To move collected water from a tank for filtration and then use, installing a submersible pump or centrifugal pressure pump is necessary to get the job done. Additionally, if you go with a submersible pump, it will also need a way to manage and regulate movement.
A pressure tank with a pressure switch will tell the pump when to turn on and off by a drop of pressure in the pressure tank. This application is much like well system and is intended for household use. It could be used for irrigation, but keep in mind that the pressure tank will need to be frost protected.
The most common method of conveyance would be a booster pump. These pumps are generally centrifugal pumps and can be placed in the mechanical room or well shed.
A centrifugal booster pump is used without an exterior pressure tank and is considered an “on demand” pump, meaning that when the faucet is opened, the pressure in the pump drops down to low pressure – usually 20 PSI, and the pump will start running and maintain constant pressure while the faucet is open. Once the faucet is closed, the pump will continue to run until it meets its high pressure cut off.
It is important to remember that either pump system should always be used before filtration and disinfection.
This was first published as Part 7 in the series “How to Build a Rainwater Collection System”. Click to see parts one, two, three, four, five and six.
Ken is a United States Navy veteran, having served on active duty during the Vietnam War era.
A career entrepreneur, Ken created a new business focus with a commercial dive company in Hawaii in the mid 1980′s to respond to and clean up oil spills, oil spill equipment training, service and maintenance for the oil co-op service industry. Ken is passionate about having a positive impact on the environment and is also a founding director of BANK-ON-RAIN (2011-2014), whose mission is to create grassroots solutions for rainwater collection for consumption and agriculture in developing areas of the planet.
Thanks for the advice on what to look for when picking out a pump. I already knew I would need a submersible one, but I had no idea I should be looking for one with a pressure switch. I didn’t consider how the pressure in the tank would effect the rate that the water flows. Now that I know what features to look for, I’ll have to do a little more research on what model I should buy.
I like that you point out to use filters when pumping water. I definitely wouldn’t want to drink dirty water. My aunt owns a cabin and there’s a well, but I’m trying to figure out how you get the water out of it.
Ken, thanks for feeding my curiosity. I’ve heard of water storage tanks before it’s always been a mystery at how they got the water out till now. Though I imagine that there are other methods than this.