Pressure Tanks & Pressure Switches
People's systems whom have their own well and use the water for their for house usually have a pressure tank and switch to provide on-demand water. Pressure tanks can be used with above ground jet pumps, shallow jet pumps, and submersible pumps.
I've even seen pressure tanks used on horizontal centrifugal pumps but I don't recommend this because it can be very difficult to prevent the pump from constantly turning on and off because a centrifugal pump just doesn't build up a high enough pressure and it looses it quickly when the system or any water is running. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used for irrigation in many southern areas where the water table is less than 20 feet and the used of a pump start relay can be more efficient (than using a pressure tank) in most residential sized yards.
A pump start relay turns on the pump only when told to do so by a digital or mechanical timer and it is turned on simultaneously with a zone opening or water being used. This is why a relay is usually only good for irrigation systems. The use of a pressure tank and pressure switch is perfect for on-demand water. On-demand water is water that is under pressure and comes on as soon you open a faucet or "demand" water.
A few common problems that I see in the field are:
1. Pressure tanks that have loss pressure due to attrition or a ruptured bladder.
2. Burned up / Shorted out pump motors.
3. Bad check valve or vacuum leak in fittings going into pump causing it to loose prime.
4. Bad pressure switch.
5. Wiring short from source or anywhere between the power source, switch, and pump.
All of these problems can be solved by diagnosing and fixing. It may take some time, but it can be done. As long as you can use a multimeter, plumb PVC pipe, do simple HV wiring, lift small to medium sized pumps and tanks, and have the will to do it, than you have the resources. Many people just do not have the time to fix it themselves, so they hire a professional like myself and my company to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
I've even seen pressure tanks used on horizontal centrifugal pumps but I don't recommend this because it can be very difficult to prevent the pump from constantly turning on and off because a centrifugal pump just doesn't build up a high enough pressure and it looses it quickly when the system or any water is running. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used for irrigation in many southern areas where the water table is less than 20 feet and the used of a pump start relay can be more efficient (than using a pressure tank) in most residential sized yards.
A pump start relay turns on the pump only when told to do so by a digital or mechanical timer and it is turned on simultaneously with a zone opening or water being used. This is why a relay is usually only good for irrigation systems. The use of a pressure tank and pressure switch is perfect for on-demand water. On-demand water is water that is under pressure and comes on as soon you open a faucet or "demand" water.
A few common problems that I see in the field are:
1. Pressure tanks that have loss pressure due to attrition or a ruptured bladder.
2. Burned up / Shorted out pump motors.
3. Bad check valve or vacuum leak in fittings going into pump causing it to loose prime.
4. Bad pressure switch.
5. Wiring short from source or anywhere between the power source, switch, and pump.
All of these problems can be solved by diagnosing and fixing. It may take some time, but it can be done. As long as you can use a multimeter, plumb PVC pipe, do simple HV wiring, lift small to medium sized pumps and tanks, and have the will to do it, than you have the resources. Many people just do not have the time to fix it themselves, so they hire a professional like myself and my company to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com
posted by Irrigationman at
8:24 PM
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