Booster Pumps and Pressure Tanks: How They Work and Which to Buy
- Booster pump: raises water pressure from a tank to the house
- Pressure tank or controller: starts and stops the pump automatically
- Size by the number of taps used at once and the height to lift
- Inverter use: the inverter must handle the motor's starting power
On this page
- How Does a Booster Pump Work?
- How Does a Pressure Pump Work in a House?
- Pressure Tank vs Pump Controller
- Pressure Tanks and Pump Controllers (prices)
- Booster Pumps (prices)
- Which Size Booster Pump Do I Need?
- Can a Pressure Pump Run on an Inverter?
- Does a Pressure Tank Need Electricity?
- Frequently asked questions
How Does a Booster Pump Work?
The pump's motor spins an impeller that pushes water from the tank into the house pipes at a higher pressure. Without automatic control, it would run continuously, so it is paired with a pressure switch and tank or an electronic pump controller.
How Does a Pressure Pump Work in a House?
- You open a tap; the pressure in the pipes drops.
- The pressure switch or controller senses the drop and starts the pump.
- The pump keeps the pressure up while water flows.
- When you close the tap, the pressure rises and the pump stops.
Pressure Tank vs Pump Controller
| Pressure tank + pressure switch | Electronic pump controller | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A bladder holds water under pressure; the pump cycles less | Senses flow and pressure; starts and stops the pump |
| Extra feature | Small store of pressurised water | Many models stop the pump if the tank runs dry |
Pressure Tanks and Pump Controllers (prices)
24L VAREM KS KITKSh 9,000
MONDIAL PUMP CONTROLLERKSh 8,500
DAYLIFF PRESS CONTROL 1.5KWKSh 15,750
DAYLIFF BRIO PUMP CONTOLLERKSh 18,530
PEDROLLO EASY PRESS PUMP CONTROLLERKSh 24,000
DAVEY TORRIUM II PUMP CONTROLLERKSh 29,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| 24L VAREM KS KIT | KSh 9,000 |
| MONDIAL PUMP CONTROLLER | KSh 8,500 |
| DAYLIFF PRESS CONTROL 1.5KW | KSh 15,750 |
| DAYLIFF BRIO PUMP CONTOLLER | KSh 18,530 |
| PEDROLLO EASY PRESS PUMP CONTROLLER | KSh 24,000 |
| DAVEY TORRIUM II PUMP CONTROLLER | KSh 29,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 1 October 2026).
Booster Pumps (prices)
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 1 October 2026).
Shower booster pumps
Weak shower pressure only? A shower booster pump raises pressure for one bathroom:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| GRUNDFOS SHOWER BOOSTER PUMP STR2 1.5BAR | KSh 76,000 |
| GRUNDFOS SHOWER BOOSTER PUMP STR2 2.0BAR | KSh 84,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 1 October 2026).
Which Size Booster Pump Do I Need?
- Count the taps and showers likely to run at the same time.
- Note how high the water must be lifted (floors above the pump).
- Tell us the tank position and the number of floors and outlets, and we will size the pump.
Can a Pressure Pump Run on an Inverter?
Yes, if the inverter is sized for the pump. A motor draws much more power for a moment when starting than when running, so choose an inverter with enough surge capacity. Ask us for the pump's rating.
Does a Pressure Tank Need Electricity?
No, the tank itself has no power. It only stores water under pressure; the pump (which uses electricity) refills it.
Related: how to choose a water pump and water storage tanks.
Watch: Fabrication and components
Frequently asked questions
How does a booster pump work?
It pushes water from a tank to the taps at a higher pressure; a pressure switch or controller starts and stops it.
How much is a booster pump controller in Kenya?
Pump controllers on our list cost KSh 8,500 to KSh 29,000; a 24-litre pressure tank kit is KSh 9,000.
Can a pressure pump run on an inverter?
Yes, if the inverter can handle the motor's starting power, which is much higher than its running power.
Does a pressure tank need electricity?
No. The tank stores water under pressure; only the pump uses electricity.
Can a pressure tank work without a pump?
Only briefly: it releases the water it holds, then needs the pump to refill and re-pressurise it.