Possible causes of unstable hot water supply in a multi-storey building

Operating pressure in the heating system of an apartment building

The page contains information about the operating pressure in the heating system of an apartment building: how to control the difference in pipes and batteries, as well as the maximum norm in autonomous system heating.

For efficient operation of the heating system of a high-rise building, several parameters must comply with the norm at the same time.

The water pressure in the heating system of an apartment building is the main criterion by which they are equal, and on which all other nodes of this rather complex mechanism depend.

Types and their meanings

The working pressure in the heating system of an apartment building combines 3 types:

1. Static pressure in the heating of apartment buildings shows how strongly or weakly the coolant presses from the inside on pipes and radiators. It depends on how high the equipment is.
2. Dynamic is the pressure with which water moves through the system.
3. The maximum pressure in the heating system of an apartment building (also called “permissible”) indicates what pressure is considered safe for the structure.

Since almost all multi-storey buildings use closed-type heating systems, there are not so many indicators.

• for buildings up to 5 floors - 3-5 atmospheres;
• in nine-story houses - this is 5-7 atm;
• in skyscrapers from 10 floors - 7-10 atm;

For the heating main, which stretches from the boiler house to the heat consumption systems, the normal pressure is 12 atm.

To equalize the pressure and ensure stable operation of the entire mechanism, a pressure regulator is used in the heating system of an apartment building. This balancing manual valve regulates the amount of heating medium with simple turns of the handle, each of which corresponds to a certain water flow. These data are indicated in the instructions attached to the regulator.

Working pressure in the heating system of an apartment building: how to control?

To know if the pressure in the heating pipes in an apartment building is normal, there are special pressure gauges that can not only indicate deviations, even the smallest ones, but also block the operation of the system.

Since the pressure is different in different sections of the heating main, several such devices need to be installed.

Usually they are mounted:

• at the outlet and at the inlet of the heating boiler;
• on both sides of the circulation pump;
• on both sides of the filters;
• at points of the system located at different heights (maximum and minimum);
• close to collectors and system branches.

Pressure drops and its regulation

Jumps in the pressure of the coolant in the system are most often indicated with an increase in:

• for severe overheating of water;
• the cross section of the pipes does not correspond to the norm (less than required);
• clogging of pipes and deposits in heating appliances;
• presence of air pockets;
• pump performance is higher than required;
• any of its nodes are blocked in the system.

On downgrade:

• about the violation of the integrity of the system and the leakage of the coolant;
• breakdown or malfunction of the pump;
• may be caused by malfunctions in the operation of the safety unit or a rupture of the membrane in the expansion tank;
• coolant outflow from the heating medium to the carrier circuit;
• clogging of filters and pipes of the system.

Norm in an autonomous heating system

In the case when autonomous heating is installed in the apartment, the coolant is heated using a boiler, usually of low power. Since the pipeline in a separate apartment is small, it does not require numerous measuring instruments, and 1.5-2 atmospheres is considered normal pressure.

During start-up and testing of an autonomous system, it is filled with cold water, which, at a minimum pressure, gradually warms up, expands and reaches the norm. If suddenly in such a design the pressure in the batteries drops, then there is no need to panic, since the reason for this is most often their airiness. It is enough to free the circuit from excess air, fill it with coolant and the pressure itself will reach the norm.

To avoid emergency situations when the pressure in the heating batteries of an apartment building rises sharply by at least 3 atmospheres, you need to install either an expansion tank or a safety valve. If this is not done, the system may be depressurized and then it will have to be changed.

• carry out diagnostics;
• clean its elements;
• check the performance of measuring instruments.

2 thousand
1.4 thousand
6 min.

Why does power drop when hot water is turned on?

Each heating system may differ from the other, even those made according to a single project. This is especially true in private buildings.

Rules, SanPiN, SNiP and others prohibit the use of a heating system to supply hot water to a dwelling. However, when there is heating but no hot water, the temptation to use heating water is great.

And people screw, instead of air vents, taps. There are cases when even a shower is connected to the heating. When the coolant is taken for domestic needs, and there is no automatic make-up, the pressure will decrease.

What is the risk of low blood pressure? Let's briefly list the possible consequences:

1. it is possible to air the system;
2. airing can lead to a cessation of circulation;
3. in the absence of circulation, heat will cease to flow into the premises;
4. in the absence of circulation, overheating of the coolant in the boiler is possible, up to boiling and vaporization;
5. boiling and steam formation in the boiler can lead to a sharp increase in pressure with a possible rupture of the boiler elements;
6. ingress of water or steam into the boiler, if the heat exchanger breaks, it can lead to an explosion of gaseous or liquid fuel;
7. overheating of the boiler elements can cause their deformation, which will be impossible to correct, the boiler will become unusable;
8. leaking coolant can cause property damage and even personal injury from burns.

This is not a complete list, but it is enough to understand the danger of lowering the pressure in heating.

Kitchen faucet - which one to choose?

In order to choose the right water mixing device that meets your needs, is reliable and harmonizes with the overall interior, study the rating of kitchen faucets in advance and determine which manufacturer's product you would like to purchase. The best manufacturers producing inexpensive plumbing products are:

• Kaiser;
• Iddis;
• frap.

Mixers of the middle price category are produced by such manufacturers:

• Zorg;
• OMOIKIRI;
• Lemark.

Premium faucet manufacturers:

• blanco;
• Grohe;
• Hansgrohe.

Double kitchen faucet

You have decided to change the kitchen faucet, but you don't know how to choose the right device? It may be worth considering double lever kitchen faucets, which are among the most popular today. Such a device consists of:

• corps
• crane boxes;
• two valves;
• spout.

The water jet is regulated by means of different valves installed on the hot and cold water pipes. This mixer is durable and easy to use. It is mounted in one hole in the countertop or sink, but the device control will be separate. Often, double taps are chrome or stainless steel coated. Thanks to this, they harmoniously look in any kitchen interior.

Kitchen faucet with flexible spout

This device is very convenient to use and is a flexible tube that can be fixed in several positions. This practical design allows you to adjust the reach depth and spout height of the flexible faucet. In addition, with such a hose, you can cover a much larger area, so you can easily, for example, wash vegetables or draw water into a deep pot without splashing water. Especially handy kitchen faucet with pull-out spout. Using a long curved hose, you can pour water into a container standing aside from the sink.

Kitchen thermostatic faucet

A convenient, safe and economical element to use is a thermostatic mixer. It mixes cold and hot water until the desired temperature is reached, which it maintains throughout the entire time of use. The device instantly responds to changes in pressure or water temperature, adjusting the performance. Kitchen water mixers with a thermostat automatically stop the operation of the faucet in the event that the supply of cold water from the water supply stops.

Sensor faucets for the kitchen

If you can’t decide which kitchen faucet is better to choose, pay attention to touch models. They are very convenient to use

For example, your hands are dirty with paint or dough, and to turn on the water, you just need to touch the back of your hand to the body or spout of the tap. Moreover, for your safety, only cold water turns on from touch in the mixer, and hot water can be added using a lever or valve.

Kitchen faucet with watering can

Kitchen faucet, how to choose and install it - these questions arise for every owner who decides to replace plumbing in the place of cooking. Thanks to modern technologies, the market for such devices is constantly updated, more and more new models appear that facilitate the work of the hostess. For example, a kitchen faucet with a watering can, whose characteristics testify to its versatility. Such a device is a mobile source of water in the kitchen, allowing you to choose the direction and strength of the jet. In addition, the scattering watering can is very economical.

Kitchen faucet with filter

A kitchen faucet under the filter will help you get high-quality drinking water. In such a combined two-circuit device, tap and purified water flows without mixing. Using a lever or valves on the mixer, you can direct the water flow either through the filter or directly, bypassing it. The faucet may have one water hole, but models with two holes are considered more convenient. Using such a mixer, there is no need to install an additional tap for filtered water.

The main malfunctions of a closed DHW system

Hot water supply can sometimes fail or be unstable. This is determined by a number of subjective and objective factors. In particular:

• errors made during the design and installation of the system;
• leaks and noises arising in pipeline fittings. As a rule, this is caused either by wear in the valve gate or by the installation of defective products;
• lack of heating of the heated towel rail, most likely it is all caused by air congestion.

As a rule, the water supply system is accepted according to the act, and the company that installed the DHW system for several years must be engaged in warranty service of the network transferred to the management company. That is, to eliminate defects in the DHW network, it is necessary to call specialists from the management company or from the contractor company.

Reasons for refusal and follow-up actions

The complaint is subject to mandatory consideration, according to Art. 9, Federal Law No. 59.

Only an incorrectly executed document can serve as grounds for refusing to accept a claim:

• there is no applicant's data or the address to which the response should be sent;
• obscene language in circulation;
• the text is unreadable;
• The complaint contains a question to which the organization has repeatedly responded.

If citizens have noticed that the pressure in the water tap has decreased, they can contact the organization responsible for providing the service. Employees must accept the complaint and examine communications for faults

The applicant is informed about the measures taken in writing within 3-4 days after receiving the application.

To resolve your issue, contact a lawyer for help. We will select a specialist for you. Call 8 (800) 350-14-90

Badly

Healthy!
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2 Causes of problems

Most residents of private houses and apartments do not consider it necessary to understand the engineering design of the heating system.They assign the solution of all problems that arise with the central structure to the employees of the relevant services. Although it is really better to entrust repairs to qualified specialists, you need to learn how to deal with minor breakdowns on your own, because sometimes they can be fixed at home.

Such knowledge is indispensable for the owners of private houses and cottages, where the entire system is under the control of one person. The owner must know at least the general design of the equipment and be able to identify minor problems.

The main reasons why there is no circulation in the heating system:

• incorrect design;
• non-compliance of equipment with design requirements;
• imbalance due to unauthorized connections;
• poor-quality installation;
• the formation of air congestion;
• improper installation of radiators;
• pipeline damage;
• violation of tightness in seams and joints.

Possible conflicts and their solution

When replacing a riser in an apartment, its owner may encounter situations that prevent repair work. Conflict cases can be as follows:

1. Refusal of the management company to replace faulty equipment.
2. The disagreement of the neighbors to replace the riser in an apartment building.

It is not worth delaying with their decision, especially if the replacement of the emergency element is required in the very near future.

When contacting the management company with an application to replace the riser in the MKD, it is possible to face a refusal to carry out work. The reasons may be different, but, most often, the managerial organization refers to the serviceability of the communication system. In this case, the owner has the full right to sue the Criminal Code, as well as to recover monetary compensation from them for the damage caused.

A common emergency pipeline often leaks not only in one apartment, but also with neighbors from above or below. Or the riser is in an unusable condition and requires a total replacement, and not just a separate “fragment”. Therefore, installation should be carried out in several apartments. But, there are cases when one of the owners refuses to carry out the necessary work.

It is possible to solve the problem through conversations, but they do not always lead to the desired result. In this situation, the most correct solution will be a trial. But, not other apartment owners should apply to the court, but the Criminal Code. In his statement to the judicial authorities, the representative of the Criminal Code puts forward a requirement for the court to force the owner to replace the riser.

Central heating

track

1. At the outlet of the CHPP, the pressure on the supply line of the heating main reaches 7-8 kgf / cm2, on the return - about 3 kgf / cm2. Due to hydraulic losses and a large number of consumers connected between the lines, when measuring at the end houses, the supply pressure will decrease to 5.5 - 6 kgf / cm2, and on the return line it will rise to 4 kgf / cm2;

1. During the heating season, heat supply engineers carry out periodic pressure measurements in thermal wells. For this purpose, vents of diameters DN15 - DN25 are installed in them;
2. Pressure gauges in thermal wells are not installed permanently, but are screwed in at each measurement. This eliminates the theft of instruments and the “sticking” of their arrows with indications unchanged for a long time;

1. Once a year, after the end of the heating season, the route is tested for density.In this case, the pressure in both threads rises to 10–12 kgf/cm2. Thus, all the weak points of the route that need to be replaced or repaired are revealed: a pipe that does not hold the appropriate pressure simply breaks. To avoid accidents and to reduce costs, the track is filled with cold water during testing.

Elevator

1. The pressure drop that circulates in the heating system of an apartment building is only 0.1 - 0.2 kgf / cm, which corresponds to a pressure of 1 - 2 meters. A difference of 2-3 atmospheres at the inlet only ensures the operation of the water-jet elevator: the nozzle injects hot water with a higher pressure into the water from the return, involving part of its volume in the repeated circulation cycle.

This ensures minimum temperature spread between the first and last radiators along the coolant;

1. By adjusting the nozzle diameter, it is possible to change the pressure of the mixture (heat carrier entering the heating circuit) and, accordingly, the return temperature. Traditionally, adjustment is done by boring or reaming the nozzle; if necessary, it is pre-welded to reduce the working diameter.

In recent years, elevators with adjustable nozzles have been used, which make it possible to do without dismantling the elevator and stopping the circulation. Alas, I have not seen them in action and cannot describe their capabilities first hand;

1. You can reduce the return temperature when it deviates from the temperature graph upwards with your own hands, using shut-off and control valves. For this it is enough partially close the inlet gate valve on the return line with pressure drop control.

In this case, the valve first closes completely, and then opens until the desired differential value is obtained. If you just close it, the cheeks can later slide down the stem and completely stop the circulation. The price of such an error is guaranteed defrosting of driveway heating;

1. You can increase the temperature in the house by completely removing the nozzle and damping the elevator suction with a steel pancake installed between the flanges. This is practiced in severe cold with a large number of complaints about the cold in apartments;

1. On the flanges of elevator units with DHW circulation tie-ins (at least two tie-ins on the supply and return), retaining washers are placed between the tie-ins to ensure circulation when DHW is supplied from one thread. The diameter of such a washer is usually 1 mm larger than the diameter of the nozzle. The washer creates a difference within half a meter (0.05 atmospheres).

Intra-apartment wiring

1. The pressure in the risers, pipes and radiators on the lower floor of the house, for obvious reasons, is equal to the pressure of the mixture or return and is 3-4 kgf / cm. With each floor, it decreases by about 0.3 atmospheres (an excess pressure of 1 atmosphere raises the water column by 10 meters).

Water hammer

1. Water hammer is a short-term increase in pressure at the water front when the flow stops abruptly. It is a practical consequence of the fact that water is almost incompressible and has a certain inertia. Water hammer can occur when a discharged circuit is quickly filled with a small amount of air in it, or when shut-off valves are suddenly closed during circulation.
   The pressure during water hammer can reach values ​​​​of 25 - 30 atmospheres. It is on these values ​​that it is better to focus on when designing systems connected to central heating.
   .

Water pressure in the apartment, what should it be?

The water pressure in the taps of apartments in MKD must meet the technical requirements established by law.

Government Decree No. 354 of 06.05.2011 the following standards have been adopted:

1. The pressure of cold water in multi-storey buildings should be in the range from 0.03 MPa to 0.6 MPa.
2. For hot water, there are other standards: from 0.03 MPa to 0.45 MPa.

According to SNiP 2.04.02-84, a mandatory minimum head is established, which corresponds to 10 meters for a one-story building.

For a multi-storey building, when lifting, 4 m are added to each subsequent floor.

According to the requirements of another SNiP 2.04.01-85, special measures must be taken to ensure proper water pressure inside the building.

What should be the water pressure in the apartment?

Let's start with the fact that water pressure is measured in bars or atmospheres. Since 1 bar is equal to 0.99 atmospheres, these units of measurement are considered conditionally equal. 1 bar (1 atm.) Is able to create a column of water 10 m high.

There are documents that specify the minimum and maximum allowable pressure in the pipeline of an apartment building (SNiP 2.04.02-84, SNiP 2.04.01-85). Some of these standards relate to pressure at the entrance to the building, others - at the entrance to a separate apartment, the latter specify the amount of pressure in the intra-apartment wiring near plumbing fixtures. We will find out what value should be in each section of the water supply system.

• At the entrance of the water supply network to a one-story house, the pressure should be 10 m of water column or 1 atm. (1 bar). For each next floor, 4 m are added. Let's make a calculation for a standard 9-story building: 10 + (4 x 9) = 46 m.This means that the inlet pressure must correspond to 4.6 atm.
• The pressure in the water supply at the entrance to the apartment will already be below this value, since the water rises to the higher floors through a complex system of pipes. For cold water, the value should be in the range from 0.3 to 6 atm., For hot water - from 0.3 to 4.5 atm.
• The level of water pressure in plumbing fixtures must correspond to the following values:
  • for a mixer installed on a washbasin - at least 0.2 atm.;
  • for the toilet cistern - from 0.2 atm.;
  • for a bath mixer - from 0.3 atm.;
  • for a shower cabin faucet - at least 0.3 atm.

Common Problems

Let's look at 5 main reasons why there is poor water pressure in the apartment.

Insufficient water pressure in the main pipeline. Where do we get water from? Through systems of water pipes, it enters our homes from pumping stations. Since such a water supply system was installed a very long time ago, the pipes naturally wear out from long-term operation. So far, no one is going to change them, therefore, in order to save the existing pipes and prevent future leaks, organizations reduce the pressure in the pipeline. In this case, the amount of conducted water is much lower. Moreover, in cities where new houses and high-rise buildings are being built, they are connected to the same water supply system. Therefore, it turns out that there are many consumers, but the pressure is the same.

The more people consume water, the less pressure. How to increase the pressure in this case? Regrettably, the only solution to the problem is to replace the main pipes.

The pressure drops due to the connection of new buildings

Insufficient pressure in the pipes of your house. If you live in an apartment in a high-rise building, the plumbing pipes of the entire house may be contaminated. Various deposits form in them, which make the flow area of ​​the pipes smaller. If it is easier to explain, plaque forms on the inside of the walls of the water pipes, which grows over time, making the pipe half clogged. In this case, there is not enough water in the pipes. In this case, the riser must be completely changed.

Also, low pressure may be due to the adjustment and condition of the water pressure equipment, which is located in the basement of the building. Where to complain in this case? It is necessary to contact the Housing Office, which is responsible for such equipment.

Water pipes may be dirty

The plumbing in your home is clogged. This is another common reason. Pipes made of metal are especially often clogged. Rust and other deposits form on their walls. And even if you have plastic pipes, rust can enter the system from the junction of a plastic pipe with a steel one. In this case, it is difficult for water to pass through clogged pipes, resulting in weak pressure. In this case, there are two development options: cleaning the pipes or replacing them completely. Naturally, all such work must be paid by the homeowner.

Bad mixer. The whole problem may lie in the faucet. Weak pressure can be when the cartridge or faucet box is dirty or damaged. Then it will not pass water well. You will have to replace the axle box or, in special cases, the mixer itself. The problem may lie in a contaminated aerator.

The aerator may be dirty.

How to clean the aerator, see the video:

Plumbing scheme. The pressure may drop if several water consumers are turned on at the same time. For example, you take a shower, and someone in your family flushed the toilet or decided to wash the dishes. Another case, when the washing machine takes on water, the pressure in the system also drops at that moment, and you cannot wash your hands normally. Why is this happening? Because the piping is made in such a way that water consumers are connected to it “in series”. In this case, the water pressure in the last water consumer will be too small.

These are the main reasons that can lead to weak water pressure. To find out how to solve the problem that has arisen, you need to determine the cause in your case. We will now look at how to do this.

Is it legal to pay for water heating on a receipt in 2020

• established tariff for thermal energy;
• expenses necessary for the maintenance of a centralized hot water supply system (from central heating points where water is heated);
• cost of thermal energy loss in pipelines;
• expenses necessary for the implementation of the transportation of hot water.

Water heating is one of the most expensive utilities. This is due to the fact that during heating it is necessary to use special equipment powered by the mains. To make sure that the correct amount is indicated on the receipt, you can do the calculations yourself and compare the received value with the amount indicated on the receipt. To do this, you need to find out the amount of payment for thermal energy, established by the regional tariff commission. Further calculations depend on the presence or absence of metering devices:

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7 Problem with radiators and leaking pipes

Preliminary calculations will help private homeowners install without error new batteries. Incorrect placement of the element will lead to its inefficient operation. Therefore, it is better to use reliable fasteners: four brackets will allow you to hang the radiator better than two parts. The lower edge must be raised on the floor surface by 10 cm, and between the battery itself and the wall there should be a space of 2-3 centimeters.

In old apartment buildings, many pipes have long since expired. Therefore, they can cause accidents and reduce heat levels. Microelements contained in the coolant are deposited inside the pipelines. They impede the normal circulation of water. The correct solution would be to replace the products, but this is not always possible.

Scale layers form on the inner surface of the boiler, which reduces the pressure in the system. This problem leads to the use of hard water, saturated with minerals and salts. Special reagents must be added to the equipment, which soften the qualities of the coolant.

Corroded or improperly connected pipes cause leakage. If it is located in a prominent area, then it is easy to seal the hole with sealants. It is more difficult to deal with a problem hidden in a wall or floor. In this case, you will have to cut off the entire branch, fix the problem and mount a new section. In addition to sealants, you can use special parts to clamp the pipeline, corresponding to its diameter. If it is not possible to purchase such devices, then it is enough to make a clamp.The place of leakage is covered with a piece of soft rubber and tightly fixed with wire.

When a leak is detected on the radiator or its junction with the pipe, the hole is wrapped with a strip of fabric, after soaking it in construction moisture-resistant glue. Sometimes cold welding is used. To avoid such problems, before the start of the heating season, the entire system is inspected for damage. Be sure to start the boiler and check the quality and reliability of its work.