water pressure problems

[aitmm]

hello i hope someone can help

i have recently purchased a property:2 flats

the water pressure in both flats is very low
the sink taps are reasonably OK
the bath taps aren't so good

if i were to install an electric shower
would the shower have an increase in water pressure

if not how could i resolve this problem
the plumber i hired to check this out said that my pipes were to small so less water was getting through them hence the low pressure,is there a quick and easy to increase water pressure other then replacing pipes

thank you

 

[justlead1]

Hi From what you describe it sounds like a 1/2" main supply feeding the property. This may well be old. with a bit of corrosion. Valves may not be fully open. Couple this with the fact that direct supplies to bath room taps etc, is now very common (with the introduction of combi and changes in the water regs). Creates a situation where local demand has a marked effect on the performance of the supply/taps.
Fitting an electric shower may add to your problems. If other taps in the property are used whilst shower is in operation, the reduction in pressure that this will cause will effect shower. It was a requirement to install a 100 gallon cold water storage cistern feed along with kitchen sink from main supply. And other appliances feed by gravity from the cistern (One in each flat) By sizing the feeds from the cistern correctly, a good flow rate could be achieved at taps. It is not uncommon these days to fit a pump on gravity feeds to enhance the system. However direct main supplies can not be pumped.

 

[aitmm]

i'm sorry if this sounds ignorant.

but their is a big tank in the loft which feeds a smaller tanks in each flat,the plumber told me that the pipes connected to these tanks were very narrow ( is this the 1/2" main supply).once the smaller tanks are full wouldn't that improve water pressure, or could i install a water pump on gravity feeds to increase pressure.

thank you

sorry i recently found out that it's just the hot water that is low pressure,the cold water taps are fine.
the 2 smaller tanks heat the water but the water pressure they provide is very low.

 

[justlead1]

Hi. More information would be required on the layout. pipe sizes, pipe material, cistern sizes and what you intend to feed.