Is your mains water supply suitable

Is your Mains Suitable?

First off, it is important to know than any mains fed system (i.e. without stored cold water) is limited by the amount of water that the pipework into the property can provide.

The higher the mains water pressure the more water will be available, however the size and length of pipework is also important.  This is because when water flows, pressure is lost in the pipes and fittings.  Even with a high mains water pressure, a long length of small bore supply pipework can 'use up' the available pressure, resulting in poor flow rates.

In existing properties, the water supply can often be gauged best by opening up cold taps that are connected to the mains. These will usually include an outside tap or kitchen tap.  As you open up more than one tap, the ability of each tap to keep flowing is an indication of the water available.  Your local water supplier should be able to assist in testing pressures and flow rates properly.

It may be a good idea to check pipework within the property, as you may find that the supply into the property is in fact excellent, however is fitted with a small bore isolating valve, or a run of smaller bore pipe, either of which would greatly limit the water getting through to taps.  

If the mains supply pipework is unable to provide the peak water requirements then there are only a few options:

1. Arrange for the mains supply pipework to be upgraded.

2. Stick to using a cold water storage tank in loft, and use pumps to boost pressure to taps.

3. Relocate cold water storage tank to low level and use a pump set to boost pressures and flow.

4. Install an accumulator vessel. This will allow very high flow rates until it is empty, but will not boost pressure, only flow.

 In a few installations, the desired peak water demand is higher than the local water authorities can provide.  On these occasions, cold water storage is the only option, and pumps have to be used to boost pressures and flow rates to taps.

That said, most properties have more than adequate water supplies, and mains fed hot water system become an option.