The purchase of a water pumping station for a private house or summer cottage is relevant for owners of plots not connected to the centralized water supply system. It will fully solve the problem of providing the house with good water. Indeed, for domestic needs, unlike watering the garden, the water extracted from nearby reservoirs is not suitable. And how to choose, what to be guided by when choosing - we will tell below.
A pumping station is a device for ensuring regular water supply, which is the main condition for a full-fledged stay.
The principle of operation of a water pumping station
With the purchase of this self-contained device for the home, your life will become more comfortable. The pumping station will provide the required water supplies, the principle of which is quite simple, despite the complex integrated system. The main function is taken over by a pump (water pump), which pumps water from a well (or well) into a reservoir. A sensor (pressure switch) is responsible for the water level inside the tank, which responds to a decrease in liquid volumes. It includes a pumping system. When the water reservoir is filled to the required level, the equipment automatically shuts off - this principle of the pump system operation significantly saves energy.
To make the right choice, it is profitable to invest your money, you need to first study the parameters, technical characteristics of these devices. The main criteria are the dimensions of the capacity of the hydraulic accumulator, the material from which it is made, power, pressure force of the water jet.
In principle, a pump can pump water from any source. It can be a river, a well or a specially equipped well. The main principle of its action is pumping water, which accumulates in the accumulator. Modern pressure sensors have protection against "dry running", which adversely affects the operating functions of the pump. If the source is without water, then the pumping station automatically shuts down.
The functions of the non-return valve are aimed at passing water to only one point, there is no return stroke. Thus, this element prevents the leakage of fluid from the accumulator tank back to the point of exit (it provides protection against idling).
Water monometer makes it possible to monitor the pressure level inside the tank, provides an opportunity to stop possible malfunctions at the initial stages.
Almost all modern pumping stations for water supply at home are equipped with coarse filters. This part protects the device from sand, silt, and other contaminants that may get inside from the source. However, to obtain drinking water, it will be necessary to install additional cleaning elements - fine filters.
A pumping station for a summer residence or a house should be installed close to a water source (well, well). Each device is accompanied by technical instructions, which clearly spelled out the installation requirements, the maximum distance between objects. If you intend to use an autonomous water supply system in the winter, then the device should be located in a heated room. To prevent condensation from accumulating on the working surfaces of the devices, ventilation is required. During operation, the station makes noise, so this room should be removed from bedrooms or places of rest.
It must be equipped with a sealed piping system. Pipes should be laid below the freezing depth of the soil. The device’s working case itself is recommended to be installed on a special shock-absorbing mat or at least on a rubber layer.
Types of pumping stations
Before purchasing a pumping station, you need to study the technical specifications, learn about the differences and classifications of units. Modern water supply devices differ in operating parameters, have their pluses and minuses. They are divided by type of suction, supply, depth of the source. The ejector is responsible for the absorption of the liquid - in an accessible language, this part helps the water pump, pushes the water to the exit point.
There are pumping stations with a remote type ejector; they are capable of lifting water from a depth of about 50 meters. A characteristic feature of such devices is that the ejector can be buried directly into the well. In addition, they are distinguished by a quiet working stroke, which allows them to be placed inside the premises of a residential building. Such pumping systems are ideally suited for wells or when the water source is located at a considerable depth. Here you need to be prepared that at a great depth, the system performance will be slightly reduced (efficiency decreases to 30%). Another vulnerability of such devices is their high susceptibility to pollution.
More "simple" pumping systems are less massive, have a built-in ejector, which allows them to suck in water from a depth of about 8 meters. During operation, they make a loud noise. For this reason, it is recommended to install them at a distance. A remote extension is suitable for this. Such a pumping station for the home will not be afraid of pollution, it is not so sensitive to sand, silt.
Water supply devices are also divided by type of water supply. A tank for water accumulation is either a storage tank or a hydraulic accumulator. In the first case, you get a station, which comes with a reservoir of impressive size, its volume can reach up to 100 liters. Typically, these tanks are installed in the attic. After water enters the storage tank, it diverges through the pipes, and the valve (float) controls the liquid level. Profitability is a positive feature of such stations; their inclusion only occurs when the tank is empty. Of the minuses, a small pressure, impressive dimensions, and possible flooding of the home should be highlighted. Today, such systems are considered "yesterday" - rarely used.
The last word in the field of pumping equipment are hydraulic units. They are equipped with a hydraulic accumulator or a membrane-type tank, have compact dimensions, never leak. Often, such devices are installed in the basements of houses or in separate outbuildings. Among the so-called minuses, it is worth highlighting a small supply of water (approximately 25-30 liters), the difficult operation of the system in wells, wells with a small flow rate (fluid volume).
To buy a pumping station of a hydraulic type, you will have to spend more money than on the above option. Models that are equipped with a tank with a rubber membrane are even smaller, easy to install.
Water supply stations are also divided into submersible and surface. The choice depends on how deep your water source is. With a superficial type of installation, the pump remains on top, and its hose deepens - this system is easy to manage, simple to maintain. This device is not designed for work at great depths. The depth of the source should not exceed 9 meters - this is the main criterion.
Submersible pumping stations have a higher cost, but are more reliable, economical, easy to install. They are equipped with a waterproof case, during operation they are completely lowered under water, can function at a very great depth (from 10 meters, more).
Choosing a water pumping station for a summer residence
From the above information, it becomes clear that the choice of a water supply system at home should be determined by many factors: energy efficiency, suction depth, water pump capacity, and so on. Natural factors must also be considered.
For example, with a shallow source (up to 8 meters) for a small one-story house with 2-3 residents, a 10-20 liter hydraulic tank with a pump capacity of 0.8-1.2 kilowatt-hours is quite suitable. If the house has a large area, not one floor, then a pumping station with a powerful water pump will be required, due to which the pressure of the water will be stronger. If the house is large, there are a lot of family members, then the volume of the hydraulic tank should be larger (for example, 40-60 liters), the pump power, respectively, also (about 2 kW • hour).
How to choose a pumping station for a summer residence if you spend only the summer months on it, and the source of water is located not far from the site? For such conditions, a mini device is suitable for you. If year-round water supply is required, it is better to choose an automatic system that turns on and turns off as the tank fills / empties. For periodic irrigation, you can choose a manual control unit.
The price at the stations is different, it depends on the manufacturer, technical characteristics, parameters, materials of the case. The power of noise produced during operation also affects cost. Among the wide selection of pumping equipment, you can always choose your own option, the most suitable for your needs.
If we conduct a comparative analysis of the most purchased stations, then, according to consumers, the following firms can be distinguished:
- The Grundfos pump station from a Danish manufacturer is today one of the most bought. It is a world leader in the production of pumping equipment. Models have all the qualities of a modern device for water supply at home. The operating mode is automatic. Water pumps are equipped with overload protection, most models are suitable for hot, cold water supply. The device is designed for use in a private household or in a small enterprise.
- Alko pumping station from German manufacturers is a good alternative to other systems. They are easy to operate, with care, work without breakdowns for several years. Models are equipped with deep filters, have the function "eco mode", which helps to save up to 15% of electric energy. Compact dimensions, quiet running along with high performance make these devices the most popular for summer needs. Alco pumping station can have small, medium, high throughput: up to 3100 l / h, up to 4000 l / h and up to 6000 l / h. Such units are designed for both stationary and portable use. They have an automatic shut-off during a “dry run”, an wear-resistant impeller, a battery protected by a polymer casing, and many other improved indicators that German quality is famous for.
- The pump station Pedrollo made in Italy is represented on our market by about 20 different models. It is optimally suited for home water systems. A stationary or variable object can be the source of water. These stations can produce water from a depth of not more than 9 meters, the accumulator volume is the same for all models - 24 liters. Pedrollo devices are more easily configured, compared to analogues from other manufacturers.
- The Wilo pump station is also of German origin, famous for the variety of series: Economy, Comfort, Jet, MultiCargo, SilentMaster, etc. You can purchase a model with simultaneous connection of 4 or 6 pumps or a quiet mobile device. Vilo water supply systems have several levels of motor and rotor protection, built-in protection from the cold (individual models), manual or automatic adjustment of water pressure. Such devices economically consume electricity, they have a long service life.
- The pump station Gileks from a domestic manufacturer has an automatic control system, is equipped with a hydraulic accumulator, a built-in injector. The case of the device is made of cast iron, the working shaft is made of high quality plastic, resistant to wear. These two factors increase the reliability of the entire system as a whole and ensure a long service life. The most popular models of the brand are Jileks 70/50 and Jileks 60/35. According to the reviews of summer residents, these stations need to be entered into heat with the onset of winter.
Pump station - malfunctions, possible malfunctions
As with any equipment, this equipment may malfunction. It happens that the pumping equipment does not gain pressure, does not turn off, what should I do?
The reasons may be:
- wear of parts of the water pump or its weak power;
- low voltage in the mains;
- pipe damage (leakage);
- air in the suction pipe of the surface pump.
Deterioration of pump elements can occur due to the long life of the station. The vulnerability of the centrifugal pump is the casing and the impeller, and the vibration valve has a rubber valve. Thus, the pump pumps water, but the pressure level, the productivity of the work no longer correspond to the initial indicators. The system cannot reach the upper pressure limit, so it works, does not turn off. The way out of this situation is repair in the service center with the replacement of worn parts.
Sometimes the inability to set the required pressure is due to damage to the pipes, their connections. The cause of a water leak can be more commonplace - a breakdown in the toilet drain or a tap left open. Therefore, if the pumping station of the water supply of a private house has been operating for a long time, does not turn off, turn it off yourself, find the source of water loss.
Also do not be too lazy to check the network voltage, if it is below 220 volts, turn off the station, normalize the level of electricity. A clogged relay input can also cause this malfunction. If this happens, the pump must be turned off, clean the relay from all kinds of contaminants. A failed pressure accumulator adjustment can also cause the system to not shut down. The reason is eliminated by adjusting the springs that are in the relay. It is better to twist a large spring, but not touch a small one - it is responsible for the value of the differential pressure.
If you purchased this device, the availability of a backup power system will be very relevant. Power outages, power surges may not have the best effect on the operation of the water supply system. Subject to proper operation, compliance with all requirements, a pumping station for a private house can last you 5-8 years.