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water booster pump

Mimi
2 years ago

Looking for guidance regarding a installation of a water booster pump. Our water pressure is very low at our new house looking for an idea of how much this would cost to do.

Comments (7)

  • Jake The Wonderdog
    2 years ago

    What is your water pressure - in PSI?

  • Mimi
    Original Author
    2 years ago

    Not sure but the plumber that quoted is putting in a pump to boost to 70.

  • Jake The Wonderdog
    2 years ago

    @Mimi How do you know you need a pump if you don't know the pressure?

    Why do you have "very low pressure" at your new home?

  • Mimi
    Original Author
    2 years ago

    When we put sprinkles out in lawn they barely work. Plus showers and all faucets in home don’t give out enough water

  • Jake The Wonderdog
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Yes, Stax - of course you do.

    @Mimi There are two issues that homeowners often confuse: water pressure and water volume.

    They aren't the same - and the fix isn't the same.

    Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)

    Volume is measured in gallons per minute (gpm)

    Assuming this is municipal water supply, pressure problems happen when the house is at the top of a hill, and the pumping station is at the bottom, for example.

    Volume problems are caused by a restriction in the water supply, or the water service wasn't designed for the way it's being used (still a restriction, but a design issue). Having a long, 3/4" water service and trying to do significant irrigation would be an example of a design problem.

    To rule out low pressure, you need to measure static pressure. Put a pressure gauge on a hose bib and record the water pressure at various times in the day when nobody is using water in the house. If you have between about 35 psi and 80 psi - you don't have a pressure issue.

    To measure volume, fill a 5 gal bucket from an unrestricted faucet (hose bib works well) and time how long it takes to fill. Then extrapolate that to gallons per minute.

    What you describe sounds like a classic volume issue.

    Start with the static pressure test - do the volume test if you need to confirm.

    Let us know what you find out. Meanwhile I'd put that booster pump on hold.

    Is this a newly constructed house - or just new to you?

  • HU-178658043
    2 years ago

    Along with Jake's questions, are you on a well or municipal water?

  • Mimi
    Original Author
    2 years ago

    This house is six years old we are on top of a hill. Town water. Pumping station is at bottom of hill