Water mains - dos and donts?

gizzmo_2

Hi Guys
Are there any dos and donts about what can/cannot be connected to the water mains?
My plumber has suggested connecting the toilet cistern and the bathtub and washbasin to the mains. They are currently connected to the water tank which services several flats - we are in a block of flats - and all I get is a trickle....also during peak hours in the morning when everyone is using the bathrooms - the water pressure I get is dire - even with a pump for a power shower.

I was wondering if there were any reasons why this would not be allowed?
Thanks in advance

grumbler

http://www.diyfixit.co.uk/nflash/plumbing/Supply/supply.htm

Direct system

In this set up, mains water is supplied directly to all taps and WCs. This tends to be the system used in older houses.

Indirect System

The indirect system is the commonest form of water supply into modern houses. The mains water is supplied directly to the kitchen sink (and sometimes to an outside tap). All other water supply is via a storage cistern. The mains water comes into the house, branches off to supply the kitchen, and rises to the storage cistern. From here, the other appliances are fed under gravity pressure caused by the height of this cistern above them.

See also Cold water downstairs but none upstairs!

gizzmo_2

Thanks grumbler - this really helps!!!!

I actually tried to search the forums - but didn't come across this thread. My fears are all laid to rest now.
Cheers!!!
:-)

Altarf

I disagree that direct mains is more old-fashioned than indirect supply. That may have been true 20 years ago, but a lot of new houses have direct supply these days.

You can connect things such as the WC, bath, washbasin etc either to the mains or to a storage cistern. There are no specific rules requiring one or the other, but there are pros and cons for doing both (dead pigeons being one).

Why not just ask your plumber why they connected to a mains supply, rather than an existing indirect supply?

robowen

Altarf wrote:

I disagree that direct mains is more old-fashioned than indirect supply. That may have been true 20 years ago, but a lot of new houses have direct supply these days.

I agree with Altarf. Most older houses had mains supplied to the kitchen only.

Newer houses have combis and don't need water tanks in the loft, therefore use a direct system.

rob

FirstClassMale

Yes, combi boilers definately influence things.

My flat used to have an indirect system with only the kitchen tap served by the rising main until the new boiler was fitted.

A very simple way to change over is to use the pipes that used to carry the water one way to the tank and intercept the supply meaning no new pipes. However, be careful that some older pipework may not handle the extra pressure going through.

gizzmo_2

Thanks everyone for your replies - he has connected it all up to the mains now - and its amazing the difference I get in the water pressure - good be trickle - hello flowing running water.
I am a happy camper!!!!
Much appreciated everyone