Inhabitants of high-rise buildings have repeatedly encountered a situation when a frail trickle of water flows from an open water tap.
This happens from a lack of pressure in the pipeline.
What water pressure in the water supply system of an apartment building should be so that, regardless of the number of open taps, the use of the benefits of civilization is comfortable for each of its inhabitants?
Pressure rate of the water supply network
The potable water supply system (as the builders call our water supply network that delivers water to the apartment) is designed based on the requirements of SNiP 2.04.02-84.
It says: for different points of the network, their own standard pressure level is assigned.
The pressure in the water supply system of the upper floors depends on the level at which the pressure in the network at the entrance to the house is maintained.
This parameter depends on the number of floors. If the building is one-story, then at the inlet the water pressure in the network must be at least 10 m. Art. or 1.0197 atm. This means that the pressure in the pipe is sufficient to raise the water to a height of 10 meters. In multi-storey buildings, for each subsequent floor, another 4 m should be added. Art. For example, in a 5-storey building, the water pressure at the entrance to the building should be 10 + 4x4 = 26 m. Art. If the resulting figure is translated into atmospheres, the result will be as follows:
(26:10) x 1.0197 = 2.65 atm
However, the above figure is not a boundary, but a calculated one. According to the standards in force in Russia, the pressure at the entrance to the house of 4 atm is considered normal for a centralized water supply system. (approximately 40 m h. Art.).
Insufficient pressure at the tap is a situation encountered by many. If this happens often, you need to correct the situation. The water pressure boosting station is an irreplaceable assistant for your comfort.
You can find a DIY check valve guide here.
The bailer is a simple and very useful borehole cleaning device. Here https://aquacomm.ru/cancliz/mnogokvartirnyie-doma/santehnika/obratnyj-klapan-svoimi-rukami.html you will find instructions on how to make it with your own hands, and you will also learn how to drill a well using this tool.
Exact numbers for regulatory documents
SNiP 2.04.02-84 stipulates the maximum allowable free water pressure at the entrance to the apartment: it should not be higher than 6 atm.
That is, if you live in a 22-storey building, the pressure at the inlet to it will be at least 9.4 atm, but when the pipeline enters the apartment, this parameter should be reduced to 6 atm.
Moreover, there are norms for the free pressure of water for each type of plumbing fixture:
- 0.2 atm - for a washbasin with a mixer, a toilet with a flush cistern;
- 0.3 atm - for baths and shower cabins with a mixer.
The maximum pressure of hot water in the area of plumbing fixtures should not exceed 4.5 atm.
The above values are valid not only for a centralized water supply network, but also for autonomous water supply.
Determining the cause of poor water supply
If the pressure in the water supply pipes is weak, the consumer can identify several reasons for this phenomenon:
- The first step is to check the water filters and faucets. The water pressure can significantly decrease due to a blockage or malfunction, respectively, this situation can be corrected by simply repairing or replacing the device;
- A decrease in water pressure can also be associated with the appearance of limescale on the pipes. Cleaning can be done with a cable or special means, and if these methods do not help, replace old metal pipes with modern plastic;
- If there are only problems with the pressure of hot water, most likely the device filter is to blame, which just needs to be replaced.
Important! In all other cases, a management company should be involved in determining the reasons for insufficient water pressure, since the fault may be a malfunction of risers, equipment or a pumping station.
How much pressure is sufficient for full consumption?
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Most apartment buildings use water in a very predictable way. They periodically take a shower, wash the dishes daily, wash their faces and turn on the washing machine several times a week. To ensure these manipulations, it is enough to have a pressure (pressure) of 2 atm in the water supply system. If a massage shower or jacuzzi is installed in the bathroom, they will work only at a pressure of at least 4 atm.
Excessively high pressure in the network leads to rapid wear or irreversible destruction of ceramic mixers and sanitary equipment.
Some features of autonomous water pipes
The source of autonomous water supply is a well or a well.
In both cases, water is supplied to the pipeline by means of pumps. It is this unit that creates the pressure in the pipes necessary to deliver water to consumers - taps, washing machines or dishwashers, etc.
However, not only its power and performance affect the level of free head in the water supply system. Well debit plays an important role in this issue.
If there is not enough water in the source, the pump will not be able to provide the required pressure in the network immediately after switching on. In the case of an excessive amount of water in the well, there is a risk of a significant increase in pressure, which can lead to various types of accidents - leaks, taps failure, etc.
In the first case, the homeowner has to take measures to increase the water pressure in the water supply system, in the second - to choose the right pump performance so that it plays the role of a kind of limiter.
What is the danger of overpressure of water
If the pressure in the water supply pipes exceeds the established norms, the consumer may face equipment breakdowns, pipe ruptures. Important! To use sanitary appliances, the maximum pressure level is set at around 4.5 units. If this rate is exceeded, the equipment may break.
In order to prevent such unpleasant consequences, the consumer can independently regulate the pressure of the incoming water. For example, special gearboxes can be used for this.
How to increase the water pressure in the water supply system
A decrease in pressure in the pipeline can occur for several reasons:
- Gusts on the city highway. Engineering networks in most cities are of a very venerable age, so water leakage on the way to the consumer is not uncommon. The owner of the apartment cannot eliminate this reason, so it remains to rely on the city authorities.
- "Overgrown" pipes of the in-house water supply system. In old houses, a huge amount of precipitation is deposited on the inner surface of pipes, as a result of which their throughput is significantly reduced. It is easy to fix this problem: you just need to replace the risers and wiring inside the apartment.
What should be done if the plumbing system is unable to provide the normal level of free head? There is only one way out in this case - to install pumping equipment in the apartment.
Water pressure pump
The pumping station, which is used by the owners of private houses, is hardly suitable here:
- Firstly, it is not allowed to install such equipment on a centralized water supply system without special approvals. And the neighbors are unlikely to agree to this - they will definitely remain completely without water.
- Secondly, pumping stations are large-sized equipment, and it is very problematic to install them in an apartment. And if we add the strapping to this, it becomes clear that such a unit will not work for an average apartment.
But not everything is so gloomy - manufacturers of pumping equipment produce booster pumps designed specifically for the "apartment" installation.
Where to deal with the problem of incorrect pressure
According to the law, the owner of the premises, who has problems with the water pressure, not related to the distribution of pipes inside the apartment and the connection of equipment, must send a complaint about poor-quality water supply to the management company. The deadline for providing a written response to the submitted appeal is no more than a month (30 calendar days).
If the relationship of the owner with the water utility is formalized directly, the complaint should be sent to the company providing the water supply services. The rights and obligations of the parties can be clarified in the concluded agreement on wastewater disposal.
Pump classification
Pumps that increase the pressure of water in the water supply system, intended for use in an apartment, is a small device installed at the inlet of the pipeline to an apartment. Almost all pumps can operate in two modes:
- manual;
- automatic.
Automated pumps to increase pressure turn on independently when opening any of the existing taps in the apartment. The flow sensor provides this function. It is triggered by the movement of water in the water supply system. Pumps equipped with such sensors are protected against burnout during dry operation.
Automated booster pump
Booster pumps, according to the principle of operation of the cooling system, are classified as follows:
- Dry rotor: The rotor has an impeller mounted on it, which injects air onto the motor housing. The efficiency of such models is high, but their operation is accompanied by noise.
- Wet rotor: water flows through the pump, cooling the motor. The main advantage of such pumps is their quiet operation.
Some models of booster centrifugal pumps are designed only for hot or cold water.
Ways to increase and decrease the pressure in the pipeline
Pump for increasing water pressure
Non-compliance with the pressure standards in the pipeline often leads to troubles, so you have to fix this problem with your own hands if the water utility does not provide such a service. There are several ways that help increase and, if necessary, reduce the water pressure in the line.
Options for increasing pressure in an autonomous and apartment pipeline
There are two ways to build up the pressure and enjoy the water for your pleasure without pressure drops. For such purposes, residents can create special conditions: install apartment pumps or pumping stations.
- Ordinary pump. Installation is carried out on a water supply pipe in houses or apartments at the point where the resource is taken - not far from the tap or shower head. Such a device can be used if it is necessary to increase the pressure of the indicator to 1.5 bar. The equipment is easy to maintain and does not require additional components. To improve performance, it is necessary to select a more serious device.
- Pumping station. More suitable for owners of private houses with autonomous water supply. For the operation of such a structure, it is necessary to have additional space, since the pumping station is installed in combination with a storage tank. A basement is suitable for such purposes. Due to the presence of an expansion tank, even if the centralized cold water supply is turned off, the pressure will be maintained and the owner will have enough resource for a day.
Any pump in the system has built-in sensors and control mechanisms that start / stop the device in case of a decrease in the optimal pressure indicator or its increase. Thus, it turns out to decrease or increase the indicators.
Methods for lowering the pressure in the water supply system
To lower the water pressure in the water supply network, you will need to install a reducer in the main line at the place where the pipe enters the house or apartment.Such a mechanism is a small structure with two threaded connections. They perfectly protect household appliances from water hammer and reduce the load on the domestic pipeline as a whole.
The principle of operation of the regulator is to equalize the force of the diaphragm and the holding spring. As soon as the water intake takes place, the pressure drops, so the spring action is intensified. In this case, the hole opens until the pressure in the pipeline stabilizes. Accordingly, if the pressure jumps, this will not affect the opening and closing of the built-in valve, so the user will receive a resource with a stable pressure.
Water pressure pump in the water supply system
The most popular among apartment owners are pumps of the brand:
- Comfort: efficient and economical devices. Pumps of this brand belong to the category of universal ones - they can be installed on hot and cold water. The body of the product is made of stainless steel. There are seven modifications, differing from each other in the size of the design head (from 8 to 10 m) and throughput (nominal - from 8 to 12 l / min, maximum - from 20 to 30 l / min);
- WILO: domestic pumps of European class, excellent quality, versatile. Vilo pumps are equipped with a flow sensor, the motor cooling system is a “wet rotor”. They are designed for a maximum head of 9 to 20 m and a capacity of 2.4 to 35 l / min (depending on the model);
The UNIPUMP pump also received good reviews. It features a small assembly length, which makes it easy to install.
How to reduce the water pressure in the plumbing
Too high pressure in the pipeline can lead to destruction of pipes and failure of household appliances.
Everyone knows the terrible word "water hammer", as a result of which taps begin to drip, fistulas appear on the pipe, etc.
To protect the intra-apartment water supply network from such troubles, you can use a small device - a water pressure reducer.
Domestic appliances are set to an inlet pressure of max. 60 bar. At the outlet, the reducer can maintain a pressure of 0.5 to 6 bar.
The water pressure regulator in the water supply system can be installed at the inlet of the water supply system to the apartment or in front of household appliances - a boiler, washing machine and other devices that do not tolerate high pressure.
What is the capacity in the DHW and cold water system?
The water pressure in multi-storey buildings connected to the central water supply network is not constant.
It depends on factors such as the number of storeys of the house or the time of year - so in the summer season, especially in multi-storey buildings, the shortage of cold water, which at this time goes to irrigate the adjoining or personal plots.
In practice, municipal services try to keep the level at an average of 3-4 atmospheres, although not always successfully. The minimum indicators at which the pipeline of a house can function (for both cold water and hot water supply) is 0.3 bar per floor.
The magnitude of the pressure of hot and cold water supply is somewhat different in favor of the latter (a difference of up to 25% is allowed).
The explanation is simple - cold water is used more actively, since it is needed for the functioning of the sewage system. Therefore, the maximum indicators for cold water supply will be 6 atmospheres, and for hot water supply - 4.5 atmospheres.
How to find out the pressure
Accurate information about the pressure in the pipeline is required when designing a pressure normalization system. To do this, a water pressure gauge is installed to measure the water pressure in the water supply system and readings are taken from it within a week.
This is done at least 4 times a day: at night and in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. Based on the results obtained, the maximum and minimum values are determined and compared with the regulatory requirements. Based on the result obtained, the optimal method of increasing the pressure is selected.
You have probably encountered such a problem as noise in water pipes. Many people try not to pay attention to this, but in fact this problem needs to be solved. Why water pipes are buzzing and how to diagnose and fix a malfunction, read on.
We will analyze the methods of replacing the gasket in the tap in this topic.
Calculation of water pressure
Pressure depending on the pipe diameter
If there is a pressure gauge installed on the pipe entering the house or apartment, the pressure will be measured automatically without manual calculations. Otherwise, you will have to calculate this value. This procedure takes no more than five minutes. How much the indicator will be can be understood without calculations. Prepare a set of tools:
- removable pressure gauge;
- a hose having the same diameter as on the pipe;
- ½ ”threaded nipple;
- sanitary tape and clamp.
A pressure gauge is fixed on one side of the hose using a clamp, a fitting is inserted into the opposite hole and fixed in the same way. The shower head is removed, a fitting is inserted in its place and the water is switched over several times: a shower tap. This will help flush out the accumulated air. If leaks appear at the joints, they must be eliminated by attaching plumbing tape. After that, an arrow will show the pressure level in the pipeline on the pressure gauge.
