Many people living in private houses try to make all communications in order to increase the level of comfort. One of the problems is the water supply system; the problem can be solved by connecting a pumping station, which independently supplies water from a well or well and distributes it around the house. The stores offer a large assortment of similar products, there are parts and ready-made models of different designs and capacities. Based on this, the question of how to choose a pumping station becomes relevant, because for effective work you need to know the intricacies of such a technique and approach the choice with full responsibility.
Content
The principle of operation and design of a pumping station for a private house
To provide the entire private house with water from external sources, including wells and wells, pumps or pumping stations should be used. In general, both devices are similar in many respects, but the second type is preferable among owners of suburban buildings.
The main elements of the pumping station:
- surface electric pump;
- hydroaccumulator;
- pressure switch;
- a pair of check valves;
- wiring;
- automation for monitoring and control;
- connecting hoses.
Standard pumps are capable of pumping liquids up to a depth of 9 meters. If the design uses a built-in ejector, then this value increases to 15 meters. In addition, there are remote ejectors that allow you to work with a well depth of 50 meters. It is worth noting that the higher such parameters are, the more other characteristics deteriorate, including efficiency and others.
The device operates in the following sequence:
- The device is connected to the network.
- With the help of a suction hose, which includes a mesh and a check valve, water enters the pump.
- From the pump, the liquid is transported into a metal container with a rubber pear in the middle.
- When the required pressure is created, a relay starts to connect inside and the motor turns off.
- Water from the storage tank is supplied to the connected points around the house.
- During operation, the pressure decreases, and when an extremely low indicator is reached, the equipment is automatically activated to pump fluid.
When carrying water into the house, it should be borne in mind that the equipment must be located in an insulated place, and a suitable pipeline must be below the freezing point of the soil.
Types of pumping stations for private houses
To figure out how to choose a pumping station for a private house, you will need to understand the features and functions of different types. Below are the most popular options for housing, with an indication of their pros and cons.
Pump station without ejectors
It is possible to bring water to a private house using a conventional pump or station.The first option leads to the fact that during the opening of the crane, equipment is connected, as a result of which there is a rapid wear of the main components, the current consumption increases, and in the event of a power outage, the pump will not work.
Based on the described characteristics, conventional pumps are rarely chosen and the second option is more efficient. The stations are structurally different, they not only independently take a certain amount of water, but also collect liquid in a container, which allows using the device for a short time, even without light.
The tank for accumulating liquid includes an external metal container, inside which a pear is placed. Inside, the space is divided into place with water and air, which is needed to create pressure. The station is switched on only if the pressure drops to a peak minimum. Often, the design includes a pump located at the top and a tank at the bottom, the volume of which is from 24 liters to 100. The choice of the storage device depends on the number of connected points, as well as people who use water in the house.
Models without an ejector are great for water supply to a country house, as well as heating systems, but the suction depth is small, which refers to the disadvantages of the equipment.
Pros:
- The whole structure is integral, so the owners have no need to provide additional wiring.
- Automatic operation, simplifying the operation and maintenance of the units.
- Low current consumption.
- Due to the rare inclusion, the period of operation increases.
- The presence of protection against idle and overheating.
- Optimal technical parameters.
- It is convenient to use, the main elements are in a conspicuous place, close to each other.
Minuses:
- Liquid intake can only be carried out at a depth of 9 meters.
- Loud operation, especially if the case is made of stainless steel.
- In some models, there may be inaccuracies caused by a specific manufacturer or design.
Pump station with built-in ejectors
Based on the soil on the site, it is not always possible to access a water source at the surface. Conventional pumps cannot operate with a water surface of more than 9 meters, therefore, more advanced stations will need to be used for water supply.
Models with built-in ejectors are capable of taking liquid from a depth of 15 meters. The design includes a nozzle, a mixer and a suction inlet with a diffuser. This technique helps to create recirculation inside, which changes the flow rate. Thus, a strong vacuum occurs, which allows water to be taken from the depths. Upgraded models affect the fact that more energy consumption is required, therefore the level of efficiency decreases slightly.
Pros:
- Small size of the installation, which includes several working units.
- Automatic control, but if necessary, you can turn it into manual mode.
- The suction depth of water is up to 15 meters.
- Optimal weight and dimensions of the ejector.
- Excellent quality of protection.
- High degree of comfort during use.
Minuses:
- Noisy work.
- Decreased efficiency.
- It is recommended to allocate a separate room for installation.
Pump station with external ejectors
The presence of a remote ejector is justified in some situations, since the water mirror can be up to 50 meters, and the horizontal line can be extended at a distance of 25-40 meters. In this case, the device is lowered into the liquid source, after connecting a pair of pipes to the pump, a recirculation circuit appears.
The principle of operation does not differ from others, but due to different diameters and some other features, the vacuum will be strong and the technique turns out to be more powerful in suction. The main advantage of this unit is its quiet operation, which makes it possible to choose any place for installation.
Pros:
- Excellent efficiency for areas where the water surface reaches 50 meters and a long water main needs to be laid.
- Quiet operation, which allows you to install the device even inside the house, without additional insulation.
- Automatic control.
- You can drain the liquid if you do not plan to live and use the source, which is convenient for giving.
- When used correctly, a long service life is ensured.
- Ease of operation even for people without experience with such equipment.
Minuses:
- More complex construction.
- Low efficiency, the level of efficiency is around 30% in comparison with classic models.
- High pricing policy.
Parameters for choosing a pumping station for a private house
To ensure normal, uninterrupted and efficient operation, one should understand not only the types of pumping equipment, but also the main characteristics of the station. These are the ones you need to pay attention to during the purchase.
Water consumption, productivity, head
Before buying the selected model, you should make sure that it can completely cover the needs of the owner of the house and will work normally under certain conditions. For such an assessment, several technical features are used, special attention should be paid to the pressure and performance. The first indicator indicates the height to which the technique can raise the liquid. The amount of liquid that is pumped per minute, hour or other time period depends on the power.
The total water consumption of private housing is the amount of liquid that is used by household appliances, people, and other points (taps). It is best if the performance of the units is not less than the total water consumption in the building. In this case, there will be no difficulties with the fluid supply, and a normal head will also be ensured. Observing a simple rule, you can open the tap at several points and not be afraid that when using water in the bathroom, it will be lost in the kitchen.
Often, powerful units can produce 3.5-8 cubic meters. m. for 1 hour of operation, while the pressure inside the system will remain within 2-3 atmospheres. In order to correctly focus on the capacity of the station, which can cover the needs, it is important to look at 3 indicators:
- Know the height of the water that will be supplied. In other words, calculate in advance the mirror of a well or well and calculate the distance to the highest point.
- Immediately determine the required pressure in the water supply system at home. Often, in the presence of a washing machine, dishwasher, as well as several taps, constructions with an indicator of 2 atm or more should be used.
- Estimate possible losses along the length of the line.
Experts can easily determine the necessary indicators that can provide sufficient volumes and pressure for the house, and the use of the water supply network will be comfortable for residents. This assistance is provided by sellers in specialized stores, subject to knowledge of the described parameters.
In advance, you can prepare a plan of the entire structure and site, with the designation of the necessary points on it for the intake of liquid. There is an equally important parameter that must also be taken into account before choosing and buying - a pumping station is bought for a well or a well. In general, the source is not important, the degree of its filling, the renewal of the liquid level inside is much more important.
Design and selection of a hydraulic accumulator
This element in the entire structure of the pumping station is an important part, which is made in the form of a sealed metal tank. The connection is made using the outlet fitting. Inside such a vessel is a membrane, which is usually made of rubber or an artificial material - butyl rubber. With its help, the internal volume is divided into 2 parts, where water and air accumulate. Using a relay connected to the equipment, the fluid pressure will be determined. The information helps to correctly control the pump and its functioning.
Manufacturers use steel as the main material. The membrane septum itself can be in the form of a pear.In this case, the water will only come into contact with it and the likelihood of corrosion of the storage tank completely disappears. If manufacturers install flat membranes, then the walls of the tank will be influenced by water, and they are coated with a polymer to protect them from rust and rapid wear.
The outer part is made of mild steel, protected from external factors by means of an enamel coating. If the station will be located not in a house or in another room where there is heating, then you should choose the option of a stainless steel drive.
During operation, the accumulator is constantly filled with water and is under the influence of pressure of different strength. At this time, the membrane begins to change its own shape. Thus, with a decrease in the indicator due to water consumption, the partition becomes even, which makes it possible to obtain a certain volume of water from the reservoir. This makes it possible to use the plumbing system, even in the absence of light or the station is turned off from the network. In addition, the vessel helps to reduce the number of pump starts. Some volume is retained inside, so the equipment does not need to be constantly activated when the tap is turned on.
Often, the pump starts when half of the water from the tank is used. For example, if the capacity is 50 liters, then without connecting equipment, you can easily use 25 liters of stock. The less equipment is connected, the longer the period of operation.
On sale you can find models in which the pump is designed for very frequent connection in the range of 30-100 times per 1 hour. Despite this, frequent activation leads to wear on the motor, as well as a reduction in the resource of other elements. They are gradually damaged and will fail at any time. Experts believe that turning on and off the device up to 20 times a day would be the ideal option for functioning.
The water accumulator not only acts as a reserve and reserve of water, but also monitors the decrease in the frequency of switching on the motor, but also protects the equipment from water hammer at sudden pressure drops.
When choosing a pumping station, be sure to look at the volume of the tank. Its value is in a wide range. Often, vessels from 20 to 100 liters and more are used for domestic conditions. You need to select a storage device based on the total water consumption, as well as the depth of the mirror, the length of the water main and other characteristics of the station. For example, models with a power of 1.2 kW should use tanks of 20-24 liters. This drive is enough for 2-3 users of a private house. Devices with a power of up to 2 kW must be equipped with tanks of 50-60 liters.
The best indicator in this case will be the one that is larger, but there is a limit to everything. In theory, the larger the tank reserve, the more reliable the station is, since it is better protected from the starting frequency. In fact, an increase in this value within the range of 100-200 liters often causes discomfort for users, since the pressure in the system gradually decreases until the engine starts again.
According to users who have been operating pumping stations for a long time, as well as specialists in this field, models with a 16-24 liter tank are considered the best option for living conditions. It should be noted that if the need arises, the drive can always be replaced with the required volume.
Material of manufacture of the pump and its structural elements
The main disadvantage of any pumping station is the purity of the liquid that is supplied. In the case of sand, dirt and other solid parts getting inside, accelerated wear of the components occurs. The durability also depends on the material used for the impeller. Models based on stainless steel will be more durable, but the cost of the product is higher than plastic counterparts, which are often used by manufacturers for household appliances.
The hull can also be created from several types of materials:
- Plastic is the cheapest option, which has a minimum of noise during operation, which is a very important factor for many users. Such models do not differ in a high degree of reliability.
- Steel - the case is the most expensive and loudest to operate, but the service life is the longest.
- Cast iron is a middle material between the two described above, but experts advise using it.
In addition to the materials of the housing and the impeller, it is recommended to study the features of the electrical winding before purchasing. Often, to reduce the cost of their products, manufacturers go to the trick, use aluminum for these purposes, which also reduces the weight of the device. Such a winding turns out to have a short service life compared to copper. In addition, this has a negative effect on the reliability of the equipment, which should work almost constantly.
Control automation
The main difference between conventional pumps and stations is the automation of the entire operation process. Manufacturers install additional elements that do not require human intervention to work. The main part is a pressure switch. Visually, this is a small block that makes the station automatic, allowing it to turn on or off in the event of a decrease or increase in pressure.
Many models include a spring loaded relay that is mechanical. The device is small in size, inside there are main units, including 2 springs of different parameters with nuts for adjustment, as well as a membrane, a plate and contacts. The plate can change position due to the difference in pressure that comes from the membrane. When water enters the storage tank, pressure begins to appear and the membrane changes shape, acting on the plate. With this work, a large spring is activated, its compression causes the contacts to open, giving current to the motor.
In the event of a decrease in operating pressure due to the use of liquid by the owner of the house, the plate is restored and returns to its original position. The contact group closes, which gives a signal to the pump to start operation. A large spring causes the opposite effect, and a smaller one neutralizes the difference between the indicators.
The upper and lower indicators are set by the manufacturer before sending the goods for sale, but if the need arises, the user is able to independently adjust the thresholds. For this, special nuts are intended.
The spring relay can be replaced with an electronic one over time. This device does not belong to power, it works with the help of the automation of the equipment itself, through which it affects the operation. The possibilities of electric models are wider, some details include a timer to turn on at a certain time, which helps to limit the activation of the pump. Often, such a relay includes indicators and a control unit, with the help of which the desired characteristics are set.
Optional equipment
In addition to the elements described, additional elements are included in the package for any station. Among them:
- Fittings for connecting elements, including a connection for connecting the pump itself to a storage tank.
- A pressure gauge that allows you to monitor the pressure of the system, as well as monitor the functioning of the entire apparatus.
- A check valve that prevents the hydraulic tank from emptying when the unit is turned off.
- Filters for collecting solid particles from water and other impurities.
- Protective machines.
When working, the norm of impurities in water is 100 grams per 1 cubic meter. m. To protect against rapid wear of the station and its further failure, a coarse filter made in the form of a grid is used. Its installation is carried out at the end of the hoses for the water intake. This helps to eliminate the intrusion of large particles that may be inside the well or borehole.
After the station itself, it is recommended to install filters with fine purification, which will bring the water to almost perfect condition, but they do not in any way affect the operation of the equipment, but allow you to purify the liquid so that it can be drunk.
Check valve
For the station to constantly pump water, it is necessary not only to completely fill the tank, but also to use a check valve. It is this element that is placed after the coarse filter and does not allow water to leave the tank in the absence of operation. This solution will eliminate the expectation of filling the tank and the rise of water from the main source. In addition, the valve protects the equipment from dry running.
Protective automation
In many private homes, the power grid can be unstable, so the voltage often jumps up or down. To save the station from power surges, you should use protective automatics for shutdown. Some manufacturers offer the device in a set, but if it is not there, then you need to purchase this unit. In addition, it is good if the technique includes a safety shutdown in case of overheating of the device.
How to choose a pumping station for your home
Having studied all the information about pumping equipment, you can figure out the features of the choice, taking into account your own needs. The experts highlighted some useful tips that will simplify the selection of equipment. When choosing, the main factor is the full compliance of the technical data of the device with the calculated ones. The recommendations of the masters are as follows:
- If there is no need to use the station for additional tasks, besides providing the house with water, then you should focus on standard models, which include a pressure switch, as well as a hydraulic accumulator.
- It is recommended to focus on the cast-iron body, it will be more in weight, but does not corrode, and also has a low noise level.
- If you need to reach a point with water within 10-15 meters, then the choice will be on the side of devices with a built-in ejector. It is advisable to buy external elements if the mirror is at a greater distance, and there is also a long horizontal highway.
- Be sure to choose devices that provide protection against idle and overheating.
How much does a pumping station cost
Pricing policy can vary significantly and depends on the capabilities of the equipment, as well as the manufacturer. For example, the simplest models that do not have an ejector and give a capacity of 3.9 cubic meters. m / h, with a capacity of 1.1 kW, as well as a tank of 24 liters, will cost about 8-12 thousand rubles. The head of such an apparatus is approximately 45 meters. Options with an installed ejector, a pressure of 40 meters and a total productivity of 2.8 cubic meters / h cost about 10,000 rubles. Their power will be 0.65 kW, and the capacity of the hydraulic tank is 24 liters. Devices with an ejector and a pressure of 20 meters with a productivity of 2.4 cu. m / h cost 15-20 thousand rubles. The power of the installation is 1.1 kW, and the water tank is 25 liters.
