Small Cabin

Small Cabin Forum
 - Forums - Register/Sign Up - Reply - Search - Statistics -

Small Cabin Forum / General Forum / Water pump and low water level troubles
Author Message
zoodlemaker
Member
# Posted: 2 Oct 2016 11:22
Reply 


Our cottage is on a lake whose water level changes by about 4 or 5 feet over the season, making it difficult or impossible for the water pump to get up to proper pressure by october.

I'm thinking of moving the 1/2 hp self-priming shallow well jet pump from under the cottage and down the slope towards the lake to extend our season with running water.

Would this work? And would the pressure tank have to be moved with the pump?

Any thoughts appreciated! Thanks so much.

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 2 Oct 2016 12:08
Reply 


I don't know much about jet pumps, but with any pump, you need to get the manufacturers specs on it and know your total head.

So the question is- if the pump can't pull the water that far, can it push it that far if the pump was lower? I doubt it- 1/2 hp at a given flow rate can only lift a certain head- and sounds like your pump is at the limit at low lake levels. I think you need a 3/4 hp pump

Just
Member
# Posted: 2 Oct 2016 12:10
Reply 


yes move the pump down the hill and no leave the tank were it is
You will get more complicated answers but I would try that first.

zoodlemaker
Member
# Posted: 2 Oct 2016 12:35
Reply 


Thank you both! At rough estimate I might think of moving the pump about 35' away and lower by about 5'. Though that's just my thought. The pump is rated for a 25' drop. It sits about 75' from the lake.

A 3/4 pump would probably do it by the sound of it. So either way I'm disconnecting.

Just
Member
# Posted: 2 Oct 2016 19:38
Reply 


most shallow well jet pumps will suck 20 feet well and push 120 ft up hill , but loose volume at the extremes. A two line jet can suck56 ft no problem.

zoodlemaker
Member
# Posted: 3 Oct 2016 08:03
Reply 


Thanks Just. I've done a more careful measure and the pump is only 15' to 20' up and 100' back from the shore.

The difficulty in getting the tank up to pressure is an annual problem.

The pump is now set to turn off at 70 lbs. Perhaps I could reduce that to 60 lbs.

Just
Member
# Posted: 3 Oct 2016 08:18
Reply 


that should help shorten run times

donbell
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2016 05:04
Reply 


I am not sure whether your problem with water pump is solved since it's been two months since you have raised the issue.Is your pump working well?Water level and pressure issues are common and last week I read a blog which pointed out the issues of water pressure levels and offered some solution on how to get rid of it.Here is the link to the blog http://www.brothersplumbing.ca/blog/plumbing/5-low-water-pressure-solutions/ . I hope that you find it useful.

zoodlemaker
Member
# Posted: 23 Dec 2016 06:12
Reply 


Thanks so much for the link! The water level of the lake really did affect the pump. It stopped being able to draw water by about the end of October. Everything is frozen now so I've drained the system, pulled the water line from the lake and carry buckets of water up to the cottage. Thanks!

neckless
Member
# Posted: 28 Dec 2016 09:40
Reply 


the average pump pressure in home systems is 25 to 50... in rural areas

Your reply
Bold Style  Italic Style  Underlined Style  Thumbnail Image Link  Large Image Link  URL Link           :) ;) :-( :confused: More smilies...

» Username  » Password 
Only registered users can post here. Please enter your login/password details before posting a message, or register here first.