How to Install a Home Booster Pump
A booster pump provides an extra boost of pressure to your home’s water supply. This helps maintain water pressure levels even when the water travels uphill or up multiple stories in your house.
Booster pumps also make some noise, so install yours on a pad to minimize vibrations that could send sound through copper pipes throughout your house.
Pressure
The maximum pressure at which a booster pump operates depends on the booster pump existing system’s total pressure and how much more pressure it can add. Most home booster pumps have a maximum boosting pressure of 80 psi.
Most commercial booster pumps have a higher maximum pressure, but how much higher depends on the application and building’s plumbing network layout. Often, multiple booster pumps are installed in sequence or parallel to achieve the desired boost pressure.
During operation, a booster pump increases the kinetic energy of water flow, allowing it to overcome piping friction losses and elevation gains as it travels throughout the plumbing network. This results in higher water pressure exiting fixtures, even with a low municipal water supply.
In some applications, a booster pump may be used to increase the pressure of reverse osmosis systems or rain water collection systems. These types of applications typically require high boosting pressures, which are not possible with the normal system pressure.
When sizing a booster pump, it is important to consider an application’s actual pressure demand rather than the calculated design demand (typically by fixture unit). This will allow the system to operate more efficiently and provide a better customer experience. To determine an application’s actual flow and pressure demand, a professional can perform a load calculation or use software to create one for the specific project.
Flow
The rate at which a booster pump operates depends on the pressure of your water supply. It also depends on the distance and elevation difference between your water source and your property. For example, a house located lower than its water supply requires a larger commercial booster pump than a home or apartment that is located higher up.
A water booster pump increases pressure by forcing water to move at a faster rate through plumbing pipes. This increased flow rate helps reduce the chances of clogged pipes, which can significantly lower water pressure. It also prevents ‘water hammer,’ the sudden changes in water pressure that occur when you open or close a tap.
Booster pumps operate as centrifugal pumps that take water in through an inlet and then force it outward with the help of a spinning impeller, creating a high-pressure spray that exits through an outlet. A check valve ensures that the boosted water only flows in one direction and cannot back into the inlet side of the pump.
Usually, a pressure sensor tells the booster pump to switch on and off based on the downstream water pressure. Some models also use a Smart inverter that adjusts the pumps speed to fine-tune the pumps performance. This helps maintain a stable water pressure and cut energy costs.
Installation
A booster pump should be installed close to your water source, typically at the water meter. Before installing it, shut off your water supply at the meter and drain any existing water from the system. Once the pump is connected to your system, read its manual and follow its instructions for locating and connecting it to the power supply. Be sure booster pump supplier to remove all sheathing from the wiring cable before connecting it. Booster pumps are powered by electricity, so be sure the electrical connections are made by a licensed electrician.
In addition to providing increased water pressure, booster pumps also help to overcome elevation changes. They can also be used to increase the water pressure in homes with specialized equipment that requires a minimum water pressure level.
The installation of a residential water booster pump can be straightforward, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check your local codes. Generally, the booster pump should be installed close to your water supply at the water meter, but it can be mounted in a garage or utility room to reduce noise.
Residential booster pumps are particularly useful for high-rise apartment complexes and other multistory residential buildings, where water demand peaks in the morning and decreases in the afternoon. In some cases, a booster is needed to meet the water pressure requirements of specific equipment like fire sprinkler systems.
Noise
A booster pump can cause noise, but the type of noise it produces depends on several factors. One factor is how the booster pump is installed. For example, if the booster pump is installed directly on copper wiring, vibrations from the pump can transfer to the copper and create excessive noise. To minimize this issue, install the booster pump using flex connectors for the inlet and outlet.
Another factor is the power supply that the booster pump uses. Booster pumps can be powered by electric motors or diesel engines. Make sure that the power supply is compatible with the booster pump you want to install.
The type of pump you choose also influences the amount of noise it will produce. A centrifugal pump is a good choice for most residential applications with moderate pressure needs. However, if you need a higher-pressure boost for commercial applications, consider a multistage pump.
A booster pump can save you money on your water and energy bills. It can even pay for itself in 1 – 2 years, depending on your building’s consumption and local utilities programs. For maximum efficiency, use a smart system with a variable speed booster pump with permanent magnet motors. These systems are engineered to reduce energy use and maintenance costs, and they can be operated at a low speed to match your building’s demands.