Do You Really Need a Booster Pump or Water Tank? Water Pressure Explained

One of the most overlooked frustrations for new landed homeowners is weak water pressure.

“My rainshower barely dribbles upstairs.”

“The water pressure drops when someone flushes.”

“Builder says it’s PUB’s fault — now I need a booster pump?”

Here’s the truth: not all homes need a pump, but if you’re rebuilding a 2.5- or 3-storey landed home, you must design your water system smartly — or suffer a lifetime of pressure issues.

1. How Water Pressure Works in Landed Homes (Singapore Context)

In Singapore, PUB supplies water at an average pressure of 2.5–3 bar — enough for most HDBs and landed ground-floor homes.

But in landed properties:

• Water must travel vertically up to 3 levels

• Each floor loses 0.3 bar (due to gravity)

• Pipe friction adds more pressure loss

• Showers, rain heads, and instant heaters need higher pressure

➡️ That means a 2nd or 3rd storey rainshower can drop below usable pressure — especially if multiple taps run at once.

2. AMSL Matters — Why Your Home’s Elevation Affects Water Pressure

In Singapore, PUB regulates water pressure based on elevation — measured as AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level). This affects how much pressure actually reaches your home, especially on upper floors.

💡 What is AMSL?

It’s the vertical height of your property above average sea level. You can check your site’s AMSL on OneMap.

🚨 PUB Pressure Standard

According to PUB’s water supply handbook:

“Properties located at elevations above 25m AMSL may not receive adequate water pressure directly from the public mains. In such cases, a break tank and booster pump system shall be installed to ensure sufficient water pressure at all draw-off points.” — PUB Code of Practice on Water Services, Section 4.2.1

 What This Means for You

Site AMSL	Action Required
< 20m	Direct feed may be sufficient
20–25m	Case-by-case — booster pump advised
> 25m	Booster pump + tank required

Even in low AMSL areas, pressure can drop if:

• You have multiple rainshowers

• You’re using instant water heaters

• You install water filters or softeners

• Multiple outlets are used simultaneously

✅ Builder Tip: Always check your site’s AMSL level before finalising plumbing design.

3. What Does PUB Say About Booster Pumps?

PUB does not allow direct pumping from the public mains.

📌 If you install a booster pump:

• You must connect it to a water tank (aka break tank or storage tank)

• The tank is filled by gravity or float valve from the PUB mains

• The pump draws water from tank, then pressurises it for use

💡 Avoid illegal setups! Direct-pump systems may be rejected during inspection and cause fines or water supply disruption.

4. Where to Locate the Tank and Pump

• Outdoor yard

• Underslab or basement (if available)

• Rooftop tanks for gravity-fed systems

⚠️ Soundproofing may be needed — some booster pumps are noisy.

Booster Pump System & Water Tank @ Mei Hwan Drive

✅ Hitomo’s Approach to Water Pressure Planning

At Hitomo Construction, our M&E planning includes:

• Reviewing PUB incoming main size

• Checking AMSL levels to determine pressure zones

• Designing water flow for simultaneous multi-point use

• Advising on legal booster systems and PUB-compliant layouts

• Coordinating all PUB submissions with licensed plumbers

Before You Rebuild, Ask These:

✅ What’s my property’s AMSL level?

✅ How many bathrooms will run at the same time?

✅ Do I plan for rainshowers or bathtubs?

✅ Will I use instant heaters or storage?

✅ Where can I discreetly install a tank + pump system?

📞 Don’t Let Poor Water Pressure Ruin Your Dream Home

Talk to us before the slab is poured — we’ll help you plan a pressure-perfect water system that complies with PUB and supports luxury living, even on the top floor.