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What Owners of Large Buildings Need To Know About the Role of Water Booster Pumps

New York City has a largely gravity-fed water supply, flowing reservoirs with a combined capacity of 550 billion gallons. Only 3% of the water supply requires additional pumping to reach its final destination.

That said, gravity alone does not work to supply water to every floor in high-rise buildings. Tall properties require additional force and pressure to push large volumes of water to plumbing fixtures, fire suppression systems, and more.

Water booster pumps play a significant role in supplying water to tall buildings throughout NYC. Discover the role of these essential tools, how they work, and why routine maintenance and inspections are crucial.

The Role of Water Booster Pumps in Tall Residential and Commercial Properties

Increased Pressure

The primary purpose of a water booster pump is to act as an intermediary between the city supply and a building’s supply endpoints, such as faucets and showers. The pump receives the city’s water supply, pressurizes it, adjusting its flow, to get it to the desired area of the property.

The pump helps to equalize the pressure throughout the building, allowing someone on the uppermost floor to have the same water pressure as someone on the lowest. Depending on the height of the building and the number of fixtures or complexity of the plumbing and safety systems, a property may need multiple booster pumps to ensure adequate pressure and supply.

Compensation for Other Low-Pressure Issues

Low water pressure can stem from several issues, including gravity, distance from a water source, additional in-building water treatment systems, and plumbing problems. Gravity is a powerful source that drives most of NYC’s water supply. Unfortunately, the height of the city’s iconic skyline also allows gravity to work against building plumbing systems. Typically, any building taller than six stories requires one or several water booster pumps to combat gravity.

The distance from the source of the supply in a gravity-fed system can also make a difference in the water pressure. The further a property is from an NYC reservoir, the greater the risk of low water pressure and the need for booster pumps.

Also, does your building use any other water treatment systems, such as a whole-building water filtration system? If so, the additional steps in the water supply chain can reduce pressure, requiring the addition of a booster pump.

Finally, plumbing problems like limescale or clogs can cause low water pressure. A booster pump can help, but it may also mask the symptoms of the problem, resulting in more damage and higher repair costs in the future.

Antler Pumps can work with you to determine if a booster pump is necessary in your property. The service can also inspect existing pumps if they are not performing as expected.

How Water Booster Pumps Work

Basic Parts and Operation

Every booster pump, regardless of the manufacturer, has the same core parts. The primary components include:

• – Impellers
• – Inlets and outlets
• – Motors
• – Pressure and flow-sensing devices

As water enters the property from the main municipal supply line, the water feeds into the booster pump’s inlet. From there, the pump sucks and pushes the water toward the outlet, using the motorized impeller. As the water moves through the body of the device, the pump pressurizes it, expelling it through the outlet with substantial force.

Not all booster pumps use a rotating impeller; some use an oscillating diaphragm. These pumps propel water with two rotating or oscillating plates, one with indentions and the other with cups. The device uses compression between the plates to pressurize and force the water out.

Relationship Between Flow and Pressure

Water booster pumps increase water pressure, and when the exiting flow can move unrestricted, the pressure from behind can increase the flow rate. However, as the pressure needed to move water increases, the flow rate decreases.

A simple analogy is to compare the booster pump and the height of the building to holding your thumb over the end of a hose. Your thumb represents the obstruction to flow or the increased pressure necessary to reach higher floors in your building. The further your thumb moves over the hose opening, the greater the water pressure needed to move past it, and the more restricted the flow.

As the height of your building increases, the force of gravity on the water supply system grows stronger. A single booster pump may not be enough to increase the pressure and flow rate to multiple levels of your property. Most properties require at least one booster pump every seven to 10 floors. If you use more booster pumps, you can overcome the challenges of gravity on the system, allowing for easier and faster flow rates.

Types of Water Booster Pumps

Single-Stage Booster Pumps

Single-stage booster pumps are relatively simplistic designs used for low-pressure situations that require a consistent high-flow rate. The pumps use a single impeller to generate fluid flow. Single booster pumps are best in smaller properties, like single dwellings or small multi-story residential properties, that have moderate pressure requirements.

Multistage Booster Pumps

Multistage pumps are more complex than single-stage designs. They use multiple impellers and fluid chambers, allowing for an increase in total head pressure. These pumps provide superior pressure ranges and flow rates and are suitable for multiple applications, including:

• – Water supply boosting
• – Fire fighting
• – Irrigation
• – Boiler feed
• – Water circulation

Multistage systems are ideal for larger residential properties and skyscrapers. They are also suitable for complex plumbing arrangements and useful for staged booster pump systems. Antler Pumps can help you select the right booster pumps for your building.

The Importance of Maintenance for Water Booster Pumps

Make the Most of Your Booster Pump System With Antler Pumps

Pumping systems can last between 15 and 20 years, depending on the type and use. That said, if you want your systems to last, it is vital to keep up with routine maintenance and inspections. Antler Pumps offers annual service contracts to ensure you never miss scheduled maintenance or important inspections. Call and schedule an appointment with a qualified technician at 212-534-2500.