The answer to slow-filling baths and dribbling taps
If you’re struggling with a dribble coming out of your kitchen sink, or a bath that takes FOREVER to fill, you could do with a cold water mains boost pump.
What is a cold water mains boost pump?
Simply put, a cold water mains boost pump is a pump that increases water pressure and flow rate in your home. It solves the problem of low water pressure, which can be a lot worse during peak times, such as the morning household rush for the bathroom!
What’s the best cold water mains boost pump?
One of my favourites is the Salamander HomeBoost, which is an intelligent pump that recognises when the water pressure is low and automatically boosts the flow up to 12 litres per minute. It’s pretty quiet and, because it only cuts in when it’s needed, it’s energy efficient as well. You can watch me fit a HomeBoost pump in the video below.
The figure of up to 12 litres a minute is important, that means it complies with Water Regulations and Bye-laws.
The alternative way of boosting your water flow is to fit a pump to a break tank of at least 125 litres in a flat, or 200 litres for a typical family home. As you can imagine, not every homeowner can or wants to find room for a water tank, so the Salamander HomeBoost is a great way of avoiding that.
Where to install your cold water mains boost pump
Your pump needs to be installed in your water line before any of the taps that are experiencing poor pressure, including your hot water system. Bear in mind the pump also needs an electrical supply, so if you’re putting it under a sink you need to run the pump lead to a socket. The pump needs ventilation of at least 100mm and the be well supported.
Anything else to consider when getting a cold water mains boost pump?
It goes without saying, but make sure the boost pump you choose works with your heating and hot water system. The Salamander HomeBoost, for instance, works with a combi boiler. If you already have a water softener installed, it can work alongside the boost pump, but it’s better if it’s installed after the softener on your line.
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to boosting water pressure, but once you’ve cracked it those dribbly taps will be a thing of the past!
