It can be challenging to fit a water pressure pump under your bath because of space limitations. However, this can be a fairly easy DIY project.
Various technologies can exist inside the bathroom. You will likely be familiar with some of these, like toilet hand dryers, automatic soap dispensers, and water heaters. However, you may be less familiar with a water pressure pump.
Water pressure pumps are indispensable, as they allow the water from the tank to be pushed out with high pressure through the sink and bath taps. This pressure ensures that dirt can be cleaned off adequately and makes showers enjoyable. After all, showers are only pleasant when we can control the flow and temperature.
There are various places where you can fit a water pressure pump; one location is underneath the bath. While this is quite an unusual location to fit it and is only sometimes recommended, it may sometimes be necessary if there is no place to put it as assessed by an expert plumber or builder.
Not to worry, we will provide you with valuable tips that will allow you to fit a water pressure pump under your bath correctly and safely. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
To fit a water pressure pump under your bath, choose the smaller ones that are suitable for a shower.
Whole House Or Shower Booster Pump?
A whole house pressure boosting pump is normally too large to place within the confines of a tub enclosure.
Usually they are placed close to where the water enters the house. For homes with well water, that would be after the pressure tank.
Shown below is the Simer 4075SS-01 3/4 HP Whole House Pressure Booster Pump.
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However, a shower presssure booster pump can be placed within the tub enclosure.
Also, since they are smaller and less powerful, they are quieter and produce little if any vibrations.
To boost the water pressure in a shower use the KOLERFLO Water Pressure Booster Pump KF301.
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1. Ensure the bath access panel is removable with tools.
If you fit a water pressure pump under your bath, you must ensure that the bath access panel is accessible. This way, if anything goes wrong, you can access the pump easily and get it repaired.
However, you must still get the panel secured in place and ensure it is not easily removable by hand. A loose-fitting panel will mean that water can leak inside, which can be an issue.
Instead, get the panel fixed in place and ensure it is screwed tightly. This way, it will still be easily accessible with tools, but secure enough to not allow water to collect underneath the bath.
2. Take measurements of the water pressure pump and the area underneath the bath.
There is generally a restricted amount of space underneath the bath as opposed to other areas where you might fit a water pressure pump. In such a case, you will want to ensure that the water pressure pump you buy will fit properly, by taking accurate measurements of the area before purchasing.
Even if the measurements suggest the pump will fit, you should leave some room for ventilation and ease of access in case maintenance is required.
Additionally, you will have to make sure your pump isn’t in contact with pipes that are not connected to it.
3. Mount a whole house water pressure pump on a solid base.
Mounting a whole house pump on a solid base is crucial, as whole house pressure pumps are powerful machines that create a lot of noise and vibrations.
These vibrations can easily pass through a non-stable base, and can cause any nearby plumbing to get damaged.
Damaged pipes will lead to leaks and water damage, which can be devastating. Therefore, ensure that the pump is on a solid base. The vibration reducing pads shown below will keep the water pressure pump quiet.
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If the ground underneath the bath is made of concrete, that can act as a solid base. Otherwise, you will have to install a new solid base or mount the pump on the foundation wall.
3.5 Mount a shower water pressure pump on a solid base.
Being smaller than a whole house water pressure booster, this size pump can be placed on a typical house floor. However, these shower pressure boosting pumps also make noise and create vibrations when running.
Next we have a bathroom pressure boosting pump with vibration reducing feet included.
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4. Remove water before pump installation.
Pump installation will require you to cut into the main water line. However, before you can do this, you will have to drain any existing water within the piping.
You can do this by shutting off the water flow by closing the main water valve. After that, open the lowest faucet in the home and remove all the water until the flow stops.
After you have cut into the pipe, there may still be some water left between the lowest faucet and the cut location. To remove it, you will have to open the highest-level faucet to bring in air, allowing the remaining water to drain.
5. Install a pressure relief valve and low-pressure cutoff switch.
It is recommended to install certain safety features when fitting a water pressure pump.
The first is a pressure relief valve, which will help remove extreme pressures that can lead to catastrophic failure and damage. It ensures that the pressure in the piping remains below a specific limit.
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The second one is a low-pressure cutoff switch that will shut off the pump automatically when there is little to no water running in the pump.
Some pumps can explode when such a case occurs, and low-pressure cutoff switches will ensure this does not happen.
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Summing-Up
To conclude, fitting a water pressure pump under the bath may be unusual, but it is certainly possible and may even be recommended by an expert, depending on your situation. In such a case, there are certain tips you should follow for optimal fitting.
You should ensure the bath access panel is fixed but still easily accessible with tools in case repairs are needed on the pump.
Take measurements of the pump and the area underneath to ensure that the pump fits appropriately.
Mount the pump onto a solid base to ensure vibrations don’t damage the piping and the surrounding area.
Remove water before pump installation by opening the lowest faucet, cutting the pipe, and opening the highest faucet to let in air.
Lastly is the YOUNGTREE Water Pressure Booster Pump with vibration reducing feet.
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Install safety features like a pressure relief valve and low-pressure cutoff switch for optimal operation.
We hope this article proves informative and enables you to fit a water pressure pump under your bath properly and safely. Thank you for reading!
Related article: Well Pressure Tank Guide: (DIY) Problems, Sizing, Types, PSI
Last update on 2024-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API