Water Tank,Guess i need a pump??

WasherBoy

New Member
Hey wizard,
I think ive done answered my own question,but just want to check with the board.I bought me a water tank because i have some jobs lined up that i need my own water.So i got this tank and it was already set up for a hose to be hooked to,one problem.Theres hardly any pressure.My pressure washer is direct feed only,so if i put a pump between the tank and my washer this will fix the problem?What im really wondering about is there any other way?Thanks!!

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H

Hotwaterwizard

Guest
There are some ways.
1) put the tank higher than the pump.
2) Repack your pump and install new Check Valves.
When the pump was new it could pull water from about 10ft away. If it is an AR, Cat, General,Hypro, Hawk, Admiral, Interpump, Comet, or Udor then it will pull water if new packings and valves are installed.
3) Make sure you use a real stiff hose or PVC pipe to plumb it to the tank. When a pump pulls water it will suck a normal hose flat. Use a poly braided or steel braided hose or 3/4 inch Schedual 80 PVC pipe and don't forget to add a union at both ends so you can remove the pipe to service the machine easier.

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Hotwaterwizard@aol.com If You have a problem with your machine, just ask me for help. Check out the Machine Problem Board
 

oguard

New Member
In general low RPM pumps (1725 or lower) are longer stroke and will draw about 6" of vacuum therefore they suck water or soap fairly well. 1" of vacuum will draw 1' of water so 6" will draw 6'.

High speed pumps are usually 3450 and have a shorter stroke therefore they have about 1/2" vacuum and do not suck soap or water very well at all regardless of the health of the packings. They will draw about 6" of water below the pump inlet.

Ensure there is no portion of the tank below the inlet to the pump, then you will have flooded suction or no requirement for vacuum at all. Every foot of water above the inlet will give 1 PSI to the pump.

Usually low RPM, long stroke pumps are belt or gear reduction driven. Direct drive high RPM, short stroke pumps are usually direct drive. If you must mount your tank below the level of the inlet then you have to use a booster pump to provide a flooded state.

Make sure you have a 3-way valve to allow you to choose your water supply or anti-freeze the machine simply. The more rigid and larger the diameter of the hose from the tank to your washer the better to provide flow.

You should also consider running a long hose from the by-pass back to the tank. This will allow you to run in by-pass for extended periods if necessary by using your water tank as a great big float box.
 
H

Hotwaterwizard

Guest
If that is true how do you explain this. With 25 foot of hose I demonstrate to a customer that these pumps will pull water from a 5 gallon pail from 25 feet away. I stick the other end of the hose into the bucket and it does pull it out of the bucket. The pump is a General EZ3040 3400rpm direct drive pump on an 11hp Honda.
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Hotwaterwizard@aol.com If You have a problem with your machine, just ask me for help. Check out the Machine Problem Board
 

oguard

New Member
The vacuum is the ability of the pump to initate and maintain a draw. With the 5 gallon bucket once you get the initial draw over the top you essentially have a siphon that will naturally provide a small head pressure to the pump to allow it to continue drawing. This is exactly the same as siphoning fuel from your gas tank or siphoning water froma fish tank. If you start with a full hose and initiate the movement away from the container you will get a very efficient fluid transfer without getting any in your mouth.

The numbers for vacuum are those provided by Interpump and equate to the physical properties of a fluid (water). The draw available for the vacuum present is in a non-flodded state.

Hope this clarifies? Cheers.

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