DIY Projects - Cold water systems

There are two types of cold water systems, direct or indirect. Certain areas of the country have used different systems at different times.

Indirect System

An indirect system is where only the kitchen sink is fed from the rising main, all the other cold water outlets are fed indirectly using gravity from a head tank (cistern), usually situated in the loft. The hot water outlets are also fed from the same head tank.

The advantages using this method are less likely hood of contaminated water getting into the mains supply and because of the reduced water pressure there is less chance of noisy pipes.

The disadvantages are only the kitchen sink should be used for drinking water and due to using the head tank for both hot and cold water storage this tank usually has to be a lot bigger.

 

Direct Systems

In a direct system all the cold water taps and wc cistern are fed off the rising main, the main advantages being that suitable drinking water is available from every cold tap and there is sufficient water pressure especially for electric showers.

The main disadvantage is a greater risk of contaminated water getting into the water main.

To check what system is in your home, isolate the water supply at your stop cock, if you don't know where it is, now is as good a time as any to find out.

When you have isolated the supply turn your bath and wash basin, cold water taps on. If after 10 seconds cold water continues to run then you have an indirect system, if the water has stopped you have a direct system.