When it comes to problems related to water booster pumps in New York City, you may think of usual suspects such as motor burnout, basic wear and tear, corrosion, or impeller damage. But the truth has more layers in the dense population of NYC.
Due to high-demand water systems, high-rise buildings, and weather, of course, many failures are less common and expensive to treat. This blog covers those unexpected NY water booster pump failures.
Four Uncommon Damages in NY Water Booster Pump
You may know about the common failures, but below are some faults that you may not have heard of. Better to prevent than to have to experience the consequences. Therefore, we have also mentioned some hacks to avoid those outcomes.
- Water Hammer Damage
When the water flow is abruptly stopped, a sudden pressure surge occurs in water pipes. It is known as water hammer. Due to quick-closing valves, damage can occur to water booster pumps in NYC. This type of less-known water booster damage happens when water is moving fast through a pipe and then suddenly comes to a stop.
Why It Matters?
This type of disturbance sends a shockwave through the water and the pipes. Hence, it can make noise, crack pipes, damage pump seals, and strain flanges, especially in older apartment buildings.
Warning Signs?
- Loud noises in the piping
- Loose or leaking joints
- Visible vibration after valve operation
How to Prevent?
Installing hammer arrestors or slow-closing valves is an ideal solution to prevent such damage. Also, plumbers should check that control systems ramp down pump speed gradually.
- Pressure Sensor Drift
The role of the pressure sensor drift is to send the signal to the water booster pumps when to start and stop. However, over time, those sensors lose efficiency and can send wrong signals to the control system.
Why It Matters?
When a sensor drifts, it leads to pump short cycling, essentially turning on and off too often (without any reason). Whether your NY water booster pump runs more or less than the needed duration, both scenarios increase wear, energy use, and the risk of failure.
Warning Signs?
- Fluctuating water pressure without a clear cause
- Pump running at odd intervals
- Inconsistent readings on the control panel
How to Prevent?
Timely calibration of the pressure sensors can eliminate this issue to some extent. Alongside, higher-grade sensors with vibration isolation mounts improve longevity and eliminate such problems in NY water booster pumps.
- Air Entrapment in the System
This damage occurs when air pockets form inside water booster pump piping, especially after maintenance. Besides, air entrapment rises during the interruption of the water supply as well. Air can cause cavitation, causing tiny bubbles inside the pipes when pressure drops. Consequently, these bubbles collapse violently when pressure rises again.
Why It Matters?
Cavitation damages water pipes because tiny vapor bubbles form in the water when pressure drops too low, and then those bubbles collapse violently when pressure rises again. This shock at the metal surface causes pitting, erosion, and eventually leaks or failures.
Warning Signs?
- Rattling sound from the pump
- Unusual vibration levels
- Pressure spikes in the water booster system
How to Prevent?
To eliminate such damage, you can install air release valves at the highest points in the system. So, trapped air can easily escape, and there’s no possibility of cavitation, erosion, or pitting.
- Misconfigured VFDs
It’s an era of modern NY water booster pumps, and there’s no denying that modern devices have modern complications. From various types of booster pumps, one comes with VFDs (variable frequency drives). Such systems, when not programmed as they should be, result in inefficiency and overheating, causing significant damage.
Why It Matters?
A poorly configured VFD can overwork the pump motor or fail to match system demand. And it wastes energy and reduces pump life. Thus, always purchase or fit water booster pumps from someone experienced.
Warning Signs?
- Not adequate pump speed as per demand
- Overheating of the motor or VFD unit
- Increased electricity bills without increased usage
How to Prevent?
It is better to have a certified VFD technician fine-tune your settings during installation and review them annually.
Why These Failures Fly Under the Radar
The above-mentioned unconventional damages in NY water booster pumps remain unknown. This is because they don’t have quick consequences. Instead of causing an immediate system shutdown, the causes gradually show up. And then all of a sudden, tenants notice energy bill spikes, regular system failures, and a shorter lifespan for the booster pump.
Nonetheless, by the time they are spotted, significant damage may already have occurred, setting the stage for expensive fixes. Hence, it is always suggested to perform regular maintenance and checkups of your NY water booster pump. Additionally, a reliable pump supplier in New York plays a significant part in ensuring you receive high-quality equipment.
Callaghan Pump is a trusted name for supplying modern, robust, and customized NY water booster pumps. We deliver to all locations in New York City. Reach out or share your requirements directly at 212-736-4146.
