Dualstream water control system installed on TV programme barn conversion project

(28/02/2008)

A barn conversion project which featured on "Build a New Life in the Country", Channel Five’s television programme, is home to a Dualstream water control system from GAH Heating.

It took 12 months to convert the barn in Happisburgh, North Norfolk, from a shell into a living space, with a TV camera crew following the work from day one. Anticipating several relatives and guests who would regularly stay at the barn on completion, homeowners Steve and Lorraine Kinsey were worried about their water facilities if everyone was using the mains at once. Pressure was also low at the premises so they sought the help of GAH’s Dualstream water control system.

The unique Dualstream can overcome these problems, taking all the benefits of an unvented system to another level. Using the system means you can boost hot and cold water flow rates. Pressure is essentially nothing without flow rate, so the Dualstream system is ideal where incoming mains water flow is low. It is ideal for properties with more than one bathroom, like the barn where the Dualstream services a kitchen and a bathroom as well as four ensuites and the utilities.

At the heart of the Dualstream system at the barn is a 500L accumulator vessel which stores mains water at incoming pressure. This stored water becomes the engine that drives the hot/cold outlets, providing an increase in volume of water that you wouldn’t get from a normal unvented system. When taps are turned on, water in the accumulator vessel enhances the incoming main, which feeds both the 300L cylinder and cold supplies to the rest of the property.

Installer Graham Bedford, proprietor of Oil Fired Heating and Plumbing Services, said: “It is a really good product and installation is simple. I would recommend the Dualstream to anyone.” Subcontractor Paul Burdett said: “I have installed Dualstreams before; they are a good piece of kit.”

The system means that there’s no need to put up with poor flow rates and a drop in performance when multiple outlets are used simultaneously. Lorraine Kinsey said: “The pressure in the taps is fantastic, we are really pleased.”

Related categories:  Baths   Hot water generation and supply   Residential applications   Showers   Water filters and softeners 

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