Booster Pumps for Consistent, Reliable Water Pressure
Low or fluctuating water pressure can make everyday tasks frustrating, especially when multiple fixtures or appliances are in use. A booster pump is often recommended by a plumber when existing systems cannot maintain steady pressure throughout the home.
Booster pump systems are designed to automatically adjust to changing water demand, delivering consistent pressure whether a single faucet is running or several fixtures are in use at once. This improves comfort, protects appliances, and ensures reliable performance across the entire plumbing system.
Booster pumps can be used with both well and municipal water supplies and are customized to meet pressure requirements and household usage. A proper evaluation by a plumber ensures the system is correctly sized, efficiently installed, and calibrated for long-term reliability.
Benefits of Using a SubDrive Utility UT2W
- Constant Water Pressure: The Franklin Electric SubDrive Utility provides consistent pressure regulation using advanced electronics to drive a standard motor and pump in response to pressure demands from a highly accurate, heavy-duty, long-life pressure sensor or analog pressure transducer. By adjusting the motor/pump speed, the SubDrive Utility can deliver constant pressure dependably, even as water demand changes. For example, a small load on the system, such as a bathroom faucet, causes the motor/pump to run at a relatively low speed. As greater demands are placed on the system, such as opening additional faucets or using appliances, the system speed increases to maintain the desired pressure. Using the provided SubDrive pressure sensor, system pressure can be set to 25–80 psi (1.7–5.5 bar).
- Reduced Tank Size: Conventional systems use larger tanks to store water, whereas SubDrive Utility systems may use a smaller tank to maintain constant pressure.
- Over-temperature foldback: SubDrive Utility controllers are designed for full-power operation at ambient temperatures up to 122 °F (50 °C) at nominal input voltage. In extreme thermal conditions, the controller will reduce output power to avoid shutdown and potential damage while still providing water. Full output power is restored once the internal controller temperature has cooled to a safe level.
- Motor Soft Start: Normally, when there is a water demand, the SubDrive Utility will be operating to maintain system pressure accurately. Whenever the SubDrive Utility detects that water is being used, the controller always “ramps up” the motor speed while gradually increasing voltage, resulting in a cooler motor and lower start-up current compared to conventional water systems. In cases where water demand is low, the system may cycle on and off at low speed. Because of the controller’s soft-start feature and the sensor’s robust design, this will not damage the motor or the pressure sensor.
- Under-load Sensitivity: The SubDrive Utility controller is factory-configured to detect under-load faults across a wide range of pumping applications. In rare cases (such as with certain pumps in shallow wells), this trip level may cause nuisance faults. If the pump is installed in a shallow well, activate the controller and observe system behavior. Once the controller begins regulating pressure, check operation at several flow rates to ensure the default sensitivity does not cause nuisance under-load trips.
Our Booster Pump Installation Process
Delivering consistent water pressure starts with designing a system that responds intelligently to real-time water demand. Our process focuses on proper evaluation, system configuration, and precise calibration to ensure dependable pressure throughout your home.
- System assessment and pressure evaluation to determine existing pressure levels, demand fluctuations, and whether a variable-speed booster solution is the best fit for your plumbing system.
- Installation of a standard pump and a Franklin Electric motor selected to match your home’s pressure requirements, water source, and flow demands without overworking the system.
- Integration of the SubDrive Utility controller and pressure sensor, which continuously monitors system pressure and automatically adjusts pump speed to maintain consistent PSI as water demand changes.
- Connection to an appropriately sized pressure tank that supports smooth operation, reduces cycling, and helps stabilize pressure while minimizing wear on system components.
Once installed, the system is thoroughly tested and calibrated to ensure consistent pressure under varying flow conditions. This process delivers quiet operation, improved efficiency, and reliable water pressure for everyday use.
