Mains Pressure vs Low Pressure Hot Water
Mains Pressure
Mains pressure hot water systems unlike low pressure systems gives you more equal water pressure between the hot and cold water lines throughout your home.
Mains pressure systems come in many different options and are great for properties that are connected to a town supply, main water line.
If you’ve got a big whanau or a house with multiple bathrooms, these systems will give you a constant supply of hot water to multiple outlets at the same time, making them a popular choice.
The best part of a mains pressure hot water system is that it will provide you with an increase in shower pressure compared to a low-pressure system and decrease the wait time for your shower, bath or taps to heat up – giving you more hot water, faster.
An added benefit to installing a mains pressure hot water system is the increased range of tapware and fittings available as many are rated only for mains pressure, this is perfect when considering bathroom or kitchen renovations.
Low Pressure
Low-pressure hot water systems are commonly found in older homes in New Zealand. These systems rely on a pressure reducing valve to restrict the incoming water pressure to the cylinder, resulting in lower hot water pressure throughout the home.
In areas with colder climates, homes with fireplaces may utilize a wet back system in conjunction with a low-pressure cylinder to heat the water.
If there is a noticeable difference in water pressure between hot and cold taps or showerheads, it may indicate the presence of a low-pressure hot water system. The good news is that upgrading to a mains pressure system during a cylinder replacement can easily remedy this issue, providing the benefits of higher hot water pressure throughout the home.