1 Topic by pcmenten (edited by pcmenten 2012-07-24 00:09:48)

  • Registered: 2012-07-23
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

Is this the right place to ask a question about well pumps and irrigation?

I burned up a well pump and recently had it replaced. My fault, I didn't adequately deal with the pump relay when it went bad.

The old well pump was run with a fan center as a pump relay; when the sprinklers came on, a signal was sent to the fan center, a double-pole affair that by-passed the pressure switch while the sprinklers were running. The intent was to stop the pump cycling during the irrigation. It worked well until the fan center started blowing the fuse in the sprinkler control.

I replaced the fan center with a pump relay, but it's also blowing the fuse in the irrigation control box. So I'm here to come up with a long-term fix. I'll buy a variable speed pump if need be, but if I can crutch this current setup for the rest of this season, that would be helpful.

And at some point, I'd like to discuss the design of a really good fix - a PLC to control pressures, speeds, irrigation valves, and the like.

Thanks in advance.

Paul

  • From: Connecticut USA
  • Registered: 2012-03-01
  • Posts: 66

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

You are in the right place. SpeedBump will be along and he's the guy I ask when I'm stumped, so you are in good hands.

Redwood's Website

  • From: Riverview, Fl.
  • Registered: 2012-06-18
  • Posts: 56

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

Your going to have to help me out here with the "Fan Center" thing.  I have no idea what that is.  You could be talking about a double pole relay, but you said that's what you replaced the Fan Center with, so I'm confused. 

Why is the pump on a pressure switch and tank in the first place? Do you also use this well for your home?

You said that you replaced the Fan Center with a double pole relay and it's blowing the fuse in your sprinkler controller.  Maybe the relay you are using is pulling too much current for the controller to handle.

There are better ways to keep the pump from cycling.  Is it a jet pump or a submersible?

Speedbump's Website

  • From: NC
  • Registered: 2012-05-11
  • Posts: 39

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

Would I be off base by suggesting something like a motor starter and appropriate heater tabs to lessen the load.  The amp draw will go down to nothing if I am following you correctly.

AllurePlumbing.com

Leak detection, drain cleaning, utility locating, conductor fault locating, and other specialties.
Greensboro NC, Winston-Salem NC, High Point NC, Thomasville NC, Kernersville NC

allure.plumbing's Website

  • From: Riverview, Fl.
  • Registered: 2012-06-18
  • Posts: 56

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

I think we have lost Paul.

Speedbump's Website

  • From: NC
  • Registered: 2012-05-11
  • Posts: 39

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

AllurePlumbing.com

Leak detection, drain cleaning, utility locating, conductor fault locating, and other specialties.
Greensboro NC, Winston-Salem NC, High Point NC, Thomasville NC, Kernersville NC

allure.plumbing's Website

  • From: Riverview, Fl.
  • Registered: 2012-06-18
  • Posts: 56

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

Speedbump's Website

  • Registered: 2013-10-25
  • Posts: 2

Re: Well pumps and lawn irrigation

Hey Guys well i think that jet pump is used an impeller and diffuser to vacuum out water into a pipe.While submersible pump is engrossed in water near the bottom of your well.Thanks!!