I have an auxilliary well that the previous owner told me is 100′ deep. It is used for irrigation only, and has a 1hp A.O. Smith jetpump. The pump currently feeds an older 120 gallon galvanized pressure tank which has developed several pinhole leaks. Since this well is only used seasonally and the pump and tank are drained every year, locals (farmers, not plumbers) tell me to go with another galvanized tank rather than a diaphram tank. Local supply houses do stock some galvanized tanks. Is this reasonable advice for this application? Or is the diaphram tank a better solution?
Replies
If its not in direct sunlight look at a Well Mate fiberglass tank with diaphram.
They don't rust out.
I grew up with a 1/2 horse pressure tank system and I used that same system to drip irrigate a 1/4 acre plot.
I question the need for a pressure tank on an irrigation system, unless it is because your well doesn't have enough capacity to keep up with the distribution system.
A P-Tank is needed in a home system because a house is an intermittant and variable demand. An irrigation system is usually all on or it's off.
Your situation may have specs I'm not aware of.
SamT
Praise the Corporation, for the Corporations' highest concern is the well being of the public.
I never thought the pressure tank might not be needed at all. Hmmmm.
I'll probably replace it anyway, just because I may end up using this for other non-domestic purposes like animal waterers.
Thanks for the reply.
=====Zippy=====
get a diaphram tank. The farmers have the galv. and those work so there thinking stay with what works.
LOL. The locals are the most opininated lot I've ever met. When I moved here, I was immediately judged as all right by the Massey-Fergusen crowd because I had one of them, and suspect by the Deere crowd because of my M-F.
=====Zippy=====
. . . as it should be, as it should be. Hmmph, red tractor indeed !
I second the others, no need for a tank at all. I water 26 acres of pecan trees from a 6 inch well, approx. 90 gpm, and no tank at all. You could always plumb in a tank later, if you decide to water the hogs, or whatever.
The State Dept. of Ag. asked my permission a few years ago to "monitor" my well. They put a meter on it - didn't restrict or limit my useage, they just want to keep an eye on how much water I actually pump. It was strictly voluntary, but who knows whats to come.
Greg