Are you experiencing plumbing problems in your home? You’re not alone. Many houses, even newly constructed ones, face issues with their water supply systems. From low water pressure to smelly water, the list of potential problems can seem endless. This article will guide you through some of the most common mistakes and help you understand how to avoid them.
Understanding the Basics of a Typical Water Supply System
Most household water systems follow a similar pattern. Water is usually sourced from a well or bore, or sometimes from the town water supply.
- In simple setups, water is pumped directly to taps and toilets. When a tap is opened, the pressure drop activates the pump.
- Many homes, particularly older ones, use a water tank placed at a high point. The well pump fills this tank, and gravity then feeds the water to the taps. This provides a more consistent water pressure and a water reserve during power outages. A float valve in the tank controls when the pump is activated to refill it.
- For multi-story buildings, or those with long pipe runs, a pressure pump may be needed to boost water pressure.
The Importance of Hot Water Systems
Many homeowners today want hot water. A branch from the cold water supply pipe, placed after the pressure pump, goes to the water heater and then to the hot water taps. There are two main types of water heaters:
- Storage heaters that store heated water in a tank, are usually powered by electricity or solar energy.
- Demand heaters which heat water as it passes through, and are often gas-powered. Electric demand heaters need high electric current to heat water quickly.
Common Plumbing Installation Mistakes
Let’s examine common mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect Piping: Cold water taps should not draw water directly from the well pump if a water tank is installed. The tank is designed to provide pressure and should supply the taps.
- Oversized Pressure Pumps: Using a pump that’s too large can cause water to pulse and consume unnecessary energy. The pump should be appropriately sized for the house and not waste electricity.
- Oversized Water Heaters: A water heater that’s too large can overload the electrical system and may not be needed. The typical household only needs a 100-liter water heater.
- Poor Hot Water Connections: The hot water should be installed in all the necessary locations like the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry, not just in rooms that are seldom used.
- Stagnant Water Tanks: If a new system is incorrectly installed and not used the roof tank can become stagnant and a source of dirty water.
Practical Guidelines
Here are some guidelines to ensure proper plumbing installations:
- A typical well pump for a 30-meter head should be around 550 watts, or 750 watts for a 40-meter head.
- The well pump should supply water directly to the water tank.
- A pressure pump, if needed, should be a small pump, around 200 watts, located on the outlet of the water tank.
- Water heaters should be connected to a branch of the cold water pipe after the pressure pump. Common storage water heater sizes are 50 liters for kitchen sinks, 80 liters for a single bathroom, and 100 liters for two bathrooms.
- If more hot water is needed, it’s better to use two 100-liter heaters instead of one large one to minimize the electricity draw.
Additional Considerations
Remember, every house is unique, and some situations might need adjustments. Be wary of over-specification, as it can lead to unnecessary costs and problems. Consulting with a professional plumber can help ensure a reliable and efficient water system. By being informed, you can protect your home from these common plumbing pitfalls.
