The standard of cold water supply in the apartment building. How to determine the pressure in the water pipe and increase it if it fell

Pressure in the water supply system is the most important characteristic, the correctness of the choice determines the comfort of using it and the duration of operation of various hydraulic, sanitary and household appliances.

The logic of choosing the optimal pressure in the water supply system at home

Just note that the water pressure should be minimally possible, allowing the sanitary equipment (mixers, soul) and household appliances (washing machines and dishwashers, boilers of the heating system) to function properly. For example, for plumbing, dishwashers and washing machines  the minimum allowable overpressure is 0.5 atm., that is, the system must have a minimum of 1.5 atm. If you have autonomous heating, then the pressure should be increased to 2 atm. And if the hydromassage device (without its pump), then up to 4 atm. For normal watering, 3 atm is sufficient. Then another 0.5 atm should be added to ensure that the plumbing fixtures and household appliances do not work at minimum pressure.

Be sure to consider the location of water consumption points. The difference in height of 10 m between the membrane accumulator (the maximum pressure area in the system) and the point of water consumption adds one atmosphere to the system. In other words, if you have a two-storey a private house, in which the accumulator is located in the caisson at a minus 2 m, and the shower in the bathroom on the second floor (the highest point of water consumption) at around + 6 m, then the pressure in the water supply system of your house should be 1.5 + 0.5 + 0.8 = 2.8 atm. This is the optimum water pressure in your home.

Increase the pressure beyond the required is not worth it. First, to maintain it will require more energy. And secondly, the elements of the hydraulic system will wear out more quickly.

Adjustment of the upper and lower pressure values ​​in the membrane accumulator

Pressure in the system creates a downhole pump. Therefore, problems with it automatically can lead to a decrease in pressure. It can be:

• Voltage drop in the network - it is necessary to install a voltage regulator.
• Incorrect phase connection to the three-phase pump motor, which causes its rotor to rotate in the reverse direction - re-connect the connection.
• Wear of the working part of the pump - the wheel or the screw - replace the operating element or the entire pump.
• Hit the pump with sand or dirt - clean the pump and the borehole.

In addition, the pressure drop in the private water supply system may be due to problems in the system itself:

• Clogged pipes, filter and other hydraulic elements - flush or change them.
  
• Violation of the integrity of the system - to detect a leak and eliminate it.
• The drop in air pressure in the diaphragm accumulator due to a malfunction of the air nipple or a breach of the seal of the membrane - repair the malfunction.

In the concept of ordinary residents, the water pipe is associated with a system of pipes hidden in walls or laid along them, and cranes, when turning, water begins to flow. Many ordinary people do not even imagine the complexity of the construction of this complex communication network, which has a number of specific features that affect the state of important technical indicators when operating it. One of the main parameters quality work  system is the pressure of water in the water pipe, on the value of which depends on the availability of sanitary equipment and the comfortable conduct of hygiene procedures.

Insufficient pressure, manifested in a weakly flowing trickle of tap water, indicates insufficient pressure in the water supply network. Particularly relevant this problem  for owners of urban apartments located on the upper floors, as well as for owners of country cottages. At a low pressure, washing machines and dishwashers, shower cabins and jacuzzi baths refuse to work. Residents, faced with the problem of insufficient pressure of water, would like to know how to increase the pressure in the water pipe once and for all.

Installation of devices that provide the required level is effective  struggle against this problem. However, before using modern equipment, you need to make sure that the pipeline is not clogged.

The problem is eliminated in one of two ways:

• installation of a pumping device that promotes pressure increase;
• modernization of the water supply through installation pumping station  and installing the storage tank.

Which way to choose, each apartment owner decides individually, based on the objectives pursued and the amount of water needed to cover all household needs of people living with him.

Owners of country cottages are also important to solve the issue of providing facilities with water for fire fighting. For such structures, there will be sufficient head pressure of at least 1.5 l / s.

Specific features of an autonomous water pipe

The main feature of the autonomously-operated water supply system operating from a source of water abstraction, independent of central water supply systems, is:

• the need to lift fluid from a shaft well or from a well;
• ensuring a good head at the points of water withdrawal located on any floor of the private a country house, and on the site, at its most remote points.

Users of the decentralized water supply network directly depend on the existing pressure, and on the daily flow of water.

In operation private system  two versions of the standard development of the situation are possible, which depend on the productivity (production rate) of the shaft well or artesian well:

• the flow rate of mine wells and artesian wells with low head pressure, as well as non-pressure wells, can not cover the daily water requirement of a family consisting of three or four people. The head drops due to the periodic devastation of the source. How to raise the pressure in the aqueduct in this case? What kind technical means to involve at the same time? Questions are not idle for the inhabitants of a country house.
• the yield of the pressure (artesian) well significantly exceeds the required water flow per day, approximately 500 liters. A pump with a high capacity, under such conditions, can create a maximum permissible pressure level equal to 6 atmospheres. Excessive pressure promotes leakage in connection areas, as well as premature wear of plumbing.

When choosing pumping equipment, it is necessary to pay attention to its productivity, which should most accurately correspond to the flow rate of the well and the planned flow of water. And for the landmark take the daily water flow, characteristic for the summer period, which is the most intense interval for water consumption.

Embedded in the water supply system instruments allow you to monitor the level of water pressure in the pipes

Variants of pressure increase in the water supply system

Pump, the side of which is carried directly into the pipe of the cold water supply system directly at the entrance of the general water main to a separate apartment. The autonomous network can be equipped with additional pumps that increase the pressure, making their installation before the parsing points. The operation of compact pumps is controlled manually or automatically by means of a control system that is used by most models. However, such pumps are suitable only for tenants who are thinking how to increase the pressure in the water pipe to a minimum value of 1.5 atm.

More global problems can be solved by a pumping station equipped with a storage tank, which is necessary in the case of alternation low pressure  water in the network with its complete absence in the pipes. The storage tank or accumulator provides the availability of water reserves covering the daily water demand.

Servicing the pump station is heavier than the pump embedded in the system. She needs more space. The tank needs regular cleaning. Installation of a large accumulator can be done in the basement, on the roof or, in general, buried in the ground.

Pump station with accumulator tank  allows to provide a daily need for water residents flat or country house

Professional advice on how to produce, justified by the presence of accurate calculations of the productivity of equipment introduced into the system, can give designers of firms engaged in the development and installation of autonomous communications. Upgrade the network for the finished project can and plumbing from the housing department. In the presence of experience, such work is able to perform and the owner of an apartment or house.

Water pressure is one of the main design parameters for the design of the private water supply system. If the pressure of the liquid in the system is insufficient, it may be difficult to use some sanitary ware and household appliances. Avoid such trouble, you can, if you design a water pipe in accordance with accepted standards. You can also increase the pressure with a pump that is built into the system.

Pressure Norm

The pressure of water, like any other medium, is measured in atmospheric units or bars. At a pressure of 1 bar, the pump can lift the liquid column to a height of 10 meters. For water supply apartment building  Sufficiently powerful pumps are used, capable of delivering water to a height of 30-50 meters. At the same time, in accordance with construction norms, the water pressure in the apartment should reach 4 atmospheres - this applies to all rooms, regardless of the floor. In practice, the pressure in the system is often below this value.

With a private house, everything is much simpler: for the arrangement of water supply in suburban housing, you do not need to buy too powerful equipment, which is also very expensive. For normal operation of all devices, a pump from 2.3 to 2.5 atmospheres is suitable.

In accordance with SNiP 2.04.01.85 and SNiP 2.04.01.84, with cold water supply, the flow strength should be up to 6 atmospheres, and when hot - up to 4.5 atmospheres. True, this is permissible high limits of indicators. Do not try to increase the flow strength above these limits.

Measuring the head pressure

Measure the head in the system using a manometer. This device is located near the meter at the entrance of the pipeline to the house. Also built-in pressure gauges have heating boilers. Thus, it is not difficult to measure actual pressure values ​​and compare them with those that should be in accordance with technical standards. For example, in a private house the pressure should not fall below the level of 2 atmospheres, and in an apartment - 2.5 atmospheres. A very weak flow indicates problems with the pump.

Photo: manometer for measuring pressure in the water supply system

Please note that too high pressure  - it is dangerous. Plumbing and household equipment fail at a pressure of 6-7 atmospheres. It is no accident that a manometer for installation on a water pipe in an apartment has a scale of division with a maximum of 7 atmospheres: if the head is raised above this level, serious problems will arise in the system. In the junction of pipes there will be leaks, and ceramic valves and other parts will start to fail.

Normal pressure values ​​for household appliances

In any house there is equipment that needs to be connected to the water supply. This applies to such adaptations as:

• boiler;
• dishwasher;
• washer;
• bidet;
• bath-jacuzzi.

Each of these devices operates at certain minimum and maximum fluid flow rates in the pipeline. The wider the range of permissible pressure, the better, so it is recommended to choose a technique with a margin of opportunity. The pressure in the water supply must be such that there is no difficulty with water supply even in situations where all consumers are switched on at the same time.

Features of the operation of autonomous water pipes

If the house has autonomous water supply, with the arrangement of the pipeline and connection of household equipment, it is necessary to take into account some features of such a system. This concerns aspects such as:

• the liquid must be lifted from a well or well a few meters deep;
• it is necessary to ensure normal pressure at points of the system remote from the catchment area, as well as in pipes located on different floors of the building.

When installing a water pipe, there may be problems associated with the amount of water in the source. If it turns out to be more than enough, the pressure will be too high, which will lead to water pipe leaks and premature deterioration, and household equipment will run to the brink of possibilities. Also, the source of the catchment area may be scarce, which causes a weak pressure. In this case it is better to purchase not only a pump, but also a storage tank, where water will be collected at a time when no one uses the water supply.

Methods for increasing the head pressure

There are several ways to increase the pressure in the water supply system. The first solution, which is the simplest at the same time, is the introduction to the pump circuit. This will ensure forced circulation water system. It is desirable that the pump be automatic: such a device will be switched on and off independently, depending on the current needs.

In addition to the pump, the force of pressure can be increased by using a pumping station. This equipment is characterized by increased capacity and is equipped with a reservoir in which water is accumulated. True, there is a pumping station more expensive than conventional appliances.

There is another way - the installation of a conventional pump and a container for collecting liquid at the highest point of the system. This will be cheaper than buying a pumping station, and the result will be almost the same, because due to the large height of the reservoir will be created additional pressure.

The efficiency of the water supply system determines the water pressure in the water supply system. There is pressure and pressure - the system works, no - it does not work or it does not work effectively. And the last, most likely will not suit even the most uncomfortable homeowner.

Therefore, in this article we will also consider the magnitude of the pressure in the water pipe - for normal operation of household appliances, the minimum and maximum, and ways to increase or decrease the pressure in the system, and related issues. We hope that this information will help you in disputes with public utilities or in trying to optimize the operation of the water pipe on your own.

Unit of measurement of "water pressure" - 1 bar. It is approximately one atmosphere (more precisely 1.0197 atmosphere, but this is insignificant). This pressure corresponds to a water column height of 10 meters.

In the city network, a 40-meter column of water or 4 bars of pressure is applied to the internal walls of the pipeline in a generally accepted measurement system.

This pressure is quite enough to serve consumers even on the highest floor of the high-rise building. But, unfortunately, the pressure does not refer to the stable characteristics of the water supply system. And the normal water pressure in the water pipe - 4 bars - is not so often. Since in the typical system the pressure ranges from 2.5 to 7.5 bar, peak values ​​reach as much as 10 bar.

Moreover, increasing the pressure in the water pipe, in most cases, leads to malfunctions in the water supply system. And some devices (ceramic valves, threaded couplings, etc.) are experiencing difficulties at a pressure of 6.5 bar. A 10 atmosphere can only withstand welded joints  and special fittings (industrial type, with tapered thread or press sleeve).

However, insufficient pressure leads to no less difficulties and failures in the operation of the water conduit. After all, some household and sanitary equipment "start" only at a certain pressure on the inlet nozzle. For example, a jacuzzi can be "started" at a pressure of 4 bar, and the washing machine is switched on at a pressure of at least 2 bar. And even a shower can be used only if the pressure in the system is not lower than 1.5 bar.

That is why the universally recognized optimum pressure in domestic water supply systems is 4 bar. With such a "load", there is practically no risk of destruction of the fittings and components of the shut-off and control valves. And, at the same time, 4 bar is enough to "run" the most fastidious household appliances and sanitary equipment.

Maximum and minimum water pressure in a water pipe of autonomous type

The autonomous water supply works not on common standards, but at the behest of its owner. In such a system, you can set any pressure - from a trivial one atmosphere, when the water is coming  on the pipes practically by gravity, up to four, or even six bars, necessary for automatic irrigation of the remote lawn.

And what pressure in the water pipe will be optimal, in this case, the owner of the house decides who will pay for the repair of fittings and shut-off valves or suffer from the lack of the opportunity to take a bath while the automatic irrigation system is working.

Therefore, most of the country houses are equipped with autonomous systems with a head from 1.5 liters / second. And the minimum pressure in the "private" water pipe can not be less than 1.5 bar. Otherwise, the landlord will not be able to use the two plumbing fixtures  Simultaneously.

Well, the maximum pressure in an autonomous system depends on two factors - the source (well or well) and the pump output. If the source can generate more than 0.5 m3 of water per day, and the pump can pump the entire volume with a sufficiently high head (more than 1.5 liters per second), then the pressure can be raised to a critical pressure of 6 bar.

But in most cases, the owners autonomous wells  are concerned not with the limitation of pressure, but with the question: "How to increase the pressure in the water supply system?"   After all, an essential debit is only artesian wells, and even then not all. And most of the sources on our sites are of low-pressure, and even non-pressure type. And the debit of such wells is barely enough for a family of 3-4 people.

Therefore, most owners of autonomous water supply sources are familiar with the problem of insufficient pressure in the system, not by hearsay. And further on in the text we will consider the ways of solving this problem.

How to increase the pressure in the water supply?

Technically, increasing the pressure in the water pipe is realized by integrating a storage tank into the system or installing a pressure pump in the water conduit. And both options promise various advantages and demonstrate some non-deliveries. Therefore, we will further consider these methods of increasing the pressure in the water pipe separately from each other.

Pressure increase by pump

This method of increasing pressure is suitable for apartments equipped with central water supply, and for private houses, "fed" to an autonomous well.

And in an autonomous system additional pump  mount into the system only if the main pressure source can not provide an acceptable head. That is, when the well is located far from the house or when the power of the main pump is not enough to supply water to the second floor.

Usually the second pump is mounted at the entrance to the house wiring - in front of the main manifold or the first tee (cross). And you need to understand that behind the pump creates a perceptible discharge, and the unit itself pumps highly saturated air with water. Therefore, as a pump, a vibratory aggregate is used, which is insensitive to high air content in the pumped medium.

True, the rules of good taste do not approve of the practice of using pumps in apartment buildings. After all, in this case, the owner of the "pumped" water pipe simply harms his neighbors.

Increase of pressure by means of a station with a storage tank

The station with a storage tank functions on a slightly different principle. The pump pumps the liquid into the storage part (tank or accumulator) of the unit. And the drive functions under constant pressure  in 1,5-2 bars. That is, the water is pumped into the tank until the desired 1.5-2 bar appears on the output (in the case of a battery, the pressure can be much higher). Then the pump is switched off.

The water supply is communication networks, consisting of a pipeline and various plumbing fixtures, thanks to which consumers receive water. The main characteristic of the water supply network is the pressure in the water pipe, which determines how comfortable our stay in the apartment will be.

What is the water pressure in the water pipe?

Problems in the operation of the system arise due to low water pressure, which makes it difficult to perform hygiene-related procedures and it becomes impossible to use washing household appliances.

Practice shows that the full use of water assumes the usual pressure of a water main in two bars, which allows to obtain a normal flow for daily needs . However, if there is a jacuzzi or shower in the house for massage this pressure is not enough. In a private house of moisture, more is required, since points of its consumption for irrigation are added. The water pressure should be at least one and a half bar at all points. In these cases, the pressure in the system should be twice that of conventional consumption and reaches 4 bar.

It seems that these figures are fully consistent with the GOST standards, which determine the normal pressure in the centralized water supply system with a level of 4 bars.

In fact, this value does not always correspond to reality and fluctuates usually in the range from 2.5 to 7 bar . Especially large pressure jumps appear during the verification work in the water supply system.

Tip: For the normal operation of household appliances, you must choose those that are oriented to the pressure in the water pipe at least 6 atmospheres.

Determination of water pressure in the aqueduct

The pressure in the atmospheres  (or bars) having approximately the same value that corresponds to ten meters of water. That is, the pump equipment for water supply at 30 meters, you need a capacity of 3 atmosphere (bar). In this case, one bar is used to raise water from 10 meters, and the other two - to deliver it to points of water consumption.

In addition, when calculating the required pressure, it is necessary to take into account its magnitude, pump start-up, and overcoming the resistance of the pipeline on the way to the water intake point. Calculation of planned water abstraction per day must be made according to the summer maximum consumption.

The calculation of this quantity is quite complex and depends on a number of parameters. Specialists in choosing pumping device  advise you to limit yourself to the sum of the pressure values ​​needed to start the pump and raise the water to the maximum height of the system.

When asked what pressure in the water supply is necessary for the reliable functioning of the water supply system, it is rather difficult to answer without the participation of an experienced worker. Recommended for purchase the device must provide a pressure that is 30% greater than the value obtained .

This calculation is made when installing equipment in private homes, where water is extracted from wells or wells. To work with the urban water supply system, water delivery from depth is not taken into account, because it is fed from a centralized network.

Ways to increase the tap water pressure

Most of the chronic shortage of water affects the inhabitants of the last floors apartment buildings  and the owners of country cottages or cottages. This is especially true in the summer, when water use is greatly increased.

Before deciding on the purchase of special equipment, it must be ensured that the reason for the poor water head is not a reduction in pipe diameter due to lime deposits or blockages by mechanical particles. In this case, the pressure in the pipes can be raised by replacing the water pipe itself.

If the cause is not in a blockage, then it is possible to make the water pressure optimal in this way:

1. Circular pump installation .

Used when the water comes in continuously, but does not provide a normal head. The pump is effective at a sufficient pressure level of 1.5 bar, has small dimensions and power. It is controlled both manually and with the help of an automatic control system. It is connected to the network in the immediate vicinity of water intake points. Tap water pressure can be maximally raised by as little as thirty percent . If it is necessary to use complex washing household devices, then one pump can not cope with the task. Then more powerful units are used;

1. Pumping station equipment .

With poor water pressure in the apartment or in case of its complete absence in the pipeline, professionals advise to acquire a pumping station, which includes a capacity of up to 3 m 3 (accumulator), a pump and a pressure switch. At normal pressure in the water supply, the installation does not work. The relay switches it on when the head is lowered. A tank containing a supply of water per day is filled as needed, mainly at night, with a stable network pressure. For the sake of economy, it is recommended that you purchase a station with a large storage tank, which prevents the pump from turning on frequently, and, therefore, it will last longer.

With this device, you can always keep the pressure within 4 atmospheres . In order to maintain the performance of the unit, the minimum pressure value should be 1.5 bar, and a more reliable value at which accidents become impossible is considered a pressure of 4 to 6 bar.

The main task of these devices is the same - the prevention of a hydrotest, with which they manage well.

The disadvantages of using a pumping station can be attributed :

• The need for considerable space for its placement;
• The need for regular cleaning of the tank to prevent stagnation of water in it;
• Noise during operation.

However, these shortcomings are covered by the advantages of using the station. Now available hydroaccumulators of different shapes, which makes it possible to achieve their convenient location in any apartment. And the water pressure in the water pipe in the private house is maintained at the proper level with the help of a station that can be placed on roofs, in the cellars of the house or even buried in the ground, which is very convenient.

Despite the size of the equipment and more complex operation of the station, experts advise to equip it. Unlike a pump, which cuts into the system can reduce the pressure of water from neighbors, the station will provide you with a good work of the water supply system and will not affect the water pressure in the neighboring apartment.

Tip: When choosing pump equipment  be sure to consult with experienced professionals who will determine the proper power of the device and will help to establish it according to all the rules.