membrane; 6 - air valve; 7 - water; 8 - compressed air; 9 - bearing plate for the pump

The hydroaccumulator consists of a durable steel case, inside of which there are two cavities - air and water, separated by an elastic membrane. In the air cavity is compressed air (1.5-2 atmospheres). Water is pumped into the water cavity, its pressure is higher than that of compressed air. The air is compressed even more, and the water takes up part of the volume of the accumulator. A check valve adjusted to 6-7 atmospheres prevents water from returning to the system. The pressure switch connects the hydroaccumulator with a pressure pump.


How it works: the pump pumps water into the accumulator through a non-return valve until the overpressure in the system reaches the desired value (usually 6-7 atmospheres). When you open the tap or turn on the water appliance, high pressure water begins to flow. The water from the accumulator is consumed, the pressure in it drops. Upon reaching the minimum pressure, which is set to 0.6-1 atmosphere above the primary pressure of compressed air, the pressure switch is activated, it turns on the pump. The pump runs until the water pressure reaches its maximum again and then shuts off. Then the cycle repeats.

The pump is connected less often if the volume of the accumulator is large enough, and the pump will serve you longer. When choosing a hydroaccumulator, one should take into account that in reality no more than half of its nominal volume is used for water supply.

Little water. What to do

If there is objectively little water, in order to ensure normal pressure and the required flow rate, there is no other option than to include an intermediate storage tank in the water supply scheme. A reasonable amount of capacity is equal to the water consumption in your home for one or two days. It is quite simple to calculate it: up to 100 liters of water are consumed per day for washing dishes and cooking, one shower takes 70-120 liters, 50-60 liters per person for a toilet, 150-350 liters for a bath. In most cases, a sufficient volume of storage capacity is 1-1.5 cubic meters.


Suitable material for the storage tank is food grade stainless steel, food grade aluminum or food grade plastics. Install tanks usually or in the attic of the house or in the basement. Plus, when installed in the attic - the water will flow by gravity, even when a power outage. Minus - a high load on building structures and the need for thorough insulation. In addition, leaks are fraught with serious consequences, since the entire tank can merge. If the container is located in the basement, in the event of a power outage, you will have to visit it with a bucket.


Water supply with accumulative capacity: 1 - well pump; 2 - check valve; 3 - tank filling stop valve; 4 - strainer; 5 - electric valve; 6 - float valve; 7 - intake valve with check valve; 8 - pump station with a hydraulic accumulator; 9 - strainer; 10 - electric float; 11 - valve off the pump unit; 12 - valve for direct water supply

The storage tank at the main water supply is equipped with a float valve - approximately the same as the toilet bowl. When water is supplied from its own well, a float switch of the liquid level is installed, which turns on the well pump when the water level in the tank is low and turns it off when the maximum level is reached. If the well has a small debit, a second control loop is connected, allowing the well pump to be switched on by a command from the reservoir only with sufficient water level in the well, and turning it off if the water mirror falls below the allowable one. Both relay branches are plugged into a switch that ensures proper system operation. Usually, the tank is filled at night, and during the day the tank is empty.

We hope that now you can determine the system you need and build it yourself.

All apartments have running water.  But sometimes it does not have a strong enough jet. How to increase the pressure of water in the apartment, such a question begins to arise more often before the owners of housing. After all, the normal operation of household appliances is possible only with water pressure in the water supply system up to 6-10 atmospheres. Too little pressure can damage the equipment. Too high - leads to even greater damage. To solve the problem of low pressure in the pipes of water supply in several ways.

Determine the pressure in the network and put the pump

To take a shower in comfortable conditions, the pressure in the water supply should be 2-4 atmospheres. Such a pressure is needed for hydromassage. It is usually measured with a special pressure gauge. But he may not meet in every apartment. It is easier to determine the poor water pressure in the apartment by the force of the water jet from the open tap. Bad pressure gives a weak and thin stream. The reason for it may be a simple clogging of the riser, pipes, malfunction of the valves themselves. If the neighbors on the riser have the same picture, you need to report this to the management company.

How to increase the level of water pressure in a private house or apartment? You can simply install an additional pump in your own apartment to increase the pressure if the pressure in the pipes is very low (image No. 1). This device can increase the pressure in the water supply by 1.5 atmospheres. Installation of the pump is performed on the pipe entering the apartment. It has many virtues:

  • consumes little electrical energy;
  • works almost without noise;
  • has small dimensions;
  • very easy to install.

A pump that increases the pressure in the pipes may have a flow sensor. If so, then the equipment works automatically. Whenever the water tap is opened, the sensor turns on the pump. The crane is closed - the pump is turned off. If the sensor is not included, the pump must be turned on manually.


Image number 1. Additional pump.

The water pressure in the plumbing of an apartment building can be raised using a pump. You can install it right under the sink (image number 2). And how to increase the water pressure in a private house? It is better to do this with the help of a pumping station (image number 3). The pressure in this case will reach 8 atmospheres. It is enough to provide several floors with life-giving moisture. The working pressure in the home plumbing system will be maintained due to the presence of a pumped accumulator pump station in the kit.

The advantage of the station is its automation system. She not only constantly maintains the necessary pressure of the water supply network. With the help of automation, you can adjust the station pump to the desired water pressure in the private house.

If there is a water well on the site, in which there is not much water, but much less water, then you can cope with the pressure problem by installing an accumulator boiler together with a familiar pumping station. The boiler accumulates water and gradually gives stock to the system. The issue of increasing the pressure in the water supply system from the well is thus solved.

What equipment to choose

When choosing a pump, special attention should be paid to the manufacturers of these products. Well known are Jemix, Grundfos and Wilo.


Image number 2. The installation of the pump under the sink.

Wilo PB-088 EA is a model that is installed to increase the water pressure on the water supply pipes. The pump is cooled by the water flowing through it. There is a flow sensor that puts the equipment into operation. The model is equipped with overheating protection. Works in both manual and automatic mode. All moving parts have anti-corrosion coating.

Grundfos UPA 15-90 is mounted in the apartment or in the house. Able to work with water of any temperature. Cooling water. There is protection against overheating, anti-corrosion coating. Works in automatic and manual mode.

Jemix W15GR-15 A provides water supply over a distance of 15 m. It can operate at temperatures up to + 110 °. May produce excessive noise.

At the entrance it is desirable to install a mechanical filter. It will protect the equipment from getting debris into the pump. All pumps are mounted in a heated room.

At subzero temperatures, the pump will simply freeze and fail. It is customary to install the stop valve before the pump. Such a connection will provide an opportunity to turn off the water for the prevention of raising equipment.


Image number 3. Pumping station.

Instructions for installing the pump

How to increase the water pressure in the apartment or in a private house? If the utilities do not solve the problem, it remains to carry out their tasks with their own hands. For this you will need:

  • boost pump;
  • pumping station.

Procedure:

  1. Identify the causes of insufficient pressure in the cold water system.
  2. Quality assessment of cold water intake.
  3. Installation of equipment at the entrance to the home.

The reasons for the appearance of a trickle of water from a tap can be very different. This is a blockage of pipes, salt deposits and the location of the apartment at high altitude. There may be a weak water pressure in the apartment due to incorrect operation of a regular pump. Clogged risers also will not allow water to properly circulate through the pipes.

If the stream is always thin, in this case it is enough to install your pump. If there is almost no water on the floor, and there is water on the lower floors, you will have to install a pumping station. The pump can be turned on manually, but some brands turn on automatically. The pumping station pumps water into the hydroaccumulator and maintains the required pressure in the system.


To install the station you need to find a suitable place. Its dimensions significantly exceed the size of the pump due to the inclusion of a hydroaccumulator, centrifugal pump, pressure gauge and control unit. The pump station can be installed only in a private house. In an apartment and high-rise building there are some problems. If the pressure in the risers decreases, the pump will pump portions of air from the neighboring taps. Your taps will then simply spit air and water.

To install additional equipment in the form of a pumping station, it is necessary to obtain permission from the water utility if the house is connected to a centralized water supply. A simple pump is also not very easy to install in the apartment. There may be friction with neighbors and with the same water channel. In any case, before installing additional equipment, it is necessary to clean the pipes. Sometimes it will be cheaper to replace them with new plastic ones.

The best place to locate a water well in your own home is a basement or basement room. Then next place the pumping station and water tanks. If there is no well yet, it should be drilled near the foundation of the house. This will give the opportunity to warm the upper part. For the pumping station, a light brick foundation is mounted or a table is made of metal. All pipes leaving the wellbore are insulated and insulated.

Instead of a conclusion on the topic

Few people carry water to the house on the beam. Everyone is used to home plumbing. But sometimes instead of a good jet you can see a thin stream of a tap. What pressure of water in the water supply of an apartment building or a country mansion should be and how to increase the pressure of water in the pipes are issues that concern some people.

Lack of water may be caused by clogged pipes and risers. They must be carefully cleaned or replaced.

To increase the pressure set pumps or pumping stations.

They can work both in automatic mode and in manual mode.

Installation may be difficult. This applies to relations with neighbors and with water utilities. In a private house such problems can not be. The installation of the equipment itself, especially pumps, presents no difficulty.

But the pressure in the cold water system will be provided for many years. And this is the key to high-quality work of all household appliances that use water.

One of the systems that create comfortable conditions for life is water supply. On how it functions, depends on the performance of some household appliances, as well as whether we can properly accept water procedures. About what should be the pressure of water in the water supply system and how to raise or lower it and we will talk.

Water pressure: standards and reality

In order for plumbing and household appliances to function properly, water supply with a certain pressure is required. This pressure is called the pressure of water. I must say that for different types of technology requires different pressure. So a washing machine, dishwasher, shower, faucets and faucets work normally at 2 atmospheres. For a jacuzzi or hydromassage, a minimum of 4 atm is required. So the optimal water pressure in the water supply is 4 atm or so.

For home appliances and plumbing equipment there is also such an indicator as the maximum allowable pressure. This is the limit that this equipment can withstand. If we talk about a private house, then this parameter can be ignored: your personal equipment is working here and above 4 atm, well, a maximum of 5-6 atm. Higher in such pressure systems simply does not happen.


Pressure Units - Recalculation and Ratio

For centralized water supply networks, the standards set the working water pressure in the water supply of an apartment building - 4-6 atm. In reality, it ranges from 2 atm to 7-8 atm, sometimes there are jumps up to 10 atm. Very much it rises after or during repair work, and this is done on purpose. There is a so-called pressure test - checking the reliability and tightness of the system by increased pressure. With the help of such a check, all weaknesses are revealed - leaks appear and eliminate them. The unpleasant moment is that some devices may have a lower tensile strength, as a result, they will also be a “weak point”, and their repair usually costs a lot.

It happens in high-rise buildings and the opposite situation - the water pressure in the water supply system is too low. In such a situation, household appliances simply do not turn on, and a thin stream of water flows from the tap. Such a situation may occur during peak load times - in the morning and in the evening, when most of the residents use the plumbing. Approximately the same situation may occur at summer houses or in private houses connected to a centralized water supply system. The solution to this problem is, and not one.

Ways to increase the pressure in the water supply

Although low tap pressure is not as dangerous as excessively high, it is very unpleasant - to wash under a thin stream of water is very inconvenient. In addition, home appliances do not work, which also does not give joy. There are two ways to increase water pressure:

  • install boost pump;
  • put the pump station.

If the installation of a booster pump can still be considered in an apartment, the pumping station is unlikely to be installed. Embedding it into the water supply system is dubious, and it is often simply nowhere to put a cumulative capacity for a couple of cubes. However, if necessary, there is a place for everything - if only water comes with normal pressure.

If there is only low pressure in your apartment, most likely you have a filter that is blocked at the inlet and must be cleaned. There is a second option - clogged pipes. Then you will have to change them.


If the pressure is low on the whole riser or even in the house, it is worth contacting the management campaign. If calls and verbal requests do not help, you can write a collective letter. It is signed by all tenants, referred to the Criminal Code and registered. The letter must be in duplicate. One remains in the Criminal Code, the second - with the seal and affixed incoming number and the date of receipt - from some of the tenants. In theory, you should be answered within a month or take corrective action. If there is no action, you can contact the Consumer Protection Committee with this letter.

Water Pressure Pump

This equipment raises the existing pressure in the network by 1-3 atm. It is placed in the pipeline rupture. It usually cuts right after the meter, ensuring stable operation of water taps. If you also need to ensure the normal functioning of household appliances (washing machine and dishwasher), then the pressure boosting pump is placed directly on the outlet leading to the technology.

  How does he work? Turns on when there is a flow (the tap was opened or the machine began to draw water). Turns off if water flow stops. This is how automatic models work. But there are also manual or combined - which can work both in manual and automatic mode. Manual are not very convenient and economical, although they are cheaper. But the combined can be useful if the need arose to raise the pressure, but it is above the pump response limit. Then you can turn it on forcibly - manually.

How to reduce the pressure in the water supply

In order to ensure that all equipment has a normal mode of operation and stable pressure, it is desirable to install a gearbox. This is a small device that is placed after the coarse filter (with a large mesh), but before the fine filter (with a small cell). It eliminates pressure surges in the water supply system, “cutting off” the excess of a certain threshold.


Water pressure reducer - a device for reducing and stabilizing the pressure in the system

There are many different pressure reducers, you need to choose them depending on the situation. Selection Criteria:

  • The maximum pressure in the system should not exceed the pressure rating of the gearbox.
  • That the device could work in the range necessary for you.
  • It is necessary to take into account the minimum pressure at which the gearbox starts working (from 0.1 bar to 0.7 bar).
  • The temperature of the environment with which the device can operate. For installation in a hot water system, a temperature of at least 80 ° C is required.
  • As may be located in space. There are models that are installed vertically, there are horizontally, there are universal ones, but they are more expensive.

More expensive models of water pressure reducers may have built-in pressure gauges or filters. If you do not have these devices, it may make sense to purchase such a combination device. But, according to the operating experience, it is easier to maintain individual devices (the exception is the pressure gauge, it can be built-in).

The main characteristic of the normal functioning of water in the system is the presence of optimal pressure. However, it is not always possible to maintain good pressure, especially in the presence of various instruments connected to the water supply system. There are several ways to do that increase the water pressure. We learn further about their features and performance technology.

  Water pressure in the water supply system: optimal value and reasons for the reduction

In order to determine the method of increasing the water in the water supply system, we must first find out the reason for reducing the water pressure. Most often, the reasons for reducing water are:

  • the presence of leaks or accidents at the place of water transportation;
  • the presence inside the pipes of foreign deposits that interfere with the normal circulation of fluid;
  • the presence of a faulty filter that cleans the water;
  • problems with valves.


If there is a centralized water supply in the house, water pressure is often reduced due to poor quality of the water transporter. For example, in order to save electricity, one or more pumps are turned off, which improve pressure. If there is damage to the pipe in certain sections of the pipeline, the water pressure also decreases.

Therefore, if you have a dramatic decrease in water pressure in the system, first of all, ask your neighbors, and there are no such problems. If the pressure has decreased not only on you, then contact the water supply provider in your area directly. The minimum value of water pressure in a one-story structure should be one bar. This information is recorded in legal documentation and must be carried out by all utilities.

Between the water supply system that comes to the house, install a pressure gauge with which you can control the water pressure in the system.

If the problem of reducing water in the system has touched only you, then you need to check the pumping station for its performance. Most often, the depth filter is clogged, which purifies the water before introducing it to the house.

In addition, you should inspect the filters that provide fine cleaning, they connect household appliances with water supply. Problems with these types of filters lead to improper operation of washing machines, boilers, pumps, etc.


If the filters are working properly, go around the house and check the pressure on various parts of the water supply. Possible leakage inside the circuit. To determine this section, it is necessary to measure the pressure in different parts of the water supply system and determine the lowest value. After the leak has been repaired, the pressure should increase.

  The pump that increases the pressure in the water supply: the features of choice and installation

By artificial means of increasing pressure is primarily the installation of the pump. Individual pumping equipment is selected in each water supply system under pressure, the choice of which takes into account such factors as:

  • the length of the trunk system;
  • diameter of water supply system pipes;
  • the number of floors in the house;
  • amount of water consumed.

Choosing pressure pumps plumbing pay attention to their performance and power. These figures are central to the purchase of this equipment. In addition, the pump must be made of high-strength materials that are not prone to corrosion.

There is an option to purchase a booster pump. These models are not recommended for installation in private homes that have additional equipment that consumes water.

The cost of the pump to increase the water in the system depends on the capacity of the device. The approximate price of the equipment ranges from 40 to 200 $. Some equipment comes with additional automated mechanisms, such as a flow sensor. With it, it is possible to automatically turn on the equipment when opening the taps.


Thus, the level of energy consumption in the system is reduced. The cost of equipment is also determined by the degree of its protection from moisture and additional components that are present in the water. Pay attention to the model with high-quality filtration system. Aluminum, cast iron or stainless steel are used to manufacture the body of the device.

We recommend to purchase equipment in the company store of one or another manufacturer. Buying goods directly you will not only save, but also get a free warranty and additional maintenance of the device.

Also, when choosing equipment to increase the water pressure, pay attention to the difference of models according to the method of control:

  • devices with a manual mode of operation ensure constant operation of the device throughout the entire time; it is necessary to monitor the switching on and off of the device independently;
  • automatic pumping devices - the flow sensor of such a device regulates the switching on and off of the device, it also has protection against switching on in a dry mode, the operation time of such a device is longer than that of a manual pump, it also has an economical power consumption, but has a higher cost.


In relation to the type of cooling of the case part of pumping equipment, there are two types of pumps:

  • when choosing a pump with cooling using shaft blades, the sounds that are produced when the equipment is operating are quite quiet, while the efficiency of the mechanism is at a high level;
  • when the pump is cooled with a liquid, the operation is completely silent.

An important role in choosing a pump should be given to its size. If the room is small in size, the installation of a huge device would be inappropriate. Some pumps use only for hot and for cold water. Other devices are suitable for any type of water supply.

In general, choosing the equipment to determine its characteristics:

  • the purpose of the purchase of the pump;
  • principle of operation of the equipment;
  • equipment characteristics, most often indicated in the instructions;
  • device size;
  • the amount of the purchase;
  • availability of additional functions.

The main characteristics of this performance and pressure, which is able to create a pump in the system. They determine the type of purchased equipment.


  How to increase the water pressure in a private house

The water pressure in the water supply system is determined by the number of household appliances that use water. For example, if the house has a washing machine, sink and bathtub, then there is enough pressure in the two atmospheres. However, if there is a pool or a chic jacuzzi in the house, this value should be doubled.

In addition, the pressure in the system must be such as to carry out the water supply to several points of dispensing at once. Taking a shower and washing, you should not experience discomfort associated with a decrease in pressure.

If there is a private water supply at the site, that is, the water supply is made from a well or from a well, then the pump capacity should be much higher than with the water supply from the centralized water supply.

The performance of the pump should ensure the raising of water from the well and its supply to the house. At the same time, an optimal water pressure in the system should be ensured in the house. These indicators are directly dependent on the amount of fluid consumed. The more water is consumed in the house, the higher should be the performance of the pump.


In the process of operating a private water supply system, there are two options for water consumption:

1. A well is characterized by the presence of flow rate in which there is a weak head or it is completely absent. At the same time, it is possible to satisfy the water needs of two, three people in a family. As the source is quickly emptied, there is a decrease in pressure. For these purposes use additional means of modernization.

2. The flow rate of the well exceeds the level of water consumption for the average family. In the presence of a pump whose performance holds back pressure, there is an excessive increase in pressure to six atmospheres. Thus, leaks and emergencies are generated.

When choosing pumping equipment for private wells, it is necessary to be guided by the well flow rate and water flow. We recommend to choose as a guideline daily water consumption in the summer.



  Ways to increase the pressure of the water in the house

As methods that increase the pressure in the water supply system, select the installation of two devices:

1. Insert into the water pipeline under the pressure of the pump - this operation is performed when the public water supply system enters the house or apartment. Installing pumps in front of the water points significantly increases the pressure in the system. Compact pumps allow you to automatically or manually adjust their work. However, this method allows to increase the pressure by an insignificant amount of 1-1.5 atm.

2. To eliminate more serious problems with pressure, as well as for the organization of temporary independent water supply, it is recommended to install a pumping station. In this case, an accumulation tank is installed, the water in which is accumulated in advance and is fed into the interior of the system using pumping equipment.

Pumping station, which has a hydroaccumulator, requires considerable investments, in addition, for its location it is necessary to prepare a lot of space. You will also need to spend money on the purchase of a storage tank, the size of which should be ten times the daily water consumption. However, in this case, you get a constant ideal pressure and water supply, even with periodic water shutdown.


  Stabilization of water supply pressure in a private house

Among the main ways to increase the pressure in the system distinguish the installation of a pumping station or pump. The first option is relevant in the event that the pressure in the system is practically absent.

Pumping station can significantly increase the pressure in the system. An electric piston engine deflates air from a water accumulator. Water from a well or a water supply gets into the formed vacuum space. The installation of such a station in a high-rise building allows to obtain constant quality pressure. However, such stations are rather cumbersome and for their installation it is necessary to obtain special documents for permission to perform work.

If there is minimal water pressure in the system, it is enough to install an ordinary pump in the apartment. It is installed on the pipe, which is inside the apartment. Automatic equipment begins to work when the water is turned on, while manual models imply a constant on and off of the pump.

To connect the pump to the system, you will need a soldering iron, which is designed to connect pipes to each other. At the inlet pipe, the water supply valve to a certain apartment is shut off. Next is the plunging of the pipe and flow sensor. At the ends of the cut pipes, connecting fittings are installed, on which the pump is screwed together with the sensor. Turn on the pump and open the tap.


Another option to increase the pressure is to install the pump directly in front of the device for water supply. To do this, first of all, you should study the technical parameters of the device, determining the maximum pressure for its operation.

Next, you need to purchase a centrifugal type pump, whose performance is comparable to the maximum pressure. Note that centrifugal pumps are very similar to pumping equipment installed to circulate heat media in heating systems. However, the principle of operation and performance are different.

In addition to the pump, you should purchase instruments in the form of a ball valve and flexible wiring. Note that the diameter of the hose must match the thread of the pump equipment. You will also need the presence of fum tape, it can be used to seal the joints.

It is necessary to begin work with overlapping of the crane of water supply to the apartment or the house. Next, determine the place of installation of the pump, most often it is fixed on the wall with plastic dowels. In any case, before starting the installation of equipment, read its instructions.


On the wall, mark the point of fixation of the pump and install it. The pump is equipped with a flow sensor that monitors the process of switching the instrument on and off. Further threaded connections are mounted, do not forget to install rubber gaskets. They come complete with equipment. The inlet on the pump is connected to the water pipe.

After assembling the device, check its operation. Install the pump and turn on the water, if there are leaks, pressurize the connections with fumlent. Do not forget to ground the device. Check device operation in automatic mode. Look at the pressure gauge what pressure is in the water supply. The optimum is a pressure of 2-3 atmospheres.

Many residents associate a plumbing system with a number of pipes located in walls and taps, turning which water flows. And also most people have no idea about all the complexities of a communication network.

Working pressure in the water supply system is one of the main indicators of efficient operation of the water supply system.  All sanitary devices can function normally only with a stable water pressure.

A weak head, representing itself as slow flowing water from a tap, indicates low pressure in the communication network. In particular, this factor is worrying citizens who own apartments on the upper floors and residents of country houses.

The weak pressure stops the operation of washing and dishwashers, shower cabins and bathtubs. This article will address issues of pressure standards, the maximum and minimum acceptable rate.

Normal performance

The unit of pressure in the pipes of water supply in the apartment and in a private house is 1 bar, which is equal to 1, 0197 atmospheres. This figure fully corresponds to the mass of the water column in height of 10 m.

The communication network requires a working pressure of 4 bar, which in turn corresponds to the weight of a water column with a height of 40 m.

This indicator will provide water to consumers of all floors, including the uppermost ones. But it should be noted that the stability of the indicator is extremely rare. Moreover, 4 bar pressure is not as common. A typical plumbing system implies a pressure in the range of 2.5–7.5 bar.

Strong pressure and correspondingly increased pressure leads to failures in the water supply system; moreover, some plumbing fixtures are damaged at 6.5 bar.

And even more pressure is not at all able to withstand 10 atmospheres due to force only to welded joints and fittings for industrial use, which are distinguished by tapered threads. As well as high and low pressure leads to malfunctions and failures in the plumbing system.

Some plumbing equipment starts to work at a certain rate, for example, a jacuzzi will function only at 4 bar. A shower and a washing machine will require pressure from 1.5 bar.

In view of these features, a normal indicator is considered - 4 bars. This boundary has minimal risk of damage to pipe and assembly joints and is sufficient for the operation of various plumbing fixtures.

Pressure for autonomous-type plumbing system

The autonomous water supply system operates in a completely different type and standard generally accepted standards are not of particular importance here.

In this water supply system, you can set any indicator of pressure, starting from the minimum allowable, at which water flows almost by gravity (1−6 bar). In the case of autonomous water supply, the owner decides everything.

The minimum allowable pressure for a country house is 1.5 bar.  It allows at least two plumbing devices to be turned on at the same time. The maximum allowable rate depends on the characteristics of the water source and the performance of pumping equipment.

But more often, residents of country houses are worried about the problem of low pressure, so many are interested in ways to increase pressure in the plumbing system.

Ways to increase

It is possible to increase the pressure in the autonomous water supply in a technical way: using a storage tank or pumping equipment. These methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

Pump equipment

This method is suitable for apartments with a central water supply system and for country cottages, summer cottages with independent water supply. Additional pumping equipment is used only if the main device does not fulfill the necessary requirements.

This is possible if the well is located far away or the device for supplying water to the second floor is insufficient. An additional pump is installed at the entrance to the home wiring.

The device must have a water pressure sensor, which starts it at a normal rate and turns it off when there is no consumer. The most commonly used vibratory pump, which has a low sensitivity to high air content.

Station with storage capacity

This method works on a completely different principle: pumping equipment pumps water into a storage tank, which operates at a stable pressure of 1.5-2 atmospheres. This means that the fluid is pumped until the necessary indicator appears, then the pump is turned off.

In this case, the water supply system consumes water under the strict control of the pressure reducer, the parameters of which are pre-set before operation. A pump in such a system is suitable, both vibratory and centrifugal.

To build up pressure in the hydroaccumulator, an internal or external ejector is used, which creates a vacuum in the pipeline. This method is not used in apartments due to noisy work and some design features.

Working pressure in water supply is an important indicator on which the functioning of most devices depends. But there are methods to increase it, which are applicable in urban and rural areas.

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