Faucet flow question

[odd jobs]

I've been wondering about something.

I do not have a water tank so I use the customer's water. If someone came to my house to do PW work they would have to bring their own water.

I've tested the flow on my outdoor faucet in the back and it's about 2.5 GPM (Measured with a 5 gal. bucket). The one in the front is probably about half that though I've never measured its rate.

What would someone do in a situation like this?
Could I get by with a small tank, say 100 gallons, if they have slow supply?
Is there a flow meter available that I can hook up to the customers supply to make sure I'm not damaging my pump?

thanks,

 

[Larry B]

I think a 100 gallon tank is a good idea. I only run 5gpm and can beat hose flow a lot of the time. A tank also makes you look better prepared and gives the customer the perception that you are not using all of their water, just don't leave with it overflowing.
Not sure about a flow meter.

 

[john orr]

If the house is on city water, there is an adjustment that can be made. There is a brass, bell-shaped, thing-a-ma-jig that has an adjustment knob. Probably best left to a plumber, but you can at least suggest it to the homeowner.

 

[Mark]

Joel,

There are flow meters available
some are kind of spendy, and you probably
do not need.

A good rule of thumb is if you feel a pulsation
and or loss of pressure, you may have an inadequate
water supply, and could damage your pump.

A 100# gallon tank would give you approximately a
20 minute supply of water with a 5 GPM unit.

If you were pumping out 5 GPM and incoming water in tank
was 2.5 GPM.................... Yeah you got it do the math.



LOL! [hello]