The booster pump, commonly known as a “water pressurization system,” is a type of water pressure boosting system used in places where water pressure is insufficient. It serves purposes such as providing pressurized water in buildings and industries when the mains water pressure is not adequate.
Booster pumps are pieces of equipment that require periodic maintenance. If proper maintenance is not performed, booster pump malfunctions are likely to occur.
If the Booster Pump Isn’t Working
The first thing you should check is for electrical problems. Start by verifying whether the circuit breaker is intact. The water tank is another critical point — if the tank has run out of water, the float switch may have cut off the power supply, causing the pump to stop working. Always check the water level in the tank; if it’s empty, wait until it refills, bleed the air from the pumps, and then restart the system.
Check the control panel for any error signals. If a fault indicator light is on, try resetting the system — this will reboot the setup.
Another possible reason could be a burnt-out electric motor. The booster may fail to operate due to motor damage, in which case you should immediately contact technical support.
If the Pump Frequently Switches On and Off
Start by closing the booster’s collector outlet valve. If the pressure doesn’t drop even with the valve closed, there may be a water leak in the building’s plumbing system — which can lead to further risks. Therefore, it’s essential to inspect all components of the installation carefully.
Possible causes include:
- The expansion tank may have lost air, or its air pressure might be low.
- The membrane inside the tank may be damaged.
- The pressure switches may be faulty.
- There could be an issue with the control panel.
- The booster pump may have been improperly selected.
- The float switch might be malfunctioning.
If the Booster Pump Isn’t Delivering Water
Sometimes the booster operates normally but still fails to deliver water — which might later lead to electrical motor or pump failure. The first thing to consider in such cases is whether the water tank has run dry. Filling the tank can solve the issue.
However, if the tank is full and the pump still doesn’t deliver water, it might be drawing air through the suction line. The float switch may be defective, the suction valve may be closed, or the suction filter may be clogged — all of which are potential causes of malfunction.
In some cases, the pump may have air trapped inside; if this happens, the booster will fail to deliver water.
If the Booster Pump Is Too Noisy
If the motor is making noise, it might be jammed, or its windings could be damaged. There could be a fault in one of the electrical phases, or the capacitor may have failed. Technical assistance can help fix these issues. Additionally, the pump’s hydraulic or mechanical components may be damaged.
How to Reduce Noise in Booster Pumps
One of the most common booster pump issues is excessive noise. If the noise is not caused by technical malfunctions, it can often be minimized in several ways:
- Proper pump selection is essential. The pump must not only be correctly chosen but also operated at appropriate pressure levels.
- Noise can travel through pipes — to prevent this, use durable rubber hoses or compensators in the suction and discharge connections of the pump.
- If vibrations from the pump are being transmitted to the floor and walls, install rubber pads under the frame. Ensure the pump and pads are technically compatible.
- Check valves may produce noise; it’s useful to regularly inspect the condition of rubber components to prevent this.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Booster Pump Failures
The most crucial factor in preventing booster pump malfunctions is regular maintenance and cleaning. If the suction line becomes clogged, the booster will run dry. A booster running without water can severely damage the impeller and stages, eventually burning out the electric motor. For this reason, regularly checking the water level in the tank is vital.
Lastly, make sure the filters are cleaned regularly to prevent many potential failures. Monthly noise and leakage inspections should be performed, and technical service support should be scheduled every three months.