In the minds of ordinary residents, water supply is associated with a system of pipes hidden in the walls or laid along them, and taps, when turned, water begins to flow. Many ordinary people do not even imagine the complexity of the design of this complex communication network, which has a number of specific features that affect the state of important technical indicators during its operation. One of the main parameters of the high-quality operation of the system is the water pressure in the water supply system, the value of which determines the performance of plumbing equipment and the comfortable performance of hygiene procedures.
Insufficient pressure, manifested in a weak stream of water from the tap, indicates insufficient pressure in the water supply network. Particularly relevant this problem for owners of city apartments located on the upper floors, as well as for owners country cottages. If the pressure is low, washing and washing machines refuse to work. dishwashers, showers and Jacuzzi baths. Residents who are faced with the problem of insufficient water pressure would like to know how to increase the pressure in the water supply once and for all.
Installation of devices that provide up to the required level is effective means combat this problem. True, before using modern equipment, you need to make sure that the pipeline is not clogged.
The problem can be resolved in one of two ways:
- installation of a pumping apparatus that increases pressure;
- modernization of the water supply system by installing a pumping station and installing a storage tank.
Each apartment owner decides which method to choose individually, based on the goals pursued and the volume of water required to cover all the household needs of the people living with him.
Autonomous water supply system country house with a pumping station providing sufficient water pressure in the pipes
What is the normal pressure in the water supply?
The unit of measurement for pressure in a water supply network is considered to be 1 bar or 1 atmosphere, which due to minor differences are equated to each other.
One bar is equal to 1.0197 atmospheres (technical parameter) or approximately 10 m of water column. The pressure in city water supply networks is regulated by the requirements of building codes and regulations, currently amounting to 4 atmospheres. You can understand what pressure actually exists in the water supply only by measuring instruments, which are installed to account for water consumption. According to their testimony, the pressure in the water supply can range from 2.5-7.5 atmospheres.
Pump insertion into water pipe to increase the water pressure level to the optimal value
When a pressure level of 6-7 atmospheres is reached, malfunctions in the operation of ultra-sensitive plumbing, as well as damage to ceramic valves and connections in the pipeline, are possible. Therefore, when purchasing equipment for subsequent connection to the city water supply network, it is necessary to choose models with a safety margin that allows the devices to withstand water hammer, that is, sudden pressure surges. Installed mixers, taps, pumps, pipes must withstand a pressure of 6 atmospheres, and during the annual pressure testing of the system - 10 atmospheres.
At what values do household appliances operate?
When purchasing equipment, you need to ask what water pressure in the water supply will be sufficient for its normal operation. When water enters under pressure of 2 atmospheres, normal operation of the automatic washing machine, but for a Jacuzzi bath this will not be enough, since this plumbing requires a pressure of 4 atmospheres. With the same indicators, the equipment used for irrigation will work correctly personal plot with all the plantings.
It is important to note that in a private house it is necessary to ensure such water pressure that it is possible to turn on several water consumption points at the same time without any problems. This is ensured at a minimum pressure of 1.5 bar.
It is also important for owners of country cottages to resolve the issue of providing their facilities with water for organizing fire extinguishing. For such buildings, a pressure of at least 1.5 l/s will be sufficient.
Specific features of an autonomous water supply system
The main feature of an autonomously operated water supply system, operating from a water intake source independent of central systems water supply is:
- the need to lift liquid from a mine well or from a well;
- ensuring good pressure at water collection points located on any floor of a private country house, and on the site, at its most remote points.
Users of a decentralized water supply network directly depend on both the existing pressure and daily water consumption.
During operation private system water supply there are two possible options for the standard development of the situation, which depend on the productivity (flow rate) of a mine well or artesian well:
- flow rate of mine wells and artesian wells having weak pressure, as well as free-flow wells is not capable of covering daily requirement in the water of a family consisting of three to four people. The pressure drops due to periodic emptying of the source. How to increase the pressure in the water supply in this case? Which technical means involve in this? Questions are not idle for residents of a country house.
- the flow rate of the pressure (artesian) well significantly exceeds the required water consumption per day, approximately 500 liters. A high-performance pump under such conditions can create a maximum permissible pressure level of 6 atmospheres. Excessive pressure contributes to the occurrence of leaks at joints, as well as premature wear of plumbing fixtures.
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 water flow. Moreover, as a guide, take the daily water flow characteristic of summer period, which is the busiest interval for water consumption.
Devices built into the water supply system allow you to control the level of water pressure in the pipes
Options for increasing pressure in the water supply
A pump, which is inserted directly into the pipe of the cold water supply system directly at the entrance of the public water supply to a separate apartment. The autonomous network can be equipped with additional pumps that increase pressure by installing them in front of the disassembly points. The operation of compact pumps is controlled manually or automatically using a control system, which is equipped with most models. However, such pumps are suitable only for those residents who are thinking about how to increase the pressure in the water supply to a minimum value of 1.5 atm.
More global problems can be solved by a pumping station equipped storage capacity, which is necessary in case of alternation low pressure water in the network with its complete absence in the pipes. A storage tank or hydraulic accumulator ensures the availability of water reserves that cover the daily water requirement.
Servicing a pumping station is more difficult than a pump embedded in the system. She needs more space. The tank needs regular cleaning. Installation of a large hydraulic accumulator can be done in the basement, on the roof, or, generally, buried in the ground.
Pumping station with storage tank allows you to meet the daily water needs of residents of an apartment or country house
Professional advice on how to produce, justified by the availability of accurate calculations of the performance of the equipment being implemented into the system, can be provided by designers from companies involved in the development and installation of autonomous communications. Modernize the network by finished project plumbers from housing departments can do it too. If you have experience, the owner of an apartment or house can perform similar work.
In the process of arranging water supply, one of the most important issues is calculating the water pressure in the water supply system. Often, it is precisely because of its shortage that certain difficulties arise in the functioning of household appliances.
In order to avoid troubles, you will need to carefully study the pressure standards in the water supply system. apartment building, and also become familiar with methods for increasing pressure in pipes.
There are no strict standards regarding what pressure should be in the water supply system. The GOST standard predetermines that the acceptable value of this indicator should vary within 4 atmospheres.
At the same time, the standards are adjusted depending on certain conditions (region, number of floors of residential premises, etc.). The range of permissible values is from 2 to 7 atmospheres, as well as up to 10 during the pressure testing period.
Measuring units, as well as instruments for measuring them, must be given Special attention. Modern technology is very sensitive to what pressure will be in the water supply system. If it deviates from the norm, the household unit may not turn on or may fail.
- Bar or atmosphere: 1 bar = 1.0197 atm. This pressure measurement indicator is most often used in everyday life;
- Experts calculate this figure in meters of water column: 1 bar = 10.19 m. Art.
Accurate indicators in accordance with regulatory documentation
SNiP specifies the most acceptable indicator of water pressure in a residential area: more than 6 atmospheres.
That is, if a person lives on the 22nd floor, in this case the water pressure at the moment of entering the apartment will be about 9.4 atm. However, with the direct entrance of the water supply into the apartment, this indicator should drop to 6 atm.
In addition, regulatory documentation stipulates water standards for each individual type of plumbing:
- For sinks and toilets – 0.2 atm.;
- For bath and shower – 0.30 atm.
Important! Maximum feed rate hot water V work area household plumbing should be no more than 4.5 atm.
What pressure indicator will ensure adequate water consumption?
Water pressure with an indicator of 2 atm. will be enough to:
- Wash or shower;
- To wash the dishes;
- Ensure stable operation of household appliances;
- For other needs.
The pressure in the system is 4 atm. necessary for:
- Use of a massage shower or jacuzzi;
- Watering the soil in a country house.
Note that in private houses the pressure must be such as to ensure the simultaneous use of water by several channels. In each channel, the minimum pressure value must correspond to 1.5 atm.
Important! Please note that the increase in pressure in the water supply system is up to 6 atm. can lead to rapid wear or breakdown of plumbing equipment. Therefore, when purchasing plumbing equipment to connect it to the city water supply system, it is recommended to choose devices that have a safety margin with the expectation of all kinds of surges in water pressure in the system.
How to increase pressure
There really is effective methods increasing the pressure level in the water supply system:
- Direct installation of the pump in general scheme. The pump is designed to force a high level of water circulation. If a heating boiler is installed in the house, then pumps can be installed in the cold water supply system. This equipment can operate not only manually, but also automatically. Automatic installation has the ability to control the process of turning the equipment on and off. The use of such pumps can raise the pressure level to a minimum level of 1.5 atm. units;
- Pumping stations. The use of this type of equipment is permissible in cases where there is a need to further increase the pressure level. As a rule, pumping units include special tanks that accumulate considerable volumes of water. When water is not being used, the installation pumps water into storage tanks. Similar pumping stations operate automatically.
- Using a pump with a tank. This method consists in installing the container in the system at the highest point. This creates additional pressure.
Description of characteristics of pumping units
Pumps are divided based on the mode in which they operate:
- Manual operating mode. Ensures the operation of equipment in continuous mode. This installation must be periodically monitored and turned off in time, since in the future this will prevent overheating and equipment breakdown.
- Auto mode. This type of pump to increase the water supply level is controlled by a special sensor. Immediately at the moment the water is turned on, the installation begins to function. Of course, the automatic mode is better than the manual one, since in the first case the equipment is reliably protected from operation when there is no water.
In addition to all this, settings are grouped as:
- Universal, which are used for hot and cold water supply;
- Specialized, which are used only for cold or hot water.
Pumping units are characterized by the following features:
- The compactness of their dimensions - they can be installed in rooms with a small area;
- Relatively low market prices.
Important! It is worth noting that this type equipment increases water pressure by no more than 30% of the total level. As a rule, installing pumps is very profitable provided that the current water flow pressure is about 1.5 bar.
Features of the functioning of pumping stations
Self-priming pumping unit comprises:
- Centrifugal unit providing increased pressure;
- Hydraulic accumulator (1-3 m 3);
- A special relay that provides system control.
If the pressure in the water supply of the house is normal, then the installation will not be activated - the relay will automatically activate it when the pressure changes below the permissible standard. The tank is filled at night, since at this time the water pressure in the water supply system of the house is much higher.
Such an installation requires more complex Maintenance rather than a pump that is mounted directly into the water supply:
- The need for more space to install equipment;
- The need for constant cleaning of the tank, since it is not recommended to allow the water to stagnate for more than 2 days.
Detailed calculations of the productivity of such installations must be obtained from the company that directly provides installation of the equipment. The modernization of the system according to the developed project is carried out by housing office employees or directly by the owner of the property, provided that he has the appropriate skills and experience.
The efficiency of the water supply system is determined by the water pressure in the water supply. There is pressure and pressure - the system works, if not - it does not work or does not work efficiently. And the latter most likely will not suit even the most picky homeowner.
Therefore, in this article we will consider the amount of pressure in the water supply system - for the normal operation of household appliances, minimum and maximum, and ways to increase or decrease the pressure in the system, and related issues. We hope that this information will help you in disputes with utility companies or in attempts to optimize the operation of your water supply on your own.
Unit " water pressure" - 1 bar. It is equal to approximately one atmosphere (more precisely 1.0197 atmospheres, but this is not significant). This pressure corresponds to the scales of a water column 10 meters high.
In an urban network, a 40-meter column of water, or 4 bars, in the generally accepted measurement system, “presses” on the inner walls of the pipeline.
This pressure is quite enough to serve consumers even on the top floor of a high-rise building. But, unfortunately, pressure does not relate to the stable characteristics of the water supply system. And normal water pressure in the water supply - 4 bar - is not so common. Since in standard system the pressure ranges from 2.5 to 7.5 bar, with peak readings reaching up to 10 bar.
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Moreover, an increase in pressure in the water supply, in most cases, leads to failures in the water supply system. Moreover, some devices (ceramic valves, threaded couplings, etc.) experience difficulties at a pressure of 6.5 bar. And 10 atmospheres can only withstand welded joints and special fittings (industrial type, with tapered threads or press sleeve).
However, insufficient pressure leads to no less difficulties and malfunctions in the operation of the water pipeline. After all, some household and plumbing appliances “start” only at a certain pressure at the inlet pipe. For example, a jacuzzi can be “started” at a pressure of 4 bar, and an automatic washing machine starts at a pressure of at least 2 bar. And even a shower can only be used if the pressure in the system is at least 1.5 bar.
That is why the generally accepted optimal pressure in domestic water supply systems is 4 bar. With such a “load” there is virtually no risk of destruction of fittings and shut-off and control valves. And, at the same time, 4 bar is quite enough to “start” the most fastidious household appliances and plumbing equipment.
Maximum and minimum water pressure in an autonomous water supply system
An autonomous water supply does not operate according to general standards, but at the behest of its owner. In such a system, you can set any pressure - from the trivial one atmosphere, when water flows through the pipes almost by gravity, to four, or even six bar, necessary for automatic watering remote lawn.
And what pressure in the water supply will be optimal, in in this case, the owner of the house decides, who will pay for the repair of fittings and shut-off and control valves or suffer from the inability to take a bath while the automatic watering system is running.
Therefore, most country households are equipped with autonomous systems with a pressure of 1.5 liters/second. And the minimum pressure in a “private” water supply cannot be less than 1.5 bar. Otherwise, the homeowner will not be able to use two plumbing fixtures at the same time.
Well, the maximum pressure in an autonomous system depends on two factors - the debit of the source (well or well) and the performance of the pump. If the source can generate more than 0.5 m3 of water per day, and the pump pumps this entire volume with a sufficiently high pressure (more than 1.5 liters per second), then the system pressure can be raised to a critical 6 bar.
But in most cases, owners of autonomous wells are not concerned with limiting the pressure, but with the question: “How to increase the pressure in the water supply?” After all, only artesian wells have a significant debit, and even then not all. And most of the sources in our areas are of the low-pressure or even non-pressure type. And the flow rate of such wells is barely enough for a family of 3-4 people.
Therefore, most owners of autonomous water supply sources are familiar with the problem of insufficient pressure in the system firsthand. And further in the text we will look at ways to solve this problem.
How to increase the pressure in the water supply?
Technically, increasing the pressure in the water supply system is realized by integrating a storage tank into the system or installing it in a water pipeline injection pump. Moreover, both options promise various advantages and show some non-deliveries. Therefore, further we will consider these methods of increasing pressure in the water supply separately from each other.
Increasing pressure using a pump
This method of increasing pressure is suitable for apartments equipped with a central water supply, and for private houses “powered” by an autonomous well.
Moreover, in autonomous system an additional pump is installed in the system only if the main pressure source cannot provide acceptable pressure. That is, when the well is located far from the house or when the power of the main pump is not enough to supply water to the second floor.
Typically, the second pump is installed at the entrance to the home wiring - in front of the main manifold or the first tee (cross). Moreover, you need to understand that a noticeable vacuum is created behind the pump, and the unit itself pumps water highly saturated with air. Therefore, a vibration unit is usually used as a pump, which is insensitive to the high air content in the pumped medium.
True, good manners do not approve of the practice of using pumps in apartment buildings. Indeed, in this case, the owner of the “pumped” water supply is simply harming his neighbors.
Pressure boosting with storage tank station
A station with a storage tank operates on a slightly different principle. The pump pumps liquid into the storage part (tank or accumulator) of the unit. Moreover, the drive operates under a constant pressure of 1.5-2 bar. That is, water is pumped into the tank until the desired 1.5-2 bar appears at the outlet (in the case of a battery, the pressure can be much higher). After which the pump is turned off.
Considering that most cases of organizing water supply in a house or apartment involve the use plastic pipes, the causes of problems arising in the system may be either salt deposits or high blood pressure water in the water supply system. Both problems can cause the entire structure to fail.
The technical passport, which is required when purchasing pipes, must contain information about the recommended pressure in the system, which the purchased products are guaranteed to withstand.
Water pressure - features
When carrying out work on installing a water supply system or entrusting this work to professionals, you should make sure of the experience of this company, having previously found out the rating of this organization and customer reviews.
An indicator of primary importance is the value of the operating pressure in the pipeline. This parameter depends on several indicators, including the material from which the pipes are made and the type of pipeline.
In one or another part of the system, the pressure may deviate from the average. When monitoring the work performed, you should pay attention to the compliance of the working pressure with the requirements.
Planning independent work on organizing water supply in the house should be accompanied by familiarization with all the requirements for such systems. Proper installation will ensure that these conditions are met at the proper level.
Expansion tanks and hydraulic accumulators
As a rule, arrangement suburban area or a private house provides for the presence of water systems other than water supply.
These include a fire extinguishing system and hot water supply, as well as a wastewater filtration system. It is also possible to install an irrigation system and a heating system.
Water supply, fire extinguishing and filtration systems include a hydraulic accumulator. Other systems must be equipped with expansion tanks. In addition, a necessary measure is the installation of expansion tanks at the stage of drawing hot water from the tank heating system. Such measures will create fluid compensation in the event of a water hammer.
The purpose of the expansion tank when organizing the supply of hot water is to protect the heater from high pressure. Hydraulic accumulators serve to form a fluid reserve in the fire safety system.
Water supply to houses, as a rule, provides for pressure in the reservoir, ensuring water transportation over 60 m. This rise provides a pressure of 6 bar.
To ensure a safe level of pressure in the heating system, an expansion tank is used. This is due to the constant increase in the volume of water with changes in temperature that occur as a result of its movement through the system. Compensation for this pressure is necessary to prevent destruction or damage to the pipeline.
Recommended to use Only closed tanks. This type of device will make the system more controllable than with the participation of a tank open type allowing liquid evaporation and system operation at low pressure.
In addition, the closed design saves the pipes from corrosion. Another advantage of a closed tank is the ability to install it in a place where it is convenient for the consumer, and not just at the top of the system.
Hydraulic accumulators are necessary to form a water reserve with the possibility of releasing it into the water supply system. Similar to expansion tanks, they have open and closed forms.
The negative features characteristic of compensation products are true for hydraulic accumulators. The main function of this unit is to prevent water hammer, which can cause irreparable damage to the system.
Causes of water hammer
- loss of power to the pump motor due to emergency situations;
- sudden opening and closing of valves at water intake points.
Such actions lead to a significant increase in load that is not typical for the system, which it may not be able to bear. It is recommended to equip places for liquid collection with tanks with a capacity of 0.2 liters.
The membrane cylinder located in the tank is filled with air space. The flow of liquid into the device stimulates a decrease in the volume of air in the cylinder and an increase in pressure inside. When the pressure increases, a relay is triggered, responding to changes in pressure itself and turning off the pump.
Further withdrawal of liquid from the reservoir stimulates normalization of pressure and the relay sends a signal to start the pump. A decrease in pressure inside the system, which may occur due to depressurization of the structure, will also cause the compressor to shut down.
Based on an understanding of the principle of operation of a hydraulic accumulator, it is clear that the correct choice of its volume affects the number of times the membrane relay operates, and therefore its service life.
For a water supply system with three water distribution points, a hydraulic accumulator with a volume of 24 liters is acceptable, and a larger number of points requires a capacity of 50 liters. Sometimes a large number of devices requires individual calculation of the tank capacity.
Pressure in the water supply system
The pressure maintained in the cylinder by the membranes is designed to ensure the delivery of water to the highest point of the premises' plumbing system.
For example, to lift water to a height of 10 meters, the system must be provided with a pressure of 1 bar. Pump starting is ensured by a pressure exceeding the minimum by 0.2 bar. In this example it will be 1.2 bar.
Delivery of water to the highest point of the structure requires a pressure of 0.5 bar more than the minimum. Given the example data, it will be 1.5 bar.
Calculating the maximum pressure value is a rather labor-intensive process. This indicator depends on the characteristics and parameters of the pump itself, the resistance of the system, and possible changes in voltage in the network.
Given the complexity of such a calculation, in non-industrial systems they take the value of the maximum pressure obtained by adding the results of the pressure required to start the pump and the indicator required to deliver water to the highest point of the system. For this example this will be a value equal to the sum of 1.2 bar and 1.5 bar, that is, 2.7 bar.
Based on the value of the maximum pressure, you need to select the pump itself. It is recommended that the pressure of this product be 30% greater than the maximum water pressure.
The performance of system elements should be checked at least once a year. First of all, such a check is aimed at identifying leaks.
Having eliminated them, you should check the pressure on the lower accumulator, which should correspond to the minimum value. Pressure deviations downwards of more than 10% should be eliminated using a compressor.
One way or another, every resident of a high-rise building is faced with such a problem as non-compliance with current standards for water pressure in the water supply in the apartment.
The essence of the problem is that water from the tap flows very slowly, and a person has to spend a lot of time to perform the most common hygiene procedures. Today we will tell you about the standards regarding serving hot and cold water are currently in force and what measures should a citizen take in this case to protect his rights as a consumer.
This information is not secret, and it can be found on the Internet quite easily. If the user does not have access to the network, then you can contact the management company and get necessary information there.
Knowledge accurate indicators The pressure that must be present when water enters a living space is required to perform the following actions:
- preventing problems associated with breakdowns various connections, couplings, valves that make up the equipment;
- eliminating possible breakdowns of plumbing fixtures;
- determining the cause of disturbances in the operation of the system and reducing water pressure;
- for connecting new equipment and plumbing with more high level water consumption
In case of violation of standards installed equipment will quickly become unusable, an emergency situation will arise, and consumers will not be able to receive water in the required volume.
Provisions governing water supply rationing
The main document responsible for compliance with the norms for water supply to apartments is SNiP 2.04.2-84. According to the regulations, projects for future systems are being developed and pressure indicators that should be present in each apartment are subsequently determined.
For example, on the 1st floor the pressure should be 1 atmospheric unit (bar). That is, for an area of 1 sq. meter will exert a pressure of a column of water of 10 m. The indicators in an apartment building and in a private house are somewhat different. In the first case, for each new floor the inlet pressure increases by 4 m, or 0.4 bar. As an example, let's perform a simple pressure calculation for a 9-story building:
10 + (4*9) =46 meters, or 4.6 bar; for comparison, we give the calculation for a 3-story building: 10 + (4*3) =22 meters, or 2.2 bar, which is half as much.
The obtained indicators are the minimum values of water pressure on the first floors of each building. For private houses, things are somewhat different, since such buildings usually do not exceed two floors. For this reason, the minimum value in them is 2 atmospheres.
Exact indicators at which household appliances will operate
If we are guided by the above SNiP, then the pressure standards in the MKD will be as follows:
If the standards are violated, citizens living in the premises have the right to file a complaint with the Criminal Code to recalculate funds. An important point is also the fact that plumbing equipment can function normally only at a certain pressure in the pipes. Each device requires its own indicator, namely:
| Name of equipment | Indicators, bar |
| Washbasin + mixer tap | 0,2 |
| Bath + mixer | 0,3 |
| Shower cabin | 0,3 |
| Toilet + cistern | 0,2 |
| Bidet | 0,3 |
| Jacuzzi and hydromassage device | 4 |
| Washing machine | 2 |
| Dishwasher | 1,5 |
| Boiler | 1,5-2,5 |
| Irrigation system in a private house | 3,5 |
In other words, in order for all the equipment installed in the apartment to function normally, the pressure in the pipes must be at least 2 atmospheric units. Optimal indicator The mark is considered to be 4 bars.
Ways to find out the pressure in the water supply and identify the culprit of the violation
You can measure the pressure in the system using a household device connected to a water source - a pressure gauge. For example, by connecting the device to a mixer, you can easily get the current reading and compare it with the current norm. If the indicator does not correspond, then this indicates two possible options: the water supply pressure from the common system or the faucet is clogged and needs to be cleaned.
If there is no pressure gauge, then you can use the old proven method - a transparent hose. For normal operation, there is sufficient pressure at which a 3-liter jar will be filled through the hose within 7 seconds.
When the problem is a simple blockage, it is enough to eliminate it so that the normal flow of water resumes, but it also happens that low pressure is the fault of the management company, which does not monitor the quality of the pump or the condition of the pipes and risers in the house. In the latter case, you will have to file a complaint with the management company, and if the problem is not corrected, then with the prosecutor’s office and the court.
Conclusion
Water is supplied to apartments strictly in accordance with current standards. Violation of indicators is a failure to respect the rights and interests of residents by management company. If such a problem is identified, the injured citizen has the right to file a complaint first with the service company, and if there is no response from it, with the court and the prosecutor's office.
