If you have questions we are happy to help. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
1. What type of payment can you take?
-We can take checks, cash and credit/debit cards. We prefer checks but can do any of these options.
2. Do I need to install a variable speed drive rather than a conventional system?
-Variable speed drives are newer technology which is a computer that can sense how much water you are using at any given time and can then speed up or slow down your pump to match your water usage. This is desirable because the pump will not cycle on and off when you have not set enough sprinklers or there is a little demand. The advantages of VFDs are they will keep your pump from turning on and off, they can supply a constant pressure, and they make it easy for you to irrigate without worrying about how much water you are turning on. The disadvantages of VFDs are they are much more expensive then the conventional system, and they have not been as reliable. They are a newer technology however so they are constantly improving. We suggest using VFDs for multiple houses on one well, or bigger pumps 5HP+ you want to both irrigate and use for house water. Generally we would lean towards using the conventional system.
3. How do I air up my pressure tank?
-This depends on what pressure tank you have, whether it is a bladder tank or a galvanized non-bladder tank. See the pictures to compare.
-If you have a bladder tank turn the power to the pump off, then turn a hose on to run all the pressure out of the system. Once the hose stops running, check the pressure in the tank at the top valve stem. It should be about 38psi. If it has less, put air into it. Once you have all the air into it push on the tank a little to rock it back and forth. The tank should feel clear empty of water and if it is holding the 38psi it is a good tank. If the tank feels very heavy and you can hear water inside of it it will need to be changed.
-If you have a non-bladder galvanized tank start by trying to feel where the water is on the tank. You do this by running your hand from the top of the tank and then down, you should feel a temperature change from cool to colder as you go down. (This is easier to do when it is warmer outside) The temperature change should happen right around the middle of the tank. If it is high the tank needs air and if it is low the tank may have too much air. You can air the tank up by opening a hose and hooking a compressor up to the tank. (Make sure you have an open hose and the power to the pump on) You air up the tank until the water is about halfway (the temperature change is about halfway).
This is a typical bladder tank.
This is a typical galvanized non bladder tank
4. What can I do to make my pump last?
-The most important thing you can do for your pump is to keep it running steady when you irrigate. A when a conventional pump is on it pumps the most water it can, runs the pressure up to usually 60psi and then turns off, starting again once the pressure falls down to 40psi. This is the pump turning on and off and it will do it if you are not using enough water. If your pump is turning off and on when you are irrigating you need to set more sprinklers to run at once. As a general rule a 1.5HP pump should be able to run about 6 sprinklers at once without cycling. If you can set your irrigation to come on and keep the pump running constant you will get many more years out of the pump.
-Another thing you can do is to periodically check to make sure that your pressure tank has an air charge.
5. Do you do emergency work?
-We are available after hours as well. The labor rate raises to time and a half for emergency work.