Pumping station for a private house: how to choose and what to look at before buying

Nikolay Fedorenko
Checked by a specialist: Nikolay Fedorenko
Author: Tatyana Zakharova
Last update: July 2019

Remember how much time, effort, and sometimes nerves takes the banal supply of suburban property with water. Try to transfer a considerable amount by hand to the points of drawing and do not get tired. And if you still need to fill the tanks for irrigation of the garden / kitchen garden, the pool and tanks in the bathhouse, then it is easier to completely abandon the undertaking than to realize it. Truth?

It is quite another matter if instead of you such a laborious process is carried out by pumping equipment. Tireless "workers" will provide all objects with water extremely quickly. Therefore, a pumping station for a home or adorable summer cottage is simply necessary. And how to choose it, we will describe in detail in the next article.

The information we have proposed in the finest details illuminates the nuances of the device and the principle of the system. Your attention is presented to the selection criteria of the unit and the most popular models. The information we proposed is backed up by useful schemes, photos and videos.

Choosing the best option for water supply

An own source in a suburban area can fully provide water to a residential building, a house adjoining territory, a kitchen garden, and a garden.

To create an uninterrupted, well-functioning water supply system, it is necessary to think over the supply process, i.e. choose a pumping station to pump liquid from a source to a house or to other points of a tapping and to lay communications.

There are three generally accepted methods for transmitting water:

  • pumping directly to the consumer;
  • use of storage tank and pump;
  • application accumulator and pump.

The pump connection diagram is considered to be the simplest, since water is supplied directly from the well to the place of use - a kitchen tap, watering hose, etc.

When choosing equipment for connection, it is necessary to carefully study its technical characteristics and ensure the availability of a power source. Frequent activation (if automation is provided, then each time the valve is opened), the pump quickly breaks down.

Watering with a pump
An example of installing a surface pump with which watering lawns, flowerbeds, beds is carried out. To ensure garden water supply, an average power model is enough

A pump without additional equipment is good for small summer cottages that are visited in the warmer months or visit occasionally, for example, on weekends.

The second option is characterized by the presence of a storage tank - a tank installed in the upper part of the building (most often in the attic).

The advantage of this design is the water supply equal to the volume of the tank. Even during power outages, you can freely wash the dishes or take a shower.

Cons of a similar design:

  • a prerequisite is the presence of an insulated attic sufficient to install the tank area;
  • the large size of the tank is important, so it will be necessary to strengthen the floors;
  • in case of an accident, high-quality waterproofing should be done.

Additional costs are sometimes required to purchase a second pump. It is necessary to maintain certain pressure parameters.

The more mechanisms, the more complex the system and the higher the likelihood of failures during operation.

Comparative water supply scheme
Comparative scheme of two options for water supply at home: 1 - with a submersible pump and storage tank, 2 - with a pumping station that supplies water from the well

The third option is the most acceptable for those who constantly live outside the city and want to improve their home to the maximum.

The hydraulic accumulator provides the building and other objects of consumption with the necessary amount of water, creating the necessary pressure. In addition, two principles that are critical to technology are respected - cost-effectiveness and high productivity.

The principle of the pump station

The pumping station can be purchased ready-made or assembled independently from the components: pressure tank, (submersible pump or surface type pump), pressure switch and automatic control unit.

Experts recommend staying at the finished pump station, in which all the elements are ideally suited for each other in terms of technical characteristics, material and size.

Pump station installation diagram
An approximate installation diagram of the pumping station with the designation of all necessary parts (including pipes and connecting elements) and an indication of the installation location of the equipment - in the basement

Submersible pump with filter and check valve can be replaced with a surface model - both options have their advantages.

The filter is necessary to protect communications from the ingress of sand lying on the bottom and suspended impurities, the check valve prevents the outflow of water in the opposite direction when the unit automatically shuts down.

The shutdown occurs on the signal of the pressure switch, which is activated when the pressure reaches the maximum mark. As soon as the liquid in the accumulator tank becomes smaller, the pressure stabilizes, the mechanism turns on again and begins to pump water.

For the station to work, 220 V electric power is required. The pipe cross-section must be selected so that the water moves freely through the channels connecting the pumping equipment and the consumption points.

Powerful equipment can provide water for a building in which a family of 5-6 people lives, and water points outside the house (in the garage, in the summer kitchen, in the vegetable garden or garden).

Model selection for specific characteristics

The variety of models on the market is explained by the fact that the conditions for connecting can be completely different: one option is necessary well pumping station (with a surface pump installed in the caisson), others need a submersible mechanism or a more powerful model with an ejector that can pump water from the well from a depth of 20-25 m.

When choosing pumping equipment in a store, the properties of the samples provided must necessarily be compared with individual requirements.

Pump performance calculation

There are difficulties with calculating performance, because many do not know what to start with. In fact, for objective calculations, several factors should be considered.

For example, it is important to take into account the volume of the well lowering - a one-time water intake at zero flow rate, the rate of restoration of the volume of liquid in the source, the mode of active operation of the water supply system, etc.

To find out the average, enough data for 1 day. This is possible because of the complete restoration of the volume of water in the well in 5-6 hours (the time when the liquid is not consumed at all).

The busiest “peak hours” are time periods when the bathrooms are actively used or the garden is irrigated. They are most suitable for the objectivity of the calculations.

Performance calculation
For the calculation, it is necessary to add together the parameters of all consumption points, not forgetting the correction factor, to derive the productivity unit - l / min or l / hour

Suppose a well has a flow rate of 200 liters and a decrease volume of 50 liters. If there is a succession of taking a bath (200 l each) by three family members, and we need water to flow freely to other points of tapping, the productivity should not be lower than 300 l / h.

Sometimes the calculation is made based on the amount of water consumption by all family members or by calculating the maximum water use - peak consumption.

It is assumed that at the same time all water points are involved, the average consumption of which is:

  • washbasin faucet - 0.1 l / s;
  • kitchen mixer - 0.15 m / s;
  • drain tank - 0.1 m / s;
  • shower - 0.25 l / s;
  • washing machine - 0.3 l / s.

The maximum possible productivity is considered to be 800-1000 l / h (or more), but not every well has such a water supply and a high recovery rate.

Maximum water intake depth

To find out this parameter, you need to know exactly the size of the well (well) and measure the distance from the installation site of the accumulator to the source.

The main value is the height from the water surface to the axis of the pump installed near the well or well. If the station is located at any distance, for example, in the basement of a house, then the horizontal section must also be kept in mind.

The scheme of the pumping station
When making calculations, one should rely on the value of not a static, but a dynamic level - the average indicator with regular liquid intake for 1-2 days

There is an error correction due to the resistance exerted by the pipes, non-return valve and filters. This means that it is necessary to add another 15% to the amount received.

By the way, the resistance of stainless steel pipes, which is used less and less, is much higher than that of plastic communications.

The vertical arrangement of pipes refers to the horizontal in a proportion of 1:10. For example, the distance to the installation site of the accumulator is 20 m, the depth of the well to the water mirror is 8 m, therefore, equipment with a minimum sampling depth of 8 m + 20 m is necessary: ​​10 = 10 m

Accumulator tank volume

When choosing a pumping station for a private house, do not forget to ask about the volume of the accumulator, since the full supply of water depends on the size of the tank. The larger the tank, the more space the equipment takes and the more expensive the entire installation is.

It is believed that large tanks have rarer on / off cycles, which is why their life is significantly increased.

Accumulator Size
Gileks Jumbo pumping station with built-in ejector and automatic control: power - 1100 W, accumulator capacity - 24 l. Suitable for use in wells and wells

For a single tenant or couple, a volume of 24-30 liters is enough. A small tank is appropriate when the need for water supply occurs periodically, for example, on weekends.

A volume of 50 liters is an average capacity suitable for serving a group or family of 3-5 people who are constantly living in a country house. For housing, uniting more than five people under its roof, equipment with a 100-liter tank should be purchased.

Tanks of less than 24 liters are irrational to buy, since they quickly wear out, respectively, have a short service life.

The water pressure in the system

The functioning of the system will be complete and comfortable only if at each point of water consumption there is a sufficient pressure of water. It means that network pressure provides uninterrupted, correct giving.

For example, for a kitchen faucet, a pressure of 1 / 1.5 atmospheres is enough, which equals 10/15 m water column. More serious equipment requires increased parameters.

Water pressure
Grundfos JPBasic2 PT pump station with a power of 600 W and a maximum pressure of 42 m. The purpose is to increase the pressure in domestic systems, watering summer cottages or gardens

The value of the water pressure can be found in the instructions. Units with a maximum pressure of 45-50 m can be equally well used both in country cottages and in small enterprises.

They have increased productivity (up to 4500 l / h) and are often equipped with an additional storage tank

Power and voltage

Installation power and supply voltage are necessary for proper connecting pumping station. The standard power supply voltage - 220 V - is typical for most household pumping stations, since single-phase AC networks are much more common.

A voltage of 380 V is necessary for the high-performance functioning of equipment on an industrial scale, and in the residential sector it can be found only in multi-storey buildings.

Power of pumping equipment
The Parma model SN-600P is equipped with a self-priming pump and is used to supply water to a house or to a personal plot from a tank, pool or well. AC voltage - 220 V, power - 600 W

The power of domestic installations with a hydraulic accumulator is from 600 to 2000 watts. It affects the choice of protective devices and power cable. If there is overheating, short circuit, dry run start, modern models are automatically turned off.

Unit Type and Functionality

Models of one manufacturer, and even more so of various brands, differ in appearance and potential capabilities.

Suppose pressure switch, which ensures timely shutdown of equipment, can be connected in two ways: using a flexible hose or directly to the body. This does not change the principle of operation, only the appearance is different.

More serious differences relate to the type of pump - the main working part. The most common self-priming devices that easily tolerate light water pollution and the presence of air in the pipes.

The main disadvantage of units of this type is the limited height of the liquid from the source (from 6 to 9 m). Another small drawback is the high noise level, but it is solved by installing the pump in a separate room.

Some models are equipped with an ejector, built-in or external. The built-in allows you to increase the depth of the water supply up to 15 m, while the external one is able to extract liquid from a depth of 45-50 m. The disadvantage is reduced efficiency and noise.

Ejector installation
The ejector provides recirculated (looped) movement of water thanks to a special design - an additional sleeve immersed in water with a special nozzle

For wells and boreholes with a depth of up to 10 m, quieter multi-stage devices are used. They are more expensive and more complicated in construction, have a powerful head and a high degree of productivity. The main external difference of units of this type is the elongated shape of the working chamber, which holds several wheels instead of one.

For suburban areas with a small house and a shallow well (6-7 m), vortex pumping stations are suitable. They are distinguished by high pressure (which allows them to be used to increase pressure in the system), quiet operation, efficiency, but low productivity

Equipment Manufacturer Reputation

Choosing this or that model, you are sure to pay attention to the manufacturer and try to remember how reliable its products are. This is the right approach, because the lines of work of a pumping station are measured over the years, and there is no point in buying a poor-quality one.

Now almost all companies engaged in the production of pumping equipment are focused on consumer interest and have in their arsenal a whole set of models that differ in technical characteristics.

Famous domestic brands Gileks, Bison, Whirlwind compete with Italians Marina, Ergus, Pedrollo in the number of presented lines.

However, the palm belongs to the German brands Gardena, Metabo, Wilo SE, Kärcher, Grundfos, which have always been distinguished by excellent quality and maximum functionality.

All brands rooted in Russia have adapted their technology to local climatic conditions. Consider the rating of popular models, so that the idea of ​​pumping devices becomes more complete.

Rating of pumping stations for a private house

A place
Product
Rating
Max performance
Suction depth
Power
Price
#1
98
/ 100
4.5 m³ / h
8 m
1,100 watts
#2
97
/ 100
3.78 m³ / h
7 m
1200 watts
#3
95
/ 100
3.78 m³ / h
8 m
1200 watts
#4
94
/ 100
3 m³ / h
9 m
500 watts
#5
93
/ 100
4 m³ / h
8 m
1000 watts
#6
91
/ 100
5.4 m³ / h
8 m
1600 watts
#7
89
/ 100
4.2 m³ / h
9 m
1200 watts
#8
88
/ 100
3.5 m³ / h
8 m
850 watts
#9
87
/ 100
3.2 m³ / h
8 m
800 watts
#10
86
/ 100
3.6 m³ / h
8 m
850 watts
#1

KARCHER BP 5 Home

Quiet, powerful station of unrivaled German quality

Expert rating:
98
/ 100

Karcher BP 5 is an excellent model for an individual water supply system. Build quality, ease of use and ease of installation have made this model popular among users.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 50 m
  • tank volume - 24 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -14.72 kg

The station is designed for pumping clean water. It is allowed to install in boiler rooms or specially built pavilions for it.

Karcher brand pumping equipment is neat in appearance, ergonomic and easy to use. Almost all models are equipped with handles for moving.

Advantages
  • Protection against overheating and dry running
  • Built-in on / off system
  • System for monitoring and indicating the status of work
  • Stainless steel flange and shaft
  • Check valve included
disadvantages
  • Short power cord (1 m)
  • No on / off button
#2

PATRIOT R 1200/24 ​​INOX

Powerful clean water pumping station

Expert rating:
97
/ 100

PATRIOT R 1200/24 ​​INOX - model for pumping clean water with a stainless steel pump part.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 30 m
  • tank volume - 24 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -14.4 kg

The case made of stainless steel eliminates the penetration of atmospheric water. The unit can temporarily work in an open area in high humidity.

For stationary installation outdoors, the installation of a box is recommended.

The sufficiently powerful Patriot 1200/24 ​​INOX installation is an excellent option for servicing wells and wells located in the immediate vicinity of a residential building.

Advantages
  • Robust and waterproof metal housing
  • Capacious tank
  • Great performance
  • Pressure switch
disadvantages
  • No dry running protection
#3

Bison ZNAS-1200-S

Production station for providing private houses with water

Expert rating:
95
/ 100

Bison ZNAS-1200-S is an automatic pumping station suitable for providing water to a small country house.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 50 m
  • tank volume - 20 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -13 kg

The pump unit is designed for ten times or more interruption and start of work per day. The model is automated, supports the operating pressure parameters in the system.

The high-performance model ZNAS-1200-S Bison is capable of raising water to a great height, therefore it is often used for the construction of water supply systems for two-story mansions.

Advantages
  • Raises water to the second floor
  • Equipped with check valve
  • There is overheat protection
disadvantages
  • There may be problems with mounting the motor to the tank
  • After 2 years, gasket replacement may be required.
#4

Jilex Jumbo 50/28 H-18

Compact and high performance pump at an affordable price

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

Gileks Jumbo 50/28 Ch-18 is a high-quality device made of especially durable materials.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 28 m
  • tank volume - 18 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -15.1 kg

In addition to taking water from underground sources, the station is able to pump water from open water bodies. Equipped with automatic control devices, can be customized to the specific needs of home owners.

The pump device Dzhileks Jumbo 50/28 Ch-18 is not characterized by high performance, but it is convenient to use and is equipped with an ejector and a reliable set of automation.

Advantages
  • Compact station dimensions
  • Inexpensive price tag
  • Spare Parts Availability
  • Robust cast iron housing
  • Automation on the case
disadvantages
  • Tank volume is small
  • Cannot set pressure over 2.8 atm
#5

AL-KO HW 4000 FCS Comfort

Easy to maintain and quiet pumping equipment

Expert rating:
93
/ 100

Station AL-KO HW 4000 FCS Comfort is designed to work with clean water. It can be used to automate the water supply system of a private house or cottage.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 45 m
  • tank volume - 17 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -17.9 kg

This pumping station is able to provide the required volume of water with several points of water intake - with AL-KO HW 4000 FCS Comfort you can water the beds, use a shower and a washing machine.

Thanks to its quiet operation and small dimensions, this equipment can be installed even in a residential area.

Advantages
  • Dry running and overheating protection
  • Electronic pressure switch
  • When working, practically no noise
  • Integrated XXL filter and check valve
disadvantages
  • It's hard to buy parts
  • Small tank volume
#6

Marina CAM 198/60

Powerful pumping station, able to work for a long time in automatic mode without interruption

Expert rating:
91
/ 100

Marina-Speroni CAM 198/60 - a device with a powerful engine and protection against dry running. It is used for pumping water from open and underground sources.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 60 m
  • tank volume - 60 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -28 kg

Fully automated, so it does not need constant participation in the process of work of home owners. There is a system for adjusting to the pressure parameters required for an uninterrupted supply of water.

The powerful Marina-Speroni CAM 198/60 installation is protected against overloads and is able to work for a long time without interruption, ideal for suburban water supply.

Advantages
  • Quality assembly
  • Excellent pressure holding up to 3.0 atm
  • When used correctly, it works without problems
  • Capacious tank
disadvantages
  • Noisy
  • Tall price tag
#7

Vortex ASV-1200/50

Inexpensive version of a household pumping station with a spacious hydraulic tank

Expert rating:
89
/ 100

Powerful pump with ejector, capable of working in automatic mode. Without problems, it maintains the necessary pressure in the network, turning it on and off if necessary.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 40 m
  • tank volume - 50 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -18.2 kg

This model of a pumping station is able to provide individual water supply for a country house. And also, thanks to the good pressure, it allows you not to spend a lot of time on watering the beds.

A capacious 50-liter tank of the Whirlwind ASV-1200/50 station is able to provide uninterrupted water supply to a small farm.

Among the negative points, some owners note that there are defective copies, and this threatens breakdowns in the first 2 months of operation. Therefore, when buying, it is important to carefully examine the equipment.

Advantages
  • Good power - enough for domestic needs and watering the garden
  • Great price
  • Easy to connect
  • No special requirements for clean pumped water
disadvantages
  • Problems buying parts
  • Pressure switch sticks
  • Noisy when working
#8

GARDENA 4000/5 eco Comfort

Quiet station for organizing suburban water supply with a reduced power consumption mode

Expert rating:
88
/ 100

The GARDENA 4000/5 eco Comfort is easy to install and operate.It copes with the flow of water from the well and from the well.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 45 m
  • tank volume - 24 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -15 kg

This pump station has an eco mode, when turned on, the equipment consumes a minimum of electricity.

When working, it practically does not make noise. Requires minimal attention on the part of the owner - as the filter is contaminated, the filter will have to be changed.

GARDENA 4000/5 eco Comfort is ideally suited for equipping a water supply system in the country, and its capacity is enough to provide water supply to both the bathhouse and the house - to service the tap and even the washing machine.

Advantages
  • Solid assembly and good quality plastic
  • Dry run protection
  • Built-in overheat protection
  • Eco mode to save electricity
disadvantages
  • Difficult to find parts
  • Inexplicable protection triggering algorithm
  • High price for such features
#9

Quattro Elementi Automatico 801

Simple and compact station to meet minimum water requirements

Expert rating:
87
/ 100

The Quattro Elementi Automatico 801 station is well assembled - it does not creak or stagger. And the quality of the plastic is consistent with the price set for this equipment.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 40 m
  • tank volume - 20 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight -12.6 kg

This pumping equipment copes well with the supply of water to the country house - in 5 minutes it can pump a storage tank up to 100 liters. Due to its low power during operation, it produces a minimum of noise.

There is no filter and non-return valve in the kit, but everything you need is presented in the range from the manufacturer. Therefore, you can buy them immediately when buying a station. Many owners of the Quattro Elementi Automatico 801 recommend immediately buying and installing a filter and a check valve together with the station.

Advantages
  • Low cost
  • Works quietly
  • Threaded brass inserts in pump housing
  • The quality of the plastic matches the price
disadvantages
  • There is no built-in filter and you need to buy a check valve
  • Transfer handle may be missing
  • Souring contacts
#10

Caliber SVD-850P

Suitable option for summer residents at an affordable price

Expert rating:
86
/ 100

Caliber SVD-850P is used to supply water from wells, pools, water intake structures with a depth of not more than 8 m.

Feature Overview:

  • type - surface pumping station
  • head - 40 m
  • tank volume - 20 l
  • mains voltage - 220/230 V
  • thread diameter - 1"
  • pump installation type - horizontal
  • weight - 10.9 kg

The plastic body of the pump requires protection against UV radiation and other atmospheric aggression. In addition to standard consumers, the station can serve water heating plants, irrigation and irrigation systems, dishwashers and washing units.

Pumps and pumping stations of the Caliber brand are a favorite model of summer residents who are engaged in the seasonal cultivation of garden and horticultural crops.

Advantages
  • Affordable price
  • Great power
  • Pressure builds up fast
  • Sufficient tank volume
  • Compact dimensions
disadvantages
  • No check valve
  • The rubber ring between the engine and housing is loose
  • Low quality plastic parts
  • Pressure switch stuck on

As you can see, in different models the difference in performance, lift height and power can be significant.

We also have a rating article on our site. top pumping stations for giving. Please go and see which option is best for you.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Useful tutorial video reviews will help you better understand information about the purpose, specifications and choice of pumping stations.

A detailed informative video about modern models from the Aurora manufacturing company:

All about the technical characteristics of domestic pumping equipment:

If you are the owner of a private house, you will definitely need modern pumping equipment. Before buying, carefully study the technical data of the automatic pump station and find out whether it is suitable for your home.

Installation of the unit can be done independently, however, only experienced professionals can take into account all the tricks of installation.

Do you use one of the pump models discussed in the article? Please share your impressions with us!

Or do you have questions about choosing equipment for a country water supply? Please ask your questions in the comments on this article.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Leonid

    Honestly speaking, I did not dare to independently build a pumping station - nevertheless, experience in this matter is not enough. I chose the finished version with a storage tank. He put it in the attic (it does not freeze in winter, so it’s not scary to put it there). Marina-Speroni took the pumping station - although it costs a lot, it’s powerful. I collect water from a well near the house. It works well.

  2. Alexander

    I don’t understand something, what is an injector (no), and what does the venturi installed in the pump casing refer to?

    • Expert
      Nikolay Fedorenko
      Expert

      Hello. Inside the ejector unit is a venturi, which provides a self-priming effect. Roughly speaking, this is a tube with a narrowing, getting into which, water creates an area of ​​low pressure, which ensures the suction of water.

      Attached photos:

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