Is a Water Booster Pump Right for You?

Many homeowners find that their water pressure is lacking. In many cases, a simple and affordable solution is to add a water booster pump to your existing system, which means you don't have to replumb the house or make any expensive changes. Would you benefit from a water booster pump? You might if any of the following apply to you:

• You don't have enough water pressure – Some people just don't have the water pressure they want. Stepping into a hot shower is an amazing feeling, but not if it's just dribbling out of the shower head. Similarly, watering a lawn or garden can see impossible if there's not enough water pressure to get good coverage with a sprinkler or spray nozzle. Even doing the dishes is a pain without enough water pressure.

• Your water pressure drops when multiple faucets are on – Some houses seem to have plenty of water pressure—unless there's more than one person home. Does your water pressure drop when two or more faucets are on? Does your shower practically drip to a stop when someone flushes the toilet (ouch!) or uses a sink? These problems can be easily overcome with a water booster pump.

• You live in a remote area – If you live in a remote area or draw water from a well, chances are good that your water pressure isn't what you want it to be. This is especially true if the well was installed years ago when water capacity needs were different. That doesn't mean you have to foot the expense of a new well—a water booster pump can instantly improve your water flow.

• You want to put rainwater or gray water to good use – You can save a lot of money and help the earth by gathering rainwater in rain barrels or gray water from the household drains. But that water is notoriously hard to use, having no pressure or only the pressure gravity gives it. Going green doesn't mean you should have to work extra hard just to water your garden. A small, energy efficient water booster pump can put your rainwater system to effective use and still keep your energy usage way down.

If you decide a water booster pump might be right for you, know what to look for. The best water booster pumps are available in a variety of sizes and capacities, from garden hose boosts of only 50 gallons per minute to apartment building boosts of 1000 gallons per minute, at varying pressure levels depending on your needs. Quality manufacturers also offer all-stainless steel systems and use spring loaded check valves to prevent malfunction or backflow.

What's your water pressure like?