Water supply is a communication system in the form of complex designs of pipes and taps, designed to supply water to consumers. To determine the effectiveness of the system, the concept of "water pressure" in the water supply is used. The correct operation of plumbing fixtures and the comfortable performance of hygiene measures directly depend on this indicator.
The consequence of low pressure in the system is insufficient pressure, which causes many inconvenience to residents on the upper floors of apartment buildings. This phenomenon makes the operation of dishwashers and washing machines difficult, or it is completely impossible to use a massage shower and a jacuzzi.
However, there are several ways to deal with such a life-complicating factor. If the reason for the low pressure does not lie in the usual clogging of pipes, the water pressure in the water supply can be regulated by installing devices that provide the most comfortable pressure for life.
What water pressure in the water supply is considered the norm
Units that slightly differ in their values are used to measure the pressure of the liquid in the pipeline. Despite minor differences, indicators are equated one to one.
1 bar is 1.0197 at and 10.19 m water column.
Pumping equipment that supplies water to a height of 30 m develops an outlet pressure of 3 bar (3 atmospheres). If 1 bar is required for pumping water from a well or well with a submersible pump 10 m deep, then the remaining 2 bars provide a rise in the liquid to the water intake points.
City and private pipeline pressure
In order to optimize the water pressure in the city water supply, the delivery of fluid from the well should not be taken into account. Water is supplied from a centralized network. However, the owners of suburban cottages with autonomous water supply must take into account the level of the source, or rather the depth at which the pumping equipment will be installed in the mine well. When water passes through the pipeline, it overcomes some resistance, which should also be taken into account when calculating the required pressure.
According to standards and GOST, the pressure in urban systems should be 4 atmospheres. However, users of the water supply network connected to centralized stations will not be given accurate information about what water pressure is in the water supply. This value can fluctuate in the range of 2.5-7.5 atmospheres.
What to consider when choosing plumbing
Raising the water pressure in the water supply system to more than 7 atmospheres has a devastating effect on sensitive plumbing fixtures, connecting elements in the pipeline and ceramic valves. Residents of city apartments are advised to purchase equipment for water supply with a maximum margin of safety. This will help to avoid repair work provoked by sharp pressure surges in the future.
All installed mixers, taps, pumps must withstand the pressure of water in the water supply in 6-7 atmospheres. It should be noted that with an annual seasonal check, the pressure can reach 10 atmospheres.
The optimal pressure value for the normal operation of household appliances
The minimum water pressure in the water supply in 2 atmospheres is sufficient to perform the following tasks:
- taking a shower;
- washing;
- washing kitchen utensils;
- other hygiene needed;
- normal functioning of the washing machine.
A pressure of 4 atmospheres allows you to expand the range of tasks, which include taking a massage shower and a jacuzzi, watering a garden with green spaces.
In country houses, the pressure should be sufficient for the simultaneous consumption of water by several water intake points. In order not to overshadow the lives of family members, the water supply should be equivalent in all plumbing units and should be at least 1.5 atmospheres.
Fire water supply
The water pressure in the fire pipe can be high and low. High pressure fire water supply is designed to extinguish large industrial, commercial and public buildings. It does not make sense to build a water supply system with a pressure of 2.5 l / s in a suburban area. Owners of cottages should take into account that the minimum value of the water pressure in the fire water supply should be at least 1.5 l / s.
How to measure the pressure in the water supply
Measurement of water pressure in the water supply system is carried out using a manometer. Before installing the device, it is necessary to shut off cold or hot water, depending on the pressure of which water needs to be measured. The place in the system for mounting the device should be convenient and easily accessible. Next, you need a metal pipe 5 cm long. Using a die, you need to make an external thread on the pipe so that it fits the pressure gauge as accurately as possible. In order to cut a hole of the desired diameter in the pipe and attach the prepared pipe section to it, you can use the welding machine.
The pressure gauge is mounted on a metal pipe with a wrench. To solve the problem of leakage at the joints, there are special sealing materials. After the installation of the device is completed, you can begin to check the pressure in the water supply. To do this, restore the water supply and record the indicators on the pressure gauge.
How to lower the water pressure in the water supply
A special gearbox is used to stabilize and lower the water pressure. It protects from water hammer not only the water supply itself, but also household appliances connected to it. A small device is located in a sealed metal case. The pressure regulator has two nozzles with a thread located at the inlet and outlet. In some cases, a third nozzle for mounting the pressure gauge and a screw for adjusting the water pressure can be placed on it.
The gearbox works according to the principle of balancing the forces of the diaphragm and the adjustment spring. If the tap in the water supply opens, the outlet pressure in the device decreases, as a result of which the pressure on the diaphragm also decreases. The spring force increases. It opens the hole until the pressure in the water supply at the outlet reaches a certain value. High pressure or its surges do not affect the opening and closing of the valve.
Ways to increase the water pressure in the water supply
Most often, the problem of reduced water pressure in the system is encountered:
- owners of apartments in multi-storey buildings located on the upper floors;
- owners of suburban areas in the summer, when water consumption increases significantly.
Before proceeding with the installation of equipment to increase the water pressure in the water supply system, residents of urban apartments should find out the cause of the problem. Weak head may be due to clogging of the pipeline with small objects or calcareous deposits. As a result, the diameter of the pipes decreases, and water flows in a smaller volume. Only a complete replacement of all pipes will solve such a problem.
If the reason for the low pressure lies elsewhere, you can stabilize the water supply in the following ways:
- installing a circulation pump that increases pressure by drawing more water from the pipes;
- installation of a pumping station with a hydraulic accumulator;
- autonomous water supply network.
Choosing the right one depends on several factors:
- water is supplied regularly, but the pressure is insufficient for normal life and the operation of household appliances - the circulation pump will help to increase the pressure;
- water does not reach the upper floors of the house - a pump station will do.
Classification of circulation pumps
There are several pump operation modes:
- Manual - the equipment is in continuous operation. However, in order to avoid overheating or malfunction, the pump should be switched off in time.
- Automatic - equipped with a flow sensor. When the water is turned off, the pump is automatically activated, which makes it more economical and durable.
By functionality, pumps are divided into classes:
- universal - installation is possible for hot and cold water supply;
- only for cold or hot water.
The advantages of pumping equipment are low cost and compact size. However, it is worth remembering that pumps increase the head by 30%. Their installation justifies itself if the water pressure in the water supply system, the norms of which are not less than 1.5 atmospheres, is equivalent at all water intake points.
Self-priming pumping stations
The water pressure in the water supply can be increased by installing a pumping station. As a rule, it consists of the following elements:
- centrifugal pump to increase the pressure of water;
- accumulator 1-3 cubic meters;
- pressure switch - controls the entire system.
With normal water supply, the appliance will not activate. If there is water pressure in the water supply system, the norms of which are very different from the established ones, the pump will automatically turn on. Typically, the accumulator is filled at night, with a higher pressure in the system. The larger the liquid storage capacity, the less often the device will turn on and the longer its service life. This system maintains a pressure level of 3-4 atmospheres.
Before installing the pumping station, it should be remembered that this equipment requires a large space for installation. The tank is subject to regular cleaning (at least 1 time within 2 days). The accumulator can be mounted on the roof, in the basement or in the ground.
Features of decentralized water supply
The specifics of autonomous water supply systems is the need to raise water from wells or mine wells, as well as ensuring good pressure at all water intake points of the house and remote points in the garden. The operation of a decentralized water supply network depends not only on the pressure of the water, but also on its flow rate.
The efficiency of the pumping equipment should maximally meet the planned volume of water flow and the flow rate of the mine well. For the calculation, it is better to take indicators of water consumption in the summer, when they reach their maximum value.