Do You Need a Pressure Booster?
Do You Need a Pressure Booster?
If you live in a hilly community or on the upper floor of a multi-story building where your home is situated at a elevation higher in relationship to the nearest water tower, you may have noticed that your home has low water pressure. If this is the case, you may want to have a pressure booster installed by a licensed plumber to remedy the situation.
Before you invest in a pressure booster, make sure you have a water pressure problem and not a flow-rate problem. If your water line is obstructed, water may not flow properly and a pump will not help. Have a licensed professional plumber inspect your water system for clogs and adjust your pressure-reducing valve before contracting the installation of a pressure booster.
A booster pressure system consists of a pump that is connected to a pressure tank. Just like a well tank, a booster has a shallow well jet pump mounted on the pressure tank that drives the system. However, unlike a well, a booster system’s pressure can build very quickly. You’ll have to install a bypass valve between the tank and the pump to keep the pressure in your tank from building up in the event that the cutout switch fails which will keep the pump primed without releasing water.
Pressure boosters should only be connected to a municipal water supply line where a minimum of 5 psig exists at all times at the tap closest to the location you chose to install the booster. Call your local waterworks to find out what the pressure is at your particular residence.
Caution needs to be taken when working with a pressure booster system because even when the pump is turned to the off position, pressure remains in the system. Therefore, pressure boosters should be installed where a tank failure will not damage property. Also, the pump should never be used in series with another pump, should have a check valve installed to prevent backflow into the city water system, and have a pressure relief valve installed in case the limit switch fails.
Install a pressure booster yourself is probably not a good idea so contract a licensed professional to accomplish the installation to reduce the potential risks associated with booster pressure system. And, remember that after the initial installation, your tank should never be re-pressurized.
Post provided by: Water Line Plumbers Marietta GA