Water Pressure Booster Pumps: Everything You Need to Know to Fix Low Water Pressure

Don’t you just hate it when the water pressure in your home suddenly decreases? It can get pretty annoying, especially when you are in the middle of showering or washing the dishes.

When the water pressure decreases while you are in the middle of a shower, the water can suddenly be boiling hot or icy cold. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem, and it’s not something you just have to live with. If you are experiencing this issue, you can install a household water pressure booster pump.

A water pressure booster pump can help regulate hot and cold water pressure in your household, including your showerheads, garden hose, and faucets. Choosing the right booster pump is the most reliable way to fix low water pressure issues around the house. The right pump can boost water pressure in the shower and allow you to use multiple outlets simultaneously.

So, if you can’t wait to get rid of the water pressure problem in your home and finally take a shower without any nasty surprises, this article is your must-read guide to booster pumps. From how a water pressure booster pump works to how to install one, you’ll learn it all right here. There is a range of pressure pumps for sale in Australia, but first, you should probably know what exactly a water pressure booster pump is – let’s jump right in.

Table of Contents

What is a Water Pressure Booster Pump?

As the name suggests, a water pressure booster pump boosts low water pressure – but more specifically, it regulates the pressure at an even level, kicking in as needed to prevent water pressure drops. With a booster pump, you will have reliable water flow in your household, making it much more convenient when taking a shower, doing the dishes, watering your plants with a garden hose, and doing your laundry.

A booster pump is designed to provide increased pressure, moving water from a storage tank or mains water to an entire household, office, or even commercial facilities. They aren’t part of a standard domestic plumbing system, but if you have dramas, a domestic household water booster pump could be the perfect solution for you. When properly installed, you will get a steady flow of water, even when using multiple outlets at once.

Water Pressure Booster Pump Components

Although many companies manufacture water pressure booster pumps in Australia, the essential components remain the same.

Motor: Naturally, this is required to run the pump. These water booster pumps need electricity to work, so this is something the installer will need to consider. The electrical side of booster pump installation should be carried out by a professional.
Impellers: These are responsible for increasing the water pressure. The impellers propel the water in the mainline to its destination through the inlets and outlets of the pump, flowing directly to your faucets, showerheads, garden hose, washing machine, etc.
Pressure and Flow Sensors: These components are required to sense the required pressure and adjust accordingly. This technology also protects the pipes by not supplying more pressure than your household needs.
Inlet and Outlet: You will need to connect the water line to the pump inlet, then connect the other line to the pipes that will distribute the water throughout the household. Some homes have water pressure tanks, but it is not always necessary to install one.

How Do Water Pressure Booster Pumps Work?

A household water pressure booster pump system is pretty simple, but it certainly gets the job done. The system consists of a one-line jet pump and pressure tank connected to the incoming water line in your household.

The water pressure booster pump will be connected to the mains water line or pressure tank to ensure that it supplies enough water pressure to the entire house. You can also integrate more advanced controls during installation for more precise control over your home’s water pressure.

The best thing about a water pressure boosters pump is that it is not continually in operation, making it reasonably energy-efficient. It only kicks into action when someone in the household turns on a faucet, which means it is safe for your pipes. The pump will regulate water supply in the appropriate 30-50 psi range, enough to provide adequate water pressure for domestic purposes.

Think of the booster pump like a fan. A fan increases the airflow using a propeller, while a water pressure booster pump has blades or an impeller that will spin around to increase the water flow.

You can also compare a booster pump to your thumb when you are using a garden hose. You can manually cover half of the hose’s opening to increase the water pressure. However, your thumb is a little less sophisticated, and because the pressure is increased, the flow rate will be a little more restricted.

The difference is that using a water pressure booster pump will increase or decrease the flow and the water pressure depending on the household’s requirements. It will keep both flow and water pressure constant, making it an excellent solution for low water pressure in most households.

Pros and Cons of Water Pressure Booster Pumps

Water pressure booster pumps have many advantages, and many of them will make your life a lot easier. However, depending on your home and plumbing set-up, there are some disadvantages as well.

Pros of Water Pressure Booster Pumps:

Constant water pressure throughout the household
You can use different outlets simultaneously without losing water pressure
Cold and hot water pressure remains the same even if multiple faucets and outlets are running
With higher water pressure, the water flow decreases slightly, meaning you can use water more efficiently
Allows you to run an irrigation system that needs higher water pressure

Cons of Water Pressure Booster Pumps:

You need to make sure that your plumbing can handle higher water pressure. If you have any undetected cracks or damage, higher water pressure can cause leaking and bursting.
You need to make sure you are legally adding a household water pressure pump in Australia – ensure you check the building code in your area or consult a plumbing professional.
It can increase your electricity bill, though not as dramatically as people may expect.
If you don’t ensure that the water flow rate matches your water pressure booster pump’s power, it can lead to overspending, or the pump may not be effective.

Can I Install a Water Pressure Booster Pump in Australia?

Installing a water pressure booster pump is a widespread practice in Australia. It is legal to do so, but there are specific requirements that you need to follow to install a pressure pump booster legally. And take note that if you have low water pressure in your home, your water corporation or council is not obligated to help you on the matter. It’s up to you to take whatever measures you can to boost your home’s water pressure.

To install a water pressure booster pump in Australia legally, you will need to install a water storage tank and pump system to guarantee a pre-set pressure. It means that the course you are about to install does not go over the pressure limits that your pipes can handle, avoiding bursting the pipes and causing a significant water leak.

Your local plumber or irrigation contractor can advise you on the steps you’ll need to take to install a water booster at home properly. As long as the work is completed to regulation standards, water pressure booster pumps are legal to install in Australia, and many buildings will already have a suitable water tank.

Signs and Causes of Low Household Water Pressure

Signs of Low Household Water Pressure

Sudden changes in water temperature

One of the most evident signs of low water pressure is the constant change in water temperature – in fact, this is pretty impossible to ignore!. You may be standing in the shower when suddenly someone turns on a tap, and the water temperature dramatically changes. This issue can vanish by merely boosting the household water pressure with a water pressure booster. If the water goes cold while you’re in the shower, this is a common sign you have water pressure problems.

Turning on multiple water faucets and outlets is impossible.

Another clear sign of low water pressure in the household is when you cannot turn on two or more outlets at once without experiencing low water pressure. It means that it is impossible to shower while someone is doing their laundry or watering the plants. Using water in the household simultaneously can become impossible, which can get very frustrating. This experience is a clear sign that you need a water pressure fix.

Some faucets have better water pressure than others

In some cases, certain taps or fixtures in the household provide higher water pressure than others. One tap may get a better water pressure supply because it is located closer to the mains water supply. It is common to have better water pressure on the first floor of a two-story household because the faucets are closer to the mainline. Of course, just like any other water pressure problem, adding a water pressure booster pump can sort it out.

Causes of Low Household Water Pressure

Distance from a water source

The distance from a water source is one of the primary reasons for low water pressure in some household areas. If your home is located at the end of a water pipeline, the water supply can be inadequate by the time it reaches you. Unfortunately, it will probably be your responsibility to do something about it.

Pipe sizes

Some homes in Australia have smaller pipe sizes, which could be a direct cause of low water pressure in your area. The combination of small pipes and being situated at the end of a pipeline can be very problematic when it comes to getting the water pressure you need for all water fixtures to function correctly in your home.

Gravity

Gravity works both ways in supplying a steady or slow water flow in your household. The higher the altitude where water needs to be delivered, the lower the water pressure. Water can weigh a lot, and because of a low water flow, it will be physically impossible for water to travel uphill if the supply is limited. This problem is common in two-story households and tall buildings.

Low water pressure in your area

Some homes, even with a prime location and excellent plumbing, can experience problematic water pressure. It may have nothing to do with the site of your home, but because the local water plant in your area fails to supply enough water pressure for homes in your area. It would be good to ask around the neighbourhood to find out if others are experiencing the same water flow issues, confirming if this is the cause of your water flow problems.

Plumbing problems

In some cases, low water pressure can result from leaks, clogs, pressure valve adjustments, or inadequate plumbing. If this is the case, do not install a water pressure booster just yet. Ensure that your plumbing is intact and undamaged, and there are no other pumps or valves that could be misconfigured. If you rule out these other causes of water pressure problems, installing a water pressure booster is your next solution.

Having additional water systems

No doubt, having different water systems in your home can make your life at home more convenient, especially if you have an automated irrigation or sprinkler system. However, adding extra water systems can be a direct cause of low water pressure in the entire household. When your sole water mains supply is trying to run your household plumbing and your irrigation set-up simultaneously, you can experience some severe interruptions in water pressure. Adding a water pressure booster pump can help solve this problem.

Do You Need a Booster Pump in Your Home?

Booster pumps are a standard fixture for increasing the flow of water in commercial spaces or buildings. Because they are so effective, they can help in increasing the water pressure so that water flow can reach the top floor of a building.

It’s not standard for pressure boosting pumps to be installed in houses, but the reality is that many of our homes can benefit from one. Often we accept icy cold showers and other inconveniences as a fact of life. Still, the reality is that pressure boosting pumps are a great way to avoid these problems entirely, and they’re pretty affordable too.

You have the option of installing a water pressure pump by itself or adding an expansion tank if necessary. A booster pump with an expansion tank or extra storage can offer improved function and greater energy efficiency. Depending on your requirements, it may be necessary to achieve the level of function you’re looking for.

If you are not sure whether you need a water pressure pump in your home or not, it is vital to consider the signs of low water pressure in your house first. Ensure you’ve eliminated any other potential causes, and then talk to a professional about whether a pump could help resolve your issues.

How to Install a Water Pressure Booster Pump

Water pressure booster pumps come in different sizes, so you need to make sure you choose one that is fit for the size of your home. Anything with a single impeller will be enough for a single household with up to two stories. However, if you are drawing water from a distant source, you will need something with at least two impellers to function correctly.

Before installing a water pressure booster pump in your household, you need to consider a couple of things. It may be an easy solution to your water pressure problems, but without thoroughly checking if your plumbing can handle the amount of water pressure, this project might be a wasted effort or cause more problems for you in the future.

How to Find the Right Water Pressure Booster Pump Size

Before installing a booster pump, you need to consider:

Calculating your water flow rate: Before choosing a pressure booster pump, you need to determine the flow rate, or how many litres of water you get per minute. To calculate this, you will also need to consider all the fixtures in your home. (faucets, irrigation systems, garden hoses, showerheads, washing machines, etc.)
Calculating the amount of water you need in your household: You will need to determine the amount of water your home needs per day for showers, laundry, washing the dishes, watering the plants, washing your hands, and more. Make sure you also consider all the family members or any other people that reside in the household.
The amount of pressure you need: Determine the amount of pressure you need. By doing this, you will know what size and type of water pressure booster pump your household will require.
Ensure that your household can handle the amount of pressure: Lastly, you need to make sure that your home has big enough pipes to match the flow rate and pressure. Anything above 60 psi can accelerate wear to the household plumbing systems. Australia’s standard household water pressure is in the 30-50 psi range.

Hiring a Professional to Install Water Pressure Booster

Unless you’re a plumber or an irrigation expert, you may not be comfortable installing a pump yourself. In that case, you can always hire a professional irrigation contractor or plumber to take care of your water pressure problem.

Hiring a professional to install a water pressure booster pump in your home is the easiest way to tackle the job. The professional plumber will do everything according to best practice, including checking your water pressure, finding the right spot for the booster pump, picking the right water pump size, and adjusting the water pressure accordingly.

The advantage of hiring a pro is you get to sit back and relax without worrying about anything. You are paying for the convenience and expertise, meaning the professional will do everything from checking the legal requirements to the installation. Plus, you will need a licensed electrician if you DIY it anyway, so hiring a pro to start with can tackle two birds with one stone.

DIY Water Pressure Pump Installation

If you are an experienced DIYer, you may want to know how to install a pressure pump by yourself. As long as you have the tools, material, and knowledge, a water booster pump can be installed in around 3 to 4 hours.

Note: This project is definitely challenging, so you should always hire a professional unless you have the necessary skills and qualifications.

An abbreviated method for installing a pump includes the following steps:

Step 1: Turn off the primary water source.

Step 2: Clean the water supply pipe that leads to the house.

Step 3: With the tubing cutter, cut the water supply pipe.

Step 4: Place the water pressure booster pump and assemble the fittings to run from the device to the existing water supply line.

Step 5: Solder the parts together.

Step 6: You will need a dedicated circuit breaker for this device, and hire a professional licensed electrician to connect it to the power source.

Step 7: Turn on the main supply valve and wait for the water pump to work.

Step 8: Check the water pressure gauges and enjoy the improved water pressure

It might sound very simple when we summarise it like this, but there can be many complications when installing a water pressure booster pump in your home. Here are some installation tips that you might find handy:

Always test the pump before connecting it to the plumbing.
Isolate the pump to check for any leaks.
Always have a bypass just in case the pump does not work correctly or malfunctions. A bypass will allow you to troubleshoot it while still having access to water around the house.

How Can I Increase Water Pressure Without a Pump?

Installing a water pressure booster might be a straightforward solution to low water pressure in your home, but there are other ways to increase water pressure without one. If you measured the water pressure in your home and everything seems okay, boosting the water pressure may not completely solve your problem.

Depending on the problem, you can increase the water pressure by:

Checking for leaks and fixing them

Leaks are not only wasteful, but they can decrease water pressure and water flow in your household. You can fix your water pressure by merely repairing and patching any leaky pipes.

Fixing issues with your water pressure regulator

If there are any issues with your pressure regulator, it can cause your water pressure to fluctuate. Make sure it is working and functioning correctly.

Avoid using fixtures simultaneously if you can

If it is not too much of a hassle, you can create a system to avoid using multiple fixtures at once. This can take some communication, but it will prevent the cold shower problem if everyone follows the rules.

Replace your hot-cold water pressure tank

Ageing hot-cold water pressure tanks can affect water pressure because of the contaminants it collects over time.

Fixing or replacing faulty fixtures

The problem may occur because of faulty faucets and hoses. Check all your fixtures first before immediately resorting to a water pressure booster pump.

Adjusting water pressure valves

Adjusting the water pressure valve in your home may be the solution to the problem. This is something you should check before you go ahead and install a pump.