|
| Author |
Message |
kevin13952
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Jul 2025 02:39pm - Edited by: kevin13952
Reply
So I'm pumping water from a creek. I have a submersible pump in the creek. That pump has it's own automatic switch and will turn off when the water is low, and turn on when the water gets 1.5 inches deep.
I pump from the creek to a 1500 gallon cicstern tank.
I want to be able to put a float switch into the cistern tank which will turn off power to the creek pump, when the cistern tank is full. Then provide power to the creek pump when the cistern water level drops.
The problem I'm finding is float valves seem to all be designed to turn ON when water is low, and turn OFF when water is high. That's REVERSE of what I need.
Can someone please tell me where to find a float switch that turns OFF when in the raised position and ON when in the lowered position?
Thank you in advance for any assistance!
|
|
gcrank1
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Jul 2025 03:36pm
Reply
Not to that question, but another....How to you envision running the wiring from the tank float switch to the pump?
|
|
Brettny
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Jul 2025 03:39pm
Reply
You dont need a float switch per say. A float valve and a pressure switch on the pump would work with existing wireing prob.
|
|
MtnDon
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Jul 2025 08:43pm
Reply
Search for a Pump Up Float Switch, also known as a 'Normally Closed" pump switch. They allow a tank to be filled and shut off the pump when full.
|
|
travellerw
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Jul 2025 10:07pm
Reply
If you are using a switch in this way, it would be submerged pretty much %100 of the time. I'm not sure that is the best solution as I highly doubt you could find one that is sealed well enough to last.
What you are trying to do is sorta common with people who have cisterns and water delivery. However, they usually power an alarm when the tank gets low. I have seen a device like this used.
https://www.amazon.ca/Motoforti-Universal-Sending-Sender-Stainless/dp/B0CT5C4HDS?crid =ORUXPVE30VD7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ekx02suArDH2AAogU5R0_nGaV0CzWXzlzd8kkfvN3VkhSN8KCwVyBP ELkBJgnJx6bER9VBUTT-cU5vro5oMN-6iWfLv4sHMwnMpl9Dd8kY1r-49TFG-dtv8xfdlNh3hSNJGkYPNWeN0 L9xRzz3IR-Y6CBpxo1L_mchK3sT7iuHt8nuLBblTQGAmr4XfZwhGKXCt53nbP9v_B-r1fi08UPuhb9jAfqKb6 Cb9W-mGbvtm7o-GcSOJ9wFdGOAcrTu9du2PifpJY88XjrJOf54LAPDEU-Kcji-Q_jL7HEZLSvAU.THunvOY7Q Hfi_t6n_JsSFU3BuvkTileJRclqO3gFMJ4&dib_tag=smacab-20&keywords=Sensor%2BStainless%2BSteel%2BS ending%2BUnit&qid=1751940276&sprefix=sensor%2Bstainless%2Bsteel%2Bsending%2Bunit%2Cap s%2C147&sr=8-26&th=1
Its unusually hooked up to a control board that sounds the alarm at a certain level. It could be easily modified to switch a relay instead (that could power the pump). It could also easily integrate into an arduino for a DIY solution if you have those skills.
|
|
MtnDon
Member
|
# Posted: 7 Jul 2025 10:40pm - Edited by: MtnDon
Reply
An explanation of the switch
An example of one you can buy
|
|
toyota_mdt_tech
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Jul 2025 07:59am
Reply
Man, this is so easy.
Tether float switch from a septic surge tank or tank alarm.
Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon...
Tether Float Switch
|
|
Brettny
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Jul 2025 07:25pm
Reply
It is a 1500gal tank. How much water are you really useing that you couldn't just manualy switch it on every few months?
For our weekend cabin with no toilet we fill two 275gal totes only once a year. We shower, drink, wash hands and dishes with it. I use a jet pump and it takes 30min per tank due to pumping way up hill.
|
|
|
paulz
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Jul 2025 09:30pm
Reply
Maybe his creek only rises enough to turn on the pump occasionally, so gotta get it while you can?
|
|
Grizzlyman
Member
|
# Posted: 8 Jul 2025 10:08pm
Reply
Farmers use similar float valves for stock tanks all over. Granted these are usually valves for pressured water pipes. But if you had pump that had a pressure switch, then a float valve might do the job for you as it would drop the pressure when opened. That would work wouldn’t it? Then you can avoid having a switch inside a tank.
|
|
travellerw
Member
|
# Posted: 9 Jul 2025 10:08am
Reply
Quoting: Brettny How much water are you really useing that you couldn't just manualy switch it on every few months?
Maybe watering the lawn. I know if I had access to large amounts of water I would be watering my lawn.
|
|
MtnDon
Member
|
# Posted: 9 Jul 2025 01:38pm
Reply
Quoting: travellerw if I had access to large amounts of water I would be watering my lawn
I'd be watering the forest around us
|
|
|
