What should be the optimal water pressure in the system?
To begin with, it would not be superfluous to decide what normal water pressure should be. After all, this indicator is standardized and can be determined quite easily.
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.
Generally speaking, there is no fixed figure in this regard. However, in any case, the pressure that does not drop below two atmospheres is considered normal. It is under this condition that optimal pressure is ensured. If we measure this value in pascals, then pressure fluctuations from 0.03 to 0.6 megapascals are permissible.
Installation of high-quality geysers
Poor hot water pressure from a geyser is the main reason for poor quality equipment. Modern boilers are compact devices responsible for heating running water. They are used in houses to which a gas pipeline is connected and there is no centralized hot water supply system.
The equipment in use is divided into flow-through and storage types. Some heat the water as it moves through the system, while others accumulate a certain volume of water in a tank, where it is maintained at a constantly high temperature.
Based on performance characteristics, heaters can be divided into the following subcategories:
- Low-power - heating about 10 liters of water per minute - from 9 to 16 kW.
- An average of 16 to 23 kW gives about 15 liters per minute.
- High-power devices can raise the temperature of 20 liters of water in one minute (over 24 kW).
The performance indicators of low-moisture devices are enough to wash dishes in the kitchen. Medium-power devices are more suitable for two-room apartments. The most high-power boilers can be installed in apartments with 3 rooms or more.
Weak hot water pressure - on video:
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In an apartment, we may encounter such a problem that when we open the tap, the water does not flow well. The reasons for this phenomenon are different, but in any case there are norms and pressure levels that cannot be reduced. In addition, whether the pressure is bad or good, we pay for utilities at the same rate.
The current rate of water pressure from the mixer varies between 0.3-6 atmospheres. So, in microdistricts and apartment buildings it is 1-3 atmospheres, and for rural areas and private houses the minimum pressure level is 0.3 atmospheres. But what to do if the pressure level is lower than the established one?
This problem is often typical for residents of the upper floors of high-rises and high-rise buildings, when water supply is supplied from below. During periods of the most active water consumption, for example, in the evening, it does not reach apartments on the top floors. Let's take a closer look at why there is low water pressure in the apartment. And we will find out what to do in this situation.
The main reasons for the drop in water pressure
We can highlight a unique TOP of reasons why there may be a drop in the pressure level in a cold or hot water supply system:
- There is a blockage inside the faucet. Before contacting a service company, it would be a good idea to make sure that the faucet is not clogged with a rust plug, or that children have not put anything small inside. The flow intensity may be weakened, for example, by clogged filter mesh. In this case, the problem should only occur in one tap in the house.
- Formation of blockage inside the pipe. In this case, as a rule, all water consumers in the house suffer. The solution is, of course, to remove the blockage. If it is impossible to determine the location of the blockage yourself, then you need to call a specialized company.
- Weakening of water pressure on the side of the waterworks. Failures at a station can be caused by a variety of reasons - from equipment breakdown to preventive maintenance. You just need to be patient and wait until the problem is fixed. But calling and clarifying the problem still won’t hurt.
- Pipe rupture or water supply seal failure. Breakouts are usually repaired by professionals. Especially when it comes to breaking a highway.
- The reason for the loss of water pressure may also be the fact that in the private suburban sector a building was erected that exceeded the permissible standards in number of floors. If in cities special pumping stations are responsible for maintaining pressure, then in villages, as a rule, they make do with the natural formation of pressure through water towers. Accordingly, the higher the building, the lower the pressure level will be. In this case, special pumps that cut into the water supply system can help.
- Finally, a violation in the design of the water supply system may also be to blame. This is especially true for private housing. For example, pipe diameters, lengths, etc. may be incorrectly selected. To avoid this kind of trouble, you need to order the design of water supply organization only from professionals in this field.
Having dealt with the possible reasons why the water pressure is disrupted, you can move on to possible ways to eliminate them.
What to do if the problem is a clogged tap
Clogging of the aerator in the mixer is a fairly common occurrence associated with the quality of the water flowing through it.
If it has been determined that a clogged tap is to blame, it is recommended to perform the following manipulations:
- Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the aerator from the tap. An aerator is needed to make the stream of water foam. It is equipped with very small holes that can periodically become clogged with all kinds of debris. Then the aerator must be thoroughly rinsed under fairly strong pressure of cold water and the holes must be cleaned manually;
- If it turns out that the aerator device is clean, but there is a problem with water pressure, then you can look for the problem at the locking unit - the axle box. To do this, dismantle the faucet handle and unscrew the lock washer, which holds the locking elements in the body. Then the locking assembly is removed from its body, and the contamination is cleaned from it. Now all that remains is to assemble the tap in the reverse order. Of course, before starting to disassemble the tap, it is necessary to shut off the flow of water from the main system - so as not to simply flood the house;
- It is possible that the problem is not in the faucet, but in the shower sprayer. Then you will need to first block the access of water to the sprayer, then remove it from the stand or from the hose. This is done using an adjustable wrench. Now you can immerse the sprayer in a container with vinegar for a while and heat it up. All that remains is to wash off the remaining scale with water and return the shower head to its place.
Instead of vinegar, you can also use a weak solution of citric acid. To do this, you will need to dilute approximately 100 grams of powder in a liter of clean water. This mixture does not have such a strong unpleasant odor as vinegar.
Finally, you can simply call a mechanic who will clean the taps and mixers.
Common problems
Let's look at the 5 main reasons why there is poor water pressure in an apartment.
Insufficient water pressure in the main pipeline. Where do we get water from? Through water pipe systems it enters our homes from pumping stations. Since such a water supply system was installed a long time ago, the pipes naturally wear out from long-term use. No one is going to change them yet, therefore, in order to preserve the existing pipes and prevent future leaks, organizations are reducing the pressure in the pipeline.
The more people consume water, the less pressure there is. How to increase the pressure in this case? Unfortunately, the only solution to the problem is to replace the main pipes.
The pressure drops due to the connection of new buildings
Insufficient pressure in the pipes of your home. If you live in an apartment in a multi-story building, the water pipes of the entire building may be contaminated. Various deposits form in them, which make the flow area of the pipes smaller. To explain it more simply, plaque forms inside the walls of water pipes, which grows over time, making the pipe half clogged. In this case, there is not enough water in the pipes. In this case, the riser needs to be completely changed.
Also, low pressure may be due to the adjustment and condition of the water pressure equipment, which is located in the basement of the building. Where to complain in this case? It is necessary to contact the Housing Office, which is responsible for such equipment.
Water pipes may be dirty
The water supply in your home is clogged. This is another common reason. Metal pipes especially often become clogged. Rust and other deposits form on their walls. And even if you have plastic pipes, rust can enter the system from the junction of the plastic pipe with the steel pipe. In this case, it is difficult for water to pass through clogged pipes, resulting in low pressure. In this case, there are two development options: cleaning the pipes or replacing them completely. Naturally, the homeowner must pay for all such work.
The mixer is not working properly. The whole problem may be hidden in the tap. Low pressure may occur when the cartridge or faucet axle is dirty or damaged. Then it will not pass water well. You will have to replace the faucet axle or, in special cases, the mixer itself. The problem may also lie in a dirty aerator.
The aerator may be dirty
Plumbing diagram. The pressure may drop if several water consumers are turned on at the same time. For example, you are washing in the shower, and one of your family members flushed the toilet or decided to wash the dishes. Another case is when the washing machine fills with water, at that moment the pressure in the system also drops, and you cannot wash your hands properly.
These are the main reasons that can lead to low water pressure. To find out how to solve the problem, you need to determine the cause in your case. Now we will look at how to do this.
What can you do if the problem is in the filters?
If it was found that the problem is not in the taps, but in the filter system, then you can try the following options.
First of all, it is necessary to turn off the water using the central valve, which is usually located near the meter itself. Now you will need to dismantle the so-called coarse filter. The wire cassette is removed and thoroughly washed. Then the filter is returned back to its place, the seal is renewed, and the plug is screwed in.
Clogged coarse filter.
When you have dealt with the coarse filter, you can move on to the filter system for fine cleaning. First, it is also disconnected from the water supply. Then you need to check the pressure level in the free pipe. To do this, simply open the central valve slightly. If everything is in perfect order, then you will need to rinse the filter bowl to remove dirt and change the filter insert. After which the filter unit is reassembled. You can start using the system.
But it may also be that the filters have been cleaned, but the water still does not flow with the same pressure. Then, most likely, the cause is in the water pipes themselves.
Problems in the apartment
There is no need to endure poor water quality for a long time. Often it is enough to check the condition of the faucet or filter near the meter to increase water pressure.
- These are the most common reasons why water does not flow well in taps.
- How to increase the pressure if the cause of its disruption is the water mixer? Dirt and various chemicals can settle on the mixer cartridge or faucet axlebox. It is even possible that mechanical damage may occur, which reduces the throughput of the mixer. To correct the situation, you need to change parts or the device completely. An experienced home mechanic can check whether the tap or filter near the meter is clogged on his own.
- An incorrect design of the water supply system within the apartment can also negatively affect the pressure in the pipes. This problem may be indicated by the inability to use several taps at the same time, for example, in the bathroom and in the kitchen. In this case, only a qualified specialist who knows the slightest nuances of designing a water supply system can make the pressure stronger.
What to do if it's all in the pipe
Clogged water pipes over many years of use.
It should be noted that identifying a blockage in a pipe or the location of its depressurization is far from the easiest task for an ordinary consumer. Most likely, if cleaning the filters does not lead to any positive results, it makes sense to call a specialist from a service company.
Note! You can localize the leak to a certain extent on your own. Specialized repair kits are available for sale for this purpose. If they are unavailable, you can make do with improvised means in the form of a rubber seal, strong wire and insulating tape. But you still can’t avoid calling a plumber.
Will installing a water pump help?
If we are talking about the private sector, then, as already noted, the problem with insufficient pressure can be solved by installing a special pump. It crashes into the system riser - after which the pressure must be ensured at the optimal level.
Installing a pump to increase water pressure: installation technology and connection diagrams.
It is recommended to use a pump of a model that is activated only when the water consumer is turned on. This will guarantee a long service life of the device. It is also recommended to connect a water storage tank. Then the pump will only turn on when the tank is empty. At the same time, the pressure level will remain at a consistently high level.
Why is low pressure unacceptable?
Insufficient pressure in an apartment can cause a number of troubles:
- breakdown of the washing machine and dishwasher;
- ineffective operation of the hydromassage box and drinking water filter;
- failure to turn on the instantaneous water heater;
- slow filling of the bathroom and toilet cistern.
As for the disadvantage of slow filling of the bathroom and toilet tank, this can still be tolerated, but low water pressure in the pipes can cause damage to household appliances. If the pressure drops below 2 atmospheres, the washing machine and dishwasher may fail if there is no special protection.
If they don’t break, they simply won’t turn on until the pressure is restored. The inability to wash clothes in a machine forces you to do it manually, which is completely unacceptable. In addition, instantaneous water heaters, in particular gas water heaters, refuse to start if there is insufficient pressure.
Poor pressure on the faucet
Recommendations from experts
Nikolai Petrovich Smorodsky, plumber: To a certain extent, the pressure can be increased by using pipes of a smaller diameter. But if you install a pipe that is too narrow, this may lead to insufficient water flow.
Dmitry Parshin, lawyer: If you have a problem with low water pressure, you can contact your service company. To do this, submit a written application in free form. Utility workers must respond no later than 10 days after registration of the application.
