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:
- What is my water flow rate? Calculate how many gallons of water you get per minute, taking all fixtures into consideration. Learn how to calculate flow rate.
- How much water do I need? Consider how much water your household or business uses.
- Is the water source above or below the pump? Think about whether or not your water must travel uphill or up several stories.
- 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.
