Pressure in the water supply system of a private house: the specifics of autonomous systems + ways to normalize pressure

How to lower the pressure in the water supply

To ensure that all equipment has a normal operating mode and stable pressure, it is advisable 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 fine mesh). It levels the pressure surges in the water supply, "cutting off" the excess of a certain threshold.

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

There are many different pressure reducers, they must be selected depending on the existing situation. Selection criteria:

• The maximum pressure in the system must not exceed the rating pressure of the reducer.
• So that the device can work in the range you need.
• It is necessary to take into account the minimum pressure at which the reducer starts work (from 0.1 bar to 0.7 bar).
• The temperature of the environment with which the device can work. For installation in a hot water system, a temperature of at least 80°C is required.
• How can it be located in space. There are models that are installed vertically, there are horizontal ones, 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 combined instrument. But, according to operating experience, it is easier to maintain individual devices (an exception is a pressure gauge, it can be built-in).

What are the pumps that increase the water pressure in the water supply

An additional way to increase the pressure in the system is to install an electric pump. Pumping equipment is selected based on the following criteria:

• the length of the water main;

• the diameter of the pipes used;

• height of water supply;

• required daily cubic capacity.

The main functional indicators of the pump are its performance and power. These parameters are indicated in the instructions, and are also usually encrypted in the pump model index. The quality of workmanship and the materials used are the main criteria for choosing a pump.

A booster pump should not be used in private homes that have additional equipment that consumes water.

The range of prices for pumps is from 2500 rubles to 12 thousand rubles, depending on the brand of the manufacturer and the power of the pump. Pumps come in different configurations.Additionally, the pump can be equipped with a flow sensor, as well as a check valve that protects consumer devices from water hammer.

In addition, there are pumps with automatic shutdown and variable power. Such functions save on electricity and extend the life of the pump, as they reduce its operation time and power to optimal values. Additionally, the pump can be supplied in a moisture-proof design or be equipped with a water purification filter.

To increase the pressure, one must also take into account the modes in which the pump operates:

• manual control implies continuous operation of the pump without stopping. Human presence is required to switch on and off;

• automatic mode is a privilege of more expensive models. They turn on and off independently based on the readings of sensors built into them or additionally equipped separately. The pump has a longer life because it only works when needed. Accordingly, the device does not have idle overruns.

The pumps differ in the type of housing cooling and overheating protection:

• cooling due to the blades of the shaft provides a high efficiency of the mechanism, while the noise level is quite low. The operation of such equipment can be checked visually. The disadvantage is that such a pump is undesirable to use in dusty areas;

• liquid cooling of the pump ensures its complete noiselessness. However, such a pump is usually less powerful.

When choosing a pump, consider its size. Because sometimes it is impossible to fit a large machine in a small room.There are pumps used only for hot or only for cold water, as well as universal ones.

When choosing equipment, decide on its characteristics such as:

• the amount by which it is necessary to increase the pressure;

• complexity of equipment installation;

• nameplate capacity and performance of equipment;

• dimensions of the pump and accessories;

• cost of equipment;

• necessary additional features and characteristics.

When is a raise needed?

If the water from the tap began to flow more slowly than usual, it is necessary to diagnose the pipeline.

If the dwelling is connected to a centralized water supply, then in addition to malfunctions in the pipes inside the room, a weak pressure may appear due to interruptions in the operation of the station. Also, the supplier can save on electricity and purposefully turn off one of the pumps, as a result of which the pressure in the pipes will inevitably drop.

In this case, you should first ask the neighbors if they had a similar problem, and only after making sure that other residents connected to the same source did not have a problem with water pressure, proceed to search for the cause in their home. If the pressure has dropped from the neighbors, then to find out, you should contact the housing and communal services.

Why is a regulator needed in a water supply system?

Reducing the pressure in the pipes leads to a decrease in water consumption per unit of time.

With an excessively high pressure, excess H2O flows into the sewer, which leads to its overspending and, accordingly, to increased cash costs.

At excessive pressure, water with its weight pushes through gaskets, seals, which leads to leaks.And this, on the one hand, is the probability of flooding the neighbors, and on the other hand, again, the overspending of water and money.

Thus, the main purpose of the regulator is to protect the plumbing system from damage and save water.

In a multi-storey building

In high-rise buildings, a gearbox is needed on the lower floors to maintain the standard pressure.

The fact is that according to SNiP 2.04.01-85, which establishes standards for internal water supply and sewerage, the pressure in DHW pipelines should not exceed 4.5 Atm., For cold water - 6 Atm. And in order for the water to rise to the last floors, an overpressure is set for the entire system.

On the middle floors of skyscrapers, it is also desirable to install control valves that work to reduce pressure.

In a private house

In urban private homes, water comes from urban water supply systems.

And the regulator is necessary if private low-rise buildings are surrounded by skyscrapers, for which increased pressure is set in the system.

In this case, the reducer should be mounted at the junction of the domestic pipeline with the central line. If the gearbox is not equipped with a coarse filter, it is advisable to install it before the control device. Shut-off valves are installed in front of the filter and the gearbox.

In rural and settlement houses, water supply is autonomous, provided by pumps from their own wells. In the absence of pressure regulation, water is overused, leading to energy overruns and wear of pumping equipment.

Gearboxes are included in the package of some models of pumping equipment.And when they are not there, it is necessary to purchase additionally, since every time the pump is turned on, there is a possibility of water hammer in the water supply.

It is important to know that when installing a boiler boiler, a device that regulates water pressure must be cut into the pipeline in order to avoid water hammer and boiler failure. This must be prescribed in the instructions for the heaters.

It has been noticed that if a high-pressure hose is embedded in the water heating system, which stabilizes the water pressure, the boiler equipment lasts longer, and its parts and assemblies do not run out of their resources so quickly.

In addition, the action of sudden pressure surges on the boiler provokes the discharge of hot water into the sewer, which affects the consumption of water and electricity and, ultimately, financial costs.

Causes of pressure drop

If initially the pressure in the water supply pipes was normal, but began to decrease over time, then you should look for the cause of such a malfunction. It could be:

• Wear of the water pump elements, as a result of which its efficiency decreases. It is necessary to replace the worn element or the entire pump.

• The coarse filter is damaged and dirt and sand enter the pump. An urgent replacement of the filter and flushing of the pump is required.

• The coarse filter is clogged, as a result, the flow capacity of the pump is significantly reduced. The filter needs to be washed or replaced. Additionally, you need to check if the pipe is taking water too close to the bottom of the well or well - this may be the cause of increased filter silting.

• Check valve damaged.In this case, the water will flow back into the water supply, which will provoke a decrease in pressure. Such a malfunction is “treated” by replacing the valve.

• The appearance of a leak in the supply hose or water supply pipes. Needs repair or replacement.

• Clogged pipes. Over time, each pipe accumulates sediment, which gradually reduces its internal bore diameter. They need to be flushed or replaced.

• The pressure switch of the pumping station is faulty. In this case, sudden pressure surges or a complete cessation of the water supply may occur.

• There may be a voltage drop in the mains. To eliminate this cause, you will need to install a voltage stabilizer in the pump power circuit.

• Reducing the pressure in the expansion tank of a closed type. Each expansion tank of the membrane type is characterized by a certain level of air pressure, which is recommended by the manufacturer. To restore it, it is enough to pump air through a special nipple with a car pump - the design of the tanks provides for such an operation.

• In a closed expansion tank, a flexible membrane may fail, which will be immediately visible from the wrong pump on and off cycles. If the design of the tank allows you to replace the membrane, then this must be done immediately, if the expansion tank is of a non-separable type, you will have to change it entirely.

What should be the sufficient and necessary pressure in the water supply network? ↑

To measure the pressure in the water supply, units are used that slightly differ in values, but due to minor differences, they are equated to each other.

1 bar = 1.0197 atmospheres (technical parameter) or 10.19 m (rounded 10 m) of water.

For example, pumping equipment supplying water 30 meters at the outlet develops a pressure of 3 bar (or 3 atmospheres). If 1 bar is needed to pump water from a 10-meter level in a well or in a well with a submersible pump, 2 more bars (equal to 20 m of water column) remain to lift the extracted life-giving liquid to the water intake points.

If you need to optimize the pressure in the city water supply, you do not need to take into account the delivery of water from the depths, because it comes from a centralized network. But the owners of their own houses with autonomous water supply should take into account the depth of the water source, or rather the level at which the submersible pump will be installed in a mine well or in a well. When calculating the required pressure, the resistance of the pipeline, which must be overcome by water, is also taken into account.

Increasing the pressure in the water supply - installation of pressure-increasing devices

For users of the water supply network connected to centralized water supply facilities, information about the pressure in the water supply system will still not draw an accurate picture. The dictate of standards and GOSTs (in particular, according to SNiP 2.04.02-84) convinces that the pressure in urban networks should be 4 atmospheres. However, according to domestic realities, this very variable value can vary from 2.5 to the critical 7.5 atmospheres.

This means that the entire range of mixers, pipes, taps, pumps must steadfastly repel an attack of 6 atmospheres. In addition, it must be taken into account that during the annual seasonal inspection, the water pressure can reach 10 bar.

The question “what water pressure in the water supply system is required for the normal functionality of household technical units” has several interpretations.It is believed that water will come from a tap with a pressure satisfying users at 2 atm. This value is sufficient for the operation of the washing machine, and for those who want to use the jacuzzi, a pressure of 4 bar is required. A little less or the same amount is needed to irrigate a plot with green spaces.

Another nuance. You need to provide yourself with the ability to simultaneously turn on several points of consumption. That is, taking a shower should not be overshadowed by the fact that one of the family members urgently wanted to water the flower bed, wash the pot or the car in the yard. Therefore, the pressure must be equal at all remote and approximate points and be at least 1.5 bar.

One way to ensure equal pressure on all floors is to install a pump in front of each water distribution point

What about firefighting? Of course, no one will build a high-pressure fire water supply in their garden, since it is designed for the uninterrupted supply of a jet with a pressure of 2.5 l / s, which is required to extinguish industrial, public and commercial facilities. But the owners of cottages should make sure that the pressure is at least 1.5 liters per second.

Features of installing a device for pressure in the water supply

The installation location of the pressure boosting equipment depends on the specific situation. To ensure the normal operation of the faucet and shower head, it is enough to mount it at the outlet of the storage tank. For devices that are more demanding on pressure (washing machine, dishwasher, water heater), it is better to install the pump in front of them.

However, installing several low-power pumps at once is not the best option. In this case, it is worth installing more powerful models that can stabilize the pressure at high flow rates.

The installation of a pump to increase the pressure in the water supply of an apartment or a private house is performed in the following sequence:

First, mark the pipe on which the equipment will be installed, taking into account the length of the device and fittings.
Then the water supply is shut off in the room.
After that, in the marked places, the pipe is cut.
At the ends of the pipeline, an external thread is cut.
Then adapters with an internal thread are mounted on the pipe.
Fittings from the kit with the pump are screwed into the installed adapters

For better sealing, wind FUM tape around the thread.
An increasing device is mounted, while it is necessary to follow the instructions of the arrow on the body of the device, showing the direction of water flow.
After that, from the electrical panel to the device, you need to stretch a three-core cable and, preferably, make a separate outlet, and it is better to connect the device through a separate RCD.
Then the pump must be turned on and its operation checked, paying attention to the absence of leaks at the joints. Tighten the fittings if necessary.

Proper installation of the device will provide water needs for many years. Adhere to the following recommendations during the installation of equipment:

• in order for the pump to work longer, it is better to install a mechanical filter at the inlet to it. So you can protect the device from getting into it unwanted particles;
• it is better to install the unit in a dry and heated room, since low temperatures can freeze the liquid in the device, which will disable it;
• vibration from the operation of the equipment, over time, can loosen the fasteners, causing a leak, so sometimes you need to check the connections for leaks.

A properly selected and correctly installed device can solve the problem of low pressure in the water supply.

Connection diagram - recommendations

When determining the location for the optimal location of the pump, it is guided by the following considerations:

1. For the correct operation of household appliances in the form of a boiler, washing machine or dishwasher, the pump is placed directly in front of them.
2. If the house has a storage tank located in the attic, pumping is placed at its exit.
3. As with the installation of circulation units, in the event of an electric pump failure or removal for repair and maintenance work, a bypass with a shut-off ball valve is provided parallel to it.
4. When installing a pump in apartment buildings, it is likely to leave residents without water in the riser, dramatically increasing the volume of its consumption when the pumping is turned on. In this situation, it is necessary to provide for the placement of storage tanks in the apartment, which are more practical to hang from the ceiling.
5. Many, when installing more powerful units in a line, do not get the desired result indicated in the passport data. Not knowing the laws of hydrodynamics, they do not take into account the increased hydraulic losses in the pipeline with an increase in the volume of pumped liquid - to reduce them, it is necessary to change the pipes to a larger diameter.

Rice. 14 Installation of booster pumps in the internal water supply

Booster electric pumps are usually installed in apartments or private houses when using public water supply networks, whose services do not fulfill their obligations to create working pressure in the system. Standard wet rotor household units increase the pressure by an average of 0.9 atm. To obtain a higher figure, it is necessary to install a centrifugal electric pump, a pumping station or an installation with frequency control of the impeller rotation speed (the best, but too expensive option).

General recommendations on how to increase the water pressure in the water supply

To answer the question of how to increase water pressure without consequences for consumers and the water supply network, first you need to determine the reasons for the decrease in pressure. The following varieties can be distinguished:

• leaks, breaks in the water supply system;

• deposition of calcium salts on the inner surface of the pipes, which reduces the cross section of the pipe and their throughput;

• clogging of the water treatment filter;

• failure of fittings and valves.

In apartment buildings, it is very common to turn off one or more water supply pumps at the distribution point. This is done in order to save electricity or in the event of a malfunction of the electric pumps. As a rule, the water is not completely turned off, since redundant circuits are usually present, but the pressure is significantly reduced, and for the normal operation of consumption devices, it must be significantly increased.

For primary diagnosis, the easiest way is to contact your neighbors and ask them about the presence of pressure in the water supply. A local decrease in pressure indicates defects in the plumbing wiring in your apartment.If there has been a general decrease in pressure, then this should be reported to the service organization. The pressure in the water supply system should not fall below one bar and rise above four bar.

For continuous monitoring of water pressure in the system, a pressure gauge is installed at the inlet of the water main to the house or apartment.

In a private house, when using a pumping station, its performance is checked. The most common malfunction is a clogged depth filter, which is located at the water intake.

In addition to coarse filters, there are fine filters. Usually they are installed individually for each device that consumes water.

After checking all the filters, it is necessary to check the pressure along the entire pipeline circuit sequentially in different places. In a complex water supply system, it is advisable to place several pressure gauges with which you can monitor the water pressure at different levels (floors) or by consumer groups. Thus, it is possible to quickly detect a water leak, after which the pressure rises.

Please note that there are several units for measuring water pressure. The basic unit in the metric system of measures (SI) is the Pascal

Water pressure is usually measured in megapascals (MPa). Non-systemic units are also used: bars, atmospheres, kgf / cm2, PSI, (sometimes even pounds / square inch). The table below compares all of these units.

The use of a flow and accumulative method of increasing pressure will increase the pressure of water from the water supply and ensure its supply in the required amount.

1. Tapping into the water supply under the pressure of the pump carried out at the entrance of the highway to the apartment.The water pressure increases by creating an additional vacuum at the exit from the common water supply to the house. Modern pumps are small and energy efficient. Pressure adjustment is carried out both manually and automatically. The effect of this method will be an increase in pressure by 1-1.5 atm.

2. If the first method does not work, then as a more radical measure, you need to install a pumping station. Even with a minimum pressure in the system, the unit will work around the clock in the accumulation mode and create the necessary reserve of water.

A receiver or a hydraulic accumulator allows you to be independent of pressure drops and even a short-term complete shutdown of water supply. Its installation requires much more space and time than just installing a flow pump. The size of the storage tank should be ten times the daily water consumption. As a result, you get the ideal outlet pressure.

Pump Installation Instructions

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

• boost pump;
• pumping station.

Procedure:

1. Determining the causes of insufficient pressure in the cold water supply system.
2. Assessment of the quality of cold water supply.
3. Installation of equipment at the entrance to the dwelling.

The reasons for the appearance of a thin stream of water from the tap can be very different. This is a blockage of pipes, salt deposits and the location of the apartment at a high altitude. There may be a weak water pressure in the apartment due to improper operation of the regular pump.A blockage in the riser will also prevent water from circulating properly through the pipes.

If the stream is always thin, then it is enough to install your own pump. If water practically does not enter the floor, but there is water on the lower floors, a pumping station will have to be installed. The pump can be turned on manually, but some brands turn on automatically. The pumping station pumps water into the accumulator and maintains the required pressure in the system.

To install the station, you need to find a suitable place. Its dimensions significantly exceed the dimensions of the pump due to the inclusion of a hydraulic accumulator, a centrifugal pump, a pressure gauge and a control unit in the kit. A pumping station can only be installed in a private house. There are some problems in multi-apartment and high-rise buildings. With a decrease in pressure in the risers, the pump will pump portions of air from the neighbors' taps. Your faucets will then just spit air and water.

To install additional equipment in the form of a pumping station, it is imperative 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 an apartment. There may be friction with neighbors and with the same water utility. 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. Then a pumping station and water tanks are placed nearby. If there is no well yet, it should be drilled near the foundation of the house. This will make it possible to insulate its upper part.For the pumping station, a light brick foundation is mounted or a table is welded from metal. All pipes extending from the mouth of the well are insulated and insulated.

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

Lack of water may be due to clogged pipes and risers. They must be thoroughly cleaned or replaced.

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

Installation can be somewhat difficult. This applies to relationships with neighbors and with the water utility. There can be no such problems in a private house. The installation of equipment, especially pumps, does not present any difficulties.

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

The main reasons for the decrease in water pressure in the water supply system

There are many reasons for a decrease in water pressure in the water supply. However, the most common reasons are:

blockages. The pump or pumping station is located underground. Accordingly, they can be clogged with underlying rock - sand, clay, silt, etc. As a result, the pump cannot pump the original volume of water, which reduces the pressure. Suspensions in the water itself can also reduce pressure - they clog filters and treatment structures.

Leaks. Pressure can be reduced as a result of damage to a pipe that is underground.The reasons for this may be - depressurization of the joints, damage to the pipe itself (breakthrough of plastic pipes or cracks as a result of corrosion of metal pipes).

Equipment breakdowns. If the equipment is used for a sufficiently long time, then various breakdowns of parts are possible. For example, screws and gears in pump mechanisms. The failure of the impeller or rubber piston will lead to additional hydraulic losses. If automatic systems are contaminated, a shift in the mechanism for switching between low and high pressure can occur. Tightness plays an important role in the operation of the equipment. If it is broken due to rupture or stretching of rubber membranes, silicone joints, then there is an increase in water loss during pumping, which means a decrease in pressure.

Breakage of plumbing fittings. Pipes are fastened with special fasteners. Moreover, the fasteners are located along the entire length of the pipe. Breakage of these fasteners, hinges lead to the loss of a large amount of water, which significantly reduces the pressure inside the water supply

There can be several reasons for breakdowns - careless handling, improper installation, poor quality materials.

Change source settings. Any well or well has its own service life.

For example, if the well is installed on sand, then after some time (depending on the sand itself) siltation occurs. As a result, the pump increases the amount of pumped water and energy expended, but reduces the pressure. This is due to blockages in the equipment itself. Therefore, when designing a house, it is necessary to prepare several places for new wells in advance.