• Registered: 2015-08-10
  • Posts: 3

Topic: Best Practice for Pump Life

I have a well setup I use for watering my lawn and house slab. The pump has a 1HP motor and I have a 52gal pressure tank. I can run the pump until the cut off point of about 60psi. I can then open my hose that feeds three sprinklers. It will run for about 3 and a half minutes before the pump cuts on at about 30psi. The pump will then bring the pressure up to about 50psi and the pump runs the entire time I water. My question is: Is it better to let the pump just run or should I bring the shut off pressure down to get the pump to cycle? Thanks!

Jeb (Jack of all trades)

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

Re: Best Practice for Pump Life

It is very hard on a motor to let it cycle.  All pump motors are continuous duty motors and running 24/7 is what they would like to do.  When a motor starts; the starting amperage is three to five times the actual running amps.  This builds head quickly, so the more starts in a short time, the more heat.  Once started, the built in fan will cool the motor as it runs and will keep it at a comfortable temperature for the motor.  This is not to say you should lay your hand on the motor in Tampa in the month of August.

Speedbump's Website

  • Registered: 2015-08-10
  • Posts: 3

Re: Best Practice for Pump Life

Thanks! That's what I wanted to know.