Identify Your Plumbing System

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When you buy a new shower or any taps for your new bathroom, shower room or en-suite it is important that you identify your plumbing system. Many of the modern ranges of showers and bathroom taps becoming so popular today are quite often high pressure, requiring a minimum of 1.0 bar pressure to operate.

If you use a high pressure thermostatic shower, manual shower, basin taps or bath taps on a low pressure water system they will not deliver the water you require for acceptable use. As you search our website you will find showers and taps to suit all plumbing systems.

We have put together a simple guide to help you identify your plumbing system.

Low pressure, gravity fed systems

Hot cold gravity system diagram   Hot gravity cold mains system diagram   Hot cold gravity pump assisted system diagram

 

 

 

 

Hot cold gravity

Cold water tank is normally located in the loft feeding a hot water cylinder usually in an airing cupboard.

 

Hot gravity, cold mains

Cold water tank is normally located in the loft feeding a hot water cylinder usually in an airing cupboard. However it differs from the hot and cold gravity system as cold water comes direct from the mains causing an imbalance in pressures. Pressure imbalances of greater than a ratio of 5:1 will require a pressure reducing valve to be installed on the dominant supply when using a mixer.

 

Hot cold gravity, pump assisted

Cold water tank is normally located in the loft feeding a hot water cylinder usually in an airing cupboard. Both supplies are then pumped to provide a higher volume of water.

High pressure systems

Unvented system diagram   Combination boiler system diagram    
         

Unvented (pressurised system)

Cold water is fed direct from the mains whilst also pressurising hot water cylinder, again usually found in an airing cupboard.

 

Combination boiler

Boiler can be found anywhere (normally in kitchen) and heats water as you use it. Fed by the mains, hot and cold water are balanced to feed fittings. This system does not require a hot water cylinder or cold water tank and also heats water for the central heating.

   

If you are unsure or need any assistance please feel free to call our Helpline on 0845 064 5907 or email us.



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All information and details given within these pages are for information purposes only, Tapstore.com cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any preparation work that is undertaken based on such specifications or information shown on our site. We always recommend that you obtain advice from a suitably qualified plumber before making a purchase


Last updated October 2008. Copyright © 2005-2008 Tapstore.com all rights reserved worldwide
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