Boost Your Plumbing With a Pressure Booster Pump
A booster pump can improve water pressure. If you live in a home with low water pressure, or work in an office building where the water pressure is weak, a boost may be necessary.
A booster pump increases water pressure by forcing it at a higher rate through plumbing pipes. Boosters come in many forms and serve different applications. Some pumps use a spinning propeller, while others have oscillating diaphragms.
Booster Pumps
Booster pumps help you get more out of your existing plumbing system, increasing water pressure to faucets, showers and washing machines in homes and businesses. They are also helpful for older galvanized pipes with rust buildup, sediment accumulation and other issues that can decrease water pressure.
How booster pumps work is simple enough: Like a fan, they push water in one direction using a motor-operated impeller. Depending on the model, this impeller may rotate to take in water from the inlet side or oscillate to push water out the outlet side. Check valves ensure the pumped water can only flow in one direction, and a pressure sensor with maximum/minimum PSI settings regulates the pump’s activity level.
In addition to increasing the pressure of hot and cold water, residential booster pumps can also help with low water flows, especially when multiple people in the home use the water systems at the same time. Moreover, they can provide increased water pressure for sprinkler systems, irrigation systems and industrial uses.
Commercial water booster pumps are more specialized than their residential counterparts, as they are designed to deliver enough hot and cold water to an entire building, apartment complex or office tower. This requires a high horsepower, which measures how much power the pump delivers. The higher the horsepower, the greater the ability to draw and send water over long distances or up winding piping.
Choosing a Booster Pump
A booster pump can significantly boost plumbing water pressure. However, the right pressure booster pump for your home or business depends on a few key factors.
The first is the peak flow rate of your water system, which will inform the maximum head (pressure) the pump can supply. To determine this, you need to know your building’s design pressure booster pump and layout and the pipe sizes already installed. You also need to understand your location and the type of water used.
How far your water has to travel from the source can make a big difference, too. Since gravity drives water flow, the farther the distance, the lower your water pressure will be. In addition, pipes that are too small restrict what flows through them and decreases the water pressure.
When you know the water pressure you need and the size of your existing pipes, you can select a pressure booster pump that can meet your needs. pressure booster pump manufacturer Choosing a larger model will ensure that your water system can handle peak demands without stressing the booster pump.
Another factor to consider is the materials the booster pump is built from. Look for corrosion-resistant pumps that can withstand the harsh environmental conditions in your area. Also, choose a pressure booster pump with easy installation to reduce upfront costs. Finally, consider maintenance and warranty requirements to minimize operational and installation hassles down the road.
Booster Pump Installation
Booster pumps can increase water pressure in homes, apartment complexes, commercial offices, and hotels. They also pump water uphill or through long pipelines. The type of booster pump required depends on the water use and the desired pressure. For example, a home with multiple bathrooms may need a booster that can deliver high-pressure water to all the floors of the house. Water treatment systems like reverse osmosis require a higher pressure to operate correctly.
If low water pressure is caused by clogged pipes or other plumbing issues, a booster pump may fix the problem. A booster pump can also solve problems with a closed or partially closed shut-off valve, or an undersized water pipe.
Installing a residential booster pump is fairly simple. First, turn off the water supply and drain your system by opening a faucet at the lowest level of the house until all the water is drained. Once the pipes are dry, turn off the power to the booster pump. Next, using a RO Tube Cutter or sharp razor blade, cut the source water line where you want to splice in the booster pump. Connect the booster pump inlet to the source water line and the outlet to the RO/DI system. Follow the directional arrows on the booster pump to ensure proper flow.
A small expansion tank can enhance a booster pump system. This tank gives the boosted water room to expand when it’s used, preventing the booster pump from cycling on and off too frequently.
Booster Pump Maintenance
A booster pump can make your building plumbing more efficient, but it is essential that you regularly inspect and maintain it. Regular maintenance will keep your pumps running smoothly, reduce energy consumption and extend equipment life. Use a pump maintenance checklist to guide you through preventative maintenance tasks and help you identify issues that require professional attention before they become major problems.
Checking the water pressure at the booster pump is important, as it can affect the overall water pressure in your building. The ideal water pressure is 60 pounds per square inch (psi).
If the water pressure in your building seems low, there may be a problem with your booster pump or the pipes. The problem could be a blocked strainer, trapped air in your piping, an unclean filter or a shutoff valve that isn’t open all the way. If the problem isn’t fixed, it can lead to reduced efficiency and higher operating costs.
If you are trying to add a booster pump to an existing system, it is a good idea to have the design, piping layout and sizes reviewed by a mechanical engineer before making any changes. If you change the piping it can have an adverse effect on the operation of the water booster system and increase the stress on the pumps. This can cause a premature breakdown and a lot of expensive repairs.
