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Water Well Pump Questions

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by Glassman, Aug 11, 2007.

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  1. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 23, 2002
    15,242
    Montana, Oregon, Hawaii
    #1 Glassman, Aug 11, 2007
    I just put in a 180 foot deep well that the driller has assured me will produce 30 GPM. I have received four bids for pump equipment and they are all over the place in price. Two bids suggest a pump that runs constantly when water is required. The other two are suggesting a small pressure tank setup. I intend to use the well for irrigation of my three properties. I would also like the option of using the well for my primary residence in case of a disaster of some sort. I understand that would require the pump to be set six feet down to prevent freeze up. What about the two pump options. Is the continuously running pump ok, or do I really need a pressure tank, especially if I plumb my house with it?
     
  2. Bryan

    Bryan Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
    1,310
    Montrose, Colorado
    #2 Bryan, Aug 11, 2007
    If you go the tank route, then you have two routes.

    1. Either the tank is at grade and has to be able to withstand whatever pressure you want for your irrigation and, eventually, house pressure. If this pressure is 50 psi, the tank could get expensive. Even with just water, you don't want a tank incapable of handling the pressure. You'd also need a way to maintain the pressure in the tank, e.g. well pump with pressure controls, in order to get the water to the irrigation system. You could use air as well to pressure the tank, but then you need a compressor!

    2. Large developments put in elevated tanks at atmospheric pressure and rely on hydraulic head to provide the pressure to the homes. You could do the same, but would your neighbors accept a 100 foot tall tower (about what's needed for 50 psi)?

    If you go pumps, there are probably several approaches.

    1. The pump option would have a continuously operating pump at constant flow with discharge pressure at your desired system pressure plus pipeline losses. You would have to route the excess output either to waste (silly to me) or back to the well on what's called kickback.

    2. You can put in a well pump that fills an atmospheric tank on level control. Your system requirements at higher pressure are met by a SECOND pump. The tank doesn't have to be pressurizedd, but you need two pumps. The second pump would have to be winterized, based on your comment.
     

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