What type of shower

[terryplumb]

I can't view the video ,but is the kitchen tap a mixer and are flexible hoses used to connect it ?

 

[A_Novice]

Yes just a cheap monobloc with flexible hoses.

 

[terryplumb]

OK ,that explains why you are down to 6 ltrs pm at the kitchen.
The outside tap now has plastic pipe with restricted internal bore ,so explains the drop in flow there ,and everywhere else that's fed from them.
Your plumber has used the exact opposite to what he should have ,if his brief was to improve flow ,its impossible to do that by using smaller bore pipework ,and no change in pressure.
Having said that ,the main issue is your incoming supply pipe.

 

[A_Novice]

Thanks.

If it's only 16 litres per min at the road would you consider changing the the main pipe from there to the stopcock. (Seems like a big job)

Having a poorer flow at taps is actually quite beneficial as you don't get it splashing everywhere etc.

The main annoyance is not being able to run two things at once. We have a combi.

Would 16 litres make this possible or is it more pressure that is important?

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

if you have suspended wooden floors with a void underneath, and can use a spade in the front garden, it is not at all difficult or complex.

Do you have any lead pipes? If so, get the water co to test your drinking water for lead content. There might be a subsidy or free connection.

I changed one in an old house and got a vast improvement in flow (use 32mm, or at least 25mm, plastic pipe, and full-bore stopcocks)

The water co will want to inspect before you refill the trench.

 

[terryplumb]

Thanks.

If it's only 16 litres per min at the road would you consider changing the the main pipe from there to the stopcock. (Seems like a big job)

Having a poorer flow at taps is actually quite beneficial as you don't get it splashing everywhere etc.

The main annoyance is not being able to run two things at once. We have a combi.

Would 16 litres make this possible or is it more pressure that is important?

Thanks

You either live with what you have ,making some changes to internal pipework / taps ,for a small improvement ,or upgrade the service pipe for a significant improvement ,subject to the available mains pressure.

 

[A_Novice]

Thanks. If at the road was measured at 16 l/min is it worth paying for a new pipe for that kind of flow?

I have no idea when it becomes a game changer and worth it.

 

[A_Novice]

You either live with what you have ,making some changes to internal pipework / taps ,for a small improvement ,or upgrade the service pipe for a significant improvement ,subject to the available mains pressure.

By changes to internal pipework do you mean remove flexis? Is it worth upgrading the flexis to 22mm?

 

[A_Novice]

if you have suspended wooden floors with a void underneath, and can use a spade in the front garden, it is not at all difficult or complex.

Do you have any lead pipes? If so, get the water co to test your drinking water for lead content. There might be a subsidy or free connection.

I changed one in an old house and got a vast improvement in flow (use 32mm, or at least 25mm, plastic pipe, and full-bore stopcocks)

The water co will want to inspect before you refill the trench.

There isn't any lead in the house but from the road I don't know. All I can see is a blue looking pipe coming up from the ground by the stopcock. House was built early 60's

 

[JohnD]

Blue plastic is much newer than 1960s

What diameter?

Does the blue come into the house?

Photos would help.

 

[A_Novice]

Blue plastic is much newer than 1960s

What diameter?

Does the blue come into the house?

Photos would help.

This is the best photo.

All the floors are concrete and the distance from the road to the stopcock is about 20m

 

[JohnD]

I can't see a blue pipe.

 

[Madrab]

Looks like Black Alkathene or early MDPE.

Seems you issue is the mains, that pipework should be able to supply loads of flow but only if the mains pressure is up to it. If not then any change to smaller diameter pipework will just cause more problems. I haven't seen any mention of what the mains pressure is (dynamic)? When you say you cant run 2 things at once, do you mean cold water as well as hot?

Your plumber needs to do a mains water survey first, see what is achievable and design a system accordingly. He should be the specialist that can work through all the options and decide which is best for your situation, if he can't do that then time to get someone else.

If changing the mains supply pipework isn't feasible then it may also be worthwhile looking at pumping the mains, that should get you up to 12L/Min at a sustainable dynamic pressure but the mains needs to be able to handle that without impacting anyone else.

 

[JohnD]

What diameter?

 

[terryplumb]

Looks like its 15 mm / 1/2inch to me, and doesn't look like plastic pipe .