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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[@rgmatta3524]

Obviously didn't read the manufacturer's installation directions. There is no bypass installed, nor is there a 100 psi relief valve on the high pressure side of the pump!

[@brielleandquinn3281]

RG Matta yea noticed that too.

[@otheraccount8984]

Don't need a pressure relief, same with a well there is no pressure relief

[@thomaswilson9254]

@@otheraccount8984 you don't know what you are talking about

[@Cervan]

@Flatus Antiquitous because they installed this system in parallel to the incoming water there is no need for a bypass, as soon as the pump fails normal water pressure from the street will bypass the system.

[@bobberbear4622]

@@Cervan yea, i don't think so do

[@queenbee7298]

next time you should add a bypass t to get regular pressure from the city just in case if the pump goes down

[@FrozenHaxor]

This particular pump does not need it, water will flow very freely through it.

[@princesunnyboy]

Agreed, just in case you have a pump failure and you have to remove it.

[@ryanroberts1104]

And a bypass for the meter...you know, in case it stops working!

[@Hyper_DX]

Cant the water just pass through the pump

[@PhilippKirchner]

3:24 good job "screwing in" that screw with all the connections made already 🤣

[@AmbitiousWorldTrvlr]

I went back and burst out laughing !!!

[@Rubberglass]

Just making sure it was tight.

[@evantilley6192]

bahahahah didn't even notice!

[@Remag1234]

2 things were not done. 1- Bypass not installed. 2- Flex pipe connected to both inlet and outlet to eliminate vibration throughout the house. 2 very important things they goofed up.

[@dgrblue4162]

Could have been done and not filmed. Or possibly not required in that area.

[@expansioniskeyrn]

Can’t jump to conclusions when it’s not a complete video. 🤡

[@venividivici4253]

Ok 🤡 you don’t even watch the whole video and you’re already jumping to conclusions.

[@Goku-el3lk]

You must be so much better than them for pointing this out

[@zam442]

I have this same pump, the manufacturer states that Flex pipe is NOT to be used on any connections to the pump system.

[@alex83cr1]

Well, I want make a few comments for all of you who said this is a grate job, and also for the people who did the job 1- You never use a nonmetallic connector with armored cable, in other works, that is a ROMEX CABLE connector being used in MC CABLE 2- When you install a booster pump you are installing a motor which will vibrate when it goes ON, so I do recommend to use a flexible connection to avoid that the vibration from the pump transfer to the pipes of the house. 3- You also need a by-pass connection so if the pump damage you will have the regular pressure of water instead of no water in the house I am Alex and I am GC from NJ USA. thank you for reading my comments

[@DoctorSkillz]

Thank you Mr. Alex. I learn a lot from the comments in these videos.

[@mrf2869]

Awesome catch & if I may add to your comment. I would use quick coupling fittings into the pump for easy change out. Nothing worse soldering everything and finding out your pump is faulty straight out the box or if it ever needs replaced. Also if you noticed never “even on a ground” have the insulation under the tightening screw. Should be bare wire about 1/4 inch past the terminal.

[@protoman247]

That looks like an MC Connector in the video

[@CortexGaming]

Same thought. They missed out when they didn’t add a bypass for the water

[@ebaystars]

these guys are REAL cowboys - the electrician's grandad designed the country';s first electric chair..worst install ive ever seen.....

[@nolansmokes]

Legends say it never got to 60 psi

[@kevinm8865]

LMAO! I just got what you said.

[@kevinm8865]

I just watched the video again and laughed out loud YET AGAIN at O'Neill's comment "Legends say it never got to 60 psi". Watch 04:18 (particularly 04:34) until the end and then read O'Neill's comment. Lmao

[@Nachocheese86]

It hit 200 psi then blew through the roof like a rocket

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Legend says...not legends say. If you are going to repost the same old worn-out, cliche comment, as least write it correctly.

[@nolansmokes]

UhYeahWhateverDude thanks dad!

[@biologicalagent]

They NEVER show the end result!!!!!! 🤬

[@robertf6344]

An electrician without a wire stripper ?

[@kanahomesconst.boomsanchez9376]

Recommend you strap the pressure tank to the wall. You can use a water heater strap .This way it secures the Tank/Pump and eliminates excessive movement when the Pump switches on an off. At the same time reducing the risk of the copper piping working it's was loose and causing a major break.

[@demetriuswillingham922]

As an electrician I wouldn't advise following this electrical portion 100%. The connection should be rated for wet locations. Use at the minimum a non metallic water tight flex to encase the electrical cable and a suitable flex connector. I wouldn't use mc either in a residential application. That generally is a commercial grade cable and more expensive....

[@ebaystars]

yep - but the guy was trained by us in Thailand hahahaha

[@ryanroberts1104]

Every time they make a video it's as if they made the entire thing and then forgot to post the last 60 seconds.

[@HollywoodCreeper]

A before and after of the water pressure would have been nice. That is really what matters, because if it doesn't work, this is all a waste of time.

[@astasna]

Plus, I really like that you showed all the electrical work.

[@ebaystars]

are you a stupido the electrical work is UNSAFE in the extreme - dont copy them get some real advice first

[@dougiequick1]

Fricken electrician does not own WIRE STRIPPERS?? really??? He used his lineman pliers! shlock lazy practice IMO...the only guys I ever saw do such were big time corner cutters....you nick a conductor and it could fail...that is WHY they make these wire strippers with dedicated holes for each size wire....even separate cutters for stranded wire...it IS important! It's only something that can cause fires and electrocution and damage to equipment...I mean why take an extra few fricken SECONDS of your life and do something right? ya know???

[@SilverCymbal]

This stuff drives me crazy, tell him to watch my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmmyZmqAZsllpZY

[@ChrisMeyersBigPickles222]

He also used an nm connector. Not an m/c conn

[@TheFamilyshow]

Got a ? We got a newer washer from my bfs mom ever sence we hooked it up we been having low pressure water threw out house. We changed the pump outside and the booster thing in still hasnt work.

[@keithcarpentersr.4353]

The Family show of 4 / sounds like the shut off is not all the way turned on

[@PineCone69420]

Use armoured able.

[@timkane1277]

Richard is one of only a few plumbers who measure first and cut later!

[@PocatelloParanormalResearch]

Can you put a pressure tank on a gravity flow system? My public water is gravity flow and is very low. I need to pressurize my system. I am worried the pump will constantly run and will burn up. Thoughts?

[@davidvollmer959]

What happens when the city service pressure goes down. Are you now sucking water from city pipes and neighbors garden hoses etc. ?

[@palmtree5544]

Why would you have the outlet pipe stick out so far from the wall. Someone will, sooner or later, bump into it and cause a problem. Seems like it would have been better to put the ell at the motor.

[@aurvaroy6670]

Electrician: "We're gonna cut a little bit..." Cuts half of the wire

[@NipindraGurung]

Hi there.... got a Question....what happens if there is a power cut...will you still get water in a normal pressure or will it stop completely???

[@tombomombodombo]

Low water pressure like b4

[@jackb1803]

For my setup, I installed a bypass with check valve to help the flow in this case.

[@abiyai6676]

this electrician sucks. you're supposed to use sealtite flex not metal flex

[@djclown7pb]

Hmmm I think I need this for my house

[@ushipb00]

This unit is made by AMTROL.

[@yak11211]

He should not be striping the wires with a pliers

[@kcmatloff5707]

legend has it, the pump is still pumping on its way to 60psi

[@ebaystars]

it continue past 200 psi and blew all the facets off the walls and exploded the water heater tank etc thats why they cut the clip short they are still using the fire department to pump out the basement

[@shawnsolomon2804]

Can you come out to Olney Springs CO and put one in please?

[@knockitofff]

2:02 ALWAYS put ball valves in with gauges, rookie mistake

[@bjornjoseph]

No shut off before and after for future maintenance??? Or no by pass so they at least have water if the machine breaks?

[@otheraccount8984]

Man is a hell of a plumber

[@donadams7]

Electrician used an NM connector to the panel Has to be MC connector >>

[@bratman99]

But how much pressurized capacity does it have? It seems like that little tank would evacuate pretty quickly with a shower...

[@mlr06121974]

I would like to put one of these in our house. Pressure tank is almost 200 feet from the house feeding 2 homes

[@flat-earther]

mlr I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@NathanThePrezPretlow]

Question I live in New York in a two family house.My problem is this in the basement I have no problem with cold water pressure. But I get low cold water pressure upstairs in my kitchen and bathroom sinks plus tub. Is another way I can hook a pump in a situation like minds ?

[@jackb1803]

Also to keep in mind, you will lose 1 psi for every 2.33 ft. in height.

[@jesusgutierrezgutierrez9081]

muy interesante y gratis..

[@arthouston7361]

It would have been informative to show the cut in and cut out pressures on the gauge while someone used water in the house.

[@TS-ck7ut]

How can I hire you???? My water pressure is low, I would love for you to come and install one of those in my house

[@gwarbong]

Where are you located?

[@flat-earther]

T S, gwarbong I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@samsngdevice5103]

Here come the keyboard carpenters

[@MarinChanev]

Thanks for the video. I have a question. I have similar pump but it produces too much pressure. I'm planing to add a pressure reducing valve, but I'm not sure where should I place it, after the tank, or between the tank and the pump? Thanks a lot for your answer and videos.

[@jackb1803]

Also consider that the pump pressure may be adjustable. There are several KZbin videos that show how to do this.

[@truth6600]

You should be able to turn the pressure down at the pump.

[@rooster3019]

My system needs no tank (although I have the small one for the water heater) and boosts the 30# at basement level up to a true 65# in the second story. It has a pre-wired plug in cord for ground fault outlet and if it dies, the water flows right on through. The anti-back flow valve is built into it too. This one is about 5 years old and I had another that was similar that lasted 10 years until junk from a city waterline break damaged it.

[@keithcarpentersr.4353]

Rooster what’s the brand name. I’m looking to boost mine and the simple plug in sounds good

[@DeathAngelHRA]

What's the system you're running?

[@jacksplumbingvideos7147]

1:16 "it's always easy to do this before the pipe is cut" the pipe looks cut to me.

[@tailzzzzz]

Does the distance a well is from the house affect water pressure? The tank is in the basement, but they drilled the well a good distance from the house. I have a second floor laundry room, and when I'm taking a shower, the water pressure in the shower drops when the washing machine fills and during the rinse cycles. What did my builder do wrong? Like I said, he drilled the well a good distance from the house. I should be able to shower and do laundry at the same time, right?

[@christopherreding4862]

I am not sure about the electricians tools, no vde screwdriver and cutting cable with pliers is awkward! Bypass would have been a good idea also. I do like the 2 pressure guages though.

[@TheSeanUhTron]

3:25 - That's a really bad way to connect the neutral. He at least could've curved the wire a little bit around the terminal. I know it's hard to do that when there're barriers around it (Like on GFI outlets) but it's not impossible.

[@liskaerik]

Could you use a "spade connector" to make the connection? Just curious.

[@TheSeanUhTron]

Erik Liska Probably but I'm not certain. I've never done it and have never looked up the codes for that. It may vary state to state.

[@jackb1803]

An old electrician once told me the wire should go 3/4 the way around the screw, so that if the screw loosened, the wire would not come off. Hard to do with 12 gauge solid copper wire - okay if using stranded wire.

[@aubreyearls1564]

Armoured Cable Cutter

[@macsrule94]

the new booster pumps from Grundfos don't need the tank, its all built in with a tiny tank and a flow switch, and are even variable speed now

[@clambert2020]

Those Grundfos boosters are sweet!!!

[@gabel408]

Nice pump for the 2 years they last as mine and many have experienced.

[@nickpike7823]

7 years and 2 grundfos mq3-45 pumps later, I'm looking for another option!!!

[@JayOrlando32828]

Will this damage my pipes? Built on 1910

[@jackb1803]

Good question. If you have 35 # pressure, it might be best to leave it as-is. No knowing the condition of old cast iron/galvanized pipes in the walls. On the other hand, you can change the settings on the pressure switch (Jim did not even talk about the switch unfortunately) to maybe 40# on and 55# off.

[@wagnerrdtradingpostonebay8934]

@@jackb1803 that's if you have a well pump preasure switch .these guys had city water at a set preasure.

[@DoctorSkillz]

The pressure never went up to 60 PSI. Did this even work?

[@guillermohiramduartegomez8561]

Is there a way to set the pump to start up just when needed?

[@JasonW.]

The pump has that built in

[@mjreyes713]

Looks like a sub panel, neutral and ground together?

[@reservoirinc7750]

The only number we don't know, Gary's height??

[@HappyHappyPanda88]

a professional electrician without a proper wire cutter. So professional.

[@FleetwoodMacadamia]

all pros everywhere pride themselves in being able to make a pair of kleins do everything. your comment is almost as ridiculous to me as yours is to this video

[@patjohn775]

@@FleetwoodMacadamiathat’s what I was thinking. He’s using linesman’s to do everything then he’s really good.

[@rapturebound197]

When you use Kleins every day all day by the time a novice gets his cute little wire strippers out the guy with the Kleins (also known as "9's") has the wire terminated 👍🙂

[@reaperbot5226]

No bypass for future servicing ?

[@flat-earther]

Reaperbot I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@jamesrobinson9062]

All fine and good worthless if you don’t give pump manufacturer name

[@flat-earther]

It's Amtrol brand BTW James I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@avekemper4450]

Will they still have water if the power goes out?

[@BroadcastBuddy]

Hack electrician

[@mikeschmidt7980]

great video, question, I have my own well, would this work for low pressure in my home?

[@Cynthia_Cantrell]

You might want to check the switch for your pump - it may have a screw or small dial to adjust the pressure at which it stops pumping.

[@thomabb]

You can increase water pressure on a well system by upgrading the pressure switch.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Clean the nipple before the pressure switch. And check the pre charge in the tank. Note: check pre charge only at zero water pressure.

[@truth6600]

Check your pump, tank,pressure switch.

[@bobabooey8367]

Rich Trethewey Rocks:)

[@Carpenters_Canvas]

That's a 1500 dollar tank . . . True story look on Amazon

[@jamesrobinson9062]

We’re can I buy one who makes iy

[@jackpast]

…still waiting for that 60 psi!

[@JR-up2mb]

Just remove the water flow restricter in the shower head. All of them have it now.

[@bigraviolees]

Richards my favorite character, when interior decorator s come on I turn it off

[@smilemaask]

lies

[@gunnagunna8706]

not one video of a clean solder joints

[@onepiecelegends]

Love the video! detailed explanation!

[@nancyblanchard9995]

HELP.. Plumber installed but cannot keep running. Wants to increase pipe size from 3/4 to 1 inch. Pressure is only 22 psi from street. feels insufficient water flow. this is exactly the same pump - Amtrol 1/2 hp that he replaced. Any suggestions? At wits end for answer.

[@GrampalettasCamp]

Plumber could be right if length of pipe too long compared to its diameter causing excessive friction and subsequent pressure drop during flow plus low flow during flow. Running new line might be cheaper than replacement

[@flat-earther]

Did you get it sorted out? BTW Nancy I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@rolandorojas1094]

Does soomebody know the name of the tool the electrician used at 3:44? May be a link to get it?

[@flat-earther]

Rotary MC cable cutter BTW Rolando I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@airsearescue]

If only.......we in the UK have to feed the pump from a gravity tank or a maximum of 12 litres per minute flow from the pump if connected directly.

[@flat-earther]

Gary I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@omartorres8015]

copper is the best plumbing materials to hook up a water all of my friends on line..Some peps uses galvanise pipe not pvc

[@jaxv94]

never mess with a girls plumbing.

[@eclipce001]

How much does the booster cost?

[@ocilassolrac14]

the guy in the sandals very professional.

[@rapturebound197]

I'm certain if somebody followed you around on your job could find plenty of issues 🫤

[@StevenPitts]

2:44 what's an armored able? #sarcasm

[@Chuck59ish]

It's for places where there are rats, kids or druggies who steal wire.

[@tubalcain1]

HA! I just noticed that glitch myself... LOL!

[@rhdtv2002]

I would love to have seen Pex tubing instead.

[@flat-earther]

INSTALLATION & OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS _DO NOT PIPE EXCEPT WITH METAL PIPING AT INLET AND OUTLETS_ www.amtrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/9040B140_07_14_Pressuriser_IO.pdf BTW Rich I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@jrgsxr33]

This old house....is this system compatible in a well application?

[@perry9492]

How does this differ from a standard much cheaper shallow well pump?

[@flat-earther]

Excuse me Perry I'm not familiar with that but I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@vegaslowblower8781]

If the bladder in the pressure tank blows. Will the pump still run

[@jackb1803]

Yes, on, off, on, off, etc. It will short cycle. Before replacing the tank, you might want to see what the air pressure is with zero water pressure. I once had a tank that had no bladder and I needed to "recharge" it twice a year.

[@tiger.6509]

Electricians that leave a mess behind and they never pick up after themselves ..

[@nclark011]

Is this a well that has a submersible pump

[@Ee-ul4ul]

How it works for hot and cold water connected to the boiler?

[@nishiladina9161]

The water in your boiler system is separate and stays in that system for many years.

[@jmossbernee1045]

Lol @3:28 tries to tighten a Phillip's head screw with a standard screwdriver

[@keithcarpentersr.4353]

JMoss Bernee it’s slotted too so you can use both

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

This “electrician” was a hack, and worked dangerously. He used lineman’s pliers to strip 14 AWG wire, tightened a grounding screw onto the insulation, damaged the wire that he pulled through the breaker box, and fumbled around doing everything. So glad they got Scott to do the electrical stuff now.

[@streetpunk99]

Soldiering in sandles. Ballzy

[@flat-earther]

streetpunk99 I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@seancaseo84]

can this be used with gas combi boiler

[@wildman8601]

Can this be hooked up to the boiler and a indirect water tank ?? And what brand pressure booster is that I dont see any info on it

[@nishiladina9161]

The pressure boosting system is connected to the cold, main water line. The water that is in your boiler is completely separate.

[@abecoulter18]

American electricians are terrible

[@LorenzKamo]

Should have put a bypass

[@TakronRust]

pressure Booster? that's just a well pump. way to sound fancier than it is.

[@macsrule94]

no well pumps are submersible, the pump is a booster type pump thats rated for incoming pressure, the blue tank however is exactly the same that most wells have for pressure.

[@duramax0103]

Who is the manufacture of the water pump tank combo???

[@cmiamt2007]

Amtrol RH-10 model

[@rawbacon]

Had no idea they made a flexible conduit cutter.

[@flat-earther]

Bacon I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@patraic5241]

Why wasn't the booster installed in parallel with the supply line? If the unit has to be serviced the house looses all water while the work is being done.

[@stevessteve2920]

a pro electrician without a wire stripper

[@negritorican]

lol and they didnt show the results of him tugging the cable with the pliers....My guess is it didnt strip the wire as intended.

[@d1bigshifter737]

What does that system run ball park

[@adam1885282]

That tank/pump is a thousand bucks

[@flat-earther]

Big Shifter, adam I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@kidsarcaderoom7316]

Awesome video

[@ravindrakumawat7777]

good job

[@billnipp2309]

Two words. Pro Press. ty

[@flat-earther]

bill I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. Link in my about tab.

[@jeffjeff370]

When there is a litte cut in the copper wire it is a bad connection that will break in time caused bij vibrations of the pump! ( a litte nive mark is enough!)

[@reefjunkie9018]

Does this work for well systems ?

[@BLUEStar-c6p]

is your water bill higher?

[@_backflowjoe]

Only if you use more water or they raise the rates. Your electric bill will go up.

[@candido11471]

Is copper pipe better than PVC/CPVC?

[@jackb1803]

I'd say yes, but the high cost of copper often steers the decision to CPVC or PEX.

[@kalijasin]

There are no health related concerns like with plastic. As long as its soldered together using lead-free solder.