DOMESTIC HOT WATER
Smart boosters: relieving the pressure of
inadequate water supply
The inconvenience of dealing with low water pressure is one endured throughout the country, yet most households are unaware of the steps that can be taken to stop this. David Williamson, sales & marketing director at Wilo UK, discusses the best approach to boosting water pressure in low pressure buildings
U
K regulations outline that homes should receive a minimum of 0.7 bar water pressure. The reality, however, is that certain outlets won’t be supplied with this while others will exceed the statutory pressure. Dealing with inadequate water fl ow or pressure
are challenges consistently faced by installers who, amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, are tasked to boost water pressure eff ectively and aff ordably for the welfare of their customer. Ensuring the stability of water pressure levels throughout the property is vital, as it allows the user to simultaneously operate multiple outlets in the knowledge that water pressure won’t unexpectedly fall.
Causes of low water pressure
As modern housing evolves, more new homes are now equipped with ensuite bathrooms and utility rooms. This increases the likelihood of multiple outlets being used at once and, unfortunately, the chances of the warm shower turning to a trickle. Households with several residents are most
likely used to sudden spikes in water pressure while showering, often when another tap is running, or someone’s turned the washing machine on. Pressure levels may fl uctuate unpredictably at peak times, like those early mornings while everyone’s getting ready for the day ahead, using multiple water outlets at once. Lowered mains water pressure may worsen the issue, especially in densely populated areas, whereby mains water will not enter the domestic plumbing system at the anticipated 2 bar, owing to heightened demand. The overarching issue of leaks in water systems result in authorities reducing overall supply pressure to ease general constraints.
28 November 2023
pressure booster to enhance existing pressure within the system, which is a straightforward and sure-fi re way of eliminating water-related issues. By ensuring constant water pressure at every
extraction point throughout the home, a water booster, such as the Wilo-Isar BOOST5 undoubtedly assists in combatting inadequate supply. The pressure sensor will detect a fall in the system’s water pressure, ordering the pump to start. Following the pressure boosting, all outlets will once again receive a stable level of water pressure. The unit’s effi cient hydraulics and ability to
Consequences of insuffi cient water pressure
As heating season is in full fl ow, combi boilers are being fi red up to provide the home with both heating and hot water – yet may fail in the instance of low water pressure. Most modern combi boilers command a minimum 1.3 bar of pressure, despite Ofwat’s own specifi cation of 0.7 bar within properties. Furthermore, appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers run on ‘fi lling cycles’ that are built to operate at specifi c levels of pressure. Without this, the machine will possibly run longer than necessary – worrying news to many homeowners that remain concerned with sky-high energy bills. Ofwat also warn that some modern heating appliances and showers won’t work at all with lower than specifi ed pressure levels.
Combat low water pressure
While 99% of the UK’s housing stock receives water supplied directly by the mains, many homes remain unaware of the advantages of using a water
operate on demand enable the Isar BOOST5 to function in an energy and cost-effi cient manner. The inverter varies the speed of the motor, therefore modulating the hydraulic performance depending on the necessary demand of the plumbing and heating system. Installers are required to simply plug the system in and it’s ready for use, with LED push technology available to navigate the setup. The Isar BOOST5 is available in self-priming and non-self- priming options, yielding additional fl exibility for installation and location of the system in the home.
Adapting to the changing ways of water usage
It is essential that installers are aware of these solutions should they be asked about how to increase water pressure in homes. A water pressure booster is a cost-eff ective method that will assist in eliminating the water-related irritations experienced all over the home. There are countless factors infl uencing the changing way we’re using homes and water. With our population on the rise, the demand for water will grow accordingly, placing a further strain on the country’s water system. Consequently, it is essential to remain proactive in overcoming inadequate water pressure. By having the right know-how and systems in their armoury, installers can shield homeowners from water pressure issues while reinforcing their own reputation.
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