Pumping stations - installations with a ground-based pump that draws water from well sources and wells in private households and cottages by creating a rarefaction area. They differ from submersible pumps in that they keep a constant pressure in the water supply network. For round-the-clock uninterrupted operation of the station, it is necessary to correctly connect it. If you act sequentially, you can do it yourself, without calling professionals.
Site selection and installation diagrams
Before connecting the pump station to the well and home water supply with your own hands, you need to determine the place where the equipment will be located:
- basement or subfloor;
- caisson - a pit with insulation and waterproofing, located below the level of freezing of the earth;
- shelf in the well.
The installation scheme depends on whether the ejector is mounted in the device or whether it is remote and will sink into the well. In the first case, the arrangement of a caisson will be required, due to the fact that such a station can only raise water from a depth of nine meters. Devices with a remote ejector element are mounted if the depth of water intake is large - up to 50 m. Then the ejector is placed inside the borehole string. Two flexible hoses from the pumping device are connected to it - pressure and suction.
In the first, the fluid enters the ejector, forming a rarefaction zone in the suction compartment, in the second, the water flow from the well shaft rises. A distinctive feature of such devices is a low noise level and the possibility of installation at a distance from the well.
Installing the device in the pit is also required in the summer cottage, so that it is not stolen during the absence of the owners. You can put it on a shelf in the well, but for security you will need a strong metal cover, which will be locked with a strong lock.
The most reliable installation of a water supply station is in the basement, underground or pantry of a private house. The main drawback is the buzz from her work. To lower the sound level, the installation is placed on a thick rubber gasket, but it will not be possible to achieve absolute sound insulation.
When equipping a station, you also need to consider:
- lack of contact of the equipment case with walls;
- free access for repairs and preventive examinations;
- providing non-stop water supply from the source.
If the water supply system is used year-round, it is necessary to consider protection against freezing. To do this, they dig a straight ditch from a well or a caisson to the foundation of the building with the subsequent laying of pipes in it.
Piping is required below the freezing point of the soil. In addition, when arranging the trench, the slope towards the intake of liquid is taken into account to drain the remaining water in the highway for the duration of conservation. In the case of a close location of underground sources, pipes are mounted above their critical level. The main line must be insulated or equipped with a heating cable.
The electric motor of the pumping station is quite powerful, so it is worthwhile to draw a separate line supplying electricity, arrange grounding, and also install a voltage regulator.
The main elements of the pumping station
Due to the operation of the installation, the water supply scheme can be mounted with a maximum number of branches, which will greatly facilitate the connection of household appliances to it.
Structurally, the following components may be included in the package of the installation:
- centrifugal pump;
- hydraulic tank;
- non-return valve intake system;
- Electrical engine;
- pressure gauge;
- pressure switch.
In modern installations, the last two elements are included in the automation unit. This extends the capabilities of the station. In addition to switching electrical circuits in response to an increase and decrease in pressure, the automatic unit automatically turns off the unit at the risk of dry running.
Connection to a water source and home line
The assembly and connection of the pumping station to the well and the water pipe do it yourself in the following sequence:
- Installation of the water intake unit. To do this, connect a filter element made of metal mesh and a non-return valve necessary for stable filling of the pipeline with water to the outside of the borehole pipe. Secure it with an external thread coupling.
- Installing the hydraulic tank and control unit with a five-pin fitting.
- Connecting water distribution points to the accumulator through a distribution manifold.
When consumers start, water begins to flow from the hydraulic accumulator and is consumed until the pressure decreases to the minimum limit. Then the pump turns on, and the drive is again filled with water.
When assembling the installation elements located on the surface, it must be borne in mind that all connected devices are mounted using non-return valves or ball valves with an American. This is necessary for easy shutdown during repairs.
The possibility of spillway from the highway should be worried in advance. For this, a tap is made in the water supply network by installing a tee with shutoff valves connected to it.
Starting and verifying installation
Before using the device, it should be tested. Before starting, the working part of the system is filled with liquid. You will need to unscrew the plug from the filler hole, equipped at the top of the pump or use a special funnel. After filling the working compartment, the plug is replaced.
Next is connecting the unit to the mains for a smooth start and pressure check and automatic unit. First, air will begin to come out with the liquid - air plugs that have occurred when the pump unit is filled are removed.
A smooth jet without bubbles indicates that the system is in operational mode — you can use it.
After a maximum of three minutes after starting up the unit, water should flow from the outlet of the pressure line or open mixer. If it does not arrive, the station turns off, liquid is added to the system, and then the unit is reconnected. After a successful launch, the equipment is run-in, and then the pressure switch and hydraulic tank settings are adjusted.
After installing the pumping station on a water well, do-it-yourself equipment is regularly inspected. It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the rough filter element and, if necessary, clean it. Contamination of the filter will lead to a decrease in plant performance and jerky water. In the event of a complete clogging of the filtration device, the pump will start to idle, as a result, the installation will turn off. The frequency of filter cleaning depends on the abundance of contaminants in the water.
With proper assembly and installation, the pumping station will function without interruption and maintain constant pressure in the autonomous water supply system.
