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Looking for information and support in relation to your TankBoost?

We have a selection of FAQs, videos and articles below to help with your query.

FAQs

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Where can I get a tank connection kit for linking TankBoost tanks together?

The TankBoost additional storage units are supplied with a tank connection kit. This allows the additional storage unit to be connected to a primary TankBoost unit.

Two TankBoost units connected
Can TankBoost be used with potable (drinking) water?

Yes! The tank is made from WRAS approved materials and components and is suitable for storing and pumping potable water. However, we strongly recommend taking a draw off to a drinking tap before the feed into the TankBoost unit to ensure access to potable water isn’t interrupted at any point e.g. in the event of a power cut.

What is a type AB air gap?

A Type AB air gap is a non-mechanical backflow prevention arrangement comprising of an inlet, receiving tank and unrestricted weir overflow (rectangular or non-circular).

A weir air gap (Type AB) is needed to stop contaminated water mixing with the mains water and sits directly below the water discharge point.

TankBoost CAT 5 water tank features an air gap between the inlet and outlet to ensure that the water in the tank or cistern does not flow back into the mains supply.

What is a Cat 5 tank used for?

Cat 5 water tanks are suitable for laboratories, chemical cleaners/contractors, butchery and meat trades, healthcare premises, abattoirs, dog grooming parlours, bin wash down areas for flats etc.

All the examples above carry the highest risk level of the most serious health hazard because of the presence of pathogens and radioactive or very toxic substances.

TankBoost CAT 5 water tank features an air gap between the inlet and outlet to ensure that the water in the tank or cistern does not flow back into the mains water supply.

What is Category 5 (CAT 5) water supply?

Fluid Category 5 (CAT 5) is characterized as a hazardous fluid due to its high concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive elements, or extremely toxic substances. This classification encompasses fluids containing faecal matter, human waste, animal waste, or pathogens from various origins, all of which pose significant health risks.

TankBoost CAT 5 satisfies the applicable requirements of Water Regulations for Category 5 systems. TankBoost CAT 5 is fitted with type AB backflow protection, making it suitable for use where there is a risk of backflow contamination with fluid Category 5.

What Is a Cat 5 water tank?

A Category 5 water tank features an air gap between the inlet and outlet, preventing any backflow of water from the tank or cistern into the mains water supply. These air gaps are Type AB which satisfies the applicable requirements of Water Regulations for Category 5 systems.

TankBoost CAT 5 is the mains water booster system is fitted with type AB backflow protection, making it suitable for commercial use where there is a risk of backflow contamination with fluid Category 5.

Why would you need TankBoost for an unvented cylinder?

An unvented cylinder relies on the pressure and flow supplied by the incoming mains water and requires approximately 20 – 22 L/min to operate. If the mains fed water system is not supplying the necessary flow and pressure, TankBoost can be installed to increase the water performance.

TankBoost may also be needed if the pressure and flow is not adequate to meet the demand for water in the property.

When fitting TankBoost before a hot water cylinder do you still need to use the pressure reducing valve or not?

If fitting TankBoost before an unvented hot water cylinder you still need to use the pressure reducing valve. We would always recommend following manufacturer’s instructions when installing in an unvented hot water system.

Do you need to use pressure reducing valves for TankBoost installation?

Unlike an AccuBoost, you do not need to fit a pressure reducing valve prior to the unit. For full installation requirements, consult the “Installation and warranty guide for TankBoost range“.

Do you need a mini shock arrestor on the combination boiler when installing TankBoost?

No. The TankBoost has a 8L pressure vessel pre-charged at 1.5 bar already supplied and fitted.

Is the TankBoost pressure adjustable?

No, the pressure is fixed – up to 3.0 bar.

What applications is TankBoost suitable for?

TankBoost will deliver up to 80L/min and up to 3.0 bar. This offers a solution for properties where there is a requirement for high flow rates and multiple outlets will be used at the same time, e.g. gym or bigger houses with multiple floors and outlets.

Are different pumps used across the TankBoost range?

No. The same pump is used in all units and is capable of delivering up to 80L/min and up to 3.0 Bar. The size of the TankBoost relates to the capacity of stored cold water, i.e. a TankBoost 450L will hold 450 litres of useable cold water.

What are the water temperature limits for TankBoost?

The TankBoost is for cold water only. Ensure that the stored volume of water remains above 4°C and below 20°C to avoid any bacterial growth and to protect the unit from frost.

Note: Insulation may need to be applied to the outside of the tank to achieve this.

Is there a minimum flow rate for filling TankBoost?

No, there is no minimum flow requirement for filling the TankBoost. However, a restricted water main (i.e. lead) will increase the time taken to replenish the tank. If you have a poor natural flow of mains water into your property (less then 12L/min) you could use different products alongside TankBoost. For example, HomeBoost can be installed before TankBoost to boost the incoming mains water supply up to 12L/min.

Is the pump in TankBoost replaceable?

If you think there is an issue with the pump in the TankBoost unit, please contact Salamander Pumps technical team on 0191 516 2002 for support.

Are there any specific TankBoost fitting requirements needed to validate the warranty?

All the requirements are outlined in the installation guide. You can also contact our tech team to make sure that TankBoost has been installed correctly.

Do you need an unvented ticket to install TankBoost?

No, you don’t need unvented ticket to install the TankBoost.

Does the outlet size of the TankBoost vary by product size?

The outlet connection on all TankBoost units is 1″ BSP Female (inlet on all units 1/2″ BSP Male).

Where can TankBoost be installed?

The floor/mounting surface (supporting TankBoost) must be flat and level, fully supporting the unit. It must be able to withstand the maximum full weight of the TankBoost unit (please refer to the technical specification for the weights of each unit). Additional supports should be added to support surface/unit’ if required. TankBoost will fit perfectly in a garage or utility room.

Can TankBoost be used at abattoirs, dog grooming parlours, bin wash down areas for flats etc.?

All the examples above carry the highest risk level of the most serious health hazard because of the presence of pathogens and radioactive or very toxic substances.

For all the applications listed above a TankBoost CAT5 would have to be used as it incorporates a Type AB tank air gap. A Type AB air gap Cat 5 TankBoost features an air gap between the inlet and outlet to ensure that the water in the tank or cistern does not flow back into the mains supply.

 

Can you fit a TankBoost in a loft space?

The preferred TankBoost location is on a smooth level floor of sufficient strength to support the filled weight of the TankBoost, close to the water source and a suitable overflow position. If considering installing the TankBoost in a loft space, consult with a Structural Engineer to ensure there is sufficient strength to support the filled weight of the TankBoost.

When linking TankBoost tanks together, how far apart can they be?

When linking water tanks, the installer should use the tank connection kit provided with the storage tank to determine the correct distance between the tanks. Tanks should be no further than 1 metre apart.

When linking TankBoost tanks together, should the tank with the pump or the storage tank have the inlet?

When linking tanks, the storage tank should always have the inlet as you want the water to flow through both tanks. The ball valve should be removed from the TankBoost and fitted to the storage inlet.

Does the static pressure dropping affect the operation of anything within my plumbing system?

If the static pressure after the TankBoost unit drops below 2 Bar the pump will activate for a few seconds to repressurise the system. Typically, on mains fed systems most appliances (combi boilers, taps, electric showers etc.) require a minimum of 1 Bar ‘static’ pressure to function so the TankBoost is well within these requirements. The TankBoost operates on the same principle as our negative head shower pumps, these initially switch on by monitoring pressure rather than flow.

My TankBoost is working but losing some static pressure over time, why is that?

This is not a problem for the TankBoost, and we would expect this during the normal operation of the unit. There is likely a few reasons for this, none of which will cause an issue with the unit or for the system. The most likely causes of this would be a small weep on an outlet due to the higher pressure such as a tap not fully closed, or a valve in a toilet cistern allowing a very small dribble into the cistern until it has fully filled and then the pressure will hold. The other likely reason for the drop in pressure over time is contraction in the water within the pipework as the hot water from the boiler held within the pipes gradually cools over time and reduces in pressure.

What would happen to the pump if the TankBoost tank ran dry of water?

TankBoost is fitted with a dry run protection which means that the pump will shut down and restart again when there is adequate water in the tank. If this is happening on a regular basis additional water storage tanks can be added.

What if I have poor incoming flow rates, can HomeBoost be used to refill the tank quicker?

If you do have poor incoming flow rates a HomeBoost could be used to help fill the TankBoost.

Can TankBoost water booster be used on combi boilers and unvented systems?

Yes, TankBoost is ideal for delivering pressure and the higher flow rates required to unvented systems up to 80 litres per minute. TankBoost can also be used to supply combi-boilers, however, combi-boilers may restrict the flow rate of hot water that can be produced.

What noise levels are produced by TankBoost?

The TankBoost operating noise level is very quiet due to the pump being a submersible pump. At 1m distance this is approx. 47dBA. Similar to a RP75 pump.

What pipework connections does the TankBoost have?

All TankBoost units have a ½” brass male inlet connection and 1” female outlet. It is recommended to have 28mm diameter pipework from the TankBoost so as not to restrict the potential flow rates from the unit. This can then be reduced to 22mm or 15mm pipework closer to the outlets.

As the system uses a submersible pump how can it be safe to place an electrically operated product in a tank of water?

The submersible pump inside TankBoost is IPX 8 rated, which means that it is fully waterproof and is suitable for fully immersing in water.

How does the pump connect electrically?

TankBoost is supplied with an 8-metre power cable HO7RN-F and installation must comply with IET Wiring regulations. The TankBoost must be supplied through an RCD having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA. In addition, the fused mains spur should have a 5A fuse.

Are there any limitations on the location of the system or do they have to be fitted after the stop tap?

TankBoost should always be fitted after the stop tap. A supply to a drinking water tap (such as a kitchen tap) should be provided before the TankBoost.

Can TankBoost be connected to shared communal supplies?

Yes, TankBoost can be connected to a shared communal supply.

Can TankBoost be fitted on restrictive pipework?

Yes, TankBoost can be fitted on restrictive pipework (including lead mains). This will slow the re-fill rate of the TankBoost but would not stop it from delivering good flow rates and pressure if there is enough water storage capacity.

Can you use TankBoost to pump hot water?

No, TankBoost has been designed for cold water only, it can however be used to increase cold water flow rates and pressure to any mains hot water system such as unvented cylinders and combi boilers.

Videos

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TankBoost CAT5: Advanced Backflow Protection for Fluid Category 5 Risks

TankBoost CAT5 Webinar: Fluid Category 5 & Backflow Protection

TankBoost CAT5 450L Installation by Woodhouse Plumbing

TankBoost | Control Unit Factory Rese video cover

TankBoost | Control Unit Factory Reset

How to Link Two Water Storage Tanks

How to Install Mains Water Booster System – TankBoost Installation

How to Increase Water Pressure and Flow in a Property with Multiple Outlets

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