Booster Pumps

Booster Pump: Overview

 

A booster pump is an essential piece of equipment to ensure proper water pressure in domestic systems, especially when the pressure provided by the municipal supply is insufficient. The booster pump system guarantees a constant water flow throughout the house, ensuring optimal comfort even when multiple water points, such as showers and faucets, are used simultaneously. With the booster pump, users enjoy stable pressure and consistent flow, both crucial for the efficient operation of sanitary fixtures and household appliances. Thanks to its ability to pressurize the discharge line, the booster pump is widely used in plumbing:

- Domestic automatic pump

- Pressure increase at the end of the line

- Pressure boost for high-rise buildings

 

How Does a Booster Pump Work?

 

A booster pump system relies on several key components: the pump, the tank, and the control system. The pump plays a central role in increasing water pressure, while the tank stores water under pressure for on-demand delivery. A pressure switch ensures the pump activates and deactivates based on demand.

 

When the faucet is closed, water is directed into a bladder inside a pressurized tank. When the water pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the pump is turned off by the pressure switch. A volume of water is immediately available to meet demand, ensuring instant delivery. The pump is reactivated when the water pressure falls below a certain level. This bladder system ensures uniform pressure, minimizing pump starts and offering two main benefits: it reduces pump wear and tear, and it provides a constant flow rate, even with fluctuations in demand, ensuring immediate water delivery.

 

Booster pumps come with different tank capacities, ranging from a few dozen to several hundred liters. Tanks can be vertical or horizontal, compatible with ACS standards.

 

There are two main types of tanks:

- Bladder Tank: The bladder fills with water, progressively pressurizing the air inside the tank. Once the bladder is full, it occupies about 30% of the tank’s volume, and the air pressure naturally pushes the water out to meet demand.

- Diaphragm Tank: This tank is divided into two sealed compartments by a flexible membrane—one for liquid and the other containing an air pocket. During filling, the membrane deforms, pressurizing the air, and once the tank is full, the air pressure pushes the water out.

 

Both tank types provide similar functional performance, with the main difference lying in maintenance:

 

- Bladder Tanks: These tanks are not completely sealed, and air can escape through the valve and connection. They require periodic air pressure checks (one or more times a year). If the bladder is damaged, it can be easily replaced.

- Diaphragm Tanks: These have a more durable construction, enhancing their sealing properties. They are non-replaceable and require less frequent pressure checks. If the diaphragm is damaged, the entire tank needs to be replaced. However, the warranty for diaphragm tanks is typically longer.

 

The price of a diaphragm tank is usually higher than a bladder tank.

 

An important aspect of the booster pump system is its automatic regulation system, often referred to as "auto". This system ensures that the pump starts and stops automatically based on the pressure in the tank, without user intervention. This feature is especially useful in domestic installations, as it ensures the booster pump operates autonomously, optimizing energy consumption.

 

Benefits of a Booster Pump for Domestic Use

 

Installing a booster pump in a home offers many advantages, particularly in areas with low or variable water pressure. By increasing pressure and ensuring a constant flow rate, the booster pump improves comfort for residents and extends the lifespan of sanitary equipment.

 

Using a booster pump with a bladder tank and a stainless steel pump offers several benefits. First, the tank reduces the frequency of pump starts, extending the pump's lifespan and increasing the overall system's durability. The bladder acts as a buffer, storing a certain amount of pressurized water that can be released gradually. This configuration also reduces noise, which is especially important for domestic use.

 

Advantages:

 

- Does not start with each demand due to the presence of the storage tank.

- Reduces pump wear by avoiding frequent starts.

- Lowers electricity consumption by allowing the motor to run at a constant speed.

- Acts as a buffer, ensuring limited operation in the event of a power outage.

- Reduces hydraulic shocks, thanks to the storage tank.

 

How to Choose a Booster Pump

 

When selecting a booster pump, several factors should be considered to ensure it meets the needs of your home:

 

- Flow Rate and Pressure: These two elements determine the power of the booster pump and its ability to meet the water needs of your home. The flow rate, measured in liters or cubic meters per minute, must be sufficient to supply all water points in the home. Additionally, the service pressure must be appropriate to ensure efficient water distribution, even in multi-story homes.

- Tank Capacity: The capacity of the tank, usually measured in liters, is an important factor. A larger tank can store more pressurized water, reducing the frequency of pump starts. A tank capacity of 20 to 50 liters is generally sufficient for an average-sized house. Larger capacity tanks are recommended for homes with higher water demand.

- Auto System and Materials (Stainless Steel): Modern booster pumps are often equipped with an auto system, which automatically adjusts the pressure based on demand. Additionally, a stainless steel booster pump is recommended for its corrosion resistance, especially in damp environments.

- Discharge Height and Speed: For multi-story homes, it is essential to check the discharge height, which determines the pump's ability to deliver water to higher distribution points. Different models offer a wide range of speed and discharge height options to meet varying needs.

 

Price and user reviews are important when evaluating the quality and performance of booster pumps. Additionally, check stock availability and delivery times based on your project timeline. Consider consulting a professional who can guide you in selecting the right model and manage delivery and installation.

 

Applications of a Booster Pump in the Home

 

Booster pumps are versatile devices used in many domestic applications:

 

- Water Supply: The booster pump ensures constant pressure and flow, even when multiple water points are used at the same time, such as showers, sinks, and washing machines.

- Garden Irrigation: A booster pump is ideal for powering automatic irrigation systems or for manual watering over long distances. With a stainless steel model, the pump is protected against weather conditions and more resistant to wear.

- Filling Water Tanks: Rainwater harvesting systems and other storage tanks also benefit from a booster pump. This allows the stored water to be distributed with sufficient pressure for irrigation or outdoor cleaning.

 

Maintenance and Durability of the Booster Pump

 

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and extend the life of the booster pump. Periodically check the air pressure in the bladder tank. Insufficient pressure can cause malfunction or premature wear of the pump.

 

Stainless steel booster pumps require little maintenance due to their resistance to corrosion, but it’s recommended to check the filters to prevent blockages. Cleaning the filters ensures optimal performance and prevents the buildup of debris that could affect water quality and pump efficiency.

 

The booster pump is essential for homes that require stable water pressure and a constant flow. With its pump and bladder tank system, it guarantees efficient water supply for domestic installations, even under high demand. By considering factors like pressure, discharge height, speed, and materials such as stainless steel, you can select the most suitable product for your needs.

 

SFA Booster Pumps

 

SFA booster pumps feature advanced technologies and quality materials for lasting performance, even with intensive use. By investing in a high-quality booster pump, users can be assured of a reliable product with excellent value for money, capable of meeting domestic needs for many years.

 

Discover the SFA booster pump range:

 

- Saniboost SJ 4-50: Includes a Sanijet 4-50 pump, a 20-liter bladder tank, and a PC5 pressure switch. This compact garden pump is ideal for pumping water from tanks or shallow wells, suitable for garden irrigation or service building water supply. It’s easy to use, connects to a standard 230V outlet, and features an on/off switch. Self-priming up to 8m, Total Head: 50m, max water flow: 3.6m3/h, Pmax: 8 bars.

 

- Saniboost SJ 5-55 B: Includes a Sanijet 5-55 pump, a 20-liter diaphragm tank with epoxy coating, and a PC5 pressure switch. This powerful pump offers high performance with a total head of 54m and a max water flow of 5m3/h, while operating more quietly thanks to its multi-stage suction group.

 

- Saniboost MHP 4-40 B: Includes a MHP 4-40 pump, a 20-liter diaphragm tank with epoxy coating, and a PC5 pressure switch.

 

The PC5 pressure switch features:

 

- On/off operation

- Pressure display in bar or psi

- Adjustable on/off pressure settings

- Dry run protection with automatic restart (5-30 minutes)

- Rapid cycle protection

- Customizable protections

 

SFA products are delivered fully assembled except for the pressure switch, which needs to be attached to the 1/4" connector on the pump outlet.

 

Saniboost Smart: A compact, variable flow pump system with advanced features for optimal home use. It integrates:

- Electronic pressure switch

- Check valves (inlet/outlet)

- Hydraulic damper

- No storage, but variable pump operation avoids rapid cycling

- Brushless motor for energy efficiency

 

Additional features:

 

- Voltage supply: 160V to 260V / 50-60Hz

- Adjustable output pressure: 1.5 to 5.5 bar

- Dry run protection