How to Install a Water Pressure Booster | This Old House

Learn how to pump up the water pressure in your home with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Richard helped a pair of homeowners with low water pressure. After determining that there was nothing wrong with the city water main coming into the house from the street, Richard recommended installing an electric water pressure booster, which consists of a pump and storage tank. Richard started by shutting off the main valve and draining all the water out of the supply pipes. Next, he ran new copper pipe from the water main to the pressure booster. Then, he ran pipe from the booster to the main line that feeds all the water fixtures in the house. When all the plumbing work was done, electrician Brian Bergeron connected the pressure booster to the main electrical panel using armored "metal clad" cable. The booster system required its own circuit, so Brian also installed a new circuit breaker inside the panel.

Shopping List for How to Install a Water Pressure Booster:
pressure-booster system [amzn.to/2O0KkwW], used to raise the pressure of incoming water
copper pipe [amzn.to/307Decq] and assorted fittings [amzn.to/2NUBhhm], for connecting new pressure-booster system to existing water-supply line
emery cloth [amzn.to/32ySFfp] and flux [amzn.to/2O4Lfgf], for cleaning and prepping copper pipe and fittings prior to soldering
solder [amzn.to/34yjx10], for connecting copper fittings
two pressure gauges [amzn.to/2NXV4fF], for reading the incoming and outgoing water pressure after the installation of the pressure booster
check valve [amzn.to/32vpPwo], used to prevent water from draining away from the pressure booster

Tools for How to Install a Water Pressure Booster:
pliers [amzn.to/2N9XzMm]
tubing cutter [amzn.to/2HYZrU0]
propane torch [amzn.to/2I0njGJ]

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How to Install a Water Pressure Booster | This Old House
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