Turning the shower on only to be met by a trickle is frustrating to say the least. Insufficient water pressure is a growing burden on households nationwide, affecting everything from shower and tap flow to garden irrigation. Only in July 2024 did areas of Cornwall experience low pressure or, in some cases, no water at all during a nationwide heatwave, following repairs to a nearby reservoir.
As a result, plumbing and heating installers are being called upon much more frequently to provide an effective and affordable solution to this issue. But what steps should be taken to solve the challenge?
Recognising the need for a booster
Urban development is on the rise, particularly in the south of the country where water demand often exceeds supply. According to government figures, by 2050, the UK faces a daily gap of nearly five billion litres between supply and demand – more than a third of the 14 billion litres currently put into public supply. The nation’s ageing water infrastructure, especially in larger cities like London, is only exacerbating the problem.
Much of the UK’s water infrastructure dates to the Victorian era, making it over 100 years old. To give an idea of the depth of the issue, the total estimated investment needed by 2050 is projected to be in excess of £100 billion. Furthermore, old small-diameter pipes and the reduction of mains pressure by water companies contribute to limiting water flow.
These issues are compounded by the failure of plastic pipes. They were installed throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s and have developed faults decades earlier than they were designed to.
Neither of these challenges can be solved with a quick fix, so an alternative solution is required in the immediate future. This is where cold water pressure boosters come into play. But why do we need them, and how do installers go about the task of fitting them?
Cold water pressure boosters are designed to enhance water flow in homes, providing up to 5.5 bar of pressure, though 1.5 to 3 bar is sufficient for most situations. Many homes currently receive only the minimum 0.7 bar stipulated by Ofwat, and some outlets in multi-storey homes may not even receive this.
Cold water pressure boosters are particularly ideal for larger homes, houses of multiple occupancy, and luxury homes with multiple bathrooms and several outlets. Some of the latest developments on the market, such as Wilo’s IsarBOOST5, can even support light commercial buildings, such as a gym with multiple showers.
Understanding installation requirements
To comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and prevent backflow issues, water pressure boosters in the UK must be installed with either a header break tank in the loft or a break tank with water storage. Installers should first verify the setup in the home.
The IsarBOOST5, for example, can operate in two modes:
For those using the break tank, Wilo can provide the IsarBOOST5 unit with a 150l water storage tank, integrating the inlet valve and overflow as one whole unit for easier installation and maintenance. For larger homes, additional tanks can be added as needed, thanks to the unit’s modular nature.
Installers are advised to ensure sufficient tank capacity, which is crucial to prevent airlocks caused by the pump sucking up air from an empty tank. These airlocks can cause issues ranging from leaks or dripping faucets to burst pipes.
Installing the IsarBOOST5
With all water pressure boosters, it is imperative installers refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual to ensure it is set up correctly. To illustrate how to set up the IsarBOOST5 in suction (self-primed) mode, here are four simple steps installers should take:
Modulating water pressure
Depending on the water pressure booster, it may need additional commissioning to ensure fittings from taps and outlets are not damaged from receiving a significant increase in pressure.
The IsarBOOST5 automatically adjusts the flow based on the number of outlets in use. This ensures that each tap and outlet receives the desired pressure, regardless of how many are in use simultaneously.
Adapting to changing water usage
With a growing population and outdated infrastructure, heating and plumbing installers face increasing demand to improve water pressure in homes.
Water pressure boosters offer a cost-effective solution to eliminate water-related frustrations, helping installers protect homeowners while enhancing their own reputation.
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