How the autonomous water supply system works

If it is impossible to connect to the central system, an independent autonomous water supply network is installed. Such water pipes are installed in private houses, since multi-apartment ones are almost always connected to the city-wide supply main. It is necessary to equip individual water supply in such a way that there is an unimpeded flow to all points of water intake.

The main components of autonomous water supply

For normal operation, the system is equipped with devices and technical devices that provide an automatic or partially automated operation mode:

• submersible pump;
• automation and protection unit;
• hydroaccumulator;
• filtering devices.

When choosing pumping equipment, take into account the pressure and volume of water consumption. This will ensure the required fluid pressure in the pipeline.

Principle of operation

The hydraulic accumulator is used as a buffer tank that stores a supply of water and as a device that allows you to maintain a constant pressure. The hydraulic tank consists of two compartments - for air and water, they are separated from each other by a rubber diaphragm. The principle of operation of the equipment is as follows:

1. When the accumulator is filled with water, air is compressed in the second compartment, thereby increasing the pressure.
2. In response to its increase, the electronic relay turns off the pump.
3. When the tap is opened, the head gradually decreases.
4. The relay reacts to a decrease in pressure and starts the pumping unit to replenish the spent water.

The use of a hydraulic accumulator in the arrangement of the water supply network makes it possible to create an automatic process of water intake and ensure its supply. Also, the operating life of pumping equipment is significantly increased due to the reduction of on and off cycles.

Advantages and disadvantages

An autonomous system has many advantages. Among them:

• optimal pressure at all points of water consumption;
• the presence of a stock in the storage tank;
• high quality water.

Among the disadvantages are the costs of equipping your drinking water source and the dependence of the pumping unit on the power supply.

Materials and equipment

In addition to the main elements for the main line to the house, you will need pipe sections for the water supply inside and outside, locking elements, fittings, taps, mixers and flexible connections to them, pipe fasteners, check valves, as well as water meters. Fum tape or sanitary flax is needed to seal threaded connections. If hot water supply is required, you can install a water heater or use a boiler.

From the tools for building the system, you will need:

• special scissors;
• two adjustable wrenches and one gas;
• calibrator (for metal-plastic);
• soldering station for polymer pipes;
• level, tape measure.

For water supply, polymer or metal-plastic pipes are chosen, since similar metal products rust over time, which will cause the water to become unpleasant in color and taste.

Preliminary calculations

To correctly determine the parameters of the water supply network, you will need:

• Formulate the requirements for the intensity and regularity of water supply. In a small cottage, you can install a system with a conventional storage tank and the most necessary set of plumbing.
• Determine potential sources, feasibility and cost of their construction, water quality.
• Select equipment and calculate options for conducting communication lines.

Calculations must begin by determining the required volume of water. For a family of four, one cubic meter of water for each a month is enough for cooking and water procedures with economical consumption. Based on these data, the power of the pumping unit is calculated.

Choosing the right scheme

For autonomous water supply at home, a permanent water source is required. The easiest way is to equip a well. This is the most affordable and inexpensive way to provide your home with water. However, the disadvantage is also great - the maximum volume of water pumped from the well is 200 liters per hour. The well is more productive, but it requires drilling costs.

Private plumbing can be single-level or two-level. The principle of operation of the first is that water from a well or a well is used immediately after pumping. The difference between the second is the use of reservoirs that create a supply of water. They are cylindrical or prismatic with a volume of 560 to 4500 liters, made of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.

The service life of the containers is approximately 10 years. The best way to install a vessel with a volume of one to five cubic meters will be the above-ground option in an open area of ​​the site.

Installation steps

The outer section of the water main must be laid at a depth exceeding the level of soil freezing. If the pipes are located above this point, it will be necessary to use heat-insulating materials or install a special heating to prevent the liquid from freezing in the pipeline.

Installation of external and internal water supply systems has no fundamental differences.

Propylene pipes are connected by soldering. To do this, on one side of the soldering iron, there is a heating drone, the desired fitting is put on it, and on the other, a heating sleeve into which the pipe is inserted. After heating, they are removed from the soldering iron and, connecting with each other, are allowed to cool in a stationary position. It is important not to overheat the products, as this can lead to blockages in the future.

Reinforced-plastic products are connected using crimp fittings under a nut. At the place of entry into the house, a metal or plastic sleeve is put on the pipe.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. A filter and a check valve are installed in front of the pump. After - a pressure gauge and an electric pressure switch.
2. The pressure unit is connected to the control panel and to the in-house water supply system. If a submersible pump is used, it is controlled by a float sensor located in the storage tank.
3. If the station is installed on the surface near the well, a special container is used - a caisson. For its arrangement, a pipe is dug in to a depth of 2.5 m. In this case, the diameter of the pit should be twice the size of the caisson. A 20 cm concrete pad is placed on the bottom. The pipe should protrude 0.5 m above its surface. The excess part is cut off.
4. A ditch is dug for laying a water supply line, 1.8–2 m deep. A pump is installed in the caisson, connected to the suction and drainage pipes. Next, the container is poured around the perimeter with concrete with a layer of about 0.4 m.
5. When the concrete sets, the remaining space is filled with cement-sand mortar, leaving about 0.5 m of free space. It is then filled with soil.
6. According to the scheme, an independent installation of a hydraulic tank with a pressure switch and other necessary devices is carried out in the house. The devices are connected to the electrical network and to each other.

When all devices are connected, the necessary settings are set, you can start testing. During the proof test, you need to inspect the joints for leaks.

You can install the water supply system in the house with your own hands.But it is better to entrust the commissioning work to specialists, especially if the pressure system is of a complex design.