roof washers
- Thread starter ric
- Start date
GlennT
Gold Member
ric: Thank you, I would like that. Also, I have a schematic for a roof washer that you might be interested in. It is a sediment filter and is located at the gutter. It was developed locally by a local resident a few years ago and seems to be working well for those that use it. Being a schematic, I would have to send a copy by snail mail as I don't have access to a scanner. If you would care to E-mail your postal address, I would drop a copy in the mail. I should mention that it differs considerably from the one I developed. Thanks for offering the information.
GlennT
Gold Member
ric: Something which you might be interested in. I consulted with the pump specialist at a large hardware distributor in our area and I found that I had three options for shutting off the pump automatically if the water level dropped too low. I was shown a mechanical switch which would mount above the tank; a rod would extend down into the tank and there would be a float on the bottom. This kind of arrangement seemed to have too many things which could go wrong and I rejected it. A float switch is the usual method of turning on and off a pump according to the amount of water in the tank and this is the method I chose. Because I have 1 HP pumps, I had to special order float switches with internal mechanical devices. Float switches for 1/2 HP or 3/4 HP pumps often have mercury switches. A third method (and something which I may go for in the future) was to replace the pressure switch on the pump with one that turned off the pump automatically when it sensed that the pump wasn't sucking water out of the tank. If I understand correctly, the switch senses that the motor no longer has the load which accompanies moving water and the motor is deactivated. This type of switch might be a useful failsafe for you if for some reason you are not able to monitor the level in your tank. Just a thought...
By the way, we have one area of our house where I have not been able to devise a way to route water to a tank. I suggested to my wife that I use a choppping bar and a pickax to make a hole big enough to drop in a 500 gallon tank half way and then I would run underground pipes to it from two downspouts, surround the tank with flagstones to make a patio, build a trellis over it, put a rustic wood top over the tank and call it a picnic table. As is so often true with some of my more brilliant ideas, she was not enthralled and I doubt that the idea will come to fruition. More likely we will use rainchains at these locations.
By the way, we have one area of our house where I have not been able to devise a way to route water to a tank. I suggested to my wife that I use a choppping bar and a pickax to make a hole big enough to drop in a 500 gallon tank half way and then I would run underground pipes to it from two downspouts, surround the tank with flagstones to make a patio, build a trellis over it, put a rustic wood top over the tank and call it a picnic table. As is so often true with some of my more brilliant ideas, she was not enthralled and I doubt that the idea will come to fruition. More likely we will use rainchains at these locations.
Glenn, When I checked into auto shutoff devices I found similar devices to the first two you described. The load sensor was not suggested as an option. I wonder if it's not available for a Gould pump. I will need to check that out as that sounds like a solid fail safe option as you suggested. Exactly how much rain do you get where you live in Texas? I lived in El Paso for 5 years and I think it rained once the whole time. Have you considered a dry well in place of the 500 gallon tank? A dry well would be fairly simple and inexpensive to install, resolve your run off issue, but would not add to your water reserve directly only indirectly by directing it into your below ground acquifer.
Thanks for the tip I'll check it out. Later, ric
Thanks for the tip I'll check it out. Later, ric
GlennT
Gold Member
Talk about rain! We average a little over 30 inches of rain annually, according to the weather bureau's long-term statistics (our local Chamber of Commerce quotes 32 inches, but they have a vested interest, so...). However, by 4:00 p.m. yesterday we had over 4 inches in a 24 hour period. In south Austin, which is about 70 miles east of us, they had over 13 inches of rain in that same period and of course horrendous flooding, 1 or 2 deaths, etc. I wouldn't suggest buying a used car from a private party in Austin in the immediate future unless you know the person really well. Those minnows in the dashboard have a tendency to short out things after awhile.
Our four tanks filled overnight after 1 inch of rain, but that's not surprising considering that we are collecting from 4,799 square feet of roof surface. Even if you figure 70% to 80% efficiency, that still counts up rapidly. We really need to start thinking about one or more large tanks, as it bothers us to see the excess water pouring out of the overflow drains. Next summer during our annual drought and our 100+ degree heat, we'll wish we had that water.
Our four tanks filled overnight after 1 inch of rain, but that's not surprising considering that we are collecting from 4,799 square feet of roof surface. Even if you figure 70% to 80% efficiency, that still counts up rapidly. We really need to start thinking about one or more large tanks, as it bothers us to see the excess water pouring out of the overflow drains. Next summer during our annual drought and our 100+ degree heat, we'll wish we had that water.
Glenn, I know what you mean about "wasting" water once you become "aware" of how easy it is to collect it. I came to the realization some time ago that I won't be able to catch all of it and we get much less rainfall than you do. The best you can do is catch what makes sense then move the rest as far away from the house as possible. Since you are not using this for drinking water have you considered a pond and drain everything into that or is a pond not practical? Later, ric
mikim
Veteran Member
that setup sounds great - but I'm easily confused - could you post pics?? I've got to come up with something for collection in the next 2 years.
mike
mike
Molerj
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2001
- Messages
- 610
- Location
- Eastern Ohio
- Tractor
- JD 955, 1978 Economy Power King, JD X500
I was just wondering where is Marengo in Ohio, Ric.
GlennT
Gold Member
mikim: Sorry, I don't have the technology for that yet. I just haven't been motivated to get geared up. However, Christmas is coming...