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OPTaylor
USA
1 Posts |
 Posted - 03/17/2009 : 19:30:51
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I own a 20 year old house and well water system that has a ½ hp submersible pump and a 30-50 pressure system with a bladder tank that has 28 psi of pressure when relaxed. Most of the plumbing is ¾ inch copper runs with ½ branches. I experience low pressure moments that I’d like to correct. A few years ago my pressure switch failed and I replaced it with one of those “big box store” foreign made, non adjustable switches. I’m now wondering if my low pressure times are because of this switch. It seems to wait too long to call for the pump to run. Should I replace that switch with a better one, or should I increase my system with a 40-60 switch and what would the ramifications be if I did that? Thanks for your advice.
Kevin |
Edited by - OPTaylor on 03/18/2009 01:49:43
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cow_rancher
USA
1110 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2009 : 09:17:38
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quote:
Originally posted by OPTaylorI’m now wondering if my low pressure times are because of this switch.
Your low end pressure would never be below 28 psi, below that you get zero water.
quote:
Originally posted by OPTaylorIt seems to wait too long to call for the pump to run.
Perhaps you have clogged screens in your faucets, or a "whole house filter" that needs to be changed?
quote:
Originally posted by OPTaylorShould I replace that switch with a better one, or should I increase my system with a 40-60 switch and what would the ramifications be if I did that?
I would if your pump can pump that high.
Rancher |
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watertanks.com
USA
83 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2009 : 10:45:02
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quote:
Originally posted by OPTaylor
I own a 20 year old house and well water system that has a ½ hp submersible pump and a 30-50 pressure system with a bladder tank that has 28 psi of pressure when relaxed. Most of the plumbing is ¾ inch copper runs with ½ branches. I experience low pressure moments that I’d like to correct. A few years ago my pressure switch failed and I replaced it with one of those “big box store” foreign made, non adjustable switches. I’m now wondering if my low pressure times are because of this switch. It seems to wait too long to call for the pump to run. Should I replace that switch with a better one, or should I increase my system with a 40-60 switch and what would the ramifications be if I did that? Thanks for your advice.
Kevin
I am not a big fan of pressure tanks for the reasons listed above. They last a long time, but the inconsistent pressure drops and many years of maintenance that you have to tie in are just not always worth it. There are advantages of a pressure tank, I just feel the disadvantages of one outweighs those advantages.
Your well pump seems a bit low for a residential usage, for optimum usage at least. I would recommend pumping into a holding tank and then using an on-demand booster pump to provide the pressure to your house. This would increase your pressure and give you a more static pressure level. Plus the cost is relatively the same.
As for the ramifications of increasing pressure, typically an increase from 30/50 to 40/60 is almost nil.
James Opferman
Pump and Tank Tech
American Tank Company
http://www.watertanks.com/
707-535-1415 (direct phone)
707- 535-1465 (Fax)
jameso@americantank.com |
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brushfire21
20 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2009 : 10:21:07
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So how would you run the system without a pressure tank? A pressure tank is required on any pump system, Constant Pressure VFD System, Cycle-Stop valve or normal pressure switch.
Not sure where your coming from saying you not a fan of pressure tanks, but what is your solution then if you don't like them? Pressure Tanks (Bladder, Captive Air or Galvanized tanks) are a necessity to balance out the laws of nature.... love-hate relationship maybe? |
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watertanks.com
USA
83 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2009 : 13:18:19
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I prefer a booster system over a pressure tank. An on-demand booster pump like the BT 20/40 or BT 20/30 from Davey works in place of those, sure the lifetime expectancy is less, but it's less hassle and work to maintain it during it's life expectancy. The on-demand booster pump provides a static psi level and if you are pulling out of a tank it makes it even easier. From the amount of calls I get on pressure tank issues it just seems to me that an on-demand booster pump from a holding tank when drawing from a well is a much less expensive and less maintenance way to go.
James Opferman
Pump and Tank Tech
American Tank Company
http://www.watertanks.com/
707-535-1415 (direct phone)
707- 535-1465 (Fax)
jameso@americantank.com |
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cow_rancher
USA
1110 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2009 : 09:26:55
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So this would work kinda like the pumps in an RV, an on-demand system, pretty cool.
Rancher |
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Topic |
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How should I up my water pressure?
