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pressure in cold water. How to determine the pressure in the water supply and increase it if it has fallen

Residents of high-rise buildings have repeatedly encountered a situation where a frail trickle of water flows from an open tap.

This is due to a lack of pressure in the pipeline.

What is the water pressure in the tap apartment building should it be that, regardless of the number of open taps, the use of the blessings of civilization should be comfortable for each of its inhabitants?

  • 1 Norm of pressure of the water supply network
  • 2 Exact numbers according to regulatory documents
  • 3 What pressure is enough for full consumption?
    • 3.1 Some features of autonomous water pipelines
  • 4 How to increase the water pressure in the water supply
  • 5 Pump classification
  • 6 Pump for water pressure in the water supply
  • 7 How to reduce water pressure in the water supply
  • 8 How to find out the pressure
  • 9 Related videos

Norm of pressure of the water supply network

The drinking water supply system (this is how the builders call our water supply network that delivers water to the apartment) is designed based on the requirements of SNiP 2.04.02-84.

It says: for different points of the network, its own standard pressure level is assigned.

The pressure in the water supply of the upper floors depends on the level at which the pressure in the network is maintained at the entrance to the house.

This parameter depends on the number of floors. If the building is one-story, then at the inlet the water pressure in the network must be at least 10 mV. Art. or 1.0197 atm. This means that the pressure in the pipe is enough to raise the water to a height of 10 meters. In multi-storey buildings, for each subsequent floor, another 4 m2 should be added. Art. For example, in a 5-storey building, the water pressure at the entrance to the building should be 10 + 4x4 = 26 mV. Art. If the resulting figure is converted to atmospheres, the result will be as follows:

(26:10) x 1.0197 = 2.65 atm

However, the above figure is not a boundary, but a calculated one. According to the standards in force in Russia, the pressure at the inlet to the house is 4 atm, which is considered normal for a centralized water supply system. (approximately 40 m w. Art.).

Insufficient pressure in the tap is a situation that many have encountered. If this happens often, you need to correct the situation. Water pressure booster station - indispensable assistant for your comfort.

You can find a manual for making a check valve with your own hands here.

A bailer is a simple and very useful device for cleaning a well. Here http://aquacomm.ru/cancliz/mnogokvartirnyie-doma/santehnika/obratnyj-klapan-svoimi-rukami.html you will find instructions for making it yourself, and also learn how to punch a well with this tool.

Accurate figures according to regulatory documents

SNiP 2.04.02-84 stipulates the maximum allowable free water pressure at the entrance to the apartment: it should not be higher than 6 atm.

That is, if you live in a 22-storey building, the pressure at the input to it will be at least 9.4 atm, but when the pipeline enters the apartment, this parameter should be reduced to 6 atm.

Moreover, there are standards for the free pressure of water for each type of plumbing fixtures:

  • 0.2 atm - for a washbasin with a mixer, a toilet bowl with a flush cistern;
  • 0.3 atm - for baths and showers with a mixer.

Max pressure hot water in the area of ​​plumbing fixtures should not exceed 4.5 atm.

The above values ​​are valid not only for a centralized water supply network, but also for autonomous water supply.

What pressure is enough for full consumption?

Most residents apartment buildings use water in a very predictable way. They shower periodically, wash dishes daily, wash their face and turn on the washing machine several times a week. To ensure these manipulations, it is enough to have a head (pressure) of 2 atm in the water supply system. If a massage shower or jacuzzi is installed in the bathroom, they will only work at a pressure of at least 4 atm.

unnecessarily high pressure in the network leads to rapid wear or irreversible destruction of ceramic mixers and sanitary equipment.

Some features of autonomous water pipelines

The source of autonomous water supply is a well or a well.

In both cases, water is supplied to the pipeline through pumps. It is this unit that creates the pressure in the pipes necessary to deliver water to consumers - taps, washing machines or dishwashers, etc.

However, not only its power and performance affect the level of free pressure in the water supply. The debit of the well plays an important role in this matter.

If there is not enough water in the source, the pump will not be able to provide the necessary pressure in the network immediately after it is turned on. In the case of an excess amount of water in the well, there is a risk of a significant increase in pressure, which can lead to various kinds of accidents - leaks, failure of taps, etc.

In the first case, the homeowner has to take measures to increase the water pressure in the water supply, in the second - to choose the right pump performance so that it plays the role of a kind of limiter.

How to increase the water pressure in the water supply

A decrease in pressure in the pipeline can occur for several reasons:

  1. Gusts on the city highway. Network engineering in most cities they are of a very respectable age, so water leakage on the way to the consumer is not uncommon. The owner of the apartment cannot eliminate this reason, so it remains to rely on the city authorities.
  2. "Overgrown" pipes of the house water supply. In old houses, on the inner surface of the pipes is deposited great amount precipitation, as a result of which their throughput is significantly reduced. It is easy to fix this problem: you just need to replace the risers and wiring inside the apartment.

What should be done if plumbing system not able to provide a normal level of free pressure? There is only one way out in this case - to install pumping equipment in the apartment.

Water pressure booster pump

The pumping station used by the owners of private houses is hardly suitable here:

  • Firstly, it is not allowed to install such equipment on a centralized water supply system without special approvals. And the neighbors are unlikely to agree to this - they will definitely remain completely without water.
  • Secondly, pumping stations belong to large-sized equipment, and it is very problematic to install them in an apartment. And if we add to this the strapping, it becomes clear that such a unit is not suitable for an average apartment.

But not everything is so gloomy - manufacturers pumping equipment They produce booster pumps designed specifically for an “apartment” installation.

Pump classification

Pumps that increase the pressure of water in the water supply system, designed for use in an apartment, are a small device installed at the inlet of the pipeline to the apartment. Almost all pumps can operate in two modes:

  • manual;
  • automatic.

Automated pumps to increase the pressure turn on independently when any of the existing taps in the apartment is opened. The flow sensor provides this function. It is triggered by the movement of water in the plumbing. Pumps equipped with these sensors are protected from burnout when running dry.

Automated booster pump

Booster pumps according to the principle of operation of the cooling system are classified as follows:

  • With a dry rotor: an impeller is mounted on the rotor, which pumps air onto the motor housing. The efficiency of such models is high, but their work is accompanied by noise.
  • Wet Rotor: Water flows through the pump, cooling the motor. The main advantage of such pumps is their silent operation.

Some booster models centrifugal pumps Designed for hot or cold water only.

Pump for water pressure in the water supply

The most popular brand pumps among apartment owners are:

  • Comfort: efficient and economical devices. Pumps of this brand are classified as universal - they can be installed on hot and cold water. The body of the product is made of of stainless steel. There are seven modifications that differ from each other in the design head (from 8 to 10 m) and throughput (nominal - from 8 to 12 l / min, maximum - from 20 to 30 l / min);
  • WILO: European-class domestic pumps, excellent quality, are universal. Vilo pumps are equipped with a flow sensor, the motor cooling system is a “wet rotor”. They are designed for a maximum head of 9 to 20 m and throughput 2.4 to 35 l/min (depending on model);

The UNIPUMP also received good reviews. Differs in small assembly length that provides convenience of its installation.

How to reduce the water pressure in the plumbing

Too high pressure in the pipeline can lead to the destruction of pipes and the failure of household appliances.

Everyone knows the terrible word "water hammer", as a result of which taps begin to drip, fistulas appear on the pipe, etc.

You can protect the intra-apartment water supply network from such troubles with the help of small device- water pressure reducer.

Household appliances are set to an inlet pressure of not more than 60 bar. At the outlet, the reducer can maintain a pressure of 0.5 to 6 bar.

The water pressure regulator in the water supply system can be installed at the water supply inlet to the apartment or in front of household appliances- boiler washing machine and other devices that do not tolerate high pressure.

How to know the pressure

A water pipeline is a complex communication network in the form of a system of pipes and taps designed to supply water to consumers. To assess the quality of this system, a parameter called "water pressure" is used, the value of which has direct influence for the correct operation of plumbing equipment and comfortable hygiene procedures. The consequence of low water pressure in the water supply network is insufficient pressure, characterized by a thin stream of water flowing from the tap.

Low water pressure precludes the use of massage showers and hot tubs at home, making it difficult or impossible to operate a washing machine or dishwasher.

What water pressure is considered normal

Water pressure in a water supply network is measured in atmospheres or bars.

1 bar is equal to 10.19 meters of water or 1.0197 atmospheres. A pump that supplies water to a height of thirty meters develops a pressure of 3 atmospheres or 3 bar at the outlet. If 1 bar is needed for a 10 m depth, then 2 bar (20 m of water column) will be left to deliver water to water consumption points.

According to GOST standards in a centralized urban water supply network, a pressure of 4 atmospheres is considered normal. In reality, it can fluctuate within 2.5-7 atmospheres, and during periods of seasonal testing plumbing work, jumps can reach 10 atmospheres.

What pressure is enough for full consumption?

A pressure of 2 atmospheres is sufficient for:

  • taking a shower,
  • washing,
  • washing dishes
  • other daily needs
  • normal operation of the washing machine

Water consumption table

A minimum pressure of 4 atm is required:

  • to use the jacuzzi or massage shower
  • watering the countryside

In country cottages, the pressure should ensure the simultaneous consumption of water by several points, so that it is possible to take a shower, wash dishes and water the flower bed in the yard at the same time. Therefore, at each of the points, the pressure should be at least 1.5 atm.

Important! An increase in pressure in the water supply system above 6 bar leads to rapid wear and destruction of sensitive plumbing equipment and ceramic valves.

When buying plumbing that is connected to the city water supply network, it is recommended to choose equipment that has a certain margin of safety, designed for possible sudden pressure surges and water hammer.

How to increase water pressure

The problem of insufficient water pressure is most often encountered:

  • residents of city apartments on the upper floors of multi-storey buildings;
  • owners, when water analysis increases significantly.

Owners of city apartments, before deciding to purchase equipment to increase water pressure, need to find out the cause of the problem. Insufficient pressure may be associated with clogging of pipes with mechanical particles and lime deposits, as a result of which the diameter of the pipes decreased over time. In this case, only will help.

If the problem is not related to clogged pipes, it is possible to stabilize the water pressure in the following ways:

  1. Purchase and install a circulation pump that increases pressure and helps draw more water out of the pipes;
  2. with hydraulic accumulator;
  3. Equip autonomous system water supply.

Water pressure booster pump

For selection desired option specify the problem:

  • there is always water, but the pressure is not enough for comfortable consumption and operation of household appliances;
  • There is water only on the lower floors of the building, but not on the upper ones.

In the first case, when the pressure, although weak, is constantly available, the circulation pump will help to strengthen it. This device, small in size and power, cuts into the existing plumbing system directly in front of water consumption points.

Classification of pumps that increase the pressure in the water supply

Pumps are divided into those operating in one of the modes:

  • manual— continuous operation of the equipment is ensured. Such a pump must be monitored and turned off in time to avoid overheating and failure.
  • automatic when the pump is controlled by the flow sensor. When the water is turned on, the pump starts. This mode is preferable to manual mode, since the pump is protected from operation in the absence of water (in dry mode). It is more economical and lasts longer.

The design of pumping equipment differs in the ways of cooling the casing:

  1. dry rotor: in them, the body is cooled by blades mounted on the shaft. Features of these models: high efficiency, low noise during operation;
  2. wet rotor: cooled by the pumped liquid. Silent operation is characteristic of such pumps.

There are pumps:

  • universal - can be used for hot and cold water supply;
  • used only for hot or cold water.

Pumps high blood pressure differ:

  • compact size, they can be installed in small spaces;
  • low cost.

Attention! Pumps to increase pressure can increase the pressure of water no more. than 30%. Their installation will justify itself if the existing pressure in the network is not less than 1.5 bar.

Pumping stations

If it is necessary to ensure a constant high pressure and if there is often no water at all, it is recommended to upgrade the system by installing a self-priming one, consisting of:

  • centrifugal pump increase water pressure
  • hydraulic accumulator (tank) with a volume of 1-3 cubic meters
  • that controls the entire system.

At normal pressure the unit will not turn on, the relay will turn it on when the pressure drops below the set norm. As a rule, the tank is filled at night when the pressure in the system is high. The larger the volume of the tank, the less often the pump will turn on, the longer it will last. Such a system can maintain an optimal pressure level of 3-4 atm.

It is important to know! A pumping station requires more complex maintenance than a pump installed in a water supply system.

  • The station requires a large installation space;
  • The tank must be cleaned regularly; baud should not be allowed to stagnate in the tank for more than 2 days;
  • can be mounted on the roof, in the basement or in the ground.

The specifics of autonomous water pipelines

When equipping an autonomous water supply system, the following features must be considered:

  • Provision or well;
  • It is necessary to ensure sufficient water pressure at all, even the most remote, points of water consumption.

The operation of an autonomous water supply network depends on two parameters:

  1. existing pressure
  2. daily water consumption

Depending on the flow rate (productivity) of a well or well, two situations are possible during operation:

  • the performance of non-pressure wells or wells with low pressure does not cover the daily need for water in the house. The source is periodically emptied, due to which the pressure drops;
  • significantly exceeds the daily water consumption. The pressure in this case can exceed 6 bar, which leads to rapid wear of plumbing fixtures in the joints.

Note! Choose pumping equipment based on its performance. It should correspond as much as possible to the planned water consumption and well flow rate. To calculate, take the daily water consumption in summer period when water consumption is at its maximum

Accurate calculations of the performance of pumping equipment and professional advice on the installation of pumping stations can be obtained from employees of companies involved in the installation of such equipment. The modernization of the network according to the existing project can be performed by the plumbers of their housing department or the landlord with some experience.

Plumbing is a communication system in the form complex structures 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 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 for dishwashers and washing machines to work, or it is completely impossible to use a massage shower and a jacuzzi.

However, there are several ways to deal with this complicating factor. If the cause of low pressure does not lie in the usual clogging of pipes, the water pressure in the water supply system can be adjusted by installing devices that provide the most comfortable pressure for life.

What is considered the norm in the plumbing

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 is equal to 0.0197 atmospheres and 10.19 meters of water.

Pumping equipment that supplies water to a height of 30 m develops a pressure of 3 bar (3 atmospheres) at the outlet. If for pumping water submersible pump from a well or well with a depth of 10 m, 1 bar is required, then the remaining 2 bars ensure the rise of liquid to the water intake points.

Pressure in the city and private pipeline

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

An increase in water pressure in the water supply system to more 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 to avoid repair work provoked by sharp pressure surges in the future.

All installed faucets, taps, pumps must withstand the pressure of water in the water supply at 6-7 atmospheres. It should be noted that during the annual seasonal check, the pressure can reach 10 atmospheres.

The optimal pressure value for the normal operation of household appliances

The minimum water pressure in the water supply system of 2 atmospheres is sufficient to perform the following tasks:

  • taking a shower;
  • washing;
  • washing kitchen utensils;
  • other hygiene needs;
  • 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.

AT country houses the pressure must 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 water supply

Water pressure can be high or low. high pressure is designed to extinguish large industrial, commercial and public buildings. Build a water supply system with a pressure of 2.5 l / s per suburban area doesn't make sense. 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.

in the plumbing

Measurement of water pressure in the water supply system is carried out using a manometer. Before installing the device, it is necessary to turn off cold or hot water, depending on which water pressure force 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 external thread on the pipe so that it matches the pressure gauge as accurately as possible. In order to cut a hole of the desired diameter in the pipe and attach a prepared pipe section to it, you can use a welding machine.

The pressure gauge is mounted on metal pipe with help wrench. To solve the problem of leakage at the joints, there are special sealing materials. After the installation of the device is completed, you can begin 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 plumbing

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 located in a sealed metal 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 forces of the diaphragm and the tuning spring. If the tap in the water supply is opened, the outlet 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. or its jumps do not affect the opening and closing of the valve.

Ways to increase the water pressure in the water supply

Most often, the problem of low water pressure in the system is encountered:

  • apartment owners 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 an increase in 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 solve this problem complete replacement all pipes.

If the cause of low pressure lies elsewhere, you can stabilize the water supply in the following ways:

  • installation of a circulation pump, which increases the pressure by suction more water from pipes;
  • installation of a pumping station with a hydraulic accumulator;
  • autonomous water supply network.

Choice correct 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 is suitable.

Classification of circulation pumps

There are several operating modes of pumps:

  • 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 is possible for hot and cold water supply;
  • for cold or hot water only.

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, the norms of which are at least 1.5 atmospheres, is equivalent at all water intake points.

Self-priming pump 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.

With a normal water supply, the device 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 personal plot. The operation of a decentralized water supply network depends not only on the pressure of water, but also on its flow.

The efficiency of pumping equipment should correspond as much as possible to the planned volume and flow rate of the shaft well. For calculation, it is better to take indicators of water consumption in the summer, when they reach their maximum value.

The minimum pressure in the water supply system is one atmosphere. In this case, water moves in pipes only under the influence of gravity - "by gravity". Therefore, such a water supply system must be "feeded" from a tank located at the level of the attic.

But such a scheme complicates the process of installing a water supply system and imposes special requirements on strength and waterproofing. attic floor. In addition, the consumer can forget about the possibility of simultaneously "turning on" several taps.

Let's sum it up - minimum pressure you will be able to use only one tap and forget about an extensive water supply network.

Maximum water pressure in the water supply

The upper limit is limited by the performance of the pumps and the ring stiffness of the fittings. Therefore, the maximum pressure in the water supply theoretically reaches 15 atmospheres. After all, neither pipes nor shut-off valves can withstand large indicators.

But in practice, the maximum indicator in the city water supply system does not exceed 7-10 atmospheres. And it is typical only for internal networks of multi-storey buildings.

Well, inside an apartment or house, the pressure is limited at around 6-7 atmospheres, since a greater pressure can damage the fine mechanics of modern plumbing fixtures.

Thus, the maximum pressure provides a strong pressure and guarantees uninterrupted water supply to multi-storey buildings. However, with this indicator, the risk of damage to the “stuffing” of all plumbing fixtures increases.

Optimum water pressure in the water supply

The main criterion according to which it is possible to determine the optimal water pressure in the water supply is the rate of fluid consumption. And according to sanitary standards each person has at least 4.5 m3 of water per month. But we spend a lot more.

Therefore, taking into account the throughput of standard half-inch pipes for internal wiring, the optimal value will approach 2-2.5 atmospheres. At this pressure, the consumer will not notice pressure surges when using a faucet and a drain tank at the same time.

But the abundance of water-consuming appliances makes us overestimate this figure to at least 4 atmospheres. Since at a lower pressure it is impossible to simultaneously use washing machine and a shower or dishwasher and a conventional faucet.

In total, the optimal pressure in the water supply system should be kept at the level of 3.5-4 atmospheres. However, any domestic pipeline must “keep” the water hammer, provoked by a jump of up to 6-10 atmospheres (what pressure the water supply is tested in a particular case, only the system designers decide).

Ways to increase and decrease the water pressure in the water supply

To reduce pressure, special compensators are used - safety valves or gearboxes, the springs of which are tuned to a certain pressure. If the pressure in the water supply exceeds this indicator, then the valve "bleeds" the excess volume of liquid into the sewer.

Usually, such devices are mounted only in industrial and municipal water supply systems, and safety valves are rarely found in domestic engineering networks. But if your home plumbing is powered from the mains, then a safety valve will be far from superfluous.

Well, the installation of this element is carried out as follows:


Of course, such a system requires some expenses, but ceramic valves of modern mixers, destroyed at a pressure of 7-8 atmospheres, are even more expensive.

The increase in water pressure in the water supply system is implemented more than in a complicated way. To do this, we need a reservoir in which we can collect a supply of water, and a special pump that pumps this supply to the consumer.

That is, to increase the pressure in the system, you will have to do the following:


Having done these manipulations, you will "tie" the pressure in the water supply to the characteristics of the pump for pumping liquid, having a chance to reduce and increase the pressure in the system, changing the pump performance and tank capacity.

Pressure regulation in autonomous water supply systems of country houses

Water supply system country house usually draws water from offline source- wells or wells. Therefore, a pumping station is responsible for the pressure in such a water supply system - a simple unit consisting of a hydraulic accumulator, a pump and a control unit.

The principle of operation of such a station is as follows: the pump pumps water into the accumulator, which gives the liquid to the consumer, and the control unit turns the pump motor on or off, responding to changes in pressure in the accumulator. Simply put: if there is no water in the accumulator, then the pressure in the accumulator drops and the pump works, and if there is, then the pressure in the accumulator rises and the pump turns off. Accordingly, by opening the tap valve in the house, we release the battery from the liquid, simultaneously starting the station pump.

Therefore, pressure adjustment in autonomous water supply systems is carried out by calibrating the control unit, which is given the minimum indicator - the “starting” pressure, which turns on the pump, and the maximum indicator - the pressure at which the pump turns off. By raising the starting pressure, we increase the maximum pressure in the water supply. Accordingly, by reducing the maximum indicator, we reduce the peak pressure in the autonomous water supply system.

Technically, the adjustment process looks like loosening or tightening two spring-loaded screws hidden in the casing of the control unit. And detailed instructions for adjustment is attached to the documentation set of each pumping station.

In addition, the pressure in an autonomous water supply can be adjusted by adjusting the accumulator. To do this, do the following:


By doing these steps, you can change the pressure in the water supply without complicated adjustment of the control unit. Therefore, most owners of pumping stations resort to this particular method of pressure calibration in their autonomous water supply systems.

Residents of high-rise buildings have repeatedly encountered a situation where a frail trickle of water flows from an open tap.

This is due to a lack of pressure in the pipeline.

What water pressure should be in the water supply of an apartment building so that, regardless of the number of open taps, the use of the blessings of civilization is comfortable for each of its inhabitants?

The drinking water supply system (this is how the builders call our water supply network that delivers water to the apartment) is designed based on the requirements of SNiP 2.04.02-84.

It says: for different points of the network, its own standard pressure level is assigned.

The pressure in the water supply of the upper floors depends on the level at which the pressure in the network is maintained at the entrance to the house.

This parameter depends on the number of floors. If the building is one-story, then at the inlet the water pressure in the network must be at least 10 mV. Art. or 1.0197 atm. This means that the pressure in the pipe is enough to raise the water to a height of 10 meters. In multi-storey buildings, for each subsequent floor, another 4 m2 should be added. Art. For example, in a 5-storey building, the water pressure at the entrance to the building should be 10 + 4x4 = 26 mV. Art. If the resulting figure is converted to atmospheres, the result will be as follows:

(26:10) x 1.0197 = 2.65 atm

However, the above figure is not a boundary, but a calculated one. According to the standards in force in Russia, the pressure at the inlet to the house is 4 atm, which is considered normal for a centralized water supply system. (approximately 40 m w. Art.).

Insufficient pressure in the tap is a situation that many have encountered. If this happens often, you need to correct the situation. - an indispensable assistant for your comfort.

You will find a manual for making a check valve with your own hands.

A bailer is a simple and very useful device for cleaning a well. Here you will find instructions for making it yourself, and also learn how to punch a well with this tool.

Accurate figures according to regulatory documents

SNiP 2.04.02-84 stipulates the maximum allowable free water pressure at the entrance to the apartment: it should not be higher than 6 atm.

That is, if you live in a 22-storey building, the pressure at the input to it will be at least 9.4 atm, but when the pipeline enters the apartment, this parameter should be reduced to 6 atm.

Moreover, there are standards for the free pressure of water for each type of plumbing fixtures:

  • 0.2 atm - for a washbasin with a mixer, a toilet bowl with a flush cistern;
  • 0.3 atm - for baths and showers with a mixer.

The maximum pressure of hot water in the area of ​​plumbing fixtures should not exceed 4.5 atm.

The above values ​​are valid not only for a centralized water supply network, but also for autonomous water supply.

What pressure is enough for full consumption?

Most apartment building residents use water in a very predictable way. They shower periodically, wash dishes daily, wash their face and turn on the washing machine several times a week. To ensure these manipulations, it is enough to have a head (pressure) of 2 atm in the water supply system. If a massage shower or jacuzzi is installed in the bathroom, they will only work at a pressure of at least 4 atm.

Excessively high pressure in the network leads to rapid wear or irreversible destruction of ceramic mixers and sanitary equipment.

Some features of autonomous water pipelines

The source of autonomous water supply is a well or a well.

In both cases, water is supplied to the pipeline through pumps. It is this unit that creates the pressure in the pipes necessary to deliver water to consumers - taps, washing machines or dishwashers, etc.

However, not only its power and performance affect the level of free pressure in the water supply. The debit of the well plays an important role in this matter.

If there is not enough water in the source, the pump will not be able to provide the necessary pressure in the network immediately after it is turned on. In the case of an excess amount of water in the well, there is a risk of a significant increase in pressure, which can lead to various kinds of accidents - leaks, failure of taps, etc.

In the first case, the homeowner has to take measures to increase the water pressure in the water supply, in the second - to choose the right pump performance so that it plays the role of a kind of limiter.

How to increase the water pressure in the water supply

A decrease in pressure in the pipeline can occur for several reasons:

  1. Gusts on the city highway. Engineering networks in most cities are of a very respectable age, so water leakage on the way to the consumer is not uncommon. The owner of the apartment cannot eliminate this reason, so it remains to rely on the city authorities.
  2. "Overgrown" pipes of the house water supply. In old houses, a huge amount of precipitation is deposited on the inner surface of the pipes, as a result of which their throughput is significantly reduced. It is easy to fix this problem: you just need to replace the risers and wiring inside the apartment.

What should be done if the plumbing system is not able to provide a normal level of free pressure? There is only one way out in this case - to install pumping equipment in the apartment.

Water pressure booster pump

The pumping station used by the owners of private houses is hardly suitable here:

  • Firstly, it is not allowed to install such equipment on a centralized water supply system without special approvals. And the neighbors are unlikely to agree to this - they will definitely remain completely without water.
  • Secondly, pumping stations are large-sized equipment, and it is very problematic to install them in an apartment. And if we add to this the strapping, it becomes clear that such a unit is not suitable for an average apartment.
But not everything is so gloomy - manufacturers of pumping equipment produce booster pumps designed specifically for an "apartment" installation.

Pump classification

Pumps that increase the pressure of water in the water supply system, designed for use in an apartment, are a small device installed at the inlet of the pipeline to the apartment. Almost all pumps can operate in two modes:

  • manual;
  • automatic.

Automated pumps to increase the pressure turn on independently when any of the existing taps in the apartment is opened. The flow sensor provides this function. It is triggered by the movement of water in the plumbing. Pumps equipped with these sensors are protected from burnout when running dry.

Automated booster pump

Booster pumps according to the principle of operation of the cooling system are classified as follows:

  • With a dry rotor: an impeller is mounted on the rotor, which pumps air onto the motor housing. The efficiency of such models is high, but their work is accompanied by noise.
  • Wet Rotor: Water flows through the pump, cooling the motor. The main advantage of such pumps is their silent operation.
Some models of booster centrifugal pumps are designed only for hot or cold water.

Pump for water pressure in the water supply

The most popular brand pumps among apartment owners are:

  • Comfort: efficient and economical devices. Pumps of this brand are classified as universal - they can be installed on hot and cold water. The body of the product is made of stainless steel. There are seven modifications that differ from each other in the design head (from 8 to 10 m) and throughput (nominal - from 8 to 12 l / min, maximum - from 20 to 30 l / min);
  • WILO: European-class domestic pumps, excellent quality, versatile. Vilo pumps are equipped with a flow sensor, the motor cooling system is a “wet rotor”. They are designed for a maximum head of 9 to 20 m and a flow rate of 2.4 to 35 l/min (depending on the model);

The UNIPUMP also received good reviews. Differs in small assembly length that provides convenience of its installation.

How to reduce the water pressure in the plumbing

Too high pressure in the pipeline can lead to the destruction of pipes and the failure of household appliances.

Everyone knows the terrible word "water hammer", as a result of which taps begin to drip, fistulas appear on the pipe, etc.

You can protect the intra-apartment water supply network from such troubles with the help of a small device - a water pressure reducer.

Household appliances are set to an inlet pressure of not more than 60 bar. At the outlet, the reducer can maintain a pressure of 0.5 to 6 bar.

The water pressure regulator in the water supply system can be installed at the water supply inlet to the apartment or in front of household appliances - a boiler, a washing machine and other devices that do not tolerate high pressure.

How to know the pressure

Accurate information about the pressure in the pipeline is required when developing a system for its normalization. To do this, install a water pressure gauge to measure the water pressure in the water supply and take readings from it within a week.

This is done at least 4 times a day: at night and in the morning, afternoon and evening. Based on the results obtained, the maximum and minimum values, which are compared with regulatory requirements. Based on the result obtained, the optimal method of increasing the pressure is selected.

You have probably encountered such a problem as noise in water pipes. Many try not to pay attention to this, but in fact this problem needs to be addressed. and how to diagnose and fix the problem, read on.

We will analyze the ways to replace the gasket in the tap in the topic.

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