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Most domestic installations are designed for a water pressure of up to 10 bar, whether it’s a tap, toilet flush, shower or household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. If the pressure drops, less and less water will flow from the pipe until, in the worst case, no water will flow at all.
A typical example is the washing machine: It does not actively draw water; rather, the water flows into the machine due to sufficient pressure. Most models require at least 1 to 1.5 bar for this. As soon as this pressure is no longer reached, modern washing machines automatically stop operating.
But how is water pressure created?
These days, pumps in waterworks generate the necessary pressure to ensure that water does not just drip out of our taps. In the past, water towers and gravity provided sufficient pressure. Today, drinking water is pumped through the pipe network by local or regional water companies at a supply pressure of between approximately 2 and 8 bar. (For reference: 1 bar is approximately equal to the air pressure at sea level or the pressure of a 10-metre-high column of water.)
Remedy causes of low water pressure and improve performance
Here are some figures for homeowners, property managers, caretakers and DIY enthusiasts:
- Drinking water pipes in new and middle-aged buildings are usually designed for a pressure of up to 10 bar.
- The average supply pressure from the local network is typically 3–4 bar.
- A pressure reducer in the house is often set to 3 bar. This prevents the domestic plumbing system from being subjected to excessive loads over a long period of time. However, the pressure can be set higher if necessary to supply sufficient water pressure to the top floors – the required pressure therefore also depends on the height of the building.
If you are also interested in a cost-effective alternative without hidden costs for consulting, installation, additional material, energy or even follow-up costs, please contact us.
Fresh water pipe for each residential unit in the house
But how does the water actually get to your tap? Each unit is supplied via its own pipe, which runs vertically from the lowest floor up to the individual floors. Once inside the home, horizontal pipes branch off from this riser pipe to the various taps, such as those in the bathroom, kitchen and utility room.
In buildings with many floors, such as high-rise buildings, pressure boosting systems (DEA) are often used. These are pumps or pump systems that are automatically controlled and increase the supply pressure in the water pipe. In such large buildings with many consumption points, keeping the pressure constant at all times is a particular technical challenge due to the great fluctuation in water consumption.
This demonstrates the importance and sensitivity of water pressure. The water supplier sets the supply pressure for the public water mains, and then the appropriate pressure for the house is set in the building by the installer during installation, or by the caretaker or homeowner if necessary.
As a homeowner or tenant, it is useful to have at least a basic understanding of how the system works so that you can troubleshoot sudden pressure problems yourself, such as a sudden drop in water pressure or a tap that barely produces any water. Otherwise, you will need the know-how and experience of a professional – specifically, a plumber who specialises in sanitary, heating and air conditioning technology (with a focus on water installation).
Possible causes of low water pressure in houses and rented flats
Fresh water pipe and supply pressure
If there is low water pressure throughout your house, you should first look for the cause outside. Let’s start with the water supplier: Is the supply pressure provided by the waterworks correct? If it is too low, the cause could be a burst water pipe or a repair in the public pipe network – in such cases, the water supply is often reduced or stopped completely. Another, less common, external cause could be a decline in pump performance at the waterworks. However, experience shows that pressure problems are more often caused by issues with the private house connection or installation.
The main water tap is the distribution point
The next step is to check the main water tap for the building. This is located directly behind the water meter and forms the connection point between the public and private water supplies. If the main tap is defective or not fully open (due to intentional or accidental closure, for example), all subsequent pipes and taps in the building will be affected. Therefore, before checking the water pressure in individual flats or rooms, ensure that the main water tap is fully open and functioning correctly.
Blockage of the filter at the house connection
Fresh water flows from the water supplier through the public pipe to your property and then through the main water meter and a fine filter. This filter removes particles such as rust, lime and sand, preventing them from entering the domestic plumbing system. Filtering is important because tap water can carry contaminants repeatedly – for example, sand and soil can be washed in during construction work, and changes in flow direction or maintenance work can cause residues.
If the filter becomes clogged, the water pressure will gradually decrease and eventually drop noticeably. Maintenance and regular filter replacement are the responsibility of the property owner. If you live in a single-family home, it is your responsibility to remember to do this; if you live in a condominium complex, the property management company is responsible.
Blocked fitting
If the pressure drop only occurs at a single tap (e.g. a specific tap or shower), the cause is probably located there. Limescale deposits are often the reason. The supply line to this tap or mixer may be calcified, or the tap or mixer itself may be blocked. One simple test is to turn on the affected tap and check if small white crumbs or solids are flushed out. If the pressure is significantly lower than at other taps, this is a sure sign of limescale or blockage in this pipe or fitting. To be absolutely sure, you can carry out a limescale test. Remove some of the white solids and dissolve your ‘sample’ in a bowl of vinegar or citric acid. If it all dissolves without leaving any residue, it was limescale.
The aerator (jet regulator/air mixer) on the tap can also become calcified. This ensures that the water jet is aerated and flows evenly and broadly. However, if the aerator is calcified or dirty, the water flow is reduced and the water pressure at the tap decreases. Unscrew the aerator and place it in vinegar or a standard descaling agent for a few hours to dissolve the limescale.
Over the years, the pipes themselves can also calcify and become increasingly clogged, especially in areas with very hard water and old pipes. In such cases, only expensive professional measures, such as thoroughly cleaning or replacing the affected pipes, can restore normal water pressure.
Blocked pipe ventilation
A defective or blocked pipe vent can also lead to low water pressure, particularly with cold water. The pipe vent (a mechanical valve with a float) prevents service water from flowing back into the fresh water network. If the float becomes stuck or jammed due to limescale deposits or wear and tear, the water flow is blocked. The result is that hardly any water comes out of the tap, and the water pressure is too low. In such cases, the pipe vent should be cleaned or replaced.
Testimonials and installations from around the world
Water hardness and water pressure: definition, information and measurement.
Definition of ‘water hardness’: Water hardness is defined as the proportion of calcium and magnesium in the water. These minerals make fresh or drinking water a valuable source of nutrition. For health reasons, it is not necessary to soften water in its original form. However, softening the water is often advisable for household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, as these must be adjusted to the local water hardness.
German water hardness is measured in degrees of German hardness (°dH):
- 0 to 8.4 °dH: soft water
- 8.4–14 °dH: medium-hard water
- From 14 °dH: hard water
The optimal water hardness is considered to be around 8.3–8.4 °dH. Within this range, soap dissolves optimally, machines are protected, and limescale stains hardly form. However, water hardness has no influence on health, either positive or negative.
The Sialex® Ring is an effective solution for low water pressure
If the water pressure is too low, or if it drops suddenly, there are numerous possible causes. These range from external influences beyond your property, such as the public network, to the main shut-off valve and every tap in your house or rented flat.
Troubleshooting can be carried out in two ways: either work backwards from a tap with low pressure to the pressure reducer, or work forwards from the main water tap to each tap or aerator in the house.
Having too low or too high a water pressure is bothersome in either case. Excessive pressure can cause long-term damage to pipes and household appliances. In the worst case, extremely low pressure can result in no fresh water coming out of the tap at all.
Finally, consider the toilet and shower: sufficient pressure is required for effective flushing, and a weak shower head makes showering unpleasant – only consistent water pressure makes showering enjoyable. Even common household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers cannot operate without the minimum pressure specified by the manufacturer.
So make sure that the water pressure in your house or flat is always within the correct range!
If the water pressure in your home is too low, visit our website at www.sialexring.com/product-users/private-households/ to find out more and arrange a personal consultation by email or phone. We can achieve excellent results with the Sialex® Ring in this area in just a few weeks.
Do you have any questions about the Sialex® Ring? Get in touch with us today.
If you are also interested in a cost-effective alternative without hidden costs for consulting, installation, additional material, energy or even follow-up costs, please contact us.
