If you’ve got a water tank, and have little or no pressure when you turn on the tap – then you’ll be wanting to install a water pump. Or if you’ve got a noisy old pump, you might want to replace it with a newer quieter model. They aren’t too pricey, and you can put them in yourself, Easy As.
If you’ve got a water tank, and have little or no pressure when you turn on the tap – then you’ll be wanting to install a water pump. Or if you’ve got a noisy old pump, you might want to replace it with a newer quieter model. They aren’t too pricey, and you can put them in yourself, Easy As.
Before you do anything, you’ll need an electrician to install an outdoor power point.
The pump will need a flat base to sit on, and the correct attachments to fit your particular tank. It’ll also need to be protected from the rain with a cover if it is exposed.
When it comes to attaching a pump to a tank there are two types you can get. A submersible pump – which goes in the tank. Or an external pump, which sits outside your tank.
Both do the same job, but there are a few little differences that may help you decide which one to get.
A submersible pump is quieter, because it’s inside the tank. But you’ll need to pull it out to maintain it. And with an external pump you’ll have easy access to it should you need; it’ll also give you better water pressure – great for a sprinkler system.
Pumps differ in the amount of water pressure they can deliver, and how much water they can deliver. A large pump will suit a bigger household who are using their water in the home, whereas a small pump will be fine if you’re using your water on the garden, or to wash the car.
To choose the right pump you need to know the following:
If you’re using your water inside your house you’ll be using a few appliances at once. For example having a shower, dishwasher, washing machine, and toilet all on at once can require 44 litres per minute.
Consider the size of your house also. A small dwelling may only use 20 litres per minute, and a large house could use up to 90 litres per minute.
So if you’re using your water for home use – you’ll need a pump with enough power to handle your situation.
And if you’re pumping your water up a hill, or over a long distance, then you’ll need a pump with even more power.
But if you’re just going to be using your water in the garden, or to wash your car – like our situation – then you’re just wanting to increase the pressure out of your hose a bit – so a smaller pump will do the job fine.
The pump will need a flat base to sit on, and the correct attachments to fit your particular tank. It’ll also need to be protected from the rain with a cover.
Each tank and pump will be connected with different fittings, but the general idea will be the same.
Between outlet on the water tank and our pump we have a shut-off valve, which turns the water off. Then a series of joins and pipes to connect the tank to the pump.
It’s a good idea to loose-fit your connections to make sure you’ve got what you need. We’re using 25mm Hansen fittings to create our connection, with a combination of elbow joins, pipes, and connectors.
Once you’re happy with your connection and everything will fit, unscrew the connections to the pump and use thread tape before screwing it to the pump – this will help stop any leaks.
Tighten the rest of your connections. Attach the hose connection to your pump, then attach your hose.
This pump requires priming with water before use. So, open the filling screw, and fill with water.
Turn on your pump, and water will start flowing out your hose. Always turn your pump off after use, and make sure it is covered.
