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This is the complete guide to buying a booster pump. It covers:
So, if you&#;re looking to boost low water pressure in the home, this is the guide for you.
Let&#;s get started.
Free advice: If you can&#;t find the answer to your question below, please contact us on 112 and speak to our trained pump professionals now.
A booster pump is a small mechanical device that can be connected to your home&#;s plumbing system. The pump is capable of detecting when water pressure is low and then automatically boosting the performance of incoming mains water supply to your preferred pressure.
Simply put, if you frequently experience low water pressure when using taps, shower heads or other appliances in your home, a booster pump can increase the pressure of the water.
Booster pumps, mechanically speaking, are fairly simple tools. The pump has an inlet (where the water enters the pump) and an outlet (where the water exits the pump). When installed between your water tanks and water outlets, a booster pump will use a set of impellers to boost the pressure of the water moving through your system. Here&#;s a step by step guide to how it works:
Step 1: Water Enters the Pump
The booster pump draws fluid into the pump through the mains supply or break tank (an inlet).
Step 2: Pump Impellers are Activated
When water enters the chamber of the pump, the pump activates the impellers.
Step 3: Water Exits the Pump
The impellers then spin at a high rate boosting the pressure of the water before exiting through the outlet.
Booster pumps come in various designs depending on the brand and can work with single or multiple impellers, depending on your system&#;s requirements.
There are four important features of a booster pump that you should be aware of when making a purchase decision. These are:
What is flow rate?
This is the maximum amount of water that can leave the pump every minute.
For example, the Salamander Home Booster can increase the flow rate to 12 litres of water per minute even if the incoming flow rate is only 3 litres of water per minute.
If you have a large family in a home of considerable size, then you may need a pump with a higher flow rate.
Note: Be aware that if you are drawing from the mains, you are only allowed legally to draw 12 Lpm. If you require more, then you will need to install a break tank.
What is bar rating?
This is the pressure at which the water will be ejected out of the booster pump. For example, the Salamander Home Booster pump has a 1.5 bar rating. If your water pressure is 0.7 bar, the Salamander will double your water pressure. Again, if you have a large family in a home of considerable size, then you probably need a more powerful pump.
What is a system type?
Booster pumps come in either positive or negative types. This determines how the pump will be activated. A positive pump is activated by gravity. A negative pump is activated by a drop in the pressure between the pump and the device. For a full explanation on positive and negative pumps, read our guide here.
What is a head impeller?
Booster pumps are operated using an impeller system. Think &#;airplane engines&#; and you are on the right track. In most modern booster pumps you can have single or multiple impellers. The more impellers, the more powerful the pump.
If you think you have low water pressure issues, and you&#;re considering the purchase of a booster pump, there is a simple three step test that you can conduct to test your flow. All you need for this test is: a measuring jug, a timer and a calculator.
Step 1: Place a 1 litre measuring jug under the tap or shower
Step 2: Turn the problem tap or shower on full
Step 3: Time how long it takes to fill the jug
If it takes more than 6 seconds to fill the jug, then you have low water pressure.
Note: We also recommend getting a qualified plumber to assess the requirements needed for your home.
If you&#;re considering purchasing a booster pump there really are only a handful of pump brands worthy of your time. These are: Grundfos, Salamander and Stuart Turner. Here is the top pump from each brand:
One of the leading options for correcting low water pressure is the Home Boost range from Salamander pumps. These are able to raise your water pressure to around 1.5 bar whilst still ensuring you stay compliant with water-use and installation regulations. They are compact and easy to install and quiet in operation too, so they won&#;t disrupt your home with extra noise.
Features:
Search prices on the Salamander Home Boost 1.6 Bar Mains Water Pressure Booster Pump 240V here.
Another leading option is the new Home Booster range from Grundfos. The home booster is a fully integrated, self-priming system that is ideal for boosting water pressure in domestic applications. Integrated speed control also means that the pump will only operate when it&#;s needed, so it won&#;t hit your energy bills either.
This pump also has an integrated break tank installed ensuring you are in accordance with water byelaws regulations. However, please keep in mind that if you have a large property, you may need an additional tank.
Features:
Search prices on the Grundfos 4.5 Bar Home Booster.
Stuart Turner&#;s Flomate range is one of the finest pump collections on the market. The 3.0 bar of pressure will give a deserved boost to your water supply, while the tech also comes with an integrated break tank - which removes the need for inserting a separate cold water break tank.
Features:
Search prices on the Stuart Turner Flomate Mains Boost Extra 200 here.
While you can fit a booster pump yourself, we suspect that the majority of people reading this article may want to contact a plumber. However, if you are handy with your DIY, booster pump installation is much simpler and quicker than most would think. Here are some key questions answered on how to install a booster pump.
Do I need any special tools to install a booster pump?
All of the fittings you need for installation are included in the pump kit. Included are: washers, a filter washer, a straight connector, an isolation valve connector and some adapters to cope with either 15mm or 22mm pipe connections. Full instructions are also included, so you&#;re ready to start installing as soon as you get the kit.
How long does it take to install a booster pump?
Installation should take approximately one hour and you only need a few tools to get started.
How much does it cost to install a booster pump?
Depending on your area, it should only cost about £50 to £100 to install a booster pump.
Are there any installation videos I can follow for guidance?
If you are feeling confident and you&#;re ready to install, then watch this excellent video from Salamander Pumps for guidance.
Note: Again, if you require a flow rate higher than 12 litres per minute, then a break tank will need to be installed. It is illegal to draw more than 12 litres per minute from the public mains.
If you're struggling for booster pump advice, please contact us on 112 and speak to our trained pump professionals now.Free Advice
A water booster pump increases water pressure and volume to your faucet or shower head. If you have ever tried to shower under a trickle of water and had to turn in circles just to get wet, then you are well aware of the nuisance of low water pressure. For homes that struggle with simple tasks due to low water pressure, a water booster pump may be the perfect solution. In this article, you can find information about what a booster pump is, how it works, how to size one, and the best booster pumps for your application.
What is a water booster pump?
A booster pump is a device that increases low water pressure and flow. It provides the extra boost needed to bring your water pressure to the desired level. A water booster pump provides pressure to move water from a storage tank or throughout a whole house or commercial facility.
What causes low water pressure?
Low water pressure can be the result of issues inside or outside the home. Five common causes of low water pressure include gravity, distance from the water source, low city water pressure, additional water systems, and plumbing problems.
1. Gravity
Gravity either drives or slows water flow. The higher the elevation of water&#;s destination, the greater the pressure needed to deliver it. One gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds. If water travels uphill or up several floors, it must fight gravity on its way. Buildings lower than their water source may not experience the same problem. Skyscrapers, apartment buildings, and homes and businesses with multiple stories require a large booster pump to move water up many stories.
2. Distance from the water source
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Two factors that affect water pressure are the distance from the water source and the size of the pipes. If your home or business sits at the end of the water supply line, the water flow may be low by the time it reaches you. If your pipes are small, less water will be able to run through your fixtures at one time.
3. Low city water pressure
Your house may be below the water supply line, your plumbing pipes may be clear, and you still have low water pressure. Sometimes low water flow results from low-pressure water from your local water plant.
4. Additional water systems
Additional water treatment systems or other water fixtures to your home bring you fresh water but may decrease your water pressure. Adding a booster pump can restore your water pressure.
5. Plumbing problems
If low water pressure is the result of gravity, transportation, or additional systems, a water pressure booster may fix the issue. Other times, however, plumbing problems may be the cause. Before buying a water pressure booster, check your plumbing. The pipes may be clogged, or the pressure reducing valve may need adjusting.
How does a booster pump work?
Booster pumps use a motor-powered impeller that moves water as it enters through the inlet and exits through the outlet. Booster pumps differ according to how they suck water in and push it out. Some water booster pumps use a spinning propeller, while others use an oscillating diaphragm. Pumps with oscillating diaphragms propel water using two oscillating or rotating plates, one with cups and one with indentations. As the plates roll together, they compress the cups and force the water out. As the plates roll open, more water is sucked in.
What are the components of a booster pump?
Most water booster pump, no matter who the manufacturer contain the same core components:
The Davey pump pictured below has a sensing device that helps manage and maintain a level of pressure.
Do water booster pumps increase water pressure and flow rate?
A water booster pump increases water pressure, forcing the water to flow at a faster rate through plumbing pipes. However, keep in mind that, as the pressure required to move water increases, the flow rate decreases.
Think about putting your thumb over a garden hose. As you do, water comes out at a higher pressure, but the flow rate is restricted because of your thumb. A booster pump works in the same way. It provides the most water at the greatest flow rate under low pressure. If water moves out of the pump without any kind of restriction, it moves at a greater flow rate. When a pump is installed in a house where the water must travel uphill and around bends in pipes through a kitchen faucet, the flow rate is slower and the pressure from the pump is higher.
Types of booster pumps
There are two main types of booster pumps: single-stage and multi-stage pumps.
Single-stage booster pumps use only a single impeller. As a result, they are only used in locations where less pressure is required. Multi-stage booster pumps, on the other hand, include multiple impellers for high-pressure applications. These pumps can be used to send water through winding pipelines up several stories.
How are booster pumps used?
Booster pumps can be found in both residential and commercial buildings. They increase low water flow in water systems or industrial equipment and transport water from a lake, pond, or storage tank for use in a home or commercial building. A household that doesn't receive enough pressure from the city water supply must use a pump to increase low water pressure. Likewise, a hotel needs a large commercial booster pump to send water all the way to the top story.
A booster pump is also used to re-pressurize water from a storage tank and send it to a faucet or throughout a home. In a rain harvesting system, for example, water collects in a storage tank. In order to use it to flush toilets or wash laundry, the water must be pumped out of the tank and into the house with a water booster pump.
Learn more: How to conserve rainwater at home with a rainwater harvesting system
Residential booster pumps
A single water booster pump can boost water pressure throughout an entire house. Sometimes, well water users want to increase the flow from a low-recovery well to their home because it does not produce enough water to keep up with household demand. A water pressure booster pulls water from the well storage tank to pressurize the water in the house.
A private well that does not produce enough water to keep up with demand requires a storage tank for the well to fill over time and a home booster pump from the tank to keep up with daily demand.
Learn more: What are the parts of a well water system?
Booster pump with an expansion tank
An expansion or hydropneumatic storage tank can enhance a boosted system. The tank gives water extra room to go when it expands and prevents the booster pump from cycling on and off each time you turn the faucet on. Flow switch actuated pumps may hesitate on start-up. A small expansion tank prevents this hesitation. A larger tank holds a volume of water referred to as drawdown. This amount of water draws out of the tank before the pump turns back on. A larger tank can provide higher drawdown volumes in a private well system to significantly reduce pump cycles.
Do I need a booster pump?
A booster pump is recommended if you have low water pressure not caused by a leak or need to increase water pressure for a certain application.
Questions to ask when shopping for a booster pump:
How much pressure do I need? Many people prefer high water
pressure when taking a shower, but pressure that's too high can destroy plumbing, fittings, and appliances. Most homes have a pressure reducing valve where the water line enters the house to maintain the water pressure. Pressure over 60 psi wears the household plumbing system.
Which booster pump you need depends on how much water you use, the desired pressure, and the location of your water source. If you have a large house, for example, you may need a booster pump capable of supplying pressure to the second or third floor. Applications like reverse osmosis systems with low feed pressure or water with a high TDS (total dissolved solids) require a lot more pressure.
How to size a booster pump
To size a booster pump for your specific application, ask these questions:
Pumps with a single impeller are not good at drawing water from a distance. If you want to use water from a pond for irrigation, then you need something with more horsepower to pump the water a long distance. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon. If water must travel up a one-inch pipe that climbs several feet, then the pump must push a significant amount of weight.
Tips for installing a booster pump
Where to install a booster pump
A booster pump is installed right where you need to move water from. For example, in a household with low water pressure, you should install the pump on the main line where water enters the house. Plug in the inlet and return the outlet to the plumbing supply. When installing a booster pump, consider the following:
bypass
in case the pump malfunctions.A bypass allows you to isolate the pump if it fails and you need to troubleshoot it.
You can bypass the pump and still get water into the house.Cycling causes the pump to start and stop in rapid succession.
How to keep your booster pump quiet
To keep a booster pump quiet, you need to factor in the type of pump used and the materials around where the pump is installed. Think about pump vibration during installation. The way you install a booster pump can enhance the noise it makes if you are not careful. Never install the pump directly to copper lines because the vibration of the pump will transfer to the copper and cause excessive noise. Instead, use a flex connector for the inlet and the outlet to minimize the sound from vibration.
Best water booster pumps
Best booster pump for small homes &#; Davey BT14-45
The Davey BT14-45 is ideal for small two-story and long one-story homes. It delivers a nominal flow of 14 GPM and a maximum boost of 60 PSI. This pump features a multistage impeller, stainless steel construction, corrosion-resistant motor, and protection from high temperatures. The Davey BT14-45 operates at around 55 decibels, making it a quiet yet efficient booster pump for your home.
Best booster pump for large homes - Davey BT30-30
The Davey BT30-30 is a quiet, efficient pump that has a nominal flow of 30 GPM and a maximum boost of 50 PSI. Its single impeller booster system delivers a compact, quiet solution for low water pressure. This pump features the Torrium 2 Pressure System Controller, a system that adapts to changing conditions and outsmarts every-day problems. The Torrium 2 controller also reduces installation and maintenance issues because of its ability to protect itself when problems arise. The Davey BT30-30 comes with a 3-year warranty, making this pump a safe and effective option for your home.
Best booster pump for irrigation &#; Grundfos Scala2 3-45-1
The Grundfos Scala2 3-45-1 is a 115-volt booster pump that is ideal for irrigation, water supply, and domestic applications. It operates at an extremely quiet 47 decibels, about the noise level of a light rainfall. This pump comes with a built-in screen and intelligent pump control that ensure water pressure is ideal for every situation. When no water is available to run through the pump, the pump shuts itself off to protect from overheating and motor damage. The Grundfos Scala2 3-45-1 is an excellent economical choice for your home irrigation system.
Best technological booster pump &#; Grundfos Scala1 3-45-1
The Grundfos Scala1 3-45-1 is a fully integrated, self-priming pump designed for domestic and small commercial applications. It comes with built-in Bluetooth connection that allows you to monitor and customize your pump on the Grundfos GO app. This pump is good for both indoor and outdoor applications and runs at a noise level of about 55 decibels. With its user-friendly design and intuitive app control, the Grundfos Scala1 3-45-1 is excellent for your home.
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