A diagram of a home water system. Images courtesy of Xylem Inc.
External factors can also influence water pressure. These include a private water well system or a utility pipeline that does not have a steady enough water supply to maintain constant pressure during multiple water-dependent, household chores. Homes with conventional private wells, common in rural locations, often experience inadequate or low water pressure because of dwindling well levels, increased water use or a newly installed irrigation system.
A constant pressure system draws water from either a well or municipal system to enhance the pressure. Most water well systems for residential use are designed to operate at a pressure of 40 to 60 psi. As the water in the tank is depleted, the pressure falls, and that is when homeowners experience fluctuations or low water pressure. A constant water pressure system boosts water to the desired psi and maintains that pressure regardless of usage trends.
Constant pressure benefits
With a constant pressure pumping system, the water pressure within the house will remain steady regardless of how many family members are consuming water. The pump automatically increases its speed as faucets, appliances and irrigation systems are turned on to maintain the chosen pressure at any flow rate.
A constant pressure system features several benefits for installers and homeowners, including:
- Reduction or elimination of noisy pipes because of a soft start/stop feature
- Total system protection, helping avoid costly repairs by automatically shutting off the pump if it detects no water, loss of prime or an over-current and voltage situation
- A more compact layout using the existing pressure tank or a smaller tank
- Easy system expansion for future household needs
- Energy and operational cost-savings
- More efficient operation of appliances, extending their lifetimes
- Compatibility with municipal water supply
Homes served by municipal water systems receive their water supplies from water lines that run through the city and connect to a water tower. Since so many residents rely on the same water supply, water pressure may vary from home to home, particularly during times of peak demand.
In municipalities that have aging water infrastructures, water pressure fluctuations can result. Homes located on hills or near the end of city water supply lines are more susceptible to lower water pressure.
A constant pressure system with a VFD pump controller is an economical solution for these challenges. The pump is connected to the plumbing inside the house, past the water meter. The controller is wired, monitors system conditions and supplies a constant water pressure.
As water use increases, the pump controller changes the pump speed to keep the water pressure constant. It also eliminates the need for large supply tanks, reducing the overall system footprint, and can use up to 50 percent less energy than a full-speed pump system. The constant pressure system will only operate when a need to boost the water to the desired pressure arises.
