Setting Expectations: What to Expect When Installing TapBoost

TapBoost is an effective solution for improving water flow to a single outlet, but it’s important to understand its capabilities and limitations before installation. Setting the right expectations ensures you get the best performance from your TapBoost and avoid disappointment.

What TapBoost Can Do

TapBoost is a flow-boosting pump specifically designed to improve the water flow to a single outlet. It is ideal for a tap, toilet or appliance experiencing slow or weak water flow.

• Improves Flow Rate
  

  TapBoost increases the water flow from as low as 1.2 litres per minute (L/min) up to 7-11L/min. The flow rate TapBoost will deliver is dependant on the incoming flow rate, this is because the pump runs at a constant speed. The highest flow rate you can achieve with TapBoost is 11L/min. When the flow reaches 11 L/min, TapBoost will go into idle mode and stop boosting the flow so as not to break the water regulations of pumping more than 12 L/min.
  
  

• Flow Pump, Not a Pressure Pump

   

  TapBoost is designed to improve flow, not increase pressure. Click here to learn about the difference between flow and pressure.

  If your issue is low pressure rather than low flow, TapBoost may not be the right solution for you. If you’re unsure whether you need increase flow, pressure, or both, use our product selector to find the right solution or get in touch with Salamander Pumps’ technical team for advice.
  
  

• Easy Installation
  

  TapBoost attaches directly to the pipework supplying the outlet. Its inline design makes it an easy to install pump, and means no extensive changes to your existing pipework are required.We’ve created a step-by-step guide explaining how to install TapBoost.

• Alternative Solutions for Multiple Outlets
  

  If you need to boost more than one outlet, HomeBoost is an inline mains booster pump suitable for the whole house via a combination boiler. We also offer a range of stored water boosted solutions that can provide flow rates beyond 12L/min for more consistent flow rates across multiple outlets.

What TapBoost Cannot do

TapBoost works by increasing the flow rate to a single outlet, but it cannot resolve underlying plumbing restrictions. If there are limitations within the plumbing system, installing TapBoost may not provide the improvement you’re expecting.

These underlying issues which TapBoost cannot help resolve are:

• Collapsed Supply Pipes
  

  If your pipework is damaged, crushed, or has deteriorated over time, the water flow will be restricted regardless of whether a TapBoost is installed. In these cases, fixing the pipework should be the priority.

• Restrictive Mains Supply

  Water companies are required to maintain a minimum water pressure of seven meters static head in the communication pipe supplying your property. If you’re experiencing low pressure, contact your water provider to measure pressure and flow. This will help determine whether the issue stems from the main supply or your own pipework, as TapBoost cannot override external supply limitations.

  TankBoost is an alternative solution we offer which can help you overcome this problem. Find out more information on TankBoost
  

• Lead pipes
  

  Older homes may still have lead pipework, which can restrict water flow and affect overall system performance. Lead pipes are very malleable so are easily compressed creating resistance. Replacing these pipes may be necessary to achieve optimal flow.

• Restrictive outlets
  

  Some taps and fixtures, especially modern water-saving designs, have built-in flow restrictors that limit the amount of water passing through. If your tap has a restrictive aerator or cartridge, TapBoost may not be able to deliver the expected improvement.

Make sure TapBoost is the right solution for your system

TapBoost is a fantastic solution for many homes experiencing low water flow, but it’s essential to understand what it can and cannot do before installation. If your issue is low flow at a single outlet in a gravity-fed or mains-fed system, TapBoost can provide a noticeable improvement. However, if there are major restrictions in your system, such as damaged pipes or restrictive outlets, alternative solutions may be needed.

For the best results, make sure to assess your plumbing system and determine whether TapBoost is the right fit for your needs. If you’re unsure, we recommend contacting our support team for further advice by emailing: tech@salamanderpumps.co.uk or telephone: 0191 516 2002.