Prevent Well Pump Running When Dry

[osmond]

I'm looking for ideas to prevent a well pump from running when it has lost prime.

The pump fills a 6 cu. m. storage tank next to it, so very little pressure on the output side as it only lifts the water about 3 meters to the top of the tank.

I assume a low pressure cut out switch probably will not do the job.

Is there any way of detecting flow of water on the output side of the pump into the tank and switching off the pump if flow not present, maybe after a time delay to allow the pump to start ??

Thanks in advance . . .

Osmond

[IsaanAussie]

Osmond,

First question is why is the pump losing the priming water. Check the non-return value on the suction side first. Probably isnt closing fully.

On the output side you can get electrical float switches to operate the pump that control on at a certain level and off when full, or even both. Pressure switching isnt appropriate if you are using a storage tank.

IA

[David006]

Osmond,

First question is why is the pump losing the priming water. Check the non-return value on the suction side first. Probably isnt closing fully.

On the output side you can get electrical float switches to operate the pump that control on at a certain level and off when full, or even both. Pressure switching isnt appropriate if you are using a storage tank.

IA

Yep..Best go Manual and check your tank every day and throw the switch if you have any water in the well to top up your tanks,,,TIT mate surely you ain't so "busy" this would be a burden...Those NR valves don't like mud etc. I suggest you install a screw coupling so you can lift it ( couple of metres of intake pipe) out and clean the "valve|" and then fill t with water to regain the prime.... Just a few minutes of your "tropical" time while you cool the latest case of beer...

[Foreverford]

Osmond,

First question is why is the pump losing the priming water. Check the non-return value on the suction side first. Probably isnt closing fully.

On the output side you can get electrical float switches to operate the pump that control on at a certain level and off when full, or even both. Pressure switching isnt appropriate if you are using a storage tank.

IA

Hey Osmond I assume this is a new problem (losing prime) with an old pump and as I/A says find the problem and fix it. Otherwise are you looking at irrigating and having the tank constantly filling and sometimes the well runs dry and you are not able to be with the pump and tank to know when this happens and the pump runs dry? The other situation is that you have the float valve switch in your tank and when the level gets low every couple of days or so and when it kicks on the pump you have lost the prime sometimes and got trouble with the pump running dry? Tells us what is happening and someone here will help you solve your problem if it isn't an issue of having a poor water source in the well. Even that can be managed in a few ways. Choke dee and some more info will get you dialed in, otherwise maybe some permatex scissors a piece of gasket material spit and glue and you'll be set. Fords Filling Tanks Forever

[Lickey]

Op, if this is a constant problem of having to prime your pump every time the Magaluf [intake pipe valve] gets stuck because of debris or mud, fit a T piece in the tank oulet, pipe it into the pump delivery pipe, [include a tap] turn on tap, prime pump and all set to pump after a minute or so,

But really, we do need a bit more info on your system to give a qualified answer, is it a borehole pump? or an above ground type? what do you use the water before? dripfeed?house ect? how does the pump stop when tank is full ect, with this info, im sure we can help you further,,

[osmond]

Thanks to all. The pump , above ground, is a Makina (?) 1" pipe centrifugal pump that draws water from a 10m well into two storage tanks beside the pump.

Water is used for household and in the dry season for watering fruit trees and garden.

The well has a float switch ( stops pump if water level low), and the storage tanks have float switches to switch off the Makina when full and prevent output supply via another pump low level of water.

All connected using magnetic relays. The whole of the system works fine ( 3 more pumps , 2 more tanks all linked to relay switches ).

The 'losing prime' is an infrequent problem, but potentially costly, and the inability to control 'no waterflow' is the weak link.

The pump is about 3-4 years old and has just been serviced( 2 months ago ).

The well has an adequate supply of water.

The point about the foot valve / check valve noted. Will look at that.

The main reason for hopefully being able to provide a fix is that the pump / well are 100m down the hill , so not practical to check frequently. Currently using a 'warning light' ( visible from the house )on a 2nd tank if it does not fill overnight, which indicates a potential issue on the 1st tank system.

I hope that explains the setup better.

Regards Osmond