LOW MAINS PRESSURE? WATER DOSN'T FLOW UPHILL

Do you take your water pressure for granted? Many do. Water unfortunately doesn't flow uphill and the design considerations required to ensure a steady flow can often be problematic and complex.

Though there have been great advances in water boosting the demand for improved mains water pressure has increased significantly in the past few years. Though new pump systems in high rises and the replacement older systems are a cause the greater problem has been the lowering of mains water pressure in both rural and urban areas by water companies looking to make cost savings.

FROM HEADER TANKS TO END SUCTION BOOSTER PUMPS

Older systems relied upon header tanks. Large water tanks placed atop a building utilising gravity to provide pressure. Once the tank dropped below a certain level a float switch would turn a pump on at the lower levels filling the tank back up to a desired level. Most tall blocks of flats where served in this way and some buildings in London still are.

During the sixties and seventies hydro-pneumatic systems were designed to give automatic pressure control to large properties. These were large pressure vessels that were filled with compressed air and the water was pumped under pressure in to the tank. As the system required water the pressure and the level in the tank would fall. The pump would start at a design pressure and run until the demand was met and pressure and level in the tank had risen.

Today's systems are more efficient, smaller and easier to install. Variable speed booster pumps are fast becoming the most popular choice due to the potential cost savings and efficiency. They not only require less equipment and set up but also only work when required by the system and at the required level. Combined with intelligent pump control panels this can cut bills in half and prevent problems that could lead to problems extending the life of the system by many years.

Continue on to New systems and Sizing your booster set