Mains Water Pressure Problem?
Discussion
Deva Link said:
I just picked the first Google hit for water accumulator. I thought if I just said "accumulator", the OP would have no idea what I was talking about.
Now I've read it, their wording sounds more like they're describing a standard cold water cistern with a pump on the output.
I think they are, possibly with an accumulator to buffer it so tat the pump doesn't fire every time you open a tap.Now I've read it, their wording sounds more like they're describing a standard cold water cistern with a pump on the output.
Ferg said:
Deva Link said:
I just picked the first Google hit for water accumulator. I thought if I just said "accumulator", the OP would have no idea what I was talking about.
Now I've read it, their wording sounds more like they're describing a standard cold water cistern with a pump on the output.
I think they are, possibly with an accumulator to buffer it so tat the pump doesn't fire every time you open a tap.Now I've read it, their wording sounds more like they're describing a standard cold water cistern with a pump on the output.
That coldstream link would appear to be a good solution. The only problem is where to site the cylinder! I am turning the original kitchen into a toilet / occasional shower-room so could fit it in there, as long as they are not too large. The flow and pressure will be done by the water-board on Mon but I did a quick and dirty flow check on the kitchen tap with the kettle, marked in litres, and a stopwatch. To fill 1 litre from the tap took about 5 seconds so I think that I am getting 12 litres per minute flow. The coldstream site states that 9 litres per minute is the legal minimum but I am guessing that I will need more than that. Even so with 12 liters per minute I ought to be able to run a shower and tap at the same time. The combi is rated at 12.5 liters per minute, and I have the installation paperwork to show this was tested at install, so a thermostatic shower, max 8 litres per minute (and it is a simple old one so not that hungry), and tap, ? litres per minute but more than 4?, takes all the flow?
In addition to the information I posted before about outlets I should add that there will be a washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen. Normal occupancy will be SWIMBO and my two school age children. I will be home as often as I can but that is likely to be weekends at most and maybe only every other one of those.
The worst case I can think of is two showers concurrently, possibly with an additional tap or appliance running. If the house is full, say at Xmas, then taking turns will have to be the rule.
In addition to the information I posted before about outlets I should add that there will be a washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen. Normal occupancy will be SWIMBO and my two school age children. I will be home as often as I can but that is likely to be weekends at most and maybe only every other one of those.
The worst case I can think of is two showers concurrently, possibly with an additional tap or appliance running. If the house is full, say at Xmas, then taking turns will have to be the rule.
Right, nothing is ever easy (builders vs SWIMBO vs water-board contractor, and i am 100 miles away at work!) but I have some more information. The pressure and flow was tested at the internal stopcock and SWIMBO has told me that the water-board bloke said that the pressure was fine but the flow was low. Now having pressed her a little, obviously popular on Valentines when I am away, she seems to think that he said the pressure was 2 bar and that this was usual for the area but that the flow was 2 Gall per min where he would expect closer to 5 Gall per min. He apparently said that he believed that problem was our pipe to the house but that he could not check the water-board stopcock as it was the wrong type and he would raise a work order to get it changed. He also said, apparently, that if we ran a new pipe they would connect it free of charge to the mains. SWIMBO asked where the water-board stopcock was and was shown it directly in front of our house about 5m away from our external wall.
My understanding is, therefore, that I can expect 22.5 litres per min at 2 bar at best and only if I renew the pipe. This should be enough but if it drops then I might start to suffer. Now I can replace the main, that seems a given, but would it also be beneficial to install an accumulator as well and how expensive are they? I not from the coldstream page that they don’t give prices or dimensions! Can I place this sort of accumulator externally, there is space to build a small “outhouse” under the kitchen window to house it and that would provide a neat solution directly on the incoming water main so require less internal modification to the plumbing.
Sorry to add questions but the responses so far have been very helpful,
Jon
My understanding is, therefore, that I can expect 22.5 litres per min at 2 bar at best and only if I renew the pipe. This should be enough but if it drops then I might start to suffer. Now I can replace the main, that seems a given, but would it also be beneficial to install an accumulator as well and how expensive are they? I not from the coldstream page that they don’t give prices or dimensions! Can I place this sort of accumulator externally, there is space to build a small “outhouse” under the kitchen window to house it and that would provide a neat solution directly on the incoming water main so require less internal modification to the plumbing.
Sorry to add questions but the responses so far have been very helpful,
Jon
Well I have discussed the problem with the water board and they have agreed to fit a 22mm plastic pipe to their main free of charge when they change the stopcock. I am waiting to here when that is likely to be but I can plan and install the internal fittings based on this occurring at some point. They cannot guarantee 5 gall per min but believe that this is likely. I, therefore, think that fitting an accumulator into the system would be a good idea and can only assist if the flow is not up to scratch or my demands increase for a short period. Also I have not yet created the walls for the downstairs “wet room” so can amend the plan to fit in what I need to.
Ferg / anyone else,
I am having trouble tracking down an idea of the size and cost of these systems! City plumbing is my local stockist, supposedly, and I have an account with TP so am happy to use but cannot find it on their website. I guess I would need a minimum of about 80 litres, a 10 min showers worth, but cannot find the details of anything! What sizes do they come in and what do they cost? Sorry to be a pain and thanks for all your assistance thus far,
Jon
Ferg / anyone else,
I am having trouble tracking down an idea of the size and cost of these systems! City plumbing is my local stockist, supposedly, and I have an account with TP so am happy to use but cannot find it on their website. I guess I would need a minimum of about 80 litres, a 10 min showers worth, but cannot find the details of anything! What sizes do they come in and what do they cost? Sorry to be a pain and thanks for all your assistance thus far,
Jon
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