Low Water Pressure on Upper Floors? Install NYC Water Booster Pumps

September 8th, 2022

If you are an upper-story owner or tenant complaining about inadequate water pressure, then you have landed on the right page. This blog post is all about the NYC Variable Booster Pump and how it can help you eliminate low water pressure issues. So, let’s get started!

Why do Taller Buildings have Low Water Pressure?

Not having ideal water pressure is a common issue for taller buildings in New York City. The higher the building, the more force it requires to fight gravity. As a result, you have a greater propensity for pressure issues. Luckily, there is no need to live with complaints. Just install one of the NYC Water Booster Pumps. These pumps are perfect for solving low-pressure problems that are common on upper floors.

Understanding the Basics of the NYC Water Booster Pump

Once you know that you need a booster pump, it’s time to understand how they work. Most water booster pumps work with rooftop tanks, as gravity pulls water downward and results in lower floors having better pressure.

According to the state building code, NY buildings are required to maintain a minimum water pressure of 20 psi or above. Ideally, it should be somewhere between 60 and 80 psi. Let’s take a look at the factors involved in booster pump installation:

1. Water Source
   Before you install an NYC Water Booster Pump or a series of booster pumps, make sure you know where your water is coming from. Figure out how it is distributed throughout your building. This is because different water supply sources require different approaches. For example, street-level water supply comes with a different approach than water coming from a rooftop tank.

    

   Also, it is important to check if pressure relief valves are needed to avoid too much pressure, which can cause wear and tear on plumbing. Sometimes, you may require other features like cut-off valves to prevent pump damage.

    

2. Flow Rate
   Your booster pump should distribute water to your entire building during peak water use times, which may be early mornings or evenings. For that, you need to calculate the flow rate of your system. This can be done by looking at the total number of fixtures, such as showerheads, taps, toilets, and appliances. Calculate the peak flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm).

    

3. Building Height
   Next, you need to identify your building height. With each successive floor, water pressure reduces. It is a key factor for calculating your building’s total dynamic head (TDH). Also, consider friction loss occurring in the pipes, which again accumulates with height. Be sure to include filtration systems and hot water heaters to calculate the TDH.

    

4. Number of Pumps
   Finally, figure out how many NYC Variable Booster Pumps you need and where they should be positioned or installed to accommodate the dynamic head. In very tall or high-rise buildings, create pressure zones or install booster pumps in a chain to achieve the desired pressure.

    

   Before you install NYC Water Booster Pumps, make sure low water pressure is not due to the following reasons:

    

   • Clogged pipelines
     These are common in older buildings, where hard water usually builds up, resulting in calcium deposits.

      

   • Undersized pipes
     These are common in poor plumbing designs that produce the same results as clogged pipelines.

      

   • Partially closed shut-off valve
     A partially closed valve can cause the pressure to drop. So, just fully open it.

      

   • Leaking
     Leaks are another reason why you might be experiencing low water pressure in your building. The solution is to get it fixed with a plumber.

      

     If any of these reasons are causing low water pressure in your building, installing a water booster pump would be pointless. In fact, it would actually do damage to the existing plumbing system. Still unsure about it? Ask a professional or hire a plumber.

      

     NYC Water Booster Pumps Designed to Meet Your Needs

      

     In an effort to provide the highest quality products and services, we offer an array of NYC Water Booster Pumps available in different models and ranges. We are committed to helping our clients solve and correct water pressure problems. Have any queries?

     Don’t hesitate to reach out.