Set the correct water pressure
Contents
At a glance
Low pressure for hot water is unpleasant or even annoying, but excessively high water pressure can cause damage.
A water meter, pressure gauge and pressure reducer show the current water pressure.
A pressure reducer regulates the pressure of the water coming into the house from outside
Overly high or low water pressure in the bathroom can be unpleasant and annoying. We explain here how an expert can balance the difference and adjust the water pressure.
Optimum water pressure
What is the optimum water pressure?
The optimum water pressure in a house depends on the size of the building. A pressure of two to three bar is recommended on the ground floor. Greater pressure is required for each subsequent floor to ensure a constant level: 0.5 bar per floor in a new building and 0.35 bar in an older construction. One bar corresponds to a 10-metre water column. To find out the precise normal pressure in a residential area, consult the local water company and ask an expert to adjust the pressure.
The correct water pressure in the bathroom
A water meter or the bucket method is used to check the water pressure in a house. The bucket method consists of placing a 10-litre bucket under an extraction point such as the shower head or mixer tap and then turning the tap on fully. The time it takes to fill the bucket provides information about the water pressure: more than 50 seconds indicates pressure below 2 bar, while 25 seconds or less is a sign of overly high pressure. It is important to note that this method can vary depending on the type of tap and whether or not water-saving models are installed. For accurate measurements and adjustments, it is best to consult a professional.
If the water pressure is too low, the first step is to clean the shower head, flow regulator and pipes.
If the pressure is too high, a pressure reducer is connected to the water meter to regulate the level. A pressure reducer is complex to set and incorrect handling can cause damage so this work should always be carried out by an expert.
If this does not resolve the problem, ask an expert to check for water damage and replace the pipes if necessary.
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