Best utility pumps according to redditors

This fence line is just shy of 90 feet and my setup works pretty well at that length. I used pretty small diameter pvc so it’s not much weight; I can’t imagine reinforcement would be needed for the watering— maybe for the vines depending. It’s not a raging torrent of water it basically is just a steady drip but it saturates pretty well when run in cycles and not run during the heat of the day.

My initial version of this setup was a single battery and small solar panel and it ran fine for a year or more (granted I’m in SoCal so we get a lot of sun)— I’ve since expanded a bit to a 4 battery setup and larger panel but just because I added two more pumps for covering other areas.

Here’s a picture of the control box of a basic single battery system with timer and a simple solar controller
https://i.imgur.com/JOfGqdp.jpg


Here’s some of the basic gear:

Water Storage
===========================

Current Water tank
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003H9WJMI/

(Although I’ve also used smaller/cheaper tanks like this for my vegetable garden, just might mean more refills depending on how often it’s run: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BFC5NIA/ )

If you’re looking to go super cheap, I honestly started my first setup with a couple modified 5 gallon plastic water bottles I stole from my office like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B27RAA/


Power
===========================

Current solar panel for a 4 battery setup:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HFMBF3G

Previous panel for single battery system:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PFGP0EA


Solar regulator (keeps you from blowing up the battery! The smaller panel comes free with one that works fine, I just liked this one better because it had more lights!): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L37KZI6/

Batteries, one is plenty for a single pump system:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003S1RQ2S/

(obviously if you wanted to build a system on the cheap you could bypass the solar entirely and drop $20 on a second battery that you leave charging and just swap them back and forth every week or three, depending on how often/long you run the system)


Pump
===========================

Current Pump:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BXBQGC/

Although I’ve also used cheaper ones like these for drip systems and they were fine:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07699RMVB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WYMC492

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DLKT4OO


Misc
===========================

Timer (has like 16 stop/start memories which should be plenty for any configuration):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090MTLFO


If there is some interest next weekend I could draw up a complete wiring/assembly diagram and detailed parts list and make a separate post (and include all the sundries: wire, hose, clamps, filters, waterproof project box, couplings, drip heads, etc).

Is this unit dedicated only to a shower, or are you also pumping a lavatory? SaniShower

Grundfos makes a good pump https://www.amazon.ca/Grundfos-98420223-Comfort-AutoAdapt-Recirculation/dp/B00O0HX6A0/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?keywords=grundfos+circulation+pump&qid=1568594112&sprefix=grundf&sr=8-13

You’d still need a few check valves and an expansion tank at your water heater. But it’s a decent pump

couple things,

the pipe diameter and length matters,

but also the pressure head matters. i.e. how high are you lifting the water?

I'm sure there is a way to calculate the power requirements if you know the pipe diameter and length and change in elevation, and the desired flow rate. my gut tells me that 120watts (12v X 10a) isn't it.

edit, fyi for every psi your pump can make, you can lift 2.31 feet. really that back pressure is what is going to melt stuff. Curious what pump you have, something like this which is also 12v@10a might work better https://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-Stainless-Submersible-Alternative-Battery/dp/B073Z8FPSY though the flow at the top of the ladder won't be as good as when you are at the bottom.

A pump like this one should be able to fit in the corner or underneath the manifold...they aren't that big.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but a photo would help.

I would install this just after the meter or service entry, depending on your layout.

Just use something like This

Thnx! I’m looking at the Franklin. My neighbor recommended this: https://www.amazon.com/Davey-Water-Products-BT20-30T2-USA-Controller/dp/B00DT3YKQK


It’s more expensive though and not sure if I’d get much value over the Franklin.

Https://www.amazon.com/Utilitech-0-33-HP-Thermoplastic-Submersible-Utility/dp/B00JS2HIN8

I picked one if these up for $80 at Lowe's and it has gotten me through some tough times when we've gotten really heavy rain and it ends up in my crawlspace.

on-demand water pump

I use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Superior-Pump-91570-Thermoplastic-Submersible/dp/B00ZP5BQAS/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1540386038&sr=8-15&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=electric+submersible+water+pump

It's also helpful to pump rain off of the pool cover.

Thanks! I actually have one of those lying around too but haven’t been able to properly connect a hose. The hose that came with it got lost or broke at some point in time.

This is the loud pump I’ve been using: EXTRAUP 115Volt 330 GPH Portable Low Suction Electric Water Transfer Revmoval Utility Pump With Suction Hose Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747P8C65/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IUQCDbK7S8HPG

And TIL on the proper term for that condenser!

I’m looking at a 1.5” trash pump XtremepowerUS 2.5 HP Gas-Powered Portable Water Pump Transfer 1,980 GPH Gas-Powered 1.5-inch w/Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PFLLZT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4bW3CbBS6BQHS .

Do I need a 2” to accomplish what you’re doing here? Also can you give me a part number on the adapter I’d need to connect the pool vacuum hose?

Also can I use discharge hoses as intake hoses?