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Booster Pumps for Water Pressure: Building Manager’s Guide

New York City uses a gravity-fed water supply, a typical water distribution system many communities use. The system can become problematic in NYC because of the number of high-rise properties; a taller building can lose water pressure on the upper floors. To compensate for the loss, building owners can install secondary pumps called booster pumps for water pressure.

The pumps are also beneficial in multi-family or multi-unit properties, where the number of people using faucets or other plumbing fixtures and appliances is unpredictable. Booster pumps can increase water pressure by up to 70 psi, helping eliminate flow and pressure variability during demand fluctuations. Discover more about booster pumps and how to maintain them.

Everything You Need To Know About Booster Pumps for Water Pressure

Water Pressure Demands and Requirements

According to the New York State Department of Health, water pressure in the distribution system cannot be less than 35 psi. The standard requirement for water pressure is approximately 60 to 80 psi. NYC permits water pressure up to 85 psi in high-rise buildings to ensure water reaches upper floors without issue. That said, pressure can vary depending on the location of the building and the time of day, meaning fluctuations from 30 to 90 psi are typical.

Finding the right water pressure balance is tricky, especially in taller residential properties. A property’s existing water pressure without booster pumps results from several variables: property elevation, number of tenants, consumption rates, and number of fixtures. The pressure may fluctuate from floor to floor and during different times of the day.

Booster pumps for water pressure can resolve the balance issue because they maintain consistent pressure throughout the property. Depending on the height of your property, a single booster pump may not be enough, but with a suitable booster system, you can equalize the pressure throughout your building.

Pre-Installation Requirements and Inspections

Before you install booster pumps, you must determine the cause of low pressure in the property. Anything from leaks to corrosion to faulty fixtures can cause pressure fluctuations or consistently low pressure in your building. Installing a booster pump before addressing potential problems can cause more property damage. For example, if there is corrosion or leaks in the plumbing system, adding pressure to the main output can cause more severe cracks and leaks and possibly cause a burst.

Also, the building flow rate should match a booster pump’s power, or you risk overspending. In this situation, the pump may also be ineffective. Water flow refers to the amount of water that comes out of a pipe, typically measured in gallons per minute. Water pressure uses psi and refers to the force of the flow coming out of the pipe.

To determine the size and power of booster pumps for water pressure, you must specify the flow and head requirements of the system. The arithmetic is not especially daunting, but the taller a building is and the more fixtures it has or tenants it serves, the more complex the math gets. While you can calculate reasonable maximum flow rates and pressure requirements using the American Society of Plumbing Engineers Design Handbook for estimated fixture unit values, it is best to work with a professional.

A routine inspection can determine the cause of pressure issues and the need for booster systems. Antler Pumps can assess your plumbing, make any necessary repairs, and calculate the flow rate and pressure requirements for your building, allowing for the correct selection and installation of a booster pump.

Variable and Fixed Speed Pumps

Building owners have two choices for booster pumps for water pressure: variable and fixed speed pumps. Variable speed pumps are more versatile and offer more control over water pressure and flow rates. Fixed pumps run constantly and don’t offer as many options. Most building owners will choose a variable-speed booster pump over a fixed-speed pump.

A variable speed pump adjusts the motor speed based on water flow demand, which has many benefits over the fixed speed option. Because variable-speed pumps change motor speed based on demand, they usually last longer than fixed-speed options. Also, variable-speed pumps conserve more power and reduce energy consumption. They can also eliminate energy losses from high-head or high-resistance conditions and pressure-reducing valves.

Other benefits of variable-speed booster pumps include lower operational costs, reduced noise, and increased reliability. The pumps experience less system wear because they are not on constantly, meaning the lifespan is longer and more dependable.

Despite the many advantages of variable-speed booster pumps for water pressure, they are not the best for all systems. They are more expensive than fixed-speed options, and for systems with constant loads, the variability of the design is unnecessary. Still, in residential properties and apartment complexes where varying load scenarios are common, the variable speed booster pump is ideal.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Like all mechanical equipment, booster pumps need regular maintenance. At the very least, the pumps require an annual inspection by a professional pump engineer. However, to keep the pump operating at peak performance, regular maintenance and system checks are necessary.

Typical maintenance should include visual inspections, lubrication, and assessments of electrical components, gaskets, seals, and suction and discharge lines. Also, the pumps need regular cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Professionals can also assess the alignment and mounting of the system and rebalance it since components can shift.

Antler Pumps offers annual service contracts to ensure your pumps never miss routine maintenance, cleaning, or inspections. By signing the contract, your system becomes a priority. All scheduled maintenance and assessments occur based on a predetermined schedule. You don’t have to remember a thing. The service team will call and remind you of any upcoming appointments.

Antler Pumps Can Take Care of Your Booster Pumps for Water Pressure

Licensed Technicians for Your Pump Needs

Booster pumps for water pressure are often necessary in NYC. The high-rise structures make it challenging to maintain adequate water pressure from the gravity-fed system alone. If your building needs booster pumps or other pump solutions, look no further than Antler Pumps. Call our team at 212-534-2500 to learn more about booster pumps and discuss annual service contracts.