How to Boost Domestic Water Pressure
How to Boost Domestic Water Pressure
Common Questions:
Does My Home Have Low Water Pressure?
Most of us enjoy a refreshing morning shower, so it can be quite frustrating when your shower loses power due to low water pressure, or when your bath and toilet take ages to fill. If you notice a drop in shower temperature when someone uses a tap in the kitchen or laundry, or even when the toilet is flushed, this could indicate low water pressure.
Pump Express can help you increase water pressure at home, giving you a more powerful shower. We also offer solutions to boost water pressure for off-grid living, farms, commercial properties like hotels, restaurants, and golf clubs, as well as temporary building sites and more.
Why do I have low water pressure?
Across the UK, reduced mains water pressure is common due to efforts to combat leaks, and increased demand from new buildings. This issue, particularly noticeable during peak times, often results in disappointing “power shower” experiences. Your home may have a problem with reduced water flow, low water pressure – or both. Pump Express offers whole house solutions like the Powertank to help increase your water pressure and flow. Speak to a friendly advisor to find the right solution.
How to Improve Water Pressure
Measure Your Water Pressure
- Measure water pressure using a water pressure gauge
- A water pressure gauge is a low cost tool available from most hardware and DIY shops. Go to an outdoor or kitchen tap and connect the water pressure gauge just like you would with a garden hose (make sure it’s screwed on tight). Turn on the water to see the water pressure.
- Measure water flow using a jug
- Turn the outdoor or kitchen tap on full, and place a 1 litre jug underneath it. Time how long it takes for the jug to fill up. If it takes more than 6 seconds, you likely have low water pressure.
What should my water pressure be?
Water pressure refers to the force which is used to move the water through your pipes, typically measured in bars or psi. Most local water authorities supply around 1 bar of pressure to your home. Generally, 2 to 3.5 bar of pressure is preferred for most households.
Water Boosting Solutions Based on Your Heating System
Combi/Megaflo Boilers
Most new houses will have a combi boiler system, which provides heating and hot water on demand, so it doesn’t need a separate hot water tank. Even if only one tap needs increased pressure, you will need to boost the whole house by installing a Powertank.
- The Powertank range: An all-in-one pump and tank solution that comes in various shapes and sizes to suit your chosen space.
- Features: A submersible water pump and a Fixed or Variable speed controller.
- Tank size: Depends on your property size, water usage needs, and incoming flow rate. Examples include:
- Flat: ~125 litre tank
- Family House: ~200 litre tank
- Location: Ideally low and close to the incoming supply.
- Installation: Simply plumb the incoming water main into the tank and connect the outlet to your home’s plumbing.
Gravity Fed Systems:
Older houses may have a gravity fed system, which uses gravity to move water around the house. You may have a cold water tank in the loft, and a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard, and water pressure may be worse on upper floors. Although it is possible to increase water pressure for a single shower or tap, boosting the whole house using a pump is more efficient and guards against future issues.
Recommended Pumps:
- Stainless steel centrifugal pumps, like the 3 Bar Sentinel.
- Larger Homes: Consider the 4 Bar Sentinel for homes with multiple floors or many bathrooms.
Speak to a friendly Pump Express expert to find the right solution.
Can I Attach a Pump Directly to My Incoming Mains?
Yes, but is not suitable for many households because water bye-laws restrict pumps to 12 litres per minute (approximately 2 bar), and this still relies on your mains being capable of delivering this volume (if the existing supply is inadequate, the pump will underperform and may fail prematurely). Also in larger homes, or those with more outlets, your water usage may exceed the maximum volume (a single shower typically requires up to 15 l/min).
Need Help?
Contact us to discuss your system and find the best pump:
Phone: 01633 244777
Email: enquiries@pumpexpress.co.uk