HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES 93
THE SHORTCUT TO AN INCREASE IN PRESSURE
Many homes across the UK suff er from low water pressure, yet many consumers don’t realise they have an issue, or have simply become accustomed to it. David Williamson of Wilo UK discusses the techniques and tools available to boost water pressure in homes to provide a better result
U
nder UK regulation, households should be supplied with 0.7 bar – or more – of water pressure. In
reality, the delivered water pressure will vary throughout the home, with some outlets exceeding the average, and some falling below it. This is generally due to where the water outlet is – a second fl oor shower head will be at risk of a much-reduced pressure than an identical ground fl oor counterpart. n the case of insuffi cient fl ow rates or water pressure, developers and housebuilders must consider how to effectively boost water pressure while remaining cost-conscious on behalf of the tenant. This is vital in ensuring water pressure levels are stable across the property, allowing the homeowner to use multiple outlets simultaneously without fear of pressure dropping.
CAUSES OF LOW WATER PRESSURE It is not uncommon to experience a sudden spike in temperature while showering – often as a result of someone else within the household fl ushing the toilet or running a tap. Similarly, in houses of multiple occupancy, or family homes, water pressure can be compromised at peak times such as early in the morning, when multiple water outlets may be required.
A further point to this is that modern housing has evolved too. In years gone by, homes may have only had one main bathroom and potentially a downstairs WC, so there was less opportunity for people to draw water at the same time. Now though, many homes are equipped with multiple bathrooms, utility rooms, ensuite bathrooms, allowing more people to use the water supply simultaneously. Additionally, lowered mains water pressure may be exacerbating the problem. Normally, mains water that enters the domestic heating system will reach the home at 2 bar, but in densely populated areas, the pressure may be
reduced due to increased demand. Water authorities are also under intense scrutiny to reduce leaks in their systems, and one way they are doing this is by reducing overall supply pressure. To add to these issues, infrastructure and housing is continually increasing, while more people are working at home too. Housebuilding targets are well documented and talked about across the country, with around 233,000 new homes supplied in 2021/22, according to research and fi gures from the Government. With a target of 300,000 new homes to be built every year, there will inevitably be even more strain on our water supplies. This goes full circle back to affecting the water pressure being received.
IMPLICATIONS OF LOW WATER PRESSURE n the fi rst instance, low water pressure will inconvenience the homeowner. ombi boilers, for instance, may not fi re up if there is low water pressure. Most modern combi boilers need a minimum of 1.3 bar of pressure, yet Ofwat only stipulates a minimum pressure of 0.7 bar at the property.
In the case of a shower, temperamental water pressure may tempt the user to stay in longer, turn the temperature knob up higher or leave it running in the hope it will heat up over time. So, comfort is compromised, time is wasted. This problem runs even deeper in other areas of the home. Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines now run on fi lling cycles’ designed to operate at certain pressures. If they do not receive the required pressure while the cycle is running, the machine needs to run for longer than necessary. Ofwat also warns that some modern heating appliances and showers will not work below certain pressure levels.
HOW TO RECTIFY LOW WATER PRESSURE & ASSOCIATED CHALLENGES For homes where the water is supplied
© Ginger Hendee
IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE WHILE SHOWERING
directly by the mains and that’s roughly of the ’s housing stock, it is benefi cial to use a water pressure booster to boost the water pressure within the system.
Sourcing a pressure booster, and thereby solving water pressure issues, is quite simple. A water booster can help deliver constant water pressure at all extraction points. The pressure sensor will detect a drop in the system’s water
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