Water Well 101......A few questions from a water well newbie

[CobyRupert]

To reduce pump cycling, consider CycleStop.

For your pressure tank with bladder, set the bladder psi to 2lbs below the cut on pressure (38lbs if your pressure switch is 40-60).

Maybe this goes without saying, but novices like me had to figure out you set this air pressure in the bladder when there's zero water pressure. (i.e. pump off and tank has drained to zero water pressure.)

 

[ericm979]

I can't address the pressure tank issues since we have a gravity fed system. But I can say that you should set aside money each month/quarter/year for the well repair fund. Pipes in the well rust out, pumps fail, etc. We have a well repair bill roughly every 5-7 years.
Also have water in containers for emergency use for when the well goes out and the pump guys can't get there for a few days. Also for when the power goes out unless you have a way for the generator to run the well pump.

 

[turnkey4099]

Summary of above posts:

Pressure switch range is set for 20 psi pump cut in/out, pressure in tank is set 2psi below the cut in. This is set by turning pump off and draining the tank empty.

Pressures recommended for residential us: 30/50 or 40/60. The range can be adjusted up'down on most pressure switches. Pressures above 60 not recommended as it causes undue wear on fixtures.

30/50 in my experience is that the impulse sprinklers are a bit problematical at around the bottom of the pressure range. My system runs at the 30-50 range but I don't do a lot of irrigation.

New installlations usually are equipped with cycle stop switches. good/bad? I dunno, my understanding is that the pump turns on every time water is drawn.

 

[RNeumann]

"3 phase pumps"?
How many private residences have 3 phase power?

Not many, but their are a lot of 3 phase pumps in residential settings. I know it’s shocking but they can actually make 3 phase from split phase.....

Is a VFD Constant Pressure System worth the $$$? - YouTube

This is what I have. But like I said, it’s probably too late. The pump is probably already set (the one installed isn’t a temp) or it’s ordered.

Goulds Water Technology Presents Aquavar Solo 2 - YouTube

 

[Rmally]

Hey Folks,

Thanks for all the replies.....I just went ahead and printed all these to go over with the builder. I also talked with the gentleman that installed the initial outdoor setup, he said my builder had already called him and they were going to meet next week regarding moving the system.

They poured a small concrete pad today for the tank and trenched over to the house to run the power to the pump. Too late for me on the 3 phase but hopefully once its set up like y'all suggested we won't have any problems.

I sincerely appreciate all the help, I'm sure more questions will follow soon. On a side note I do remember back when it was installed the air pressure was something like 60psi and i lowered it to either 28 or 30. I assume 60 was way to high.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

"3 phase pumps"?
How many private residences have 3 phase power?

None. Probably meant a 220 volt pump. No residence is 3 phase

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Not many, but their are a lot of 3 phase pumps in residential settings. I know it’s shocking but they can actually make 3 phase from split phase.....

Is a VFD Constant Pressure System worth the $$$? - YouTube

This is what I have. But like I said, it’s probably too late. The pump is probably already set (the one installed isn’t a temp) or it’s ordered.

Goulds Water Technology Presents Aquavar Solo 2 - YouTube

This is true... had to do it in Pittsburgh last year, something to do with back feeding a neutral I think???

 

[hawkeye08]

Summary of above posts:

Pressure switch range is set for 20 psi pump cut in/out, pressure in tank is set 2psi below the cut in. This is set by turning pump off and draining the tank empty.

Pressures recommended for residential us: 30/50 or 40/60. The range can be adjusted up'down on most pressure switches. Pressures above 60 not recommended as it causes undue wear on fixtures.

30/50 in my experience is that the impulse sprinklers are a bit problematical at around the bottom of the pressure range. My system runs at the 30-50 range but I don't do a lot of irrigation.

New installlations usually are equipped with cycle stop switches. good/bad? I dunno, my understanding is that the pump turns on every time water is drawn.

It allows the pressure tank to work normally until the pressure drops enough to turn pump on, then pump runs until water flow stops and the pressure tank is filled.

Basic Operation of a Cycle Stop Valve – Cycle Stop Valves, Inc

 

[RNeumann]

This is true... had to do it in Pittsburgh last year, something to do with back feeding a neutral I think???

Static Phase Converters -vs- Rotary Phase Converters -vs- Variable Frequency Drives - YouTube

OP- if you don’t want this thread going this way I’ll stop.

 

[oosik]

I have a VERY LARGE spring that produces over 300 gpm. I have a 3/4 hp submersible pump - 80 gallon pressure tank. The pressure tank and controls are in the basement. I get plenty of water. If I turn on every single faucet - I do notice a slight drop in flow & pressure. My pressure switch is set at 40-60.