PUMPING SOLUTIONS
How to Fix Low Water Pressure?
OVERVIEW
Having adequate water pressure in your home, business, school or complex is a necessity to carry out everyday tasks and activities. However, issues with low water pressure can arise, causing inconvenience and frustration.
Low water pressure can result from several issues, such as a small water pump mains or from equipment failure. The standard level of mains water pressure is 10 metres/head. What this means is that there is enough pressure to push water to a height of 10m.
Are you wondering how to fix low water pressure in your residential or commercial building? This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to fix water pressure problems and why you might need a new water pump.
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How Does A Water Pump Work?
There are essentially two types of water pumps – electric-powered pumps and Engine Driven Pumps:
- Engine Driven Pump (Diesel) – these water pumps are suited in outdoor situations, like irrigation and rural locations.
- Electric-powered pumps –
powered directly from an electric supply, these are perfect for homes and businesses due to the water only having to move a short distance. These provide homes and commercial buildings with a solution to low water pressure problems.
They are easily connected to power outlets. The most commonly used water pumps for homes are sump pumps, jet pumps, and well pumps.
Jet Pumps
Jet pumps have an electric motor that drives the centrifugal impeller or pump. The impeller works similarly to a merry-go-round as it spins quickly and creates a powerful centrifugal force. That force compresses the water against the exterior of the blade.
The faster the impeller moves, the more water it can expel. This increases the water pressure to a sufficient level. It only moves in a single direction, though, so water can only go one way.
When the water leaves the jet, a vacuum is generated, which draws the water in even more. Behind the jet, there’s a venturi tube that increases in diameter and is used for slowing down the water and increasing pressure.
Well Pumps
Also known as a submersible water pump, well pumps function almost the same way as jet pumps, but they’re submerged in the well from which they draw water.
While the jet pump acts as a water booster pump, the well pump pushes the water out.
Most water pumps in this application are submerged in the liquid. The pump motor receives direct current from the power source above ground. When the current is switched on, it starts running and then creates a magnetic field. It’s the magnetic field which causes the rotor to start spinning, and then the pumping system begins to start working.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are used to pump water out from the basement. Typically, a sump pump consists of a small water pump that gets planted at the lowest level of a building’s basement.
It includes a motor and impeller just like the jet pump, and it functions the same way.
Connected to a socket in the basement, the sump pump is also powered electrically. It’s automated, though, which means as soon as the water reaches a specific level, the sump pump starts pumping and will stop again when the water again reaches the minimal level.
Water Pump Pressure
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
There are many potential causes of low water pressure in a commercial or residential building. Some of the causes of low water pressure can be caused by various factors:
- A high demand for water
- An old or broken water pressure regulator that fails to maintain adequate pressure
- Faulty fixtures or faucets that restrict water flow
- Closed valves
- Clogged or damaged pipes due to the accumulation of deposits or debris
- Corroded plumbing
How can You Fix Low Water Pressure?
Are you wondering how to fix low hot water pressure in your house? If it’s only the hot water pressure that’s low, it could be that you need your water supply lines cleaned. Or, you might need new pipes. If scale and sediment builds up inside the water pumps then it may be a case of flushing the pump clean.
To fix low water pressure there are some steps that you may follow:
- Identify the Root Issue – our experienced Tricel team are skilled in determining the problems with your water pump and providing a professional assessment.
- Clear Clogged Pipes – flushing the pipes with vinegar or using a plumbing snake can be an effective means of unclogging the pipe and removing debris.
- Replace Old or Faulty Pressure Regulators – inconsistent water pressure can be the result of old or faulty pressure regulators.
- Open Preventative Maintenance Contracts – this is a proactive step to help find the causes early before they result in major faults. Tricel offers preventative maintenance contracts that are tailored to suit your specific needs.
Why Do Water Pumps Fail?
Water pumps don’t last forever. Sometimes they fail because of their age. If your pump is installed correctly and of high-quality, it should last somewhere between 10 and 15 years.
Poor water quality with bacteria and minerals can significantly lessen the life of a pump, too. You should always get your well liner checked, as that prevents corrosion.
If the well is dry, your pump could burn out. If you have a well tank that’s too small for your home’s needs, it can also cause a water pump to run and work too hard. Pumps are mechanical items requiring periodical maintenance and can suffer on occasions from electrical related issues.
It’s vital to choose the best pump and system for your building or complex to ensure it continues working efficiently and for as long as possible. Tricel has been a leading distributor of water pumps in the UK, offering a wide range of products and we have a dedicated team that can perform specific pump repairs.
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Our team includes experts which are happy to select and quote your equipment requirements, or attend site and size the equipment from scratch. We at Tricel pride ourselves on the highest possible levels of customer service, before, during, and after project completion.
We provide preventative maintenance contracts and also cater for specific repairs, including replacements seals, or complete overhauls.
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