Converting house into flats, do I need larger main pipe?

[Naseemkhan1682]

Hello,

I am converting a house into 11 flats run by electric only.

Each flat will have a kitchen and a mini electric boiler to power the sink and the shower.

We were told by a plumber that we would require a 50mm diameter supply from the water board, this is quoted at £11,000.

We have also been told that the main we will be connecting to is 3 bar.


My question is...

Is a 50mm diameter supply really required? (we do not know size, flow or pressure of current supply).


Any help is most appreciated, obviously if we need a larger pipe then that's fine but I'm just curious as to whether the advice we have been given is correct or whether there are better and cheaper alternatives.

Also how best I could find out the current size, flow and pressure?

 

[king of pipes]

You may well need a 50 mm supply but you will to will also need a water meter fitted to each flat with a point of isolation and double check valve internally, the meters are usually on a manifolded system and external to the building so the billing and mantaince is easier. Regards Kop

 

[Murdoch]

Have you got a 3 phase supply organised for the electricity?

 

[snowhead]

What heating are you having?

As Murdoch, re 3 phase supply,
if you've got concerns over the cost and or need of the upgraded water supply, wait till you get the quote for the increased electricity supply if the existing one isn't suitable.

 

[Naseemkhan1682]

Hello yes we will have 3 phase electricity

 

[Murdoch]

Hello yes we will have 3 phase electricity

Lets hope your spark is up to the latest version of the electrical regs ............. and the fire rules ........

 

[king of pipes]

Lets hope your spark is up to the latest version of the electrical regs ............. and the fire rules ........

Especially in flats 👍

 

[Timmy D]

Tbh, for a project of this size, I wouldn’t be taking advice from a bunch of strangers on the internet. Surely the project is being managed/completed by competent people who have spec’d/designed the required systems.

Sounds mad to wing it.

 

[Naseemkhan1682]

What heating are you having?

As Murdoch, re 3 phase supply,
if you've got concerns over the cost and or need of the upgraded water supply, wait till you get the quote for the increased electricity supply if the existing one isn't suitable.

Can you advise on how the 3 phase supply will impact the water?

Also our supply will be cold water.

 

[snowhead]

Can you advise on how the 3 phase supply will impact the water?

Also our supply will be cold water.

It won't impact the water.
The cost of upgrading / instaling new electrical supplies is far more expensive than the cost for upgrading water supplies.
I note you've said you have 3 phase, but is it a suitable size and has the supplier agreed there is spare capacity available in the local network?