If the water supply comes from a central water supply network, there may be a sharp drop in pressure in the pipelines during maximum consumption. As a result, the instantaneous water heater does not turn on, the washing machine does not work, and water flows from the shower head in a thin stream. The installation of a booster pump will allow the situation to be corrected.
Scope of application
A pump for pumping water from a water supply system is used not only in apartments, but also in a private house, if it is connected to a centralized network. In the process of active water intake by all consumers in the external circuit of the water main, the pressure drops to less than two atmospheres. It is almost impossible to operate household appliances. To increase the pressure, pumping equipment is used for cold or hot water supply. The unit type is indicated in the accompanying documentation.
Booster pumps are also used in individual and central heating systems, which improves the heating qualities of heating devices.
Pumping equipment device
Booster pumps are robust designs with a close-coupled electric motor. Since the parts of the supply unit are in constant contact with the aqueous medium, wear-resistant materials that are not afraid of rust are used for production: cast iron, bronze, brass, "stainless steel". The working part of the pump is open only on one side. The frontal suction bell is located above the shaft of the apparatus, and a supply bell element is installed above it.
Almost all devices for raising the pressure of the water flow are small, which makes it possible to easily install them directly on the pipeline in a spacious private house or in a small apartment. The device is mounted in the water distribution system and pumps up water, creating a pressure increase of 1–3 atm.
Boosters only slightly increase the pressure in the water supply system, but even this minimum will ensure the full operation of household appliances.
The temperature range of water for efficient operation of the pump is from 10 to 100 degrees Celsius, but the room should not be warmer than 40 degrees.
Installation of pumping equipment does not always solve the pressure problem. If the neighbors below have installed such a device, the water flow will be weak due to lack of liquid, and your pumping equipment will work at maximum load. There is a risk of premature wear of parts and a decrease in the operating period. To maintain the pump and increase the head, it is recommended to additionally mount storage tanks.
Mechanism of action
The principle of operation depends on the type of installation:
- jet-centrifugal;
- surface centrifugal;
- vortex.
The first type has an ejector inside the body that provides a self-priming effect. Part of the water pumped by the device enters the discharge pipe. The remaining liquid is recirculated using an ejector, which creates a vacuum inside the suction compartment, which leads to an increase in pressure.
Devices of the second type are equipped with a special working chamber required for suction of liquid. It is equipped with a parallel rim impeller. These parts are attached to each other. The water flow falls on the blades, leans back against the walls of the chamber and is collected in the channel.The force of the water flow is converted into head energy, which leads to an increase in pressure.
In vortex installations, an impeller is located on the working shaft, and on it there are radial blades for transferring mechanical energy of the pumped fluid. Thanks to them, the incoming water is recirculated. Multiple blades assist in the transfer of energy, resulting in a gradual increase in fluid flow and keeping it at a high level. Such units are more productive, but noisy, and they require special piping.
Types of pumps
According to the installation method, the models can be:
- horizontal;
- vertical;
- universal.
The pump for raising the pressure in the water supply system, installed vertically, gives the highest efficiency in use.
The units can be single-stage, that is, operate at one pumping speed, and multi-stage. The latter work with different intensity, depending on the amount of water consumption. Multi-stage models allow you to smoothly increase the pressure in the network.
The device is turned on manually or automatically. With manual control, the device operates continuously, stopping is forced on the initiative of the user. The inconvenience lies in the need to ensure that the device does not overheat.
Automatic devices are equipped with flow sensors that are triggered when the valve is opened and start the device. After shutting off the water by means of the tap, the sensor turns off the device. There are also combined options, which, thanks to the flip of the switch, function in one or another mode.
Criterias of choice
Before purchasing a device, make sure that the problems with a lack of water in the taps are related specifically to low pressure. It happens that a thick layer of sediment appears on the inner surfaces of the line or a blockage is created. In such a situation, the use of the device is useless.
If everything is fine with the pipeline, decide on the place of installation of the device in order to correctly select the dimensions of the equipment and its type. Booster pumps for cold water supply should not be installed on hot lines.
The choice of a device depends not only on temperature characteristics, but also on such indicators:
- performance;
- power;
- noise level;
- method of connecting to the water supply network;
- bandwidth.
Emphasize what the impeller is made of. Devices with a plastic part are short-lived, suitable only for summer cottages. For permanent use, a brass or bronze mechanism is required.
An important indicator is the price of the unit. It depends on the type, power of the device, the manufacturer. The cost of "Grundfos" devices starts from 6800 rubles, "Dzhileks" - from 4500 rubles, "Oasis" - from 3500 rubles, "Vodotok" - from 2900 rubles, "Comfort" - from 2170 rubles.
Installation and connection features
Installation of a high-power device is not profitable in terms of power consumption and noise.
The best option would be to equip the device in front of the consumer who requires a constant pressure. If necessary, several low-power budget installations are mounted.
For each case, the length of pipe sections, their diameter, and pressure level are measured. This helps to determine the appropriate parameters for the device.
The installation scheme does not differ in complexity:
- Make sure that when installed in the selected location, the device can be connected to the power supply.
- Mark out the place of the tie-in.
- Shut off the water flow and drain the remaining liquid from the water supply.
- Cut the pipe and install the external threads.
- Screw on the adapters and screw on the fittings.
- Connect the device to the electrical panel using a three-core wire. In this case, a separate automatic machine must be installed for the pump.
- Check connections for leaks.
Then you can start testing. The first start-up of the device is carried out only after the resumption of the circulation of the water flow. If testing is carried out by specialists, they draw up an act of checking the booster pumps.
Pumping units allow you to cope with low water pressure. But for the greatest efficiency it is necessary to choose the right model and install the device. To monitor the technical condition of the device, you will need to choose an easily accessible place for its installation.
