2 Homes on one well - Need advice on utility of installing water storage tank in my basement to help with 2 goals

[Cornets77]

Hello, I need some advice with the feasibility of installing a water storage tank in my basement to accomplish two goals. First let me provide some background.

My home‘s water is currently supplied by a well on my neighbors property. Were the only two homes on the well and we live on a hill with my home being several feet above my neighbors with the well located in between. My neighbor’s water pressure is quite good being downhill from the well and mine is quite weak. We are both around 100-150’ from the well. The well house contains the pressure tanks and electrical with the well set at a 40/60 cut-in/cut-out configuration. The pump outputs ~ 14 gpm.

Since my neighbor‘s water pressure works great, I’m reluctant to ask them about making any changes such as a VSD or CSV system. Instead I’d like to focus on what I can accomplish on my property alone. I’ve been searching solutions online and stumbled on the below configuration suggested for someone who wanted to install a cistern for an irrigation system

Could I do the same on a smaller scale with a 500 or 1000 gallon tank in my basement? I could set the booster pump with similar settings (40/60) and use the solenoid to fill the storage tank when the float drops. This would give me great pressure and provide emergency water if the power goes out as the main pump power source does not have a backup but I plan to install a generator at my home.
Am I overthinking things? Is there a better solution outside of changes at the primary well site?

 

[Bannerman]

Were the only two homes on the well and we live on a hill with my home being several feet above my neighbors with the well located in between. My neighbor’s water pressure is quite good being downhill from the well and mine is quite weak.

What is the rise in elevation between the well and your home?

What is the difference in elevation between the well and your neighbors home (you said 'downhill')?

If you do choose to implement a cistern, I would not recommend the configuration shown above, but would instead configure the system so that all water supplied to your home, will be provided directly from the cistern. As such, the water within the cistern will be continually refreshed.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Cornets77]

What is the rise in elevation between the well and your home?

What is the difference in elevation between the well and your neighbors home (you said 'downhill')?

If you do choose to implement a cistern, I would not recommend the configuration shown above, but would instead configure the system so that all water supplied to your home, will be provided directly from the cistern. As such, the water within the cistern will be continually refreshed.

Thanks for the reply, @Bannerman . I've read a number of your comments and you seem to have an expert grasp on well systems. I was hoping you would reply. My house represents a rise of ~ 10' from the well house and my neighbors is ~ a drop of 25-30'. I was thinking about using the system in the diagram in case of failure of the booster pump or solenoid valve, then I would use the shut off valves and it would be the same as what I have now.

 

[Valveman]

Thanks for the reply, @Bannerman . I've read a number of your comments and you seem to have an expert grasp on well systems. I was hoping you would reply. My house represents a rise of ~ 10' from the well house and my neighbors is ~ a drop of 25-30'. I was thinking about using the system in the diagram in case of failure of the booster pump or solenoid valve, then I would use the shut off valves and it would be the same as what I have now.

With a 10' rise to one and a 25' drop to the other residence the standard 40/60 pressure switch setting would be fine. It is always good to have a backup and plumbing that way does give you two options.

 

[Reach4]

My neighbor’s water pressure is quite good being downhill from the well and mine is quite weak.

I suggest that you measure the pressure coming into your house and measure the pressure farther down the line. The later pressure could be measured at the drain valve on the water heater, using a GHT pressure gauge.

The purpose is to see if your flow problems are due to local pressure drops after the water gets to the house.

Do you have a cartridge filter, softener, or other filter?

 

[Cornets77]

I do have a water filter and change out all the filters (3 in all) and replace the salt tablets in the softener regularly.

@Valveman @Bannerman @Reach4 Do any of you have recommendations for a type (booster, well, low water well) and brand (grundfos, Berkeley, etc.) of pump I should be buying for the cistern? I can’t say that I’m too concerned about the price as long as I won’t need to look at replacing for as long as possible. Also, what brand solenoid valve should I looking at for maximal longevity without significant concern for pricing.

 

[Reach4]

Do any of you have recommendations for a type (booster, well, low water well) and brand (grundfos, Berkeley, etc.) of pump I should be buying for the cistern?

Nope. Check my recommendations in #5.

 

[Valveman]

I do have a water filter and change out all the filters (3 in all) and replace the salt tablets in the softener regularly.

@Valveman @Bannerman @Reach4 Do any of you have recommendations for a type (booster, well, low water well) and brand (grundfos, Berkeley, etc.) of pump I should be buying for the cistern? I can’t say that I’m too concerned about the price as long as I won’t need to look at replacing for as long as possible. Also, what brand solenoid valve should I looking at for maximal longevity without significant concern for pricing.

All the big brand pumps have been cheapened up until they are no better than any of the others. No reason to spend $1000+ on a cistern pump when a $160 pump will work just as well. China is subsidizing their manufacturers, so they can sell products at less than cost. No reason to not take advantage of that while we can. Make sure to get the one with plastic or SS pump adapter and end bell instead of iron. But the 1HP, 33GPM, 220V, Hallmark pump works well and can be replaced a half dozen times for what a brand name pump will cost. Just add a good check valve.