Cistern pump setup

[River Steve]

I thought I had life figured out, that all my water issues had been solved by reading this forum. lol. So my low flow well feeds my cistern, I have plac3d a cycle sensor to protect the well pump. The issue has been that I’m in southeastern Ohio and we had had drought conditions all summer. My well hasn’t been able to provide water to my cistern on a regular basis.

My new problem is now my cistern pump is not producing the pressure is has previously, previous pressure switch was set to 50/70 psi. I’m assuming that I’ve allowed the pump to run too long under light loads and burned up the impeller in the pump. I’m only able to achieve approximately 50PSI from the pump now. I’m currently running a 240v 3/4 hp submersible well pump hanging down into the cistern, the only protection it has is the low cut out switch on the pressure switch.

i am totally open to any ideas that will help protect the pump, pump setups, etc. Thanks in advance for your knowledge and time.

 

[Valveman]

Just need another Cycle Sensor to protect the cistern pump the same as it does the well pump. Set the restart delay in the Cycle Sensor for a cistern pump at 000. This means manual reset so it won't start until you put more water in the cistern.

Also, set the Cycle Sensor on the well pump for fewer minutes to restart. The well will make more water with the pump restarting every 20 minutes instead of every hour.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

1. It would be unusual to need a 3/4 hp pump for a cistern pressure pump. Use a 1/2 hp 10 gpm pump if you ever change pumps, unless the cistern is at a significantly lower altitude.

2. A submersible pump in a cistern would ideally have a flow inducer sleeve to maximize motor cooling.

3. You can cut off the pressure pump, if the water is too low, with a float switch.

 

[River Steve]

Well today I found the pump constantly running again and not building pressure past 30 psi. when I look into the cistern I see no leaks, I see no leaks in the house. I’m wondering why it won’t build any pressure. I’m wondering if I need a new pump. Any ideas or suggestion?

 

[Reach4]

I presume the cistern has enough water.

You could replace the pump with a 1/2 hp 10 gpm pump in a flow inducer. If you cannot find enough info on flow inducers, ask.

If you want to continue troubleshooting, confirm that you have 230 volts or more going to the pump. Then tell us how many amps are passing through one of the hot wires. If more than 7 amps going to your 3/4 hp 2-wire pump, expect a leak. If under 6, expect the pump is worn out or the intake is clogged.

 

[River Steve]

The cistern has approximately 1000 gallons in it now, it’s a 1500 gallon tank. I will test amps and let you know. I would have to pull the pump to check voltage at the pump, but I’ll check voltage at the pressure switch