Green Solar Powered Water Barrel

Step 8 Flowjet pump

closeup of Flojet 4405-143 pump particulars
another pump that I have seen that is almost identical to this is made by shurflo
This type of pump is used in RV's or sailboats to supply water pressure, as well as for using as a wash down pump on boats.
I chose this type because it had an internal pressure switch that stopped it from running all the time, only turning on when the water pressure in the hose drops. In addition I got a super deal on it secondhand.
There are many different styles of pump available that will be more than adequate for this application. It depends on your budget, and availability of secondhand pumps in your area.
Other things to consider would be whether or not you want the pump running all the time (lawn sprinkler) or only when you press the trigger on your hose nozzle. Without a built-in pressure switch, the pump would run all the time as soon as you turned on power. In all types of applications, make sure the pump output pressure does not exceed the pressure rating of your hose/pipe or you might burst it if the outlet was closed or blocked unexpectedly.

Comments

[The Lightning Stalker]

If you look around, you can find an all plastic pump that won't rust out from the rainwater. It's important that it's a jet pump so you get enough pressure to run the attachments. Or you can get a submersible and put it in the bottom of one of the barrels. That will give you huge pressures though so you'll need a regulator. Either way, never start the pump with the attachment(s) turned off or you will get cavitation which wears out the impeller(s). If you hear a louder "swooshing" sound, turn if off right away. That means it's cavitating and you don't have enough flow on the output for that size pump.

[damoelld]

I've found that a Diaphragm pump such as this one works great, it puts out 35 psi at a constant rate, is very quiet, unlike a jet pump and is very small, unlike a jet pump that would be capable of 3.3 GPM (12.5 lpm). This model of pump has an internal pressure switch and bypass to prevent water surging and hammer (pulsation) when the hose or attachment(s) are turned on or off. I have saved my pump from the rainwater by mounting it inside a waterproof battery box. Originally I thought of using a submersible or fountain pump, but the extra connections would have to be mounted internal to the barrel (aka more hassel) and I did not need to have the capability of emptying the barrel in a matter of minutes.

[The Lightning Stalker]

I'm not attacking your pump or your instructable or anything. I'm just trying to help out people who don't know anything about the pipe and the pump and the ppppp... If all someone can afford is a used jet pump, then it works good enough.

[damoelld]

no worries, didn't mean to make it sound like I was mad. I appreciate all comments.....even the ones that contradict my opinions, gets me to thinking in a less linear fashion, and sometimes another solution to the same problem. This is after all a forum, and not a podium :)

[jerhpk]

I'm looking for a part-time pump for a smaller application. What is the flow rate on the pump you have? I'm not planning on running the pump for more than 30 minutes at a time, and maybe once a week. (The planned height of this project is about 8 feet, maximum. It does not need to be high pressure at this location, but it does need to spray slightly. Yes, I realize this is contradictory.) I do appreciate this instructable; I find I reference it frequently for a variety of projects. as a question, do you have the "sight level indicator" going into a hole in the top of the barrel, or just tucked under the lid? And is the top of the tube higher than the "overflow" holes?

[damoelld]

Sorry for the delay, was away.
The tube is tucked up under the lid. This prevents the crawlies from getting into it yet allows the outside pressure from the water column to equalize.
Cheers

[urbanhomesteadflorida]

Great Info. Your setup is beautifully designed and built. I am currently seeking out the right pump for my Rain water set up.. i tried a 1/2hp submersible sump but it didn't get the pressure i need. Now im in the process ot trying a 1hp shallow well w/pressure tank... but you are right about all the pluming needed. How far does your pump push? Would it make it to the back of my yard, about 150'? Or how about running a drip/soaker system. Thanks again.

[damoelld]

I have almost 100 feet of garden hose as you can see in the photo. It is able to spray a stream almost 30 feet from the end of that with no problem. I imagine just using head pressure alone would be more than adequate for a drip irrigation system. Hope this helps :)

[airgizmo]

Well said. Great project! I would love to use a setup similar to this. Perhaps you could use a couple T - connections and some sort of automatic water switch to plumb this to toilets?

[damoelld]

I found another great instructable that incorporates items for what you are talking about.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-made-DIY-Grey-water-system-water-recycling/
Cheers,