Pressure is the force that pushes water through the pipes. Before you install any flow-restricting devices or low-flow showerheads, it is important to know whether your hot water cylinder has mains (equal) water pressure or low (unequal) water pressure.
Some flow-restricting devices and low-flow showerheads are not compatible with hot water cylinders with low (unequal) water pressure. Talk to your plumber and strictly follow manufacturers’ instructions.
Most hot water cylinders show whether they are a mains (or equal) water pressure or a low (unequal) water pressure cylinder. If you are unsure, here are two indicators of a lowpressure cylinder:
- Your shower temperature and/or pressure changes when someone uses hot water elsewhere in the house.
- Your cold water tap runs faster than your hot water tap.
Other types of hot water systems include instantaneous/continuous gas and electric where there is no storage of hot water. These systems are usually compatible with water-saving devices but consult your plumber, and strictly follow manufacturers’ instructions.