Selecting and Specifying a Water Booster Pump for Healthcare Facilities

In healthcare facilities, reliable water pressure is essential for the continuous operation of medical and sanitation equipment, supporting patient care, hygiene, and daily building functions. Unlike residential spaces, healthcare buildings require more stringent water pressure solutions to meet the demand of critical systems, such as emergency showers, sterilizers, and HVAC units. Selecting and specifying a water booster pump tailored for healthcare facilities will be a crucial part of the overall building design and there are key elements to consider and understand.

Understanding the Role of a Water Booster Pump in Healthcare Facilities

A water booster pump is designed to maintain adequate water pressure in a building’s plumbing system. In healthcare facilities, this is particularly important due to the higher demand and the critical nature of many operations. Water booster pumps ensure that all areas, such as patient rooms, surgical suites, kitchens, endo scope reprocessing procedures and laundry facilities have consistent and adequate water pressure. This supports not only routine patient care, but also strict hygiene and operational standards required in healthcare environments.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Booster Pump for Healthcare Facilities

Choosing the right booster pump requires an in-depth understanding of the unique demands of a healthcare environment, where uninterrupted, reliable water supply is vital.

a. High Flow Rate Requirements

Healthcare facilities have numerous water outlets, and many of them may be in use simultaneously. Booster pumps need to be capable of handling high flow rates to supply sufficient water pressure across various zones in the building, including patient care areas, labs, and sanitation facilities. Assess your maximum demand by evaluating the total water requirements during peak operation times.

b. Pressure Boost for Critical Applications

Consider the pressure needs for specific applications. In a healthcare setting, some equipment (for example, medivators and sterilizers) require a minimum pressure to operate as expected.  However, it is generally recommended to design to exceed the minimum pressure to function correctly. Emergency systems, like eye wash stations and emergency showers, also require dependable water pressure. Choose a pump capable of meeting or exceeding the highest pressure requirements, typically between 55 to 60 PSI for most healthcare needs.  

c. Reliability and Redundancy

Reliability is paramount in healthcare facilities, where downtime can have severe consequences. It is recommended for a healthcare facility use a triplex arrangement with variable-speed pumps to ensure there’s always a backup available. Redundant systems prevent interruptions in water supply, allowing the facility to maintain critical operations even during maintenance or mechanical issues. Additionally, the secondary water supply acts as a critical backup, ensuring continuity if the main supply is compromised.

d. Pump Type

Different booster pumps offer specific benefits that can be suited to healthcare applications:

• Variable Speed Pumps: Automatically adjust based on water demand, saving energy and ensuring consistent pressure. Ideal for healthcare due to varying demand throughout the day.

• Multistage Pumps: Designed for high-pressure applications, ideal for larger facilities where multiple floors and high-rise configurations require strong, steady pressure.

• Quiet Operation Models: Noise-sensitive areas, such as patient rooms, benefit from pumps with noise-reduction features.

  
  

e. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Compliance

Healthcare facilities operate round-the-clock, making energy efficiency a priority to manage costs and environmental impact. Refer to the applicable energy codes and understand the project sustainability goals prior to final selection. Choose pumps with energy-efficient motors and variable-speed technology to reduce electricity consumption. Additionally, ensure the pump meets local environmental standards, as healthcare facilities are often required to comply with stringent water and energy regulations.

f. Installation Space and Accessibility

Healthcare buildings often have limited space for additional equipment. Ensure that the pump system fits within the available mechanical room space and can be installed with sufficient clearance for maintenance. Easy access is critical in healthcare facilities, where maintenance teams must quickly perform checks and repairs to avoid disruptions.

Specifying the Water Booster Pump for a Healthcare Setting

When specifying the booster pump for healthcare facilities, make sure to include detailed technical requirements and performance criteria for successful installation and integration.

a. Flow Rate and Pressure Specifications

Clearly specify the pump’s flow rate and pressure capabilities based on peak demand. Including these specifications ensures the pump can maintain adequate pressure in all zones of the building, from patient areas to sterilization rooms.

b. Electrical and Power Requirements

Healthcare buildings operate under specific electrical codes, so ensure the pump’s power requirements align with these standards. Specify voltage (often 208-240V or 480V in larger facilities) and any additional control requirements, such as automatic switchgear, to facilitate safe and reliable operation. Coordinate with the electrical engineer/contractor to ensure the electrical load can be carried by an emergency generator.

c. Control and Automation Features

In healthcare facilities, control and automation can help optimize pump performance and ensure reliability. Specify whether the pump needs to integrate with the facility’s Building Management System (BMS) to allow centralized control, monitoring, and alerts in the event of low pressure or pump failure. Pumps with automated start-stop mechanisms can also enhance efficiency by adjusting to water demand dynamically.

d. Certification and Compliance

Ensure the pump complies with standards like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CE, and meets healthcare-specific water regulations, which may vary by region. Compliance with NSF/ANSI standards for drinking water systems is also critical in facilities where the pump supplies potable water.

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

a.      For healthcare facilities, the initial installation and long-term maintenance of water booster pumps are essential for uninterrupted service and performance.

When going through the process, it is important to work closely with the owner, equipment vendors and architect to ensure that all equipment and fixtures are accounted for. Coordination is key and will ensure installation, operation and maintenance go as planned.

 

Written By

Chad Beliveau

Senior Plumbing/ Fire Protection Project Leader

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