Moving water from spring box uphill without electricity

[chris the wrench]

Ive only used a pto powered pump on a tow behind spray rig. Will that pump that was recommended above self prime if its pulling water through about 30’ of intake hose?

 

[chris the wrench]

Were I doing this I think a small gasoline pump and 3/4" discharge hose to the garden would be easiest.

I definitely see the benefit of this. We live in the west where wildfire danger is constant, so from that perspective having another pump to run water is advantageous. My only concern with that is another gas engine to keep happy.

 

[Topzide]

2 cycle engine is easier to maintain than 4 cycle!

 

[ponytug]

I definitely see the benefit of this. We live in the west where wildfire danger is constant, so from that perspective having another pump to run water is advantageous. My only concern with that is another gas engine to keep happy.

Running a diesel has a lower fire danger, but finding a diesel powered water pump isn't always easy, and rarely inexpensive.

Personally, I will do a lot to avoid running a gas engine during fire season, but that is from too many fires getting too close.

All the best,

Peter

 

[sixdogs]

I remember the Lehman's catalog or a pamphlet of theirs showed how the Amish pumped water uphill via some natural process. I don't remember but know of Amish with such an arrangement. Maybe some info there for you, FYI

 

[ponytug]

I remember the Lehman's catalog or a pamphlet of theirs showed how the Amish pumped water uphill via some natural process. I don't remember but know of Amish with such an arrangement. Maybe some info there for you, FYI

I've seen hydraulic rams, as well as water and windmill mechanically driven lift pumps. There are some great videos out there, if you like low tech solutions. Fun to see what you can do with linkages and rods.

All the best,

Peter

 

[CalG]

Ive only used a pto powered pump on a tow behind spray rig. Will that pump that was recommended above self prime if its pulling water through about 30’ of intake hose?

I don't know much about roller pumps, but I wouldn't count on one pulling more than a few feet of lift.

But with the capability of producing 300 psi pressure, Pushing water up hill 400 feet Vert is in the ball park .

Of course you would need hose and fittings to hold.

I've got an old fire pump of the centrifugal type. It has all the hardware, plumbing and fittings to use engine vacuum to lift the charge water.

Pretty useless with a diesel engine tractor. ;-)

 

[pmsmechanic]

Pretty useless with a diesel engine tractor. ;-)

Here in irrigation country we use a homemade venturi on the diesel exhaust to develop a vacuum. It actually works better than engine vacuum.

 

[jaxs]

Whether line from spring to holding tank can be left on ground surface without livestock damage or creating problems for mowing ect is a consideration. Whether soil has rocks and roots making it difficult to bury line is a consideration.
A battery powered pump and solar charged battery is probably easiest. It doesn't need high gpm capability, so a smaller (low power consumption) pump running for longer periods is fine since the water is stored. Pumps can push water much farther than they can lift so pay attention to how much head pumps can handle. 20psi discharge is about minimum required to overcome 30 ft of head and still move some water. To give you some idea what a small 12 volt pump can do, 12 v pumps on rvs run 40 to 60 psi and regulated down to 30 psi or so to keep flow consistent over a range of gpm.
I would use 1/2" pvc if I was burying line. Little pumps above don't require that large but can use it and if you upgrade later it will be ready.