Last week on Twitter, we asked you about some of the questions and issues you'd like covered on boosting low water pressure, and this is what you came back with:
First off, let's tackle noise.
Boosting low water pressure does not have to be a noisy enterprise. Noise level is subjective but we can say that no pump will ever be completely 'silent' - it's a working machine, providing a crucial service to the property. However, there are various steps you can take, and products you can choose, that minimise vibration and keep noise levels at a minimum.
Firstly, we recommend mounting the booster pump or set on a solid concrete base or paving slab. This absorbs vibration, resulting in quieter operation. There are also acoustic accessories you can buy, such as rubber acoustic mats and acoustic flexibles that service the same purpose of absorption and keeping noise levels low. Even the quietest booster pump can benefit from these extra considerations.
Browse Noise Reduction Accessories.
Now, on to the booster pump. Decibel ratings vary from product to product, so it is always worth checking on the rating of the exact pump you are looking at. 50-59 dB(A) is considered low volume whereas 60-69 is medium and 70-79 is high. As a side-note, please make sure to check the distance the noise level has been measured from. Again, this may vary with each manufacturer but it is important to make sure you are comparing like for like.
Variable speed booster pumps are typically the best option to go for in terms of quiet operation. These types of systems only run when required, not all the time like a fixed speed pump, therefore reducing noise emissions, and also water hammer thanks to the gradual switching off of the pump.
Next, on to warranty. Every product in a boosting system will have a manufacturer's warranty. Here are some typical guarantees you can expect to get:
- Pump: 1 to 2 years
- Break Tank: 1 to 10 years
- Hot Water Cylinder: 25 years
- Expansion Tank / Vessel: 2 to 5 years
- Accumulator: 5 years
- Waste Set: 2 years
- Water Softener: 2 years
- Water Conditioner: 2 years
Here at Pump World, we offer a system package, called Systempro, that can include all of the products above and more. Systempro packages have a 2 year warranty.
Commissioning:
Commissioning is a service we recommend to ensure an easy and efficient installation, giving peace of mind to both you and the end user, and validating the manufacturer's warranty.
Pre-Commissioning:
We will pre-set Smartboost, Smartpro, or Smartact pumps to 4.0 bar pressure and test prior to dispatch, supplying you with a pump that is primed and ready for a quick installation.
Commissioning:
Here, we will conduct a site visit after installation, ensuring that the installation is correct and reliable, validating the warranty and supporting your work.
Find out more about Commissioning.
Cost and Running Costs:
While variable speed booster pumps have a higher price tag, they will save the end user money on their energy bills in the long term, plus they have the benefit of being quiet-running.
Training:
As far as we are aware, there is no formal training in place specifically for boosting low water pressure. However, our technical team are highly knowledgeable on a number of manufacturer brands and products, and will speak to you on the phone should you have any questions or concerns when sizing a system, or installing it. Just call 01793 820142 and select '2' for technical.
Sizing:
When it comes to sizing, Pump World director Nigel Harris has written a comprehensive guide on choosing the right solution for boosting low water pressure where he explains the nuts and bolts of selecting the right booster pump and much more. Read the article here.
Occupancy Usage Depending on Age:
This might be a tad stereotypical but which age range would you say spends the most time in the shower?
In our 30 years' experience of specifying boosting systems, we always ask: do teenagers live in the property? If the answer is 'yes', we will size a system at a slightly high peak demand flow rate than usual.
As you can tell, sizing a boosting system is a complicated business and requires a tailored approach to ensure your client gets value for money. Here at Pump World, we can put together a range of boosting system options for you tailored to a variety of scenarios because, as we have learned through the years, circumstances and ideas can change depending on budget and/or property restrictions.
For example, if you are boosting the water pressure for a family home with two teenagers and four bathrooms, but there is a possibility they might want to fit an ensuite with large rain shower head, we can specify a system for the first scenario (without rain shower head) and for the second scenario (with rain shower head).