Reasons for low hot water pressure in an apartment - hot water supply standards, what to do and where to go if there is poor pressure, sample complaints

Home/Water supply and sanitation/Weak water pressure

Every resident of multi-storey buildings has probably encountered the problem of insufficient pressure in pipes. In a situation where water flows from the faucet in a thin stream, it is impossible not only to take a shower, but also to start washing machines and dishwashers. How to deal with the problem of low water pressure in an apartment and not overpay public utilities for dishonestly provided water supply services?

What should be the water pressure in the apartment?

Currently, federal legislation does not establish uniform standards for water pressure in apartments and private houses. Each specific region, and sometimes locality, has its own indicators. When calculating the standard for water supply to an apartment, the following parameters must be taken into account:

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• number of floors in the building;
• height of the house;
• number of apartments;
• total number of registered residents;
• residence floor;
• time of day, etc.

Attention
The pressure in the pipelines is calculated individually for each specific apartment. Residents themselves are accustomed to assessing this indicator as “bad” or “good”, depending on whether the water pressure satisfies their needs or not. On average, the pressure in the pipes should be about two atmospheres. However, apartment owners often fail to defend their rights even with frankly weak water pressure, since pressure measurements are carried out using a special measuring device.

Method 2: Installation of storage tank

In this situation, summer residents will be saved from the weak pressure of cold water by constructing a special storage tank, which will accumulate water and supply it under high pressure to the house. Connecting it will be somewhat more complicated than connecting a booster pump, so you will have to do a little work. The entire assembly process, for convenience, will be divided into stages.

Stage 1: Deciding on the characteristics

To begin with, you need to decide how the water will flow into your storage tank. Most often, cheap and low-power submersible pumps are used for these needs, which will deliver water to the top. Next, we need to decide on the volume of that same storage tank, so that the weak pressure of cold water does not disturb us at an unnecessary moment. Everyone must do this individually, based on how many people in the house will use the water supply, how many houses will be connected to this system, what is the intensity of use of the water supply, and so on. The storage container can be a tank or a barrel of any size, shape and volume, so everything here is calculated individually. Also, a storage tank can be assembled from several ordinary barrels connected to each other at the very bottom.

Stage 2: Mount the float

Next, you will need to think about how to stop the supply of water to the storage tank if it is full. To do this, you can use special floats, which are quite similar to the floats from toilet tanks. The principle of their operation is as simple as possible: they are put on a tube through which water flows into the storage tank, then, when the water tank is filled, the float begins to rise, and, having risen to a certain level, it shuts off the water. But you shouldn’t rely on its reliability, it’s best to immediately make an emergency drain of water by simply making a hole on top of the storage tank through which, if anything happens, excess water will flow out, insert some kind of hose or tube into this hole and let it go down the drain .

Step 3: Connecting Power

At this stage of getting rid of the weak pressure of cold water, you need to think about how, if the storage tank is full, turn off the power to the first pump that supplies water to it. To do this, you can use a hydraulic accumulator by connecting it between the pump and the tank. Thus, due to its design, the accumulator will turn off the power to the pump when the tank is filled with water.

Stage 4: Delivering water to the house

As you approach the completion of all the work of getting rid of the weak pressure of cold water, you need to think about how to take water from the container. Alternatively, this can be done using another pump and another accumulator, connected in the same way as the first pump with the first accumulator. That is, first the pump will be connected, then the hydraulic accumulator, which will turn off the pump when the water in the house is not consumed. Or this problem can be solved by purchasing a small pumping station, which can replace the pump and accumulator combination, but will cost a little more.

Bottom line

Thus, by connecting this system, water from the well will be lifted by the first pump and transferred to the storage tank. There it will accumulate, and if the storage tank is full, the flow of water will be blocked by a special float, and the first pump will be turned off by the hydraulic accumulator. Next, water from the tank will be delivered to the house using a second pump. If all the appliances that consume water in the house turn off, the second accumulator will turn off the power to the second pump. Or, if a pumping station is used, it will turn off automatically. This is how you get rid of weak water pressure.

Such a system is in great demand among people living outside the city or summer residents, because this system is reliable and can last for several decades without interruptions in operation.

In the end, I would like to note that these are not all the ways to get rid of low pressure of cold water, because each case is individual, and in some places it will not be possible to use the option with a storage tank, and in others it will not be possible to use the option with a booster pump. In addition to all this, experienced people themselves can make any changes to the very design of our structure, they can change the methods of pumping water out of the tank, or they can change the way they shut off water from the first pump that delivers water from the well - they can review the entire mechanism and improve it . Here is only the most stable version of this system, which is useful for private use, but can hardly function in industrial buildings or workshops.

What to do if there is a weak pressure of cold water in only one tap, but everything is fine in the others? Then the problem can be solved much easier. Watch this video:

Normative base

The parameters for water supply to apartments and private houses are determined by the relevant legislative standards and SNiPs. Knowledge of the regulatory framework is necessary for proper installation of internal wiring and connection of plumbing and various household appliances. If the owner of a living space has serious complaints regarding the pressure in the pipeline, he should definitely familiarize himself with the requirements of SNiP.

According to SNiP 2.04.02-84, for every ten meters of water delivery height, a pressure of 1 bar must be provided in the pipe. The same document states that the height of one floor of an apartment building in calculations should be taken as 4 meters. Thus, knowing the initial data, you can calculate the required water pressure for any floor in just a few minutes.

In addition, SNiP provides a minimum pressure standard for each type of plumbing:

• For a bath with mixers - 0.3 atmospheres;
• Toilet with flush cistern - 0.2 atmospheres;
• Shower cabins - 0.3 atmospheres;
• Sink with mixer – 0.2 atmospheres.

IMPORTANT
The maximum water pressure in the apartment should not exceed 6 atmospheres, however, during repair and construction work this figure can reach 10 atmospheres.

The provisions of Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 6, 2011 No. 354 establish pressure parameters separately for hot and cold water:

• for cold water – from 0.03 to 0.6 MPa;
• for hot water – from 0.03 to 0.45 MPa.

In addition, according to this document, water pressure measurements should be carried out at the water collection point in the morning from 7.00 to 9.00 or in the evening from 19.00 to 22.00.

Knowledge of these fundamental documents will allow apartment owners to conduct more specific and subject-specific negotiations with the management company in the event of low pressure in apartment buildings.

Ways to increase pressure in apartment water supply

You can tackle the question of how to increase the water pressure in your apartment and thereby improve the water supply to your own home, without waiting for the management company to respond to your applications and complaints. To ensure that hot and cold, as well as mixed warm water, comes from the taps of your apartment with good pressure, you can use several techniques.

Using larger diameter pipes in the apartment's plumbing system

The pressure with which water moves through the pipes depends on the hydraulic pressure that is created in such pipes. The value of this parameter is higher, the smaller the diameter of the pipe and the higher the speed of flow of water that moves through it. Accordingly, if you reduce the hydraulic pressure in the water supply by installing pipes of larger diameter, the speed of fluid movement decreases and the pressure increases.

Small diameter pipes may simply become clogged

This is the method of increasing water pressure that many apartment owners use. However, it is not possible to achieve a significant increase in water pressure using this method.

Use of pumping units

Installing compact pumping equipment is another way to successfully answer the question of how to increase the water pressure in the water supply of your apartment. Today, purchasing such pumping equipment does not present any problems. For such devices to operate effectively, even low pressure and fluid flow in the apartment water supply is sufficient.

A powerful centrifugal pump can significantly increase the pressure in the water supply system

The most powerful models of such compact pumps allow you to increase the water pressure by 1.5 atm, which is quite enough for comfortable operation of the apartment water supply. Such powerful devices are usually installed immediately behind the root valve.

To provide sufficient water pressure to household devices that especially need it, place the pump directly in front of them. For such purposes, less powerful devices are used that can increase water pressure by 0.8 atm.

A small-sized instantaneous pump is suitable for a small increase in water pressure

It should be noted that increasing the water pressure in a single apartment, carried out using compact pumping units, is a fairly effective way to solve this pressing problem for many. When installed in conjunction with a water pressure sensor, the pump can operate in automatic mode, turning off at the moment when the pressure in the water supply corresponds to the required value. When switched off, the pump does not interfere with the movement of fluid through the pipeline system.

Possible reasons for low water pressure in the apartment

Before filing a claim with the utility service, you should understand the reasons for the low water pressure in the apartments. Sometimes the problem lies not in the actions of utility workers, but in the shortcomings of the living space.

As practice shows, the following reasons can cause serious problems with the supply of hot and cold water:

1. Insufficient pressure in the central main system.
2. Formation of blockage in the common house pipeline or in the pipes of the apartment.
3. Mixer malfunctions.

Attention
The reasons for low pressure of hot and cold water in an apartment may be different.

In each specific case, you should first find out the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of low water pressure in the apartment. This can be done by contacting the utility service or management company at your place of residence. As a rule, when carrying out urgent or planned repairs, utility workers warn residents, notifying them of possible problems and the timing of their elimination.

Causes of low blood pressure

Water consumption depends on two characteristics:

1. pressure in the water supply system
2. water supply throughput.

Deterioration of any of these parameters will lead to a loss of pressure. Therefore, before looking for reasons, you need to determine which of these factors and at what stage deviated from the norm.

It should be understood that influence can be external and internal. External parameters are understood as parameters entering the room, which are configured by the hot water supplier.

The internal influence is determined by the shut-off and control equipment inside the room and the condition of the internal distribution pipes.

In some cases, the condition of the reinforcement at the point of disassembly affects:

• shower hose and head,
• mixer,
• water heating tank, etc.

The third factor is time. The longer a water supply system is in use, the more sediment builds up and the flow rate is lower.

With centralized water supply

Let's consider general cases of pressure reduction that are typical for any hot water supply system.

Intensive construction and commissioning of new facilities is accompanied by an increase in the load on main networks and boiler houses.

The lack of development and modernization of networks leads to a decrease in operating pressure and a lack of capacity of main pipes. This is reflected in the pressure in every home.

Long-term operation of a hot water pipeline leads to the development of accelerated corrosion under the influence of high temperatures, the development of a biological environment and the accumulation of minerals.

All this settles on the inner walls of the pipes and narrows the cross-section. This is the main reason for the reduction in water supply capacity.

At the entrance to the room, coarse and fine filters are installed to protect pressure reducers, metering devices and other equipment.

Their direct task is to collect as much as possible the suspended matter in the water. As sediment builds up and if not properly maintained, filters can become a significant obstruction to water flow.

An additional factor in reducing pressure may be household equipment for heating water - water heaters.

With instantaneous water heater (gas water heater)

In a geyser, the flow of water moves through a thin tube (coil), removing heat from the gas combustion chamber.

With sudden intense heating, free oxygen dissolved in cold water begins to actively react with various dissolved mineral salts , forming solid, insoluble compounds.

These elements are deposited on the inner wall of the coil (scale), creating a heat-insulating barrier and narrowing the cross-section of the coil. It is necessary to increase the temperature in the column chamber, which accelerates the process of scale deposition.

When the cross-section of the tube is narrowed, in order to maintain the required flow rate, the user opens the tap more, the water begins to move at an increased speed, which reduces the heating time.

And the user further increases the temperature in the column chamber. After some time, the pressure weakens because the coil tube is overgrown with scale.

With an electric water heater

If the electric water heater is instantaneous, the user himself reduces the pressure so that the water warms up better.

If the pressure of hot water in the kitchen and bathroom, when using a storage-type water heater, nevertheless decreases on its own, then the reasons must be sought before the water heater.

This could be a faulty check valve installed in front of the heater.

How to independently increase water pressure in an apartment?

There are several ways to independently eliminate the problem of low water pressure in an apartment. The choice of one method or another depends solely on the reason for the poor delivery:

• If the problem lies in the mixer, you can try to repair it or replace it with a new one.
• If the water pressure has decreased due to a clogged aerator, you should clean it with a needle and blow it out.
• The replacement of pipes should be entrusted to specialists; the apartment owner is only required to purchase all the necessary materials. It is recommended to replace the risers entirely, since due to the large number of joints the pressure may also drop.
• Problems with low pressure on the upper floors of an apartment building can be solved using a special pump.
• If the pressure in the pipeline is insufficient due to errors in the connection diagram of plumbing and appliances, then only a specialist can find the problem and fix it.

How can I find the problem?

The easiest way to look for the reason is from largest to smallest. That is, it is recommended to first exclude those problems that do not depend on the tenant and narrow them down to his apartment.

So, the algorithm of actions will be like this:

1. Talk to the residents of the house and find out if they have the same problem. If you find that other people have the same situation, it makes sense to immediately contact the service responsible for the water supply in a particular city or area. Perhaps an emergency is brewing in the water main due to serious blockage or damage;
2. If people in other entrances or apartments do not have this problem, it is worth talking to the residents on the same riser . When the problem occurs in several apartments at once, you need to contact the management company for diagnostics. The problem can only be solved by completely replacing the pipes in the riser or by consistently searching for blockages ;
3. If the previous 2 situations did not show anything, then the problem lies in the apartment . First, you should turn on all the taps in sequence and observe whether the pressure changes because of this. If this happens, then there is a problem in the plumbing circuit , and it will have to be completely redone. In a new house you can contact the developer, in an old house you can contact the management company;
4. If the problem is in only one faucet , this indicates a blockage in it or in the supply pipe. They need to be disassembled and checked for limescale blockages . If you have the tools, you can do this yourself, but without the appropriate experience, it is better to call a plumber. If the pipes are old, they may need to be replaced.

Where to go if there is low water pressure in the apartment?

If the pressure in the tap is weak, you should wait a few days. If the situation does not improve, then you should file a complaint with the management company responsible for supplying water to the apartment. When contacting the Criminal Code, the sequence of actions will be as follows:

1. An application is sent to the management company to measure low water pressure in the apartment.
2. Within 10 days, a specialist with special measuring instruments must come from the management company to measure the pressure in the pipeline.
3. If a deviation from the standards is detected, the management company must identify the cause of the problem and eliminate it within a month from the date of filing the application.

Attention
If the management company is in no hurry to fulfill its obligations and delays in resolving the issue, residents should not give up and look for effective ways to influence the management company.

When and where can I file a complaint?

Experienced lawyers recommend submitting all complaints to the Management Company exclusively in writing. The claim for low water pressure in the apartment should be made in two copies, one should be submitted to the management company, and the second with the incoming mark should be kept. According to Federal Law No. 59, written applications from citizens are considered by officials within thirty days from the date of their submission to the organization.

For your information

If after a month the problem with low water pressure has not been solved and a response to the application has not been provided, the apartment owner has several options on how to proceed. First, you can go to court. In most cases, this step is a last resort. Litigation can cost the plaintiff a pretty penny and take a lot of time and effort. However, sometimes there is no other way out, since only through the court can you demand that the management company fulfill its obligations or get a refund for poor-quality services provided. Secondly, you can write a complaint to the state housing inspection, which supervises the activities of public utilities.

Step-by-step instructions for filing a complaint about low water pressure in an apartment

If you are faced with the problem of low pressure of hot or cold water in your apartment, you should not let the situation take its course and wait for it to resolve itself. First of all, you should go around to your neighbors and find out how they are dealing with the pressure issue. As practice shows, collective complaints have a much greater effect than individual complaints.

The procedure for writing a complaint to the Management Company is as follows:

1. Submitting a written application to measure pressure in the pipeline. Within ten days from the date of filing the application, a specialist must come to the address specified in the application and measure the low water pressure in the system.
2. After receiving the measurement results, the management company must investigate the cause of the problem and eliminate it within 30 days.
3. If all the deadlines have passed, and the water pressure is still depressing and significantly reduces the quality of life in your own apartment, you should act more decisively and proceed to writing a complaint.
4. The complaint is submitted to the head of the management company, who must, within 30 days, satisfy it or refuse to satisfy it.

Sample complaint about low water pressure in the apartment.

In both cases, the response to the complaint must be provided to the apartment owner in writing. If this does not happen or the complainant does not agree with the content of the response, he has the right to contact the prosecutor's office with a complaint about the actions or inactions of officials of the management company.

When filing a complaint about low water pressure in an apartment to the management company, you must also provide:

• a copy of the claimant's passport;
• a copy of ownership documents;
• documents on pressure measurements in the pipeline.

Attention,
the housing department does not have the right to demand the provision of additional documents from the citizen filing the complaint. If public utilities refuse to accept a complaint about low water pressure in an apartment, citing various reasons, you should request a written refusal from the head of the management company. This refusal can be addressed to the prosecutor's office, court or state housing inspection.

Possible consequences of the complaint

The consequences of a complaint may vary depending on where it is filed.

Based on the results of the consideration of the complaint, the management company must eliminate the problem of low water pressure as soon as possible and recalculate utility bills at the request of the apartment owner.

If a complaint about the actions or inactions of utility workers was filed with the prosecutor’s office, then you can count on the management of the management company being fined. In addition, the prosecutor will issue an order to the housing department to eliminate the problem within a specific time frame.

When filing a complaint with the state housing inspectorate, you will also have to wait for a response within thirty days. As practice shows, in most cases, inspection specialists side with apartment owners. The supervisory authority can also punish utility workers with a ruble, issue an order, or apply more stringent measures, after which the housing department will no longer be able to provide services to the population.

Nuances

Low water pressure in an apartment is always unpleasant. However, you should not rush to conclusions and blame utility companies for all your troubles. First of all, you should identify the cause of the problem and try to fix it yourself. The water pressure in the system may weaken for objective reasons. In particular, in the evening, a decrease in pressure is very often observed on the top floors of apartment buildings. Unfortunately, you can only protect yourself from such a situation with the help of special pumping equipment.

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Is it possible to cope on your own?

The problem can be solved on its own when it is localized directly in the apartment or private house of the resident and is associated with a failure of plumbing or a blockage .

If a person has not had experience before, it is recommended to call a specialist , since incorrect actions with pipes can lead to flooding of neighbors and damage to property.

For information on what to do if there is low water pressure in the apartment, watch the video: