Generator Operation Question

[jinjimbob]

Sizing pressure tanks can get quite complicated. From what I have seen, they are frequently undersized, which can lead to early pump failure.

How can it break a pump?

I thought that the pump has to pump the water no matter what? I know wells with very low flow, their pumps can run half the day.

 

[RonMar]

How can it break a pump?

I thought that the pump has to pump the water no matter what? I know wells with very low flow, their pumps can run half the day.

I think he is refering to the pressure tanks. An undersized tank can cause the pump to short cycle/cycle more frequently than necessary, which will shorten their life.

The pumps you are refering to on a low flow well(lift or feed pump) are designed to run half the day and fill a cistern or holding tank(no pressure). Those systems have a second pressure pump that takes water from the holding tank and most likley feeds a bladder type pressure tank so you have on-demand water without having to wait for a pump to build pressure...

 

[BobRip]

Bob, I assume you are talking about bladder pressure tanks. I also have two, but they are plumbed in parallel, not series. You can add more tanks by T-ing them into the supply line.

Sizing pressure tanks can get quite complicated. From what I have seen, they are frequently undersized, which can lead to early pump failure.

Yes, they are the bladder pressure tanks. I agree that they are often undersized. My neighbor's failed and they replaced it with a 7.5 gallon. The plumber said that is what they are putting in all of the big homes that they are building. That seems much to small.
My second tank is T-ed into the supply line.

 

[SnowRidge]

Our pump failed shortly after we moved in, right after the septic failed, both in mid-winter.

The pressure tank was definitely undersized, so I just bought a second, bigger tank and T'd it into the line. Both tanks are in service. We now have nice long pump runs, and nice long intervals between runs, the way it should be

I think our total tank capacity is 56 gallons. Both are bladder tanks.

 

[BobRip]

I was calling the T-ing a series connection, but it could be viewed as parallel. Whatever we want to call it.

 

[3RRL]

Interesting about having more than one bladder pressure tank.
I'd like to do that for the same reason of having longer pump runs and longer pressure available between pump runs.
When you say "T" it into the supply line, could show a simple drawing showing the supply line, the two tanks and pressurized exit line to the house or wherever? What about the on/off pressure regulator valve(s) that tells the pump to come on and shut off? Is there just one now or does each tank have its own?

 

[Eagleview]

If it is a Diesel genny , running at WOT with no load will severely shorten it's life as the cylinder will glaze up .

The method i use at home is to pump once a month up to a header tank and then gravity feed back to the house . If you have a hill on your land , this is ideal . If not a stand with a smaller tank on top will give the same results . We can sometimes go for two months on 1000 gallons without pumping . We use a bucket to catch the cold water in the shower before it is purged and the hot starts to flow . We use this to flush the toilet with , so not wasting water .

 

[BobRip]

Interesting about having more than one bladder pressure tank.
I'd like to do that for the same reason of having longer pump runs and longer pressure available between pump runs.
When you say "T" it into the supply line, could show a simple drawing showing the supply line, the two tanks and pressurized exit line to the house or wherever? What about the on/off pressure regulator valve(s) that tells the pump to come on and shut off? Is there just one now or does each tank have its own?

Pressure Switch
|
|
Well ---------------+-------------+---------to house (sinks, toilets, etc.)
Pump | |
Tank Tank

How's this? There is just one pressure switch. I just cut the line to the existing tank and T'ed in another tank. The pressure switch controls the well pump. If you have an air injector, place it prior to any tanks. Between the well pump and the new tank. I had to move mine.

 

[AlanB]

Interesting about having more than one bladder pressure tank.
I'd like to do that for the same reason of having longer pump runs and longer pressure available between pump runs.
When you say "T" it into the supply line, could show a simple drawing showing the supply line, the two tanks and pressurized exit line to the house or wherever? What about the on/off pressure regulator valve(s) that tells the pump to come on and shut off? Is there just one now or does each tank have its own?

3RRL, you are overcomplicating it.

Yes, in your supply line, after the pump, before the appliance, cut out a section and put in a T, the straight leg is in the line, and the "base" of the T is too the tank. (really does not matter) No regulator, valve etc. etc. needed

It is just holding a "cushion" of water to work against.

 

[3RRL]

Yeah, Ok that looks easy to do.
Thanks for the sketch and explanations.