Low Water Pressure in a Large Home: A Dublin Case Study
When several showers and taps ran at once, this six-bathroom Dublin home struggled with poor flow. Discover how a compact variable-speed booster restored steady water pressure throughout the property.
When several showers and taps ran at once, this six-bathroom Dublin home struggled with poor flow. Discover how the Saniboost Smart compact variable-speed booster restored steady water pressure throughout the property.
Low water pressure can quickly become frustrating in a busy home, particularly when several bathrooms and water outlets are being used at the same time.
That was exactly the challenge facing the owners of a substantial property in Dublin. With a basement, two further floor levels and six bathrooms, the home had significant demand on its water supply. When several showers and taps were running together, however, the flow could fall to little more than a trickle – despite an existing fixed constant-speed cold-water booster pump being installed.
The homeowners needed more than simply another pump. They needed a pressure boosting solution capable of responding effectively as demand around the property changed.
Finding the right solution for a multi-bathroom home
Jack Phelps, owner of pump repair specialist Jacks Pumps, was called in to investigate the persistent problem.
After consulting with Saniflo in Dublin and local merchant Davies Ltd, Jack decided to replace the existing pump with the Saniboost Smart.
The choice introduced variable-speed pressure control into the system rather than simply replacing the existing fixed-speed pump on a like-for-like basis.
Saniboost Smart is a compact domestic pressurisation unit built around a multi-stage, variable-speed pump, with an integrated electronic pressure switch and hydraulic shock absorber. Its output pressure can be adjusted from 1.5 to 5.5 bar, giving installers the flexibility to commission the unit around the requirements of the property.
For a home where water demand can change considerably from one moment to the next, that level of control can make an important difference.
How was the Saniboost Smart installed?
In this Dublin property, cold water from a tank was fed into the single inlet of the Saniboost Smart.
From the pump outlet, the boosted supply was divided into two. One branch continued to the home's cold-water taps and WCs, while the second fed directly into the combi boiler. The boiler could then heat the pressurised water before supplying the home's hot taps and showers.
Once installed, Jack set the Saniboost Smart to 3.5 on its constant-pressure setting.
The result was immediate: the pressure problem was resolved and both installer and homeowner were impressed by the level of constant pressure produced by such a compact unit.
Multiple showers, without the familiar drop in pressure
For the homeowner, the biggest improvement was simple: the property could finally be used as intended.
Multiple showers and taps could now operate at the same time without the previous drop in water pressure. Jack also highlighted the ability to raise or lower the pressure at the push of a button, making commissioning and adjustment straightforward for a qualified plumber. He was sufficiently impressed with the installation to say that he planned to use the Saniboost Smart on future projects.
It is a good example of why pump selection should consider how a property actually uses water, rather than looking only at the number of bathrooms or the pressure available when a single outlet is running.
In a busy household, simultaneous demand matters.
What makes Saniboost Smart different?
Variable-speed control is at the heart of the Saniboost Smart. Rather than relying on fixed-speed operation, the pump is designed to regulate its operation as required, helping to provide controlled pressure while avoiding rapid cycling.
There are several other features that strengthen its suitability for domestic pressure boosting. The pump is specified for a maximum flow rate of 5.2 m³/h, a maximum head of 56 m, quiet operation below 50 dB(A), dry-run protection and inlet and outlet non-return valves. The unit is also WRAS certified.
Its brushless motor technology allows up to a 50% reduction in consumption compared with a single-phase motor, adding an efficiency benefit alongside the pressure control.
The key, however, is correct specification. Increasing pressure as much as possible is not the objective; providing the right combination of pressure and flow for the system is. A qualified installer should assess the available water supply, pipework, expected simultaneous demand and the wider installation before selecting and commissioning any pressure boosting solution.
Not just impressive in the home
The Dublin house is not the only local installation already demonstrating what the Saniboost Smart can do.
The same pump was also installed in a Dublin city pub, where it provided the constant hot-water supply required by a busy glass washer.
It is another useful demonstration of what reliable pressure can mean in practice: when water is needed, the system needs to be ready to deliver.
A smarter answer to changing water demand
A large home should not mean deciding who can have a shower first.
For this six-bathroom Dublin property, replacing an existing fixed-speed booster with a compact variable-speed solution transformed the performance of the water system. Multiple outlets can now operate together, the pressure can be adjusted easily and the homeowner has the consistent supply the property needs.
For installers dealing with demanding domestic water systems, the project also shows the value of looking beyond simple fixed-speed pressure boosting and considering how changing demand is managed.
Discover the specifications, features and technical information for the Saniboost Smart pressure boosting system and see whether it could be the right solution for your home or your next project.
