water pressure

Mains water pressure needs to be monitored after the installation of any kind of water treatment system in order to test for any irregularities 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 22 to 66 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 work on pipes carried out.

low Pressure

If mains supplied 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 can collect mains water in reserve with a pump to boost the water back up to 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, advise your water scheme of your consumer rights for the provision of water continuity above the minimum 22 p.s.i. pressure at all times.

high Pressure

Dangerous pressures up to 100 psi or over exists on many water schemes.  High pressure spikes may occur unannounced in relatively low pressure schemes, which can cause leaks and problems with filter systems, so a reliable pressure regulating valve - PRV - may be required.

To correct high pressure problems, high quality pressure reducing valves are available to guarantee correctly regulated water pressure and to maintain an optimum water supply pressure for full protection.

Water schemes are under an obligation to limit dangerous water pressures to households and may be liable to meet the expense of water pressure correction equipment.

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