April 29, 2022

I have been losing borehole/well water pumps for a few years now. Brand new pumps that should last years, get burnt in a matter of months.
I have identified 3 main reasons for this.

1. Power surges from NEPA.
   
   
2. Continuing to pump water, even when the tank is full. This overworks the pump, and shortens the lifespan.
   
   
3. Leaving the pump to run, even when there is no water in the well. Pump heats up, and coil gets burnt.

Possible solution to the problems.


For problem #1: Power surges from NEPA

Solution: Move from AC to DC solar pumps. Solar pumps run on solar energy. So NEPA spikes cannot affect it.

This requires DC solar pump. These pumps are more expensive. But they also do not require electricity, instead they run on solar panels only. So this saves the tenants a lot of money.

I have ordered borehole solar pumps from China. Hopefully, to be delivered in a few weeks by Fedex or DHL.


For problem #2: Continuing to pump, even when the tank is full

Solution: Install a Float Switch inside the tank

           

The stainless steel switch can be installed either at the top or base of your tank, depending on whether you wish to detect the water's rise or fall.

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltXJubS3AKg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU0ayawNOlo

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001037423623.html


For problem #3: Leaving the pump to run, even when there is no water in the well

Solution: install Water Pressure Switch

           

How does Water Pressure Switch work?

• When the pump is running, water generates a certain amount of pressure inside the pipe.
  
  
• Then if the borehole runs out of water, there would no longer be any water being pumped. No water means no pressure.
  
  
• The Pressure Switch detects this water pressure drop, and breaks the electrical circuit. This circuit break shuts off of the pump.

When the pump shuts off, two things happen...

1. The pump is protected from running dry, and thereby heating up until it is burned.

2. The borehole/well is allowed to recharge (i.e. to collect water again).

After the borehole has recharged, the Water Pressure Switch turns back on again, and the pumping resumes.

Where can Water Pressure Switch be purchased?

https://jiji.ng/search?query=Water%20Pressure%20Switch

How is the Water Pressure Switch installed?

Without a lever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QAkfbIclo

With a lever: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh8dWHCvlXA

Full installation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q47cjRvz9qU


Troubleshooting steps

• Remove the pressure switch cover. Be careful of electric shock.
• Check the pressure switch contacts.
• Clean the contacts, or replace the pressure switch.