I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes those “simple fixes” just don’t cut it, especially in older homes with low municipal pressure. Had a job last month where we tried everything—cleaned valves, swapped showerheads, checked for leaks. Ended up needing a booster pump after all. Sometimes it really is the only way to get decent flow.
Ended up needing a booster pump after all. Sometimes it really is the only way to get decent flow.
I get that, but I’ve seen a couple old houses where the main line coming in was half clogged with mineral buildup. Once that got sorted, pressure jumped way up—no pump needed. Ever try checking the main supply line before going the pump route? Just curious if that’s something you’ve run into.
Yeah, you’re spot on about mineral buildup—seen it plenty, especially in older places with galvanized or even copper that’s been around forever. Sometimes you crack open the main and it’s like looking at an artery after a lifetime of cheeseburgers... barely any room left for water to get through. I always check pressure right at the meter or main shutoff before recommending a pump. If you’re only getting 30-40 psi there, then yeah, something upstream is probably the culprit.
But sometimes, even after clearing lines and swapping out old valves, the street pressure just isn’t enough—especially if you’re up on a hill or at the end of a long run. That’s when a booster pump actually makes sense. Not my first choice, but sometimes it’s the only real fix unless you want to shower under a trickle forever.
That’s when a booster pump actually makes sense.
Yeah, I’ve seen that “artery after a lifetime of cheeseburgers” situation too—crazy how bad some pipes get. Even after clearing them, sometimes the pressure just isn’t there. Booster pumps do help, but I always wonder about long-term wear on the system. Ever notice any extra noise or vibration after installing one?
I had a unit where the pipes were so gunked up, even after snaking and flushing, the pressure was still weak. Tried a booster pump—yeah, it worked, but there was a definite hum and some vibration. Not terrible, but I did start wondering about long-term stress on those old joints... Ever notice any leaks cropping up later?
