Pressure Boosting Pump

Product Description

A pressure booster pump can be used to increasethe pressure of the water coming into the house. If you have really low water pressure coming from the citysupply or have low pressure because you are on a well, installing a pressurebooster pump could be the solution you have been looking for.

There are many types ofpressure booster pumps so you will have to do some research and find out whichpump is right for you. Read reviews, talk to others, and make a wise decisionfor your home based on your individual situation. 

All-in-one pressureboosters are often a good choice because they have the pump, motor, checkvalve, pressure and flow sensor, and diaphragm tank complete in one unit.

These units are usuallyaffordable, compact, and relatively easy to install. What you will not normallyget with these units is a way to control how much extra pressure it provides.This means it is important to find out how much water pressure you have now andhow high the booster pump will increase the pressure.

Test Your Current Water Pressure

A water pressure gauge can beused to test the existing water pressure. A pressure gauge can be purchased from a hardware store that willtell you how much PSI (pounds per square inch) you have.

Normally, the pressure shouldnot go over 75 psi because it is not good for the plumbing system. So, if thecurrent psi is 40 and the aim is to get to 75 psi then you will want to get toa pressure booster pump that will provide no more than an extra 35 psi.

Other Things to Consider

What size is the main water line that comes intothe house? You can adapt down or up to any size pipe but it will work moresmoothly if the pressure booster pump fitting size matches the pipe size of theincoming line.

Installing flex lines to the booster pump will makeit quick and easy to work on so make sure you know what size to get.

Is there room for a pressure booster pump? Thatspace thing is always an issue. Even when the pump is small it still needsclearances to allow for maintenance and room to breathe.

Is there an electrical outlet nearby? Mostpressure booster pumps come with a 6 to 10 cord. When figuring out the locationof the pump check that there is an outlet nearby that you do not mind losing.

If not, will you have to run a new electrical linefor you pressure booster pump?

How much work will it be and are you comfortablewith it? Installing a pressure booster pump will require you to cut into thewater main and reroute it through the pump and then back to the main.

There are some nice push fit fittings like Sharkbite and Gator bite that can make the installation quick and easy if you canuse them. Measure and double check that they will work before attempting to usethem.

Get estimates; you can call local plumbers to find outhow much it will cost to have a pressure booster pump installed and saveyourself some work. At the very least, you will know how much you will save ifyou install it yourself.

Is the garage well-insulated or are you going tohave to insulate the pressurebooster pump to keep it from freezing? Maybe keeping a light on in thegarage is enough or maybe you will need more freeze preventing precautions.

Keep freezing conditions in mind when you choose alocation for the pressure booster pump.