Water supply is a communication system in the form of complex structures of pipes and taps, designed to supply water to consumers. To determine the efficiency of the system, the concept of "water pressure" in the water supply system is used. The correct operation of plumbing fixtures and the comfortable performance of hygiene measures directly depend on this indicator.
The result of low pressure in the system is insufficient pressure, which causes a lot of inconvenience to residents on the upper floors of apartment buildings. This phenomenon makes it difficult to operate dishwashers and washing machines, or even impossible to use the massage shower and jacuzzi.
However, there are several ways to deal with this complicating factor. If the reason for the low pressure is not the usual clogging of the pipes, the water pressure in the water supply can be regulated by installing devices that provide the pressure that is most comfortable for life.
What water pressure in the water supply is considerednorm
To measure the pressure of a liquid in a pipeline, units are used that differ slightly in their values. Despite minor discrepancies, the indicators are equal to one to one.
1 bar equals 1.0197 atm and 10.19 m of water column.
Pumping equipment, providing water supply to a height of 30 m, develops a pressure of 3 bar (3 atmospheres) at the outlet. If 1 bar is required to pump water with a submersible pump from a well or a well 10 m deep, then the remaining 2 bars provide the liquid to rise to the water intake points.
Public and private pipeline pressure
In order to optimize the water pressure in the city water supply, the delivery of liquid from the well should not be taken into account. Water is supplied from a centralized network. However, owners of country cottages with autonomous water supply need to take into account the level of the source, or rather the depth at which pumping equipment will be installed in the mine well. When water passes through a pipeline, it overcomes some resistance, which should also be taken into account when calculating the required pressure.
According to the regulations and GOST, the pressure in urban systems should be 4 atmospheres. However, users of the water supply network connected to centralized stations will not be given accurate information about the water pressure in the water supply. This value can fluctuate in the range of 2.5-7.5 atmospheres.
What to consider when choosing plumbing
Increasing the water pressure in the water supply tomore than 7 atmospheres has a destructive effect on sensitive plumbing fixtures, connecting elements in the pipeline and ceramic valves. Residents of city apartments are advised to purchase equipment for plumbing with a maximum margin of safety. This will help avoid repairs caused by sudden pressure surges in the future.
All installed faucets, faucets, pumps must withstand the pressure of water in the water supply at 6-7 atmospheres. It should be noted that during the annual seasonal inspection, the pressure can reach 10 atmospheres.
Optimal pressure value for normal operation of household appliances
Minimum water pressure in the water supply system of 2 atmospheres is sufficient to perform the following tasks:
- showering;
- wash;
- washing kitchen utensils;
- other hygienic need;
- normal operation of the washing machine.
A pressure of 4 atmospheres allows you to expand the range of tasks, which include taking a massage shower and a jacuzzi, watering a personal plot with green spaces.
In country houses, the pressure should be sufficient for the simultaneous consumption of water by several water intake points. In order not to overshadow the life of family members, the water supply must be equivalent in all plumbing units and be at least 1.5 atmospheres.
Fire fighting plumbing
The water pressure in the fire water supply can be high or low. High pressure fire water supplydesigned to extinguish large industrial, commercial and public buildings. It does not make sense to build a water supply system with a pressure of 2.5 l / s in a suburban area. Owners of cottages should take into account that the minimum value of the water pressure in the fire water supply must be at least 1.5 l / s.
How to measure water pressure
Measurement of water pressure in the water supply is carried out using a manometer. Before installing the device, it is necessary to turn off the cold or hot water, depending on the pressure of which water is to be measured. The place in the system for mounting the device should be convenient and easily accessible. Next, you need a metal pipe 5 cm long. Using a die, you need to make an external thread on the pipe so that it fits the pressure gauge as accurately as possible. In order to cut a hole in the pipe of the desired diameter and attach the prepared pipe section to it, you can use the welding machine.
The pressure gauge is mounted on a metal pipe with a wrench. To solve the problem of leakage at the junction, there are special sealing materials. After the installation of the device is completed, you can proceed to check the pressure in the water supply. To do this, it is necessary to restore the water supply and record the readings on the pressure gauge.
How to lower the water pressure in the water supply
A special reducer is used to stabilize and lower the water pressure. It protects not only the water supply itself from water hammer, but also household appliances connected to it. The small device is housed in a sealedmetal case. The pressure regulator has two threaded pipes located at the inlet and outlet. In some cases, a third pipe for mounting a pressure gauge and a screw for adjusting the water pressure can be placed on it.
The gearbox works on the principle of equalizing the efforts of the diaphragm and the tuning spring. If the tap in the water supply is opened, the output pressure in the device decreases, as a result of which the pressure on the diaphragm also decreases. This increases the force of the spring. It opens the hole until the outlet pressure in the water pipe reaches a certain value. High pressure or its surges do not affect the opening and closing of the valve.
Ways to increase water pressure in the water supply
Most often the problem of low water pressure in the system is encountered:
- owners of apartments in high-rise buildings located on the upper floors;
- owners of suburban areas in the summer, when water consumption increases significantly.
Before proceeding with the installation of equipment that provides increased water pressure in the water supply, residents of city apartments should find out the cause of the problem. Weak pressure may be due to clogging of the pipeline with small objects or lime deposits. As a result, the diameter of the pipes is reduced, and water enters in a smaller volume. Only a complete replacement of all pipes will solve this problem.
If the cause of low pressure lies elsewhere, you can stabilize the water supply in the following ways:
- installing a circulation pump that increases pressure by sucking more water out of the pipes;
- installation of a pumping station with a hydraulic accumulator;
- autonomous water supply network.
Choosing the right option depends on several factors:
- water is supplied regularly, but the pressure is insufficient for normal life and the operation of household appliances - the circulation pump will help increase the pressure;
- water does not reach the upper floors of the house - a pumping station will do.
Classification of circulation pumps
There are several modes of pump operation:
- Manual - the operation of the equipment is carried out in a continuous mode. However, in order to avoid overheating or failure, the pump should be turned off in time.
- Automatic - equipped with a flow sensor. When the water is turned off, the pump is automatically activated, making it more economical and durable.
By functionality, pumps are divided into classes:
- universal - installation possible for hot and cold water supply;
- only for cold or hot water.
The advantages of pumping equipment are low cost and compact size. However, it is worth remembering that pumps increase pressure by 30%. Their installation justifies itself if the water pressure in the water supply system, the norms of which are at least 1.5 atmospheres, is equivalent at all water intake points.
Self-priming pumping stations
The water pressure in the water supply can be increased by installing a pumping station. As a rule, it consists of the following elements:
- centrifugal pump to increase water pressure;
- hydraulic accumulator for 1-3 cubic meters;
- pressure switch - controls the entire system.
When the water supply is normal, the appliance will not activate. If there is water pressure in the water supply, the norms of which are very different from those set, the pump will automatically turn on. Usually the accumulator is filled at night, with a higher pressure in the system. The larger the capacity for the accumulation of liquid, the less often the device will turn on and the longer its service life. This system maintains a pressure level of 3-4 atmospheres.
Before installing the pumping station, remember that this equipment requires a large installation space. The tank is subject to regular cleaning (at least 1 time within 2 days). You can mount the accumulator on the roof, in the basement or in the ground.
Features of non-centralized water pipes
The specificity of autonomous water supply systems is the need to raise water from wells or mine wells, as well as to ensure good pressure at all water intake points of the house and remote points on the plot. The work of a decentralized water supply network depends not only on the pressure of water, but also on its flow.
Efficiency of pumping equipment should correspond as much as possible to the planned volume of water consumption and flow ratemine well. For calculation, it is better to take indicators of water consumption in the summer, when they reach their maximum value.
