Perhaps you have ever encountered a situation where water flows from a tap in a very weak stream. At the same time, it’s inconvenient to wash dishes, and there’s no need to even talk about taking a shower. But the inconvenience, unfortunately, does not end there. If the water pressure in the tap is low, it is impossible to start a gas water heater; washing machines and dishwashers may also “refuse” to work in such conditions. As sad as it may be, this situation is quite common. Very often, residents of the upper floors of tall apartment buildings suffer due to insufficient water pressure during peak hours. Owners of private houses also often face this problem, which is explained by shortcomings in the work of public utilities. If you are familiar with the described problem, then know that it has a fairly simple solution: pumps for increasing water pressure in a private home will help you out.
What you need to do before choosing a pump to increase water pressure in a private home
Pressure can be indicated in different units of measurement. That is, for example, in the technical documentation of a pump, the pressure can be indicated in MPa, in articles - in kPA, and on instrument panels - in mm of water. Art.
You are unlikely to need to know the exact pressure value in the water supply system, so you can use the following ratio, which will make it easier for you to assess the operation of the water supply system in your private home:
1 bar ≈ 1 at ≈ 10 m aq. Art. ≈ 100 kPa ≈ 0.1 MPa.
The standards set the requirement for tap water pressure for residents of a private house or apartment - 4 bar. With this value, all household appliances in a private or apartment building will be able to work well.
Unfortunately, few residents of private houses have pressure in their taps at exactly this level. Most often the deviations are significant. Any deviations from the norm are harmful to the water supply system. Thus, a pressure of more than 6-7 bar can lead to depressurization at pipe joints. A jump to 10 bar is fraught with an emergency situation.
The solution to the problem of insufficient or increased water pressure in a private house is to install a reducer that equalizes the pressure in the internal water supply, which eliminates the possibility of water hammer. If you avoid mistakes at the stage of selecting and installing the gearbox, the pressure in the system will always be optimal.
A more complex situation is a systematic lack of pressure in the water supply of a private home. It is necessary to identify the cause of this problem. Conduct a simple study to find out what pressure in the water supply of your private home is normal and how it changes during the day. After research, the situation will become clearer.
You can measure pressure with a pressure gauge. It is inexpensive, so we recommend that you purchase it and install it on the inlet main of your private home. It will be even better if you buy a mesh wash filter for coarse water purification with a built-in pressure gauge. It is enough to record the device readings 3-4 times a day at certain hours (including peak hours). Then it will be possible to analyze the water pressure in your private home and draw preliminary conclusions.
You can ask someone you know or buy your own portable pressure gauge. Connecting it is not difficult: you can do this using a flexible connection to the water sockets of faucets or to spouts, if the threaded connection is suitable. In fact, you can even assemble a simple, but quite accurate pressure gauge with your own hands.
In order to assemble the pressure gauge, you will need a plastic tube approximately 2000 mm long. The diameter of the tube must be such that it forms a tight connection with a fitting that screws onto the faucet spout, replacing the divider nozzle.
You can accurately determine the water pressure in a private house in the following simple way:
The first step is to connect the tube (vertically) to the faucet (or other water outlet). Then turn on the water and level the liquid level: there should be one horizontal line with a connection point (without an air gap at the tap - see the left figure). Now you can measure the height of the air section of the tube ( ho ).
The next step is to close the top hole of the tube with a stopper (so that air does not escape) and open the tap completely. The water will rise. After stabilizing the position, you need to measure the experimental value of the air column ( he ).
Now you can calculate the pressure:
Рв = Ро × ( ho/he)
Where Pv is the pressure in the water supply at a given point; Po is the initial pressure in the tube. It is acceptable to take it as atmospheric, that is, 1.0332 at; ho and he – experimentally obtained value of the height of the air column.
It may be that the pressure at several different points in the pipeline of a private house varies. This is evidence of the formation of rust or limescale on the pipes. In this case, it is necessary to replace the piping.
It is possible that the filters used in the water supply of your private home are very dirty or too old. To troubleshoot problems, it is necessary to perform appropriate preventative measures.
Read material on the topic: Communications in a private home
Classification of pumps for increasing water pressure in a private home
On sale you will find different pump designs for increasing water pressure in a private home:
- circulation pumps for increasing pressure;
- self-priming pumping stations to increase pressure.
Circulation pumps are standard devices for increasing water pressure in a private home. They received this name because they accelerate the movement of water in the pipes. Circulating ones are most often small in size, they are very compact. They are installed in sections of pipelines with insufficient pressure.
The developers of pumps for increasing water pressure in a private home had a specific goal - they wanted to come up with a device to improve the operation of systems with hot coolant. This is understandable, since the heating circuits have an impressive length, and there is resistance at the node connections. Without the use of pumps, such systems will not function effectively.
If we talk about water supply, then the essence is the same, with the only difference being that the pump accelerates the movement of water, and does not pump up hot coolant.
A circulation pump for increasing water pressure in a private home consists of a motor that drives a rotor part with an impeller. Thanks to these elements, the pump accelerates the movement of water in the chamber and significantly improves the characteristics of the pipeline as a whole.
Next, let's talk about the second type of pumps for increasing water pressure in a private home. They have a rather complex design. Such pumps completely take care of the “adjustment” of water to the tap.
The installation consists of a surface pump and a hydraulic accumulator. A surface pump pumps water into a hydraulic accumulator, which has an air membrane and check valves, with the help of which the pressure in the water supply system of a private house is regulated and maintained at the required level.
The pressure switch allows you to adjust the value of this indicator and automates processes.
Pumps for increasing water pressure in a private house operate in the following systems:
- with cold water;
- with hot water.
To increase the pressure of cold water in a private home, simple plastic pumps are used. They work with liquid whose temperature does not exceed +40 °C and do not tolerate prolonged contact with hot water.
Pumps for increasing the pressure of hot water in a private home are more expensive, but can be used in heating and hot water supply systems. They are made from expensive polymers, stainless steel and high-quality rubber.
The circulation pump for increasing water pressure is not very powerful, but it also consumes very little energy.
It increases the water pressure in a private house by 2-3 atmospheres. There are more powerful analogs that pump up to 2-3 m3 of water per hour.
Significantly more powerful are water stations for increasing water pressure, the self-priming pumps of which consume 2 kW of electricity when operating. They “attract” water from a long distance (up to 12 meters).
So, when planning to purchase a pump to increase water pressure in a private house, it is important to determine why it is needed: simply to improve pressure or to raise water to the upper floors. To increase the pressure, a small, low-power pump of an “in-line” design, embedded in the pipeline, is suitable. But if you need to raise the water level, you need a high-pressure centrifugal water pump with a hydraulic accumulator. The operating mode of such pumps is:
- Manual – in which the equipment can operate continuously. It will be necessary to monitor the temperature of the pump itself in order to avoid overheating and failure.
- Automatic - in which the pump operation is controlled by a flow sensor. The pump will start the moment water flows from the tap. This is an ideal operating scheme, as it eliminates the need to start the pump to increase pressure in dry mode. Such a pump is more profitable because its service life is longer.
Pumps for increasing water pressure in a private home can be cooled thanks to the motor impeller or the pumped liquid. Here is a classification of pumps depending on the method of their cooling, namely:
- Blades mounted on a shaft (dry rotor design). Such engines have a low efficiency value and create little noise during operation.
- Liquid (wet rotor). The operation of such pumps is almost silent.
For the homeowner, the size of the pump to increase water pressure is important, since it is necessary to allocate space for its installation.
The advantage of a pump with a dry rotor is high efficiency, and with a wet rotor it is quiet.
As a rule, pumps are installed at the entrance to a private house. Note that there are models that can be installed on both cold and hot water supply systems (universal pumps) or for a certain water temperature.
Pumping stations
After you check whether the water supply pipes are clogged, you can think about purchasing a powerful self-priming pumping station. Pumps for increasing water pressure in a private home can be equipped with a hydraulic accumulator. More often than not, homeowners prefer without it. However, experts advise choosing pumping stations with hydraulic accumulators.
The station is a surface centrifugal pump for increasing water pressure in a private home. It is connected to a hydraulic accumulator and a pressure switch, which controls the entire system. Using the station, water from the system is supplied to the tank. Thanks to the tank, the consumer always has a supply of water, even if it is turned off, which is very convenient. Gradually the pressure drops, and at a certain point the relay will automatically turn on the pump.
It is more profitable for the tank to be large, since there will be enough water in it for a longer time and, accordingly, starting and shutting down the mechanism will be carried out less frequently, and the equipment will wear out more slowly. A standard connection diagram for a pressure booster pump and a diagram for installing a pumping station in a private house with a nearby well are shown below. Please note that connection is possible to any available water source.
Read material on the topic: Hot water supply for a private home
Possible problems with the installation
In a situation where the hydraulic pump constantly turns on and off, you should definitely check the air stop in the hydraulic accumulator. If the indicators are underestimated, pumping up the hydraulic pump is recommended. These influences will help if the membrane masonry and the body are not broken. If there is still damage, all that remains is to contact the repair department of the service center.
If the air valve nipple is covered with wet droplets, the hydraulic accumulator must be immediately disconnected from the water supply. This case is a clear sign of membrane failure. If the membrane breaks down, there is a need for replacement, since air cannot penetrate into the water supply network through the membrane tank.
When there are problems turning on the pumping station, it is worth adjusting the pressure switch. It happens that the relay is directed to very excessive pressure. It happens that air penetrates the suction tube, thereby creating a moment when the dry-running protection is triggered.
What to consider when choosing a pump to increase water pressure in a private home
When selecting a pump, consider the following:
- what problem should a pump for increasing water pressure in a private house solve;
- pump capacity and the pressure it creates;
- How reliable is the manufacturer;
- the dimensions of the room where the pump will be installed to increase water pressure in a private house;
- how much money are you willing to spend on purchasing such a pump?
If you do not know the required performance and pressure, it will be very difficult to choose the most suitable pump for your water supply system. It would be right if you entrust the calculations to a specialist, especially since it is not difficult to find one: many companies involved in the sale of such devices offer this service completely free of charge.
If you need to slightly increase the pressure (by 1.5 atm), then choose a compact pump to increase water pressure in a private home. It is very easy to install.
It can be cut directly into the pipe. Scheme:
- Circulation pump.
- Filter.
- Stopcock.
- Thermostat.
- Safety valve.
It is necessary to choose such a pump to increase water pressure in a private home so that its power meets the needs of the system. When the pressure is insufficient, this is bad, but excess pressure should not be allowed, since the system elements will function under conditions of unreasonably high load, which is fraught with rapid wear.
The minimum pressure in the system is 2 atm. In such conditions, you can safely wash the dishes and start the washing machine without any problems (note that some models can be “capricious” and refuse to work in such conditions).
However, if you are used to using hydromassage in the bathroom and lying in a jacuzzi, then the pressure in the system should be higher - 5-6 atm. Some techniques only work at even higher values. Thus, when thinking about buying a pump to increase water pressure in a private home, re-read the instructions for the household appliances you have (and those you plan to purchase in the future).
To obtain accurate numbers, you will need the help of a specialist. Most likely, he will have enough preliminary estimated data to carry out calculations.
Now it is important to understand what problem you want to solve by installing a pump in a private home. If you cannot take a normal shower when someone is washing dishes in the kitchen, then a regular pump will be enough for you to increase the water pressure in a private house (it will provide an increase of 2 atm.). You probably have some kind of household appliance (the operation of which is related to water pressure), so study the instructions for it.
The devices operate normally at a certain water pressure in a private home. If the water supply system cannot provide your expensive equipment with the required amount of water, then it will have to run idle, which will most likely lead to a breakdown of the device that cannot be repaired under warranty.
When choosing a pump, take as a basis the maximum permissible pressure indicators for the equipment (data from data sheets). If you have too many of these household appliances, consult an engineer.
There is an opinion that you should not buy an expensive and powerful pump to increase water pressure in a private home. Supporters of this judgment claim that you should choose a less powerful device that is connected directly in front of the analysis points and household appliances, the operation of which needs to be optimized.
Buying a pump today is easy, since their range is quite wide. We recommend purchasing the device not on the market, but in a company store, where there is plenty to choose from, and, which is important when purchasing expensive models, there is warranty service.
Read material on the topic: How to choose water supply pipes so that they last a long time
Determining a location for a water supply station
When selecting a site for a water pump, you need to take into account all the characteristics of its operation. Every five meters of the horizontal tube between the water source and the hydraulic pump reduces its suction properties by one and a half meters. The autonomous supply hydraulic pump is located on the ground floor or in a room insulated for it.
For a stationary outdoor device, it is worth installing a caisson, and placing its pressure pipe to the house at such a depth underground that cold and frost do not reach it. If the hydraulic pump is used only in summer at a summer cottage, the lines sink to a length of less than 30-50 cm, and may even remain on the ground.
If a hydraulic pump is installed in a home, you don’t have to worry about winter cold and freezing of the system. If there is an option to drill into the building, this action will shorten the length of the main pipes. When choosing a hydraulic pump site, you should take into account the temperature limits specified in the instructions for the device.
How to install a pump to increase water pressure in a private home
How to install a self-priming pump
Installation of this type of pump is quite simple. You don't need to purchase any complicated tools to install the equipment. You should follow these steps:
- determine the location for the accumulator and pump;
- install a hydraulic accumulator;
- install pipes to connect equipment to the water supply;
- hang a pump to increase water pressure from the wall;
- tie the pump and accumulator;
- check the operation of the pump in automatic mode.
A pump and hydraulic accumulator with a pressure switch are a variation of a pumping station for increasing pressure in a private house. In order to install it, you will have to think about where exactly the tank can be placed. Some owners of private houses, instead of a hydraulic accumulator with a membrane, install ordinary large plastic tanks (volume 200 l).
In such cases, the pressure switch replaces the float sensor, due to which the tank is filled with water when necessary. Such a tank should be located as high as possible (attic, top floor). It is necessary to think about its most suitable configuration in a timely manner.
To save space, you should choose a narrow flat tank; its shape can be arbitrary. The installation should be carried out in such a way that access to it or to the hydraulic accumulator is maintained (alternatively, it can be made so that it can be easily removed if necessary). This is important, as otherwise difficulties will arise during maintenance, repair or replacement of the device.
A store-bought hydraulic accumulator does not require any preparation for installation, but you will have to create holes in the tank through which water will flow in and out. It would be a good idea to install an additional shut-off valve, with which you can quickly drain the water in the event of an accident. The pipes that take and supply liquid to the water supply system are mounted to one water pipe.
Nowadays, it is most convenient to use plastic pipes for assembling a water supply system: they are easy to install and, what is very important, they are reliable. It makes sense to install check valves on the pipes: they will prevent air from the pump and water from entering the container when the equipment is turned off.
Now you can begin assembling and installing a suction pump to increase pressure in a private house, which was probably purchased disassembled.
If you decide to mount the pump to the wall, then do not forget about the markings for fasteners. After the device is installed, it is connected to the water supply. This is not difficult, but it is important to carefully monitor the direction of water movement in the device (there should be special marks on the body).
The liquid in the pump to increase water in a private house must move from the tank to the water collection points. In other words, the installation must be connected according to the following scheme: hydraulic accumulator - pump - consumer. The next stage is piping the pump.
Below is a diagram of connecting a pump to increase water pressure in a private house to the water supply system.
Installation is usually carried out as follows: the pipes at the beginning of the system are disconnected and a pump is connected to them (fittings are used for this).
It is important that the connections are tight. If a pump is “screwed on” to increase water pressure in a private house, then the threaded connection must contain the required amount of sealant (FUM tape, flax thread). Fittings are required to connect the device to plastic pipes.
It is important to check the operation of the system; to do this, fill the tank with the float with water. It is necessary to make sure that the container does not leak, and also check the operation of the sensor. In the absence of these problems, you can test the work yourself.
To do this, connect the device to the network (automatic mode), open the tap and observe its operation. If everything is correct, then the pump to increase water pressure in a private house should automatically turn on, and the liquid pressure should increase significantly.
Read material on the topic: How to increase water pressure
Installing a circulation pump to increase water pressure
The installation of circulation pumps for increasing pressure in a private house is carried out in the same way. They are cut into the water supply in a certain place. It is important to consider the direction of fluid movement. If the device is not positioned correctly, water will pass through the pump.
Connection diagram of the circulation pump to the water supply system:
But you will not notice an increase in pressure, since the device will not perform its task. Therefore, carefully study the instructions; they describe in detail the correct position of the pump to increase water pressure in a private home. If the pump connected to the network affected the water pressure, then it means that no errors were made during installation.
