With water shedding and sudden infrastructure breakdowns becoming an everyday reality across South Africa, leaving your taps to fate is no longer an option. There is nothing more frustrating than opening a tap during a water outage only to hear a dry hiss, especially when trying to run a household, finish the laundry, or take a morning shower.
Because we have always provided installation and support for popular water pumps over our 13+ years at AfriPumps, we have helped thousands of South Africans transition from relying entirely on the municipal grid to enjoying a completely uninterrupted, fully pressurised backup water system.
In this guide, we cover:
- How a Home Water Backup System Works
- The best backup pump types and brands available at AfriPumps
- How to choose the right setup so your home never runs dry
- AfriPumps Water Backup System Installations
How a Home Water Backup System Works
A reliable water backup system works like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your plumbing. Instead of running water straight from the street into your home, the municipal line first fills a static water storage tank (like a JoJo or Eco Tank).
When a water outage hits, your storage tank is full. However, because static tanks rely on gravity, unless mounted on a raised stand, they cannot provide enough force to feed your taps, showers, or washing machines on their own.
That is where a specialised water pressure booster pump comes in. It draws water from the tank and pumps it into your home’s plumbing network at a perfect, constant pressure.
Backup Pump Types Available at AfriPumps
Depending on your budget, property size, and energy setup, we generally recommend three primary types of backup pressure pumps:
1. Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Pumps
The best fit for modern South African homes. These intelligent pumps utilise built-in inverter technology. Instead of turning on at 100% blast every time you open a single tap, a VSD pump adjusts its motor speed dynamically based on exactly how much water you are using.
- Best-Selling Models: The DAB Esybox Mini 3 or standard DAB Esybox.
- Pros: Exceptionally quiet (thanks to water-cooled motors), highly energy-efficient (saving up to 50% on electricity), and space-saving because the pump, controller, and expansion tank are housed in one sleek box.
- Ideal for: Modern residential homes, townhouse complexes, and properties running on home solar systems where minimising startup power spikes is crucial.
2. Automatic Centrifugal Booster Systems
If you want robust, straightforward, and cost-effective reliability, a fixed-speed centrifugal pump paired with an automatic electronic controller is the traditional go-to setup.
- Best-Selling Models: The Zilmet ZIL 10H system with an automatic controller, or robust cast-iron centrifugal models.
- Pros: Highly durable, excellent cost-to-performance value, and very easy to maintain. The electronic controller automatically turns the pump on the moment a tap opens and shuts it off when it closes.
- Ideal for: Standard residential homes, garden irrigation backup, and properties looking for a budget-friendly way to hook up a 2,200 L water tank.
3. Integrated “All-In-One” Submersible Tank Pumps
For homeowners where space is limited, a submersible pressure pump is the perfect alternative. These pumps sit completely submerged inside your backup water tank, hidden away from view and weather elements.
- Best-Selling Model: The DAB Esybox Diver or Grundfos submersible booster ranges.
- Pros: Mostly silent because the water in the tank dampens all operational noise. It leaves zero external footprint outside the tank and features built-in dry-run protection to prevent the motor from burning out if the tank empties.
- Ideal for: Tight suburban yards, properties where pump theft or vandalism is a concern, and ultra-quiet residential setups.
Popular Outage-Proof Pump Brands
When the water supply becomes unreliable, you need a brand that is built to last. At AfriPumps, we only stock brands with strong local warranty support and readily available spare parts:
- DAB Pumps: Manufactured in Italy, DAB is the market leader in smart water backup solutions. Their E.Sysolution kits (which bundle a 1,100L tank with an integrated Esybox Mini) are popular for quick, hassle-free domestic installations.
- Grundfos: Renowned for premium, high-end engineering. Models like the Grundfos Scala2 are fully integrated, self-priming, and offer perfectly uniform water pressure across multiple taps simultaneously.
- Zilmet & Foras: Offering exceptional reliability at an accessible price point, these systems are perfect for homeowners wanting a tough, no-nonsense backup setup that stands up to years of continuous operation.
Quick Guide: Matching Your Household to the Right Backup Pump
| Property Size / Requirement | Recommended Pump System |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Bathroom Apartment / Small Home | DAB Esybox Mini 3 (0.75kW) |
| 3+ Bathroom Multi-Story Home | Grundfos Scala2 or Standard DAB Esybox (1.1kW) |
| Budget-Conscious Suburban Home | Zilmet ZIL 0.75kW Automatic Booster System |
| Strictly Noise-Sensitive / Small Yards | DAB Esybox Diver (Submersible) |
Ready to Outage-Proof Your Home?
Investing in a water backup system means you can cook, clean, shower, and live normally, no matter what is happening with the municipal grid.
When choosing your setup, always ensure your storage tank matches your family’s usage (we recommend at least a 2,220L tank for an average family of four) and that your pump is sized correctly to prevent over-pressurising your indoor pipes.
Ask us any questions about your pump requirements.
AfriPumps Water Backup System Installations
We offer water backup system packages, which include setup and testing.
For reliable performance and safety, it’s suggested that a pump expert install your backup water system, especially if it’s integrated with your main water line.
Tips for a successful installation:
- Position your tank on a stable, level base – typically a concrete slab or compacted sand pad.
- Install the pump near the base of the tank for easy access and efficient suction.
- Connect the pump inlet to the outlet at the bottom of the JoJo tank using a pump – to – tank connector kit.
- Connect the outlet from the pump to your household or irrigation supply line.
- Prime the pump (if required) and test for leaks.
- Connect power to the pump and test the pressure at multiple outlets.
Contact us for pricing for installation of a water backup solution.
Next Steps
AfriPumps offers complete, customised Water Tank and Pump Backup Kits designed specifically to keep South African homes running smoothly.
If you’re looking to find out more about JoJo Tank and pump setups, and which one would work for you, please read this article to answer those questions.
Please contact us for expert advice and a custom quote.
