Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pump water uphill

I know that this has been discussed recently, but as usual, unless something
pertains to me at that exact second, I don't tend to remember it. Anyhoo, here's my question: I need to pump water up a hill from a creek that is about 200' away. The lift is about 75'. I'll be filling a 1/2A pond. Solar, Windmill or Ram pumps are not options. I'll want to set up a permanent type of situation in order to "top off" the pond in the summer or whenever needed.
1) What is the best size pump to use?
2) Do I need 110 or 220?
3) Should I run the wire thru PVC for protection?
4) Approx what will it cost - pump, and wire?
5) What size PVC?
6) What else do I need to consider?

Thanks, in advance.

PS - I'm moving soon, and will detail that a little later...

The size of pump can be determined by the gpm needed and a chart that shows head capabilities of that pump. Cost will be dependent on that. AES has a pumps of all sizes in their catalog with head charts.

Is a well out of the question? I'm wondering if with a head of 75 feet a well bored straight down near the pond would be a better option?

I can't answer whether 110 or 220 as I'm electrically challenged.

I've buried power wires with no problems so I'm not sure PVC protection is necessary. Of course you want to use the correct gauge for the distance.

Give this site a shot:

http://zoellerpumps.com/pumpsizing

I read something in the last year about a natural pump situation that the romans or something used and it still applies today...it was on this board....but I have slept since then...the experts know what I'm talking about...

220 is better than 110 because you can use smaller wire, which is cheaper. Total electric costs will be about the same, if not exactly the same (or close enough that you wouldn't notice).

You can do direct burial, but running the wire in PVC will give it an added layer of protection if you have to dig in that area at anytime in the future.

As to what size PVC, that will depend on how much water you need to move (both electric and water PVC).

I had a friend that had a creek down hill from his house and built a ram pump that set in the flowing creek and pumped water up hill for his animals. No wiring, just mechanical. In an earlier post I had a link for building a ram pump.

Esshup what kind of dogs are in your avitar picture? A year ago we had a 6 week old dog come to our back door at night in the snow and crying. She is a big part of our life now. She looks very much like your dogs and we have no idea what kind of dog whe is.

John, they're English Springer Spaniels. They're the field variety, rather than the show variety. The show variety is mostly black or liver.

John you're a good man!

My last dog who has since passed away was shewed away by a neighbor as a puppy because she jumped on the kids. Another neighbor took her in in the cold and snow etc. half starved. Long story short including a trip to the human shelter I ended up with her. God I miss her. She was quite the dog size wise and character wise.

Ok, I think I found what I was remembering. It's called an "Inverted Siphon" or it may just be some sort of "Siphon". The romans used it to move water where they needed it.

Hi Guys, thanks. John, I've learned a little about the Ram over the years, and it would just take too long to completely fill this pond. Cecil, I might have to think about the well option, but it might be too expensive. Essup, I think I'll use the 220. DL, that "inverted siphon" sounds interesting. I'll try to find more info.

Are you sold on an electric pump? Is gas/diesel an option. I pump creek water about 600 feet with a total head of about 60ft(about 20ft suction head and 40ft discharge head to top off a 2.5 acre pond. I have a 8hp 4 inch Honda semi trash pump that works really well. It will pump about 400gal/min with zero head. It pumps about 300 gal/min for my setup.
For your situation (.5 acre) a 2 or 3 inch pump would do just fine. You need to consider what the suction head is. Most centifugal pumps (within reason) won't lift water more than about 20-25 ft. This can be a limiting factor depending on the lay of your land. The pump may push the water 60 or 70 vertical feet (dischrge head) but only be able to pull 20-25 ft up out of the creek. Again, I dont know your situation.
This info is good to know before you spend money on a particular pump.
My $.02
Eddie
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Trying to post a pic of my set up.

Eddie, I'm not getting the pictures - just a blue "?" in a box.
I have a 3" trash pump that would probably work. Just wanted to be
able to have something that would continuously run if I was away
and it runs out of gas.
Also, I plan to put the pump down by the creek and push the water
all the way to the pond.

Sorry, I changed to picasa and cant get the pictures to post.
Electric pumps certainly don't run out of gas, and gas motors last alot longer if they can be sheltered from the elements when not being used and that can be a pain. I think an electric pump is fine if you have the right situation, and it sounds like you do. Its not too hard to find specs on different pumps in order to make an educated decision. I would definately lean toward bigger is better. You will be happier in the long run.

Eddie

Here is another pic of my pump. I would tell you that if you can incorporate "quick disconnect" couplings into your system, it will sure make your life easier when you need to work on things.


Hope this helps,
Eddie

Thanks, that's a nice setup. Your creek is larger than mine - how do you have it
configured in the creek. Also, would it be safe to enlarge my gas tank?

Its hard to tell from those photos but the 4in. suction hose goes down the bank about 20 ft. to the creek. There are some large rocks on the bottom of the creek bed that I try and lay the hose on to minimize solids from getting sucked up. Pointing the hose down stream helps also. I had to quit using the strainer on the end of the suction hose because it kept getting clogged with dead leaves floating down the creek. One thing you probably thought of is there is definately a greater than zero chance that a fish and or eggs will go through your pump and survive. This will obviously affect your pond biology. It has mine.
I added that larger tank (about 12 gal.) and have never had any problems. You just have to make sure it is secured well and also mounted above the carburator on the motor. You still will have to deal with adding fuel, that is where AC/DC comes in to play. My pump is about 1/4 mile from my house and I am always wondering if everything is ok while it is running. With an electric set up, I would think that there would be less to deal with and worry about.

Good luck,
Eddie

Neat setup. I used to have a 3 inch pump that pumped a 50 gallon barrel dry in 11 seconds. It got stolen along with the large gas tank and trailer.