1) The height-to-pressure rule (simple)
For gravity systems, pressure comes from the water level height above the tap. A quick practical rule:
So, a tank water level ~10 m above your shower gives roughly ~1 bar before losses.
- ✓More height = more pressure
Taller tower or higher tank water level improves flow. - ✓Wider pipes reduce losses
Long runs on small pipe sizes kill pressure fast. - ✓Losses are real
Elbows, valves, long distances, and filters all reduce pressure.
2) What “effective height” really means
What matters is not just tower height, but the vertical distance between the tank’s water level and the tap/shower outlet. If your shower is upstairs, effective height reduces.
If the tank is half full, your pressure is lower than when it’s full.
3) Quick examples (common Kenyan setups)
-
1
6 m tower, ground-floor taps
~0.6 bar before losses. Okay for taps, showers may feel weak depending on fittings. -
2
10 m effective height to shower
~1.0 bar before losses. Usually a better “comfortable shower” baseline. -
3
Long pipe run (30–60 m) on small pipe
Even with a tall tower, friction can reduce flow a lot. Upsize pipe or add booster.
4) Why pressure drops: friction + fittings
Real systems lose pressure due to pipe friction and minor losses from elbows, tees, valves, filters, and check valves. The longer the run and the smaller the pipe diameter, the worse it gets.
5) Recommended target pressures (practical)
- ✓Basic taps
Often workable from ~0.4–0.8 bar depending on pipework and aerators. - ✓Comfortable shower
Commonly aim around ~1.0 bar effective at point-of-use (or use a booster). - ✓Multiple bathrooms running at once
A booster pump + pressure tank usually gives the best stability.
6) When to add a booster pump
A booster is ideal when you cannot increase height enough, or your system has long runs / multiple outlets and you need consistent pressure. Pairing a booster pump with a small pressure tank helps reduce pump cycling.
- ✓Low tower height limitations
Urban compounds and roof-height limits. - ✓Many outlets (family homes, rentals)
Stable pressure during simultaneous use. - ✓Long pipe distances
Reduces the “weak far taps” problem.
7) Mini calculator (height → estimated pressure)
Enter your effective height (meters) from tank water level to the tap/shower outlet. This gives an approximate pressure before losses.
Want us to size your tower + pipework properly?
Share your tower height, pipe distances, and number of bathrooms. We’ll recommend the cleanest fix: height, pipe upgrade, or a booster setup.
8) FAQ
How much pressure do I get from a tank tower height?
A practical rule is ~0.1 bar per meter of effective height (about 1 bar per 10 meters). Real pressure at the tap is lower due to pipe friction, fittings, filters, and the elevation difference inside the property.
Is 6 meters enough for a shower?
It can be borderline depending on losses and shower head type. Many homes target ~10–12 meters effective height for better consistency, or they use a booster pump.
What’s better: taller tower or bigger pipes?
Often you need both: height creates pressure, while pipe sizing protects that pressure from being lost to friction. For long distances and multiple outlets, pipe upgrades make a huge difference.
When should I use a booster pump?
Use a booster when height is limited, when you need stable pressure across multiple bathrooms, or when long pipe runs cause pressure drops even with a tall tower.