how to test bathroom water pressure

[jonflat]

I'm installing a new bathroom, and before I decide on the shower equipment, it would be good to know what pressure I have in the bathroom, so that I can choose the best shower set-up/whower-head, etc.

I have a combi boiler, so the water is mains pressure, but I know that this can vary from house-to-house and road-to-road, so how do I test the water pressure.

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I've got my eye on a big fancy shower heads, and it needs a min of 2 bar.

 

[bster]

You might want to know the flow rate as well as the pressure, if its off a combi then a thermo mixer or pressure balancing mixer will be the best bet and if your combi works these will work.

an electric shower is a good idea though as this will give you a means to clean when the combi is 'out of service'

 

[ChrisR]

A 24kW combi is pretty hopeless on a big antique style shower head.

Electric wouldn't provide more than drips through one of those!

 

[jonflat]

Thanks for the advice.

Is there anyway of actually testing the flow / pressure of the water to help decide on the best shower fittings? Or is it just a matter of guesswork?

 

[TicklyT]

There are things like this around to test pressure, but you would probably only ever use the thing once.......
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=82412&ts=38033

To test the flow, just a bucket and a clock - time how long it takes to fill the bucket, then work out , from the capacity of the bucket, the flow in litres per minute.
Eg - If your bucket holds 10 Litres, and fills in 30 seconds, then the flow is 20 litres per minute.