Irrigation economics and logistics

[gocards1177]

$150ish (with tax) will get you a 1" gas powered water pump such as 1" Clear Water Pump with 79cc OHV Gas Engine. Add a roll of black poly pipe and a suction strainer and you would be good to go.

Aaron Z

I think that might be the ticket! Thanks aczlan. Here's one that's a 2" that I found on Amazon. Amazon.com: DuroMax XP650WP 3-Inch Intake 7 HP OHV 4-Cycle 220-Gallon-Per-Minute Gas-Powered Portable Water Pump (CARB Compliant): Patio, Lawn & Garden

Looking to the future, would this be a handy thing to have? Should I step up to a better brand for longevity?

 

[aczlan]

I would think so. I would go with this one though (if you have a Harbor Freight close by): 2" Clear Water Pump with 212cc Gas Engine

Aaron Z

 

[gocards1177]

I would think so. I would go with this one though (if you have a Harbor Freight close by): 2" Clear Water Pump with 212cc Gas Engine

Aaron Z

Unfortunately no harbor freight nearby. We use Amazon with Free Shipping all the time, though.

 

[gocards1177]

It would cost a bit more money, but it might make more practical sense to get a submersible pump like this one and then a small generator to run it that I could use for other stuff.

Wayne RUP160 1/6-Horsepower 3, 000 GPH Oilless Submersible Utility Water Pump - Amazon.com

 

[aczlan]

I like the idea, but the problem with that one is that when you hit 20' of head, your flow will be non-existent. See RUP160 | Wayne Pumps for the flow table on that pump.
I might go for something more like this one: Ironton Cast Iron Clear Water Pump - 720 GPH, 1/2 HP, 1in. - Amazon.com which is "rated" at 110' of lift.

Aaron Z

 

[gocards1177]

I like the idea, but the problem with that one is that when you hit 20' of head, your flow will be non-existent. See RUP160 | Wayne Pumps for the flow table on that pump.
I might go for something more like this one: Ironton Cast Iron Clear Water Pump - 720 GPH, 1/2 HP, 1in. - Amazon.com which is "rated" at 110' of lift.

Aaron Z

I was just noticing the same thing. There are charts on the Wayne website with flow given per feet of head. How did you find the Ironton pump? I can't figure out a good way to search amazon for pumps with more head. Is there a type of electric pump that produces more head? I also can't find the wattage requirement for this pump, which will be important for generator sizing.

 

[charlz]

With an electric pump you would need to know the starting draw to ensure your generator could start it.

 

[gocards1177]

With an electric pump you would need to know the starting draw to ensure your generator could start it.

Well this one says 370 Watts in the description. If it's anything like air conditioners or fridges, the starting draw couldn't be any more that another 50%, don't you think?
NEW ELECTRIC WATER PUMP - 1/2 HP CENTRIFUGAL PUMP 1" in - Amazon.com

 

[charlz]

Yeah I wouldn't think so.

Might want to think about building a pump system as close to what you think you would need if you build a house there. Actual irrigation pump, pump shed etc. Small pump like that wouldn't handle lawn irrigation etc.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Sorry 2LaneCruzer, I wasn't trying to be "smarmy". I've done the landscapping in 5 different houses with drip irrigation systems and I'm a huge fan. They're pretty cheap, user friendly, customizable, and best of all can be put on a timer. I just need to figure out how to get some water up in the air to feed it.

No offense taken; I can see you are a gentleman.