How to tell if you are on low or mains water pressure
Take a hot shower. Is there a strong flow of hot water? If your answer is no, then you are probably on low pressure. For further proof, check to see if your hot water cylinder has mains pressure clearly marked. Have a look at our previous blog post on when you need to replace your hot water cylinder. There are a few other ways to tell if your home is running on low pressure, especially if your home is older than 20 years, but we recommend giving us a call so that we can tell you for sure whether switching from low to mains pressure is the best option for you.
What are your options?
So, you’ve figured out that your home is, indeed, running on low pressure, and you’d like to upgrade. First, you’ll need to decide if you’d like to change to gas hot water or mains pressure. Each has its own attractions.
Changing to gas
If you’re worried about keeping your power bill a little lower, then this is the option for you as it runs independently of electricity. This energy-efficient cylinder will never leave you without hot water when you need it most.
Switching from low to mains pressure hot water cylinder
A more popular option and one that is more tapware-friendly. Say goodbye to cold showers when the dishwasher is running. Your shower pressure will no longer be dependent on any other household water restrictions. Given Auckland’s water restrictions through 2020 and 2021, it’s important not to waste running water while you wait for things to heat up. This upgrade promises an almost immediate, even flow of high-pressured, hot water from any tap in your home so that you can easily do your part in saving water.
Upgrading creates options
Furthermore, when you decide to upgrade your plumbing, having a modern mains pressure system will mean that your bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation choices are not limited to what your low-pressure hot water cylinder could handle. Lately, modern tapware ranges are less and less compatible with the old low-pressure systems, so switching to mains is an almost inevitable change that most homeowners will have to make. We recommend making that change before your lack of a suitable hot water system really becomes a problem.
20s Trends
Heard of the DAB ESY box pump? Read our recent blog on why we love it. If you’re wanting to make the switch to a mains pressure pump, you could take it one step further and go with the DAB ESY.
It is a consistent client-pleaser due to its durability, high quality, constant (and instant) pressure, energy savings and its efficient use of water.
If you have any questions about the best pressure for your needs, contact us.
Call Colette on 027 234 5454 or email the FlowFix Plumbing team.