Water pressure in a block of flats. Problems with pressure in the water supply network: identification of causes and their elimination

Pressure in the water supply system is the most important characteristic, the correctness of the choice determines the comfort of using it and the duration of operation of various hydraulic, sanitary and household appliances.

The logic of choosing the optimal pressure in the water supply system at home

Just note that the water pressure should be minimally possible, allowing the sanitary equipment (mixers, soul) and household appliances (washing machines and dishwashers, boilers of the heating system) to function properly. For example, for plumbing, dishwashers and washing machines  the minimum allowable overpressure is 0.5 atm., that is, the system must have a minimum of 1.5 atm. If you have heating system, then the pressure must be raised to 2 atm. And if the hydromassage device (without its pump), then up to 4 atm. For normal watering, 3 atm is sufficient. Then another 0.5 atm should be added to ensure that the plumbing fixtures and household appliances do not work at minimum pressure.

Be sure to consider the location of water consumption points. A height difference of 10 m between the membrane accumulator (maximum pressure area in the system) and the point of water consumption adds one atmosphere to the system. In other words, if you have a two-storey a private house, in which the accumulator is located in the caisson at a minus 2 m, and the shower in the bathroom on the second floor (the highest point of water consumption) at around + 6 m, then the pressure in the water supply system of your house should be 1.5 + 0.5 + 0.8 = 2.8 atm. This is the optimum water pressure in your home.

Increase the pressure beyond the necessary is not worth it. First, to maintain it will require more energy. And secondly, the elements of the hydraulic system will wear out more quickly.

Adjustment of the upper and lower pressure values ​​in the membrane accumulator

  Having determined the necessary pressure in the hydraulic system, it is necessary to adjust the pressure switch of the accumulator. There are two pressure values-the pressure of the downhole pump and the shutdown pressure. The on-off pressure equals optimum pressure  in the system plus 10%. That is, in our example this is 2.8 + 0.1x2.8 ≈ 3 atm. Ten percent is given to ensure that the pressure in the system is guaranteed not to fall below the allowable one. The shutdown pressure equals the closing pressure plus 1 - 1.2 atm. Of course, the greater the difference in these pressures, the less frequently will be included borehole pump  (and, consequently) the larger will be its work resource. But on the other hand a large difference leads to an uncomfortable change in the pressure of water and an increase in the likelihood of water hammering.

Causes of water pressure drop in the water supply system

Pressure in the system creates a downhole pump. Therefore, problems with it automatically can lead to a decrease in pressure. It can be:

  • Voltage drop in the network - it is necessary to install a voltage regulator.
  • Incorrect phase connection to the three-phase pump motor, which causes its rotor to rotate in the reverse direction - re-connect the connection.
  • Wear of the working part of the pump - the wheel or the screw - replace the operating element or the entire pump.
  • Hit the pump with sand or dirt - clean the pump and the borehole.

In addition, the pressure drop in the private water supply system may be due to problems in the system itself:

  • Clogged pipes, filter and other hydraulic elements - flush or change them.
  • Violation of the integrity of the system - to detect a leak and eliminate it.
  • The drop in air pressure in the diaphragm accumulator due to a malfunction of the air nipple or a breach of the seal of the membrane - repair the malfunction.

The familiar system of central water supply is a very complex structure. Many consumers often have to deal with water pressure fluctuations.

This is caused by changes in the pressure in the pipeline. But is it permissible and how to avoid the unpleasant consequences of such a phenomenon?

For this, it is first necessary to study the normative documentation, according to which any water supply system is designed.

The organization of any uninterrupted water supply system should be based on current regulatory documents.

They regulate the main indicators and specifications, which are observed without fail, indicating which water pressure should be in the water supply.

The basis is, according to which the design takes place central systems  water supply for municipal and economic services. However, for consumers, first of all, the water pressure indicators in the system are important.

According to the norms, there are several indicators:

Water pressure. At the maximum consumption of water in the building at the entrance to it (before distribution by consumer points) it must be at least 10 m.

This applies to single-story houses. When increasing the number of storeys for each additional level, you need to add 4 m.

As an example, you can consider a standard 9-storey house. For him, the input water column is:

10+ (4 * 9) = 46 m, or 4.6 atm.

It is worth noting that this is the size of the input stream. Before you send it to specific consumers, you should reduce the pressure to normal.

It should not exceed 6 atm. For hot water supply (DHW), data must be taken from, which regulates the organization of internal water supply in residential buildings.

According to the calculated indicators, the DHW pressure should be within the limits of:

From 0.3 to 6 atm.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account the nominal values ​​for each sanitary appliance, for which the minimum free head should not be less than the following figures:

  • washbasin with mixer - 0,2 atm .;
  • bathroom and faucet - 0.3 atm .;
  • shower cabin - 0.3 atm .;
  • toilet bowl - 0.2 atm.

As accounting data, utilities take into account the average daily water consumption. The table shows the specific indicators for a well-maintained housing stock:

Photo: table of indicators of daily water consumption, l-pers.

It should be noted that these figures have significantly decreased - until 2000. They were 600 liters per person. In addition to the documents, the data from which are taken as settlement, there is one more - Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of 23.05.2006 N 307.

These data refer not only to the central, but also to the autonomous water supply of houses. Therefore, when designing such a system, the above indicators should be taken as a basis.

When using a well, when calculating pumping equipment, its depth is taken into account. Those. for two-story house, water for which is supplied from a well depth of 30 m. The pumping equipment should create a pressure in the system not lower than the following indicator:

10+ (4 * 2) + 30 = 48 m or 4.8 atm.

If this figure is higher than 6 atm. - A system of pressure compensation (reduction) should be provided.

In what units is it measured

As indicators of pressure in the water pipe use standard physical quantities.

Water column value

This characteristic does not apply to system, but it is used for many hydraulic calculations. It corresponds to the hydrostatic pressure of the water column in 1 m at normal density indices.

For example, if it is necessary to pump equipment with water column parameters of 20 m, then it should provide water lifting to the same height.

Bar

Also a non-systemic unit of pressure. Its value is roughly equal to the 1 st atmosphere or 10 meters of water column.

Technical atmosphere

The initial reference point is taken as the atmospheric pressure value at the level of the World Ocean. It corresponds to the pressure that occurs when a force of 1 kg is applied to an area of ​​1 cm².

There is also an indicator of the Physical atmosphere, but it is not common in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Pascal

The only system unit that is similar to the technical atmosphere. The only difference is in the definition. It is equal to the pressure arising at a force of 1 Newton per square meter.

Each of the above sounded values ​​is applicable to the water pressure characteristics in the water supply system. To change from one to another, you can use the following table:



  Photo: water pressure characteristics in the water supply system

Despite the current rules and regulations, utilities do not always comply with the optimum pressure in the water supply. In order to achieve a better indicator, several methods of stabilizing the pressure should be used.

How to increase the pressure

Before proceeding to the independent design of the pressure normalization system, it is absolutely necessary to contact the Housing and Utility Service.

Its representatives, according to the received complaint, are obliged to carry out measuring works and draw up the corresponding document.

If the minimum water pressure in the water pipe does differ from the normal one, then the Housing Administration should take measures to stabilize it.

But in practice this scheme practically does not work. What can we do in such cases, and do we need any independent actions?

Negative factors:

  • at an unstable index of pressure, a hydraulic shock may occur. Its consequences are often very detrimental - violation of the integrity of the pipeline, failure of plumbing fixtures;
  • work of household appliances that consume water. This applies to washing machines and dishwashers. For their normal operation, the pressure in the water pipe must not be less than 0.4 atm. Otherwise, there are failures in work and breakdowns;
  • comfort level. With a weak head, it is quite problematic to take a shower or corny dishes.

Consider the most common case, when the pressure is significantly below normal. For normalization, the following methods can be applied.

Video: pumps for increasing water pressure GIDROSNAB TOP 12

Installation of a hydraulic accumulator and a centrifugal pump

The accumulator is a metal tank, which is divided into two parts.

  Photo: hydroaccumulator

They are separated by a plastic membrane. One of the chambers is filled with water from the system, and the second serves as a limiter.

When the water pressure reaches a certain value, the membrane does not allow the system to fill up further. To regulate the pressure in the air chamber, a nozzle is provided in the structure for injecting (bleeding) air.

The hydraulic accumulator is installed together with a centrifugal pump, which forces the water to be withdrawn from the system.

To automate the control of the operation of this system, the following components are required:

  • pressure switch. It is connected to the pump and operates when a certain level of water pressure is reached;
  • manometer - allows you to visually monitor the current performance.

For the installation of this system, consumption calculations must be carried out, since in the case of a pressure drop in the central system below 0.2 atm. The pump automatically stops operating.

Important! Consider the relatively small capacity of the accumulator. In most cases, it does not exceed 100 liters.

As an alternative to this scheme, we can consider a complex method - a pumping station with a storage capacity. Pumping station - this is already collected in one design of the hydraulic accumulator and pump. In the overwhelming majority of cases, all protective and control equipment has already been installed in it.



  Photo: pumping station

The pump station is connected to the central water supply and the main line to the storage tank is already running from it.

In the event of a complete shutdown of water, you can use the reserves from the tank. Some prefer to save and install only the pump, connecting it to a common system.

But this approach is accompanied by the following unpleasant factors:

  • fast wear of pumping equipment. With uneven pressure, the automation will soon fail;
  • water will be pumped, which will lead to a water hammer;
  • if all the tenants of the house install such pumps, then a "struggle" for the pressure will begin, which will lead to deterioration common system  water supply.

How to reduce the pressure in the aqueduct

Increasing water pressure in the water pipe is very dangerous for local pipelines and sanitary equipment. With its constant value, pipes can break out, the performance of the instruments may deteriorate.

To solve this problem, you can use several methods. The most effective is the installation of a pressure reducer in the place of connection to the common water supply.



  Photo: pressure reducer

Its principle of operation is based on the interaction of two forces - the pressure of water and springs. The spring presses against the water intake chamber, thereby regulating its pressure. In this case, the force of the spring compensates for the excess pressure. A typical scheme of the water reducer is shown below.

  Photo: water reducer circuit

Adjustment is by means of a rod. It is important to observe normal head pressure. To do this, it is recommended to install a pressure gauge, which should be located immediately after the reducer.

Before proceeding with the design of a pressure normalization system in hot or cold water pipes, it is necessary to know the current indicators.

Important! It should be taken into account that the head can change over time. This is clearly visible in the morning and evening hours, when the water intake in apartment buildings is most active.

To accomplish this task, you will need statistics that are best obtained as follows:

  • to make a schedule of measurements. It is best to do this 4 times a day - in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening and at night. Indications should be taken within a week;
  • determine the minimum and maximum headings;
  • compare the results with the above standards.

According to the data obtained, it is possible to choose the optimal method for controlling the pressure in the water supply.



  Photo: water manometer

The device must be installed in close proximity to the connection point to the common central water supply.

In addition to this method, there is also a "folk method". To do this, take a standard plastic liter bottle. In the lid, install the tube, which is installed in the flexible shower hose. detailed instructions  This type of pressure measurement is shown in the video.

Formula

There is a definite formula for calculating water pressure in the system. Its full part with all the introductory ones is quite difficult for practical application.

Therefore, it is customary to use a simplified version, which is calculated for a standard cross section of nozzles in a 0.85 cm mixer.

To calculate, you need a 3-liter can, which will be filled when the crane is fully open. It is important to note the exact time of its filling.

The formula is as follows:

P = 21.22 / t²,

where R  - pressure indicator (kg / cm²), t  - time filling of a farm  liter cans, sec. Experienced the following results:



  Photo: calculation of water pressure in the pipeline

Pressure regulator

The water pressure regulator for water supply systems has a nearly identical design with a water reducer. The only difference is a more extensive safety system - an emergency valve, which opens when the water head is exceeded.



  Photo: water pressure regulator for water supply systems

Important! If such a situation arises, the excess pressure is absorbed by the membrane. If there is a discrepancy between the parameters of the water pressure in the central water supply system, it is necessary to take measures to normalize them.

Otherwise, with connivance, not only the plumbing equipment may suffer, but the entire internal layout of the pipes.

Video: crazy handles - homemade water pressure gauge

For normal functioning of sanitary equipment in the apartment, the pressure in the water supply network must correspond to certain values. To measure pressure, a bar or atmosphere is usually used for measuring pressure (1 bar = 1.0197 atm.). According to construction standards, the pressure in the apartment should be within 4 bars. At the same time for normal operation of the water pipe in the apartment, the pressure can be in the range of 2 to 6 bar.

The pressure of water from the tap in the apartment is not high enough

Water supply in the apartment

The scheme of the water supply network in the apartment is shown in the figure below.



  The scheme of the water supply network in the apartment

As can be seen from the figure, a lot of devices are connected to the apartment water supply, which must be supplied with water of appropriate pressure. To shut off the water in the event of repair or installation of sanitary equipment, cranes (1) are provided. A pressure gauge (2) is used to monitor the pressure. For coarse cleaning  water filter (3) is provided. Here, also devices for regulating the head in the network, such as the expansion tank (8) and the pressure reducer (4) are also shown. To clean the water, a fine filter (5) is used. A non-return valve (6) must also be installed on the system to prevent water from escaping from the accumulator (8). On the expansion tank itself, a relief valve (7) is installed to relieve excess pressure. A valve (9) with a drain cock (10) is also provided for relieving excess pressure on the system. It works when the pressure in the network rises to the critical pressure and resets the water from the system. On the boiler, which is designed to receive hot water, an automatic air vent (11) is installed, which serves to bleed air from the boiler tank. Thermostatic Mixer  (12) serves to bring hot water to the desired temperature by mixing it with a cold one. A thermometer (13) serves to control the temperature of the hot water. Collectors (14) are provided for distributing water to consumers according to the collector scheme.

Low pressure is usually observed on the upper floors, and high - vice versa on the lower floors. Therefore in the first case it is necessary to install devices to increase the pressure, and in the second - to lower.

In order not to create too much pressure on the lower floors, especially in multi-storey buildings (more than 9 floors), zoning is applied, that is, the lower floors are supplied with water by one riser and the top ones by another. Also, in some cases, pumping stations are used to supply water to the upper floors.

Low and high pressure

At low pressure:

  1. Many devices in the apartment that use water, such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, are designed to work at a certain pressure, so they simply will not work if the pressure is below normal.

With a low pressure in the water supply network, it is impossible to take a shower or simply wash the dishes properly, especially if a running water heater is used to heat hot water.

  1. The mechanism of the toilet bowl is poorly functioning and often clogs up, which creates certain inconveniences.

High pressure also creates certain problems:

  1. In pipes, especially on threaded joints, there are leaks, which requires some time to eliminate them. And if the pressure increase occurs periodically, it is also not so easy to determine the places of leakage, since they can not show themselves at low pressure.
  2. Many devices are designed for a certain maximum pressure and therefore at a very high pressure can either work incorrectly, or even fail.
  3. If the pressure is very high and at the same time it can sharply rise and fall, then the pipeline may break at some place. In this case, not one apartment in the house will be flooded.

Regulation of water pressure

To increase the pressure in the apartment use devices such as pumps and pumping stations:

  1. Pumps put in the water system at low pressure in the network, this device is able to raise the water pressure in the water pipe by 1.5-2 bars. It is possible to install both permanently operating pumps and those that are activated when the water tap is opened. Moreover, the installation of the second option is better, because not only saves electricity, but also increases the life of the pump. A variant of such a pump is shown in the figure below.


  Centrifugal pump to maintain pressure in the water supply

At very low pressure of water in the water main or its complete absence, simply put centrifugal pump  it does not work, you have to put pumping station. This unit consists of a pump, a hydraulic accumulator and a pressure switch, which regulates the supply of the required pressure. The pump station is shown in the figure below.



  What does a pumping station look like?

The hydraulic accumulator has a rubber membrane separating the tank into two zones: water and air. Air is pumped into the air certain pressure, which is controlled by a manometer. With the help of this device, you can accumulate a certain amount of water under pressure and use it in the absence of hot water in the network. The tank of the accumulator is shown in the figure below.



  Hydraulic accumulator design

As can be seen from the figure, the device is a tank with a rubber membrane inside. Without water, the membrane is in a compressed state. When water enters the air around the membrane is compressed, and she herself stretches, filling with water. Thus, the accumulation of water of a certain volume under pressure is ensured. If there is water in the water supply network, the tank is filled with water, and in the absence of water it flows back into the system. To fill the tank with air a special spool is provided, through which the air is pumped with a pump.

To adjust the head in the accumulator, the pump station includes a pressure gauge and a pressure switch that turns on the pump at low pressure and turns it off at high pressure. The device has a very simple structure and is a membrane that bends under the action of the water pressure and opens or closes the contacts.

Before thinking about installing a pump, you need to make an audit water pipes. Perhaps the cause of low pressure is their clogging.

To prevent excess pressure, a special pressure regulator is needed. The principle of operation of this device is based on the interaction of the piston or membrane with the spring and the pressure of water. The greater the pressure of water, the greater the force of counteraction of the spring and vice versa. The appearance and operation scheme of such a device is shown in the figure below.



  The layout of the apartment pressure regulator

The device is a structure consisting of a housing (1), in which the head control mechanism is located in the network. As can be seen from the figure, the water entering the regulator on the right passes through the spool (5) and simultaneously enters the zone of movement of the membrane with a spring (10), which acts on the membrane through the stop cone (7). The membrane, in turn, pushes the piston (4) connected to the spool (5). To seal the spool, use a gasket (13). O-rings (11) and (12) are provided for sealing the piston and diaphragm. At the same time, the greater the pressure of water, the more it will counteract itself.

Thus, the regulation of water pressure in the water supply network is achieved. Adjustment of the desired head is provided by the screw (8), which compresses and expands the spring. The spring is located in the housing cover (2) and is closed by a protective cap (9). This simple device works well and works well for proper operation. Instead of a plug (3) for measuring head, a pressure gauge can be installed.

How to ensure water pressure

From the water regulation devices discussed above, it is possible to choose the one that fits the conditions of one particular apartment. For example, if the network pressure is constantly high, and the water supply is provided round the clock, then it is sufficient to install a pressure regulator at the outlet of the riser. The same can be done if the pressure constantly "jumps" from the nominal to the maximum value. The pressure regulator will equalize all these jumps and ensure a normal stable head  online.

If the network pressure is low, then you can install a pressure gauge and a boost pump with the inclusion from the opening of the crane. This pump will be able to supply the water head to the nominal value. And if the pressure constantly jumps from the minimum to the maximum value, then you need to install both a pump, and a pressure gauge, and a pressure regulator. And the regulator is installed after the pump in the course of water movement. When installing the regulator, make sure that it is installed correctly, that is, the arrow on the body corresponds to the direction of movement of the water.

In the most difficult situation, when there are constant pressure drops from the minimum to the maximum value, and there are interruptions in the supply of water, the pump station will work together with the head regulator. In this case, if you do not need to increase the pressure, that is, water is supplied with interruptions, but the head is normal, you can simply install a pressure accumulator, a pressure gauge and a pressure regulator. In this case, you need to install a check valve before the accumulator, and then when the supply of water stops, it will go back to the riser from the accumulator.

When installing a pumping station in the apartment, you need to take into account that it creates a certain noise, it is best to soundproof it. In addition, it requires the allocation of a separate area in the apartment for installation.

Pump selection. Video

About the nuances of choosing a pump to increase water pressure tells the presented video.

Ways to increase or decrease the water pressure in the apartment, there are quite a lot, depending on what you can choose your own, which is suitable for the conditions of a single apartment. Having acquainted with devices for water regulation in the apartment, you can choose your own version of the most efficient and economical.

In contact with

Before appearing from a water tap, water passes a complex network of devices that are not visible to the end user, but they all perform a variety of tasks and affect how comfortable home water is. The most important characteristic is the pressure in the water supply system, which directly affects the operation of all plumbing equipment installed in a private house.

What should be the pressure

Most often, the source of water supply for a private house is a well or an individual well. They make it possible not to depend on the central water supply, the quality of which is still poor. And the main water supply is not at every private house.

The system of autonomous water supply should provide such a pressure, so that not only water could get to the upper floor of the house, but all the plumbing fixtures in the house could work.

Thus, the pressure in the water supply pipes of 1.5 atmosphere is required for normal operation:

  • water taps in the sink and toilet;
  • gas heater or boiler;
  • washing machine;
  • irrigation systems with a radical feed.

Other household appliances require a water pressure of 2 atmospheres:

  • dishwasher;
  • usual bath and shower;
  • automatic fire extinguishing system.

And for the operation of certain devices, pressure in the pipes of water supply in 3-4 atmospheres is necessary:

  • hydromassage shower and bath;
  • watering system garden area with drip spray.

It should be remembered that these pressure values ​​are measured directly at the connection point. Therefore, in addition to the nominal pressure required for the operation of plumbing fixtures, the water supply of a private house must also take into account the floor on which they are located.

The rise of water on each floor requires an increase in pressure on an additional 0.4 atmosphere.

In general, the pressure in the home network should be such as to ensure the simultaneous operation of the maximum of the water points. But to create too much high pressure  too it is impossible for the following reasons:

  • there may be a leak in the joints of pipes and various equipment;
  • sanitary equipment must be operated at a pressure not exceeding the recommended by the manufacturer (usually not more than 4 atmospheres).

How to measure pressure

Pressure in the water supply system can be measured using a special water manometer. It cuts into the pipe using a tee, after which its pressure scale is displayed on its scale.

But there is a simpler, more empirical way, which does not require additional costs. It is necessary to measure the time for domestic water supply to fill a three-liter glass jar with a fully open faucet. Then build this time into a square and divide by 21.22 into the result.

Or it is even easier to do it - in the table below, you need to select the desired line and find out the pressure in the pipe.


Causes of pressure drop

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

  • Wear of water pump components, resulting in the efficiency of its work is reduced. It is necessary to replace the worn out element or the pump as a whole.
  • The coarse filter is damaged and the pump gets dirt and sand. Urgent filter replacement and pump rinsing are required.
  • The coarse filter is clogged, resulting in a significant reduction in the flow capacity of the pump. It is necessary to wash or replace the filter. In addition, it is necessary to check whether the pipe takes the water too close to the bottom of the well or well - this may be the reason for the increased siltation of the filter.
  • Damage check valve. The water will drain back into the water supply, which will cause a decrease in pressure. This fault is "treated" by replacing the valve.
  • There is a leak in the supply hose or water supply pipes. Repair or replacement is required.
  • Clogging of pipes. Over time, each tube accumulates a sediment that gradually reduces its internal diameter. They must be flushed or replaced.
  • The pressure switch of the pump station is faulty. This may cause sudden pressure surges or complete water cutoff.
  • There may be a voltage drop in the mains. To eliminate this cause, you need to install a voltage regulator in the pump supply circuit.
  • Pressure reduction in the expansion tank 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 fire the air through a special nipple with a car pump - the construction of tanks provides such an operation.
  • In the closed expansion tank, the flexible membrane can fail, which will be immediately apparent from the incorrect pump ON and OFF cycles. If the design of the reservoir allows you to replace the membrane, then this should be done immediately, if the expansion tank is not dismountable type - you will have to change it entirely.

How can I increase the pressure

If all the elements of the system are working, but the working pressure in the water supply system is still not enough for a comfortable life or work of plumbing, you need to understand the reasons for this situation. There can be two of them:

  1. Water in the well or well is not enough for household needs.
  2. The water in the spring is abundant, but the pressure in the aqueduct, however, is low.

If there is too little water in the source

The first situation can arise as a result of various design errors. The main one is that a built source can not supply a private house with sufficient water. Especially it can be manifested in the summer, when the water level in underground sources decreases, and the demand for it increases. As a result, the water supply system is not adequately supplied with water.

There are two ways to solve the problem:

  • Costly: creating an additional source of water used for minor needs, for example, for watering a site. The main water supply remains unchanged.
  • More budgetary: the installation of an additional storage tank, in which water will be accumulated, in order to further compensate for the required water supply.

The size of storage capacity should be chosen based on the amount of water consumed by the house in a day or two. Calculate it is simple:

  • the bath takes 150-300 liters per person;
  • on the shower - 70-120 liters per person;
  • for cooking and washing dishes - up to 50 liters per family.

In order not to worry about the flow of water from the storage tank, its volume is sufficient in 1-1.5 cubic meters. This means that it will store up to 1.5 tons of water, which is enough for a family of 3-4 people without restrictions on their needs.

Install an additional tank better in the attic, if the house is able to withstand its weight. In this case, it is necessary to take care of its insulation, so that in winter the water does not turn into ice. But, even with the power outage, the water from the tank can flow by gravity to all points of analysis and provide minimal sanitary facilities - hygiene and cooking.

The storage tank can be made of any material that is chemically neutral to water - food metal or plastic. The tank is usually equipped with an additional control loop that controls the water level and allows automatic filling at night or during the absence of the owners during the day.

If there is enough water in the source

Note that the pump's power in the well or well does not affect the operating pressure in the water supply system. It is only necessary to create a water reserve in the domestic water supply system.

The pressure in it creates a separate device - an expansion vessel or a hydraulic accumulator.

Therefore, the simple way  increase in pressure is the installation in the network circulating pump. It increases the volume of water entering the points of analysis due to a more intensive "sucking" of it from the accumulator. When opening any tap in the network, a pressure drop occurs, this parameter is registered by the pump sensor and it turns on. As soon as the water is discontinued and the valve closes, the pump switches off. As a result, the pressure in the network increases to the desired value.

A more complicated path is installation expansion tank  larger volume with higher operating pressure. It is more costly, but it simultaneously solves two problems:

  • the pressure in the water supply increases;
  • the water supply increases.

The pressure in the expansion tank is determined by its manufacturer, so when you purchase it, you can immediately understand whether this model is suitable for ensuring that the water supply of the house is at the required level.

In the concept of ordinary residents, the water pipe is associated with a system of pipes hidden in walls or laid along them, and cranes, when turning, water begins to flow. Many ordinary people do not even imagine the complexity of the construction of this complex communication network, which has a number of specific features that affect the state of important technical indicators when operating it. One of the main parameters of the high-quality operation of the system is the pressure of water in the water pipe, on the value of which depends on the efficiency of sanitary equipment and the comfortable conduct of hygienic procedures.

Insufficient pressure, manifested in a weakly flowing trickle of tap water, indicates insufficient pressure in the water supply network. This problem is especially relevant for owners of urban apartments located on the upper floors, as well as for owners country cottages. At a low pressure, washing machines and dishwashers, shower cabins and jacuzzi baths refuse to work. Residents, faced with the problem of insufficient pressure of water, would like to know how to increase the pressure in the water pipe once and for all.

Installation of devices that provide up to the required level, is an effective tool to combat this problem. However, before using modern equipment, you need to make sure that the pipeline is not clogged.

The problem is eliminated in one of two ways:

  • installation of a pumping device that promotes pressure increase;
  • modernization of the water supply system by installing a pumping station and installing a storage tank.

Which way to choose, each apartment owner decides individually, based on the objectives pursued and the amount of water needed to cover all household needs of people living with him.

Owners of country cottages are also important to solve the issue of providing facilities with water for fire fighting. For such structures, there will be sufficient head pressure of at least 1.5 l / s.

Specific features of autonomous water supply

The main feature of the autonomously-operated water supply system operating from a source of water abstraction, independent of central water supply systems, is:

  • the need to lift fluid from a shaft well or from a well;
  • ensuring a good head at the points of water withdrawal located on any floor of the private a country house, and on the site, at its most remote points.

Users of the decentralized water supply network directly depend on the existing pressure, and on the daily flow of water.

In operation private system  two versions of the standard development of the situation are possible, which depend on the productivity (production rate) of the mine well or artesian well:

  • the flow rate of mine wells and artesian wells with low head pressure, as well as non-pressure wells, can not cover the daily water requirement of a family consisting of three or four people. The head drops due to the periodic devastation of the source. How to raise the pressure in the aqueduct in this case? What technical means to use in this case? Questions are not idle for the inhabitants of a country house.
  • the yield of the pressure (artesian) well significantly exceeds the required water flow per day, approximately 500 liters. A pump with a high capacity, under such conditions, can create a maximum permissible pressure level equal to 6 atmospheres. Excessive pressure promotes leakage in connection areas, as well as premature wear of plumbing.

When choosing pumping equipment, it is necessary to pay attention to its productivity, which should most accurately correspond to the flow rate of the well and the planned flow of water. And for the landmark take the daily water flow, characteristic for the summer period, which is the most intense interval for water consumption.


Embedded in the water supply system instruments allow you to monitor the level of water pressure in the pipes

Variants of pressure increase in the water supply system

Pump, the side of which is carried directly into the pipe of the cold water supply system directly at the entrance of the general water main to a separate apartment. The autonomous network can be equipped with additional pumps that increase the pressure, making their installation before the parsing points. The operation of compact pumps is controlled manually or automatically by means of a control system that is used by most models. However, such pumps are suitable only for tenants who are thinking how to increase the pressure in the water pipe to a minimum value of 1.5 atm.

More global problems can be solved by a pumping station equipped with a storage tank, which is necessary in the case of alternating low water pressure in the network with its complete absence in the pipes. A storage tank or a hydraulic accumulator ensures the availability of water reserves covering the daily water demand.

Servicing the pump station is heavier than the pump embedded in the system. She needs more space. The tank needs regular cleaning. Installation of a large accumulator can be done in the basement, on the roof or, in general, buried in the ground.


Pumping station with a storage tank allows to provide a daily water requirement for residents of an apartment or a country house

Professional advice on how to produce, justified by the presence of accurate calculations of the productivity of equipment introduced into the system, can give designers of firms engaged in the development and installation of autonomous communications. Upgrade the network for the finished project can and plumbing from the housing department. In the presence of experience, such work is able to perform and the owner of an apartment or house.