pressure

Mains water pressure needs to be tested prior to the installation of any kind of water treatment system in order to test for any irregularities in pressure that may affect the operation of filtration equipment or other household plumbing or appliances.

Most water schemes operate in the normal water pressure range of 20 to 70 psi, although many schemes experience water pressure problems.  A rare problem is low pressure, where water fails to fill attic storage tanks at an adequate rate causing periodic water shortages.

If you have paid a water scheme connection charges or other fees, you are covered by consumer rights legislation and are entitled to a range of minimum standards that water schemes are obliged to deliver, including for example: regulated water pressure, continuity of supply, sufficient notice given to interruption of supply due to works carried out, etc.

low Pressure

If mains water is found to be too low, water softeners filters, showers and washing machines may not work.

To guarantee an adequate supply from weak water mains a water tank will collect mains water in reserve with a pump to boost the water back within the normal pressure range. Pumps are usually set between 25 to 45 psi.

Before you decide to go to the expense of installing a water tank and pump, consult your water scheme of your consumer rights to be provided with a continuity of water at a minimum correct pressure at all times.

high Pressure

Dangerous pressure up to 100 psi or over exists in many water schemes and high pressure spikes may occur unannounced in relatively low pressure schemes, which can cause leaks and problems with filter systems, so some form of reliable pressure correction may be required.

To correct high pressure problems, high quality pressure reducing valves are available at discount when bought with a water softener or reverse osmosis filter, to guarantee correctly regulated water pressure and maintain an optimum water supply pressure for full protection.

Water schemes are under an obligation to limit overly dangerous water pressure to households and will be liable to meet the expense of correcting it.

See the consumer rights charter at: www.nfgws.ie