Hello! I urilize a wfp system and would like some recommendations on pumps that i can attach to a holding tank. Normally I just connect to the homeowners house, but sometimes the pressure is too low to do a good job. To overcome this, my idea was to use a holding tank and feed my wfp system from that.
Im currently using a 3 stage eco cart wfp system.
So here is what I did:
First I wanted to be as independent of a water source as I could be so I send all of the water into this 200 gallon buffer tank that I predominantly use for pressure washing.
The water comes in via a 3/4" supply line, through the reel and then heads down to a ball valve and a 3-way valve. When I am only going to be doing pressure washing, I bypass the sediment and charcoal filters and run into the left side of the T on top of the buffer tank. There is a check valve there to stop the water from back-flowing into the filters. When I will be doing window cleanings, I will engage the valve to send the water through the 2 pre-filters.
Next the water gravity feeds from the 1-1/2" outlet from the buffer tank to another T with a ball valve on either side. This is where the pumps come in. On the left is a 3/4" hose that feeds a 12v 2.2 GPM on-demand pump.
Remco Professional Grade 3300 Series 2.2 GPM, 60 PSI on Demand 12 Volt Sprayer Pump with 3/4 in. QA Ports. The quick attach ports are really good for quickly swapping the pump out if there is a failure. These are easily found at Tractor Supply and only run about $90. Get the $15 warranty and when it burns out it is a free swap out for a new one and then get another $15 extended warranty.
This is strong enough for me to push the water through another pre-filter, RO membrane, DI filter,
and then on to the delivery hose which is made of 200ft of 3/8" air tool hose with quick connects. I usually run an aluminum 16 inch rinse bar. This is when I do not have access to power and need to run off of the pressure washer’s car battery.
However, when I am able to connect to electric at the clients house or other jobsite application (portable generator) I use one of these:
Utilitech 1-HP Stainless Steel Lawn Pump
$220 at Lowes
It has a flow rate of up to 13 GPM and has 1 inch ports. I use garden hose connectors to attach the pumps to the two different pumps depending on which is going to supply the water. This pump however has lasted me over 2 years without any issues and I use it at least 3 days a week for 3 hours of continuous running. Even if I shut the flow off at the brush head, it stays running in order to keep the motor cool.
This pump is strong enough to run through all the same filters, but not only powers the rinse bar, but simultaneously 4 pencil jets without a drop in pressure. I am also able to add an additional 150ft of 3/8" hose for a total of 350ft and then I have only tested it with another 50ft of the 5/16ths tubing for a total of 400ft, all without significant pressure drop.
Please excuse the condition of the reels and hoses, they are 10 years old at this point and I am currently in the middle of building a whole new trailer so I am not repairing or maintaining their appearance as much.
We use the 110v irrigation pump from Harbor Freight. We run 2 poles daily on most of our jobs and we have had it for 3 years and no issues. Make sure that you use a heavy gauge extension cord to handle the start up amperage. Most homes have an outlet in the front or near the garage to plug in. Unless it is a 2 story most time you don’t need the pump but any customers with a well you definitely need the pump. We have QD’s on all of our hoses and the pump is plumbed in line. Best of luck