Domestic Water Booster Replacement – Gold Coast

FirstService Project Management was contacted to assess the condition of the existing domestic water booster pump system at the Gold Coast Condo Association. An initial cursory investigation noted that there appeared to be a large amount of water draining from the booster pump drain. FSPM partnered with a FirstService Residential In Good Company Plumbing Contractor to assess the existing pump and devise a plan to replace the existing one with a new system.

This approach allows for both the new and the old system to work simultaneously which should minimize interruption to the building water service to only one day. The scope of work consists of:

  • Isolate domestic water to the entire building to accommodate new isolation valves
  • Provide and install (4) new 4” ball valves on the existing domestic water system to allow for a new booster system.
  • Re-energize the system and return the domestic water system to operate under the existing pump. Provide a new Metropolitan VMS-MTIII-1000-PIH-50B domestic booster skid system. The new skid system includes a NEMA control panel, (2) variable frequency drives, 119-gallon hydro-pneumatic tank, gauges, and transducers.
  • Install new skid system
  • Extend new 4” suction and supply pipe and fittings and connect to newly install valves.
  • Extend power from existing isolated pump to the new system and connect.
  • Energize the new system via (1) of the variable speed drives and confirm the system is operating properly.
  • Once verified, disconnect the existing booster pump and extend power to the 2nd drive unit.
  • Insulate new piping to match existing.
  • Disconnect and remove existing domestic booster system and remove from site.
  • Plug existing new valves serving the old system for future use.

Since access to the pump room did not allow for the large booster pump skid to be brought in in one piece, once on-site, some components were disassembled to get them into the pump room, and then, re­assembled.  

This installation method did not require a complete drain down of the domestic water piping distribution. Instead, the risers were shut down and then isolated to hold them back in lieu of draining.

Everyone who I worked with on this project was accessible and helpful. In particular, Bob Stehman, who served as the site supervisor, was helpful and took the time to explain and answer any questions raised.

-Charles Stanford, Board Member and Chair of Building Committee

Reference: Ivy Forester, Property Manager