If you’ve ever experienced low water pressure in your boiler, house, or shower, you’ll know how frustrating it can be.
How Can I Fix Low Water Pressure and a Slow Shower?
Whether your shower feels weak, your bath takes ages to fill, or your taps struggle when multiple appliances are in use, a mains boost system could be the solution.
But with different options available, how do you know what’s right for your home? That’s where you local HTS plumbers come in. Our qualified and experienced plumbers and heating engineers can diagnose the cause of your water pressure issues and recommend the best system to improve your water flow.
What is a Mains Boost System?
A mains boost system is designed to enhance your home’s water pressure and flow, making everyday tasks like showering, washing up, and running multiple taps at once much easier.
Many households in Watford, St Albans, and surrounding areas like Hemel Hempstead, Rickmansworth, and Croxley Green struggle with low water pressure in their house or shower. Our systems work to increase water pressure and improve flow rates so you can enjoy a more consistent and powerful supply.
What Are the Common Reasons for Installing a Mains Boost System?
Many homeowners choose to install a mains boost system when upgrading to a high-pressure setup with an unvented hot water cylinder. However, if the existing pressure and flow don’t meet the necessary requirements, a mains boost system can help to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulations.
How Does a Mains Boost System Work?
There are several ways to boost mains water pressure, and the right choice depends on your home’s current supply:
- Pump Only – A simple pump can increase pressure from 1 bar to 3.5 bar, delivering around 12 litres per minute (LPM). This may be sufficient for some homes but won’t suit all households, particularly larger families or properties with multiple bathrooms.
- Accumulator System – If your mains pressure is at 3 bar but the flow rate is only 9 LPM, you may experience issues when multiple outlets are in use. For example, if your shower needs 20 LPM and a tap requires 9 LPM, your supply may struggle. Installing an accumulator allows us to store 150 litres of cold water at 3 bar with a boosted flow of up to 50-60 LPM, ensuring a steady supply even during peak usage.
- Accumulator and Charge Pump Combination – If both pressure and flow are too low, we can install an accumulator alongside a charge pump. This setup boosts pressure to 3 bar at 12 LPM while also increasing the overall flow rate to 50-60 LPM, significantly improving your household water supply.
What Are the Benefits of a Mains Boost System?
Installing a mains boost system comes with several advantages:
- Better Showers – Say goodbye to weak, underwhelming showers.
- Faster Bath Fill Times – No more waiting ages for a full bath.
- Improved Household Efficiency – Run multiple taps and appliances at the same time without pressure drops.
- More Choice for Fixtures and Fittings – High-pressure systems give you greater flexibility when choosing taps, showers, and other fittings.
Are There Any Considerations or Limitations?
While a mains boost system is a great investment, we understand it’s not always the most cost-effective solution for every household. If budget constraints are a concern, we may recommend an alternative such as a pumped shower unit or a dedicated shower pump to enhance specific areas of your home.
Are There Any Safety Regulations to Consider?
Yes. It’s essential that all mains boost systems are installed by qualified professionals. Unvented hot water cylinders must also be registered under building regulations to ensure compliance and safety. Our experienced HTS engineers follow all industry guidelines, giving you complete peace of mind.
How Do You Know If You Need a Mains Boost?
Many homeowners experience low water pressure in their area, leading to weak showers, slow bath fill times, and noticeable drops in pressure when more than one tap is used. If you’re facing these issues, a mains boost system could be the solution to improving your home’s water supply.
What Factors Affect the Choice of System?
When assessing your home’s requirements, our experts will consider:
- The number of people in the household
- Frequency of showers and water usage
- Number of bathrooms and whether they’re used simultaneously
- Available space for installation
Can a Mains Boost System Be Installed in Every Home?
While a mains boost system is suitable for many homes, there are some limitations. Accumulators require space and are typically installed in lofts or cupboards. Additionally, they may involve significant pipework, which can increase installation costs, so it’s not always suitable for all houses. Our team will assess your property and discuss all available options to find the best solution for your individual needs.
Get Expert Advice from HTS Plumbing Experts
A mains boost system can transform your home’s water supply, making daily life much more convenient. At HTS, our skilled plumbing experts and heating engineers will guide you through the process, ensuring the highest standards of installation and customer care. If you’re in Watford, St Albans, or nearby in areas like Hemel Hempstead, Rickmansworth, or Croxley Green and need advice on increasing water pressure in your house, boiler, or shower, contact us today. Our local expert plumbers are happy to help!
