PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are widely used in residential and industrial water pipes and drainage pipe systems because of their lightness, corrosion resistance, and low cost. However, in some cases, the pipes may face the problem of insufficient water pressure, affecting the normal water flow and use effect. In this case, increasing the water pressure of PVC pipes becomes a necessary solution. There are many ways to increase water pressure, but the applicability, effect, and cost of each method will vary. This article will introduce How to increase water pressure in pvc pipe in detail, including possible causes, common solutions, and operation steps.
Before taking measures to increase water pressure, you first need to figure out the reasons for insufficient water pressure in PVC pipes. Common reasons include:
1. The water pressure of the water supply system itself is too low
If the water pressure of the water supply system is low, the water pressure in the pipe will naturally be insufficient. This usually occurs in high-rise buildings or places far away from the water source, and the water pump cannot provide enough pressure.
2. There is scale or blockage inside the pipe
With the increase of use time, dirt, mineral precipitation, or water rust may accumulate inside the PVC pipe, which will affect the water flow rate and cause the water pressure to drop.
3. Inappropriate pipe diameter
If the pipe diameter is too small, the water flow will be subject to increased resistance, resulting in insufficient water pressure. Especially when the water consumption is large, the water cannot flow smoothly through the small-diameter pipe.
4. Unreasonable pipe layout
Irrationalities in pipe design, such as excessively long pipes, too many elbows or connection points, may also increase water flow resistance and cause water pressure to drop.
5. Leakage and damage
If there are cracks in the pipe or leaks at the joints, the water pressure will drop. Especially if it is not completely sealed or repaired after the pressure test, it will be difficult to maintain a stable water pressure.
Install a booster pump
If the water pressure of the water source itself is too low, installing a booster pump is the most direct and common method. The booster pump can increase the water pressure of the entire pipe system and ensure that sufficient water flow pressure reaches each water point.
1. Choose a suitable booster pump: There are many types of booster pumps, which are mainly selected according to the water flow and the required water pressure. For domestic water systems, small or medium-sized centrifugal booster pumps are usually selected.
2. Installation location: The booster pump should be installed at the water source (such as a water tower or a municipal water supply inlet) and ensure that it is properly connected to the pipe system.
3. Adjust the pump pressure: The booster pump usually comes with a pressure controller that can adjust the required water pressure. Generally speaking, the standard water pressure for domestic water is 3 to 5 bar.
Check and clean the pipe blockage
If the water flow is not smooth due to long-term scale accumulation or blockage inside the PVC pipe, it should be cleaned. Cleaning the pipe can remove scale, sediment and impurities, thereby improving water flow efficiency and indirectly increasing water pressure.
1. Chemical cleaning: You can use special pipe cleaning agents on the market, which can dissolve scale and mineral deposits in the pipe.
2. Mechanical cleaning: For stubborn blockages, you can use a high-pressure water gun or pipe dredging tools to clean the inside of the pipe.
Replace PVC pipes with appropriate diameters
In the case of insufficient water pressure, the small diameter of the pipe may be a reason. Small-diameter pipes have greater resistance to water flow and are prone to cause water pressure to drop. Therefore, increasing the diameter of the pipe is an effective solution.
1. Calculate the required pipe diameter: According to the water consumption and the length of the pipe, the appropriate pipe diameter can be calculated. Generally speaking, 20mm to 50mm pipes can be used for residential water use, and larger water systems require larger diameter pipes.
2. Replace pipes: If the existing PVC pipe has a small diameter, you can consider replacing it with a large diameter PVC pipe to reduce the resistance to water flow.
Reduce the number of elbows and joints in the pipe
Unnecessary elbows and joints in the pipe will increase the resistance to water flow and cause a drop in water pressure. When designing and installing pipes, minimizing the number of elbows and joints can effectively reduce water flow losses.
1. Optimize pipe layout: Replan the pipe layout to avoid unnecessary long distances or excessive bends.
2. Use high-quality connectors: Make sure all connection parts are well sealed to avoid water leaks. Use special PVC pipe fittings and glue to ensure that the connection is stable.
Check and repair leaks
If there is a leak in the pipe system, the water pressure will naturally drop. Check the pipes regularly to make sure there are no leaks or broken places. Although PVC pipes are corrosion-resistant, they may also crack or damage after long-term use, especially in the case of aging pipes or high-pressure water flow.
1. Use special repair tape: If a small area of cracks is found, PVC repair tape can be used for temporary repair.
2. Replace the damaged part: If the pipe is found to be broken or severely damaged, the damaged part should be replaced immediately to restore water pressure.
Use a pressure regulating valve
In some cases, if the water pressure is too high, which may cause pipe damage or water flow too fast, the pressure regulating valve can help control and stabilize the water pressure in the pipe. By adjusting the set pressure of the valve, it can be ensured that the pipeline system operates within a safe range.
Avoid excessive water pressure
Although increasing water pressure can increase water flow rate, excessive water pressure may cause pipe rupture or loose joints. Therefore, when increasing water pressure, it is necessary to make reasonable adjustments according to the pressure bearing capacity of the pipe.
Check the pipe system regularly
In order to maintain stable water pressure, it is very important to check the status of the pipe system regularly. Including whether the pipe is scaled or leaking, so as to repair it in time.
Choose the right booster equipment
The choice of booster pump should be based on the demand for domestic or industrial water. A booster pump that is too small has limited effect, and a booster pump that is too large may cause waste and damage.
Increasing the water pressure of PVC pipes can not only improve the water use experience, but also extend the service life of the pipe system. Common solutions to increase water pressure include installing a booster pump, clearing pipe blockages, changing pipe diameters, optimizing pipe layout, and repairing leaks. Before taking measures, the specific reasons for insufficient water pressure should be analyzed first, and then the appropriate method should be selected according to the situation. Throughout the process, attention should be paid to the pressure bearing capacity of the pipe to avoid unnecessary damage to the pipe due to excessive water pressure.
