Before you start looking for the shower of your dreams, a few questions must be answered – what level of water pressure do I have at home? What water system do I have? If this check isn’t carried out at the start of the process, there is a risk of installing a sparkling new shower, only to find it lacks the power you are hoping for – which is not ideal!
Fear not, we have produced our very own handy little guide to help you check your water pressure and understand what type of water system you have.
Above, Stockholm Easy Clean 8mm Frameless Sliding Shower Enclosure
How to check your water pressure
You’ll probably need a qualified plumber to test your system to establish the precise pressure of your home system. However, you can get an estimated number by simply using a measuring jug (1-2 litres) and a timer. Just follow the simple steps below:
1) Place the measuring jug under the tap or shower you wish to measure and turn the water on full.
2) Start the timer.
3) Now enter the time and amount of water into this helpful calculator from our friends at waterpressureproblems.com
4) This will then produce a result which indicates whether your water pressure is low or normal/above average.
Difference between water pressure and flow rate?
Not everyone will be aware as it isn’t really common knowledge, but there is a difference between your water pressure and flow rate. Water flow is the volume of water that has been delivered in litres per minute whereas water pressure is the force at which the water is delivered.
What water system do I have?
The water pressure level is a crucial starting point when selecting a shower – now we need to know what water system you have installed at home. This is equally as significant as some water systems are incompatible with certain showers.
As a general rule, you’ll find one of these four systems installed in a UK home:
Combi Boiler
A combi boiler allows water to be heated on demand and is generally found mounted on a wall. The hot water is linked to the mains so it can deliver high water pressure, which eliminates the need for a shower pump. Combi boilers are often more energy-efficient and can save space as there is no requirement for a tank or cylinder.
Cold Water Tank in the Loft / Gravity Fed Systems
This system tends to be more common in older properties. Traditionally, a tank will be found in the roof or loft as it relies on gravity to transport the water. This is normally sent to a hot water cylinder, often located in an airing cupboard, where the water is heated.
These types of systems can have occasional issues for low water pressure but can be enhanced by installing the RHP 100 3 Bar Pump. This increases the pressure throughout the whole house and not just to the shower – an all-around winner!
Mains Fed Water System
In a mains fed water system, all taps and water outlets will have water at mains pressure attached to them – whether that is hot or cold. All cold taps or cold outlets are connected directly to the incoming water main and are fed directly but water must pass through certain equipment that is designed specifically for heating it at pressure.
High-Pressure System
A high-pressure system is an ideal choice for those who want a shower experience with gusto. As the water comes directly from the mains water supply, it allows for a faster rate of flow – no need for a shower booster! A boiler or electric immersion heater is used to heat the water.
