CrashTestDummy Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Greetings, My Thai wife and I purchased a home recently and I'm trying to gain at least a basic understanding of how my water tank and pump system may work. I've never lived in a house with a water tank and I have no clue how this thing works. I've found that our water pressure is very inconsistent. Sometimes it's fine, sometimes it's terrible (same demand - just one shower running). The pump occasionally turns on, usually when water demand is high. At some point, water does get pulled from the tank. I know this because I can hear water being poured back inside the tank. It seems that if water is being pulled from a full tank, our pressure shouldn't vary (assuming the demand is the same). This makes me think the tank is being bypassed, yet sometimes water is pumped into the tank. I’m hoping someone can tell me… - What the heck do all these valves control? Can anyone advise? I labeled them to make this easier. - Why would my water pressure vary if water is being pulled from a full tank? Is it possible some sources draw from the tank while others don’t? - Is there anything I can do to improve water pressure (other than buy a new pump)? Like I said, sometimes it’s fine. Any advice here would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luk AJ Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 A is line from well pumpB goes from buffer tank to pump C pressurised water to houseD E F lines to different locations in your houseIf you have pressure problems probably the pump in the alu housing needs to be replaced.It would also be good to see where the pump is located which feed your A line? Deepwell pump? Submersible pump?Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmsally Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 If this is well water and not mains water there could be pipe blockages (don't see a filter). If there is a filter somewhere or it is mains water, then probably a pump issue. Needs to be reset or maybe faulty. The pumps with the air tanks on seem to be far more reliable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luk AJ Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Yes line A is probably from main street supply.Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashTestDummy Posted July 14, 2017 Author Share Posted July 14, 2017 1 hour ago, cmsally said: If this is well water and not mains water there could be pipe blockages (don't see a filter). If there is a filter somewhere or it is mains water, then probably a pump issue. Needs to be reset or maybe faulty. The pumps with the air tanks on seem to be far more reliable. It's mains water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, luk AJ said: Yes line A is probably from main street supply. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect is it? Edited July 14, 2017 by Artisi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) if A comes from the town supply, how is the town supply stopped when the tank is full? Edited July 14, 2017 by Artisi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luk AJ Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Simple really...Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 check back thru posts, this has been done to death - there are plenty of discussion, drawings and advice to read upon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luk AJ Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Poster was asking about his particular water set up. If you don't know anything about water supply systems, I suggest to leave the discussionSent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luk AJ Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 PleaseSent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) 3 minutes ago, luk AJ said: Simple really... Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app so where is it located - seeing as how the inlet is at the tank bottom? And no need to be a smart arse, "simple really" Edited July 14, 2017 by Artisi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 2 minutes ago, luk AJ said: Poster was asking about his particular water set up. If you don't know anything about water supply systems, I suggest to leave the discussion Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect seems you should take some of your own advise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luk AJ Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Pipe A goes inside tank up to the top where ballcock is mounted. But ok I take your advice, I am out, just wanted to help the poster not start a conflict..Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 3 minutes ago, luk AJ said: Pipe A goes inside tank up to the top where ballcock is mounted. But ok I take your advice, I am out, just wanted to help the poster not start a conflict.. Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Bye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sappersrest Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 LUK is absolutely correct save that you are using mains water, as it looks an oldish installation perhaps it may prudent to get a local company come to check it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 43 minutes ago, CrashTestDummy said: "check back thru posts, this has been done to death - there are plenty of discussion, drawings and advice to read up on." I was suggesting to you to review what has gone before on how a house pump system is set up and operated to help you understand their operation, once armed with some knowledge you will be able to answer the many questions you are likely to get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) I suspect valve D (do not see any control) is also mains line to bypass pump when mains water pressure is higher than pump tank setting. Easy fix would be to replace that with a normal on/off valve like others and keep off unless an electric outage and pump not work - rest of time use pump and its supply tank for your water supply. You can check this by turing valve B off (crosswise) and turn off pump. If water is still available after a few minutes (to drain what is under pressure in pump small tank) there is a mains pump bypass installed. Edited July 14, 2017 by lopburi3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 This is my standard pump setup drawing, I suspect our OP has something very similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashTestDummy Posted July 14, 2017 Author Share Posted July 14, 2017 23 minutes ago, lopburi3 said: I suspect valve D (do not see any control) is also mains line to bypass pump when mains water pressure is higher than pump tank setting. Easy fix would be to replace that with a normal on/off valve like others and keep off unless an electric outage and pump not work - rest of time use pump and its supply tank for your water supply. You can check this by turing valve B off (crosswise) and turn off pump. If water is still available after a few minutes (to drain what is under pressure in pump small tank) there is a mains pump bypass installed. This is helpful. Thank you. I'll try what you suggested and see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farcanell Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 A simple valve diagnostic may be advised ( l labeled all my pipes post doing just this, on both the house and pool plumbing) shut A.... this should stop water entering the tank shut B.... this should starve the pump shut C.... master isolation.... it should deprive every outlet of water D is a missing area isolation valve, replaced on the cheap with a PVC coupler verses a new valve ( which isn't a real issue, as D will isolate that area if you need to work on it) as evidenced by it being new and blue... it's been recently worked on shut E... see what area/taps don't work shut F... same as above this should be done one valve at a time if you have intermittent pressure problems, first check how many water outlets are open ( obvious perhaps, but some pools and ponds have auto fill valves), and if only one tap at a time, then your pump probably needs looking at.... there could be a simple blockage ( rubber grommet or similar partially covering outlet?) or even an airlock issue... otherwise get a plumber to check and... some taps are fitted with outlet guauze filters, which may cause different pressures to different taps, if these are blocking up. good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) 33 minutes ago, lopburi3 said: I suspect valve D (do not see any control) is also mains line to bypass pump when mains water pressure is higher than pump tank setting. Easy fix would be to replace that with a normal on/off valve like others and keep off unless an electric outage and pump not work - rest of time use pump and its supply tank for your water supply. You can check this by turing valve B off (crosswise) and turn off pump. If water is still available after a few minutes (to drain what is under pressure in pump small tank) there is a mains pump bypass installed. Just expanding on this post, OP - can you confirm if that is a non-return valve on line D, if faulty you could be pumping back into the incoming line, fit an on/off valve and follow what Lopburi3 has suggested. Also check valve is oriented on the correct direction. Edited July 14, 2017 by Artisi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 I was on next page so did not see control C - just turn that off is all you have to do to confirm a pump bypass - it should immediately stop water flow anywhere unless there is a bypass. But I suspect D is the bypass and you will still have water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfokevin Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Given the OP description of intermittent flow issues and the pump not coming on all the time... I would guess that the OP's tank and pump is a retrofit... when the house was originally built it did not have a pump & tank and was just serviced by city water... but the previous owners realized that the city water was not reliable or does not provide enough pressure to the house and had the tank and pump added as a secondary water pressure supply.... so the city water and the pump can both provide water to the house... when the city water pressure is low the pump kicks on to add pressure to the system... A way to confirm this is to turn off the electric power to the pump and then run a tap... if the water continues to run you can see that the city water is also providing pressure to the house... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boooker Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) What it looks so far ok...now what is not there the valve between pips which purposes is that water can not flow back this is not there in your picture. If you need and verbal explaination pm me. Edited July 14, 2017 by CharlieH Tel no.removed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Whilst the help is appreciated, please do not post telephone numbers on the open forum. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renevanb7 Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 Clean the small filters in each tap, also the one in the shower head (hose). The dirt in it can cause less water flow, what makes the automatic pump goes on and off all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliveshep Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 (edited) Sounds like the pressure switch in your pump is faulty. They are open to water at one end, which pushes a diaphragm operating a switch that turns the pump on and off irrespective of pump type and whether or not it has an air-tank to minimise cycling over if only a small amount of water is drawn. Over time sediment can build up in the end of the pressure switch which then has to be cleaned or replaced, An inspection of the pump will show you wires between the electrical inlet connection and the pump motor, one from the inlet connection goes to the pressure switch and from there one goes to the pump. There may also be a toc (Thermal Overload Cutout) but that will probably be on the pump side of the pressure switch. In any event it will be on the pump motor itself while the pressure switch will probably be on the pump impeller body close to the water outlet. Turn off power, turn off water feed to pump and water outlet from pump, and then you can safely fiddle. These pics are of what I have installed at my own home so you can see how the pipe layout goes. I don't worry if the main pressure goes up or down, by using tank and pump it remains constant. Edited July 14, 2017 by cliveshep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashTestDummy Posted July 14, 2017 Author Share Posted July 14, 2017 I appreciate the responses. Maybe this was bad timing for asking this since I'm leaving Thailand for a few days. I'll try the things that were suggested here soon and report back next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
williamgeorgeallen Posted July 14, 2017 Share Posted July 14, 2017 it is unlikely line A is feeding into the top of the tank via an internal line and probably has a backflow valve on it. this is a bad system and did not work well in one of my houses. line A needs to be run externally and dump into the top of the tank with a ballcock shut off. as long as the tank stays full and your pump is functional you should be good to go. hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now