Need a cheap motor exerciser

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kwired said:
Set the pump in a solid walled container within the gravel base of existing well. Then the naturally entering water will flow into this container when the rate exceeds absorption rate. If you want longer run time you need a larger container. Sump wells designed for septic purposes would work great, but leave the lid off and bury it nearly flush in the bottom of the gravel sump. If you want it to run regularly during dry season all you need is a 1/4 or even 1/8 inch water supply tube running slowly to fill this "sub sump", whenever it is full enough to operate the float switch it will pump it down and start the cycle all over again. Regulate how often it cycles by opening or closing the water supply valve - altering the flow rate.
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See post 5. :D
 
iwire said:
See post 5. :D
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Post 5 keeps bottom bearing wet at all times - assuming water in the bucket never dries up. My last suggestion actually exercises the pump on a regular cycle. Pick whichever you think suits your needs the best.
 
kwired said:
Post 5 keeps bottom bearing wet at all times - assuming water in the bucket never dries up. My last suggestion actually exercises the pump on a regular cycle. Pick whichever you think suits your needs the best.
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This is like hearding cats. :D

There is no natural water flow for months at a time, the pump will not operate.

Even with the idea in post 5 I would likely need to keep an eye on it due to evaporation.
 
mbrooke said:
As others have said bucket or AC condensate.
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:lol:

It would take at least two five gallon buckets dumped together and it would drain immediately.


Around the perimeter of the basement is about 12" of crushed stone under the slab, that crushed stone encompasses the concrete sump pit which is open on the bottom.

So when you say 'fill the sump' it is not as easy as that.
 
iwire said:
:lol:

It would take at least two five gallon buckets dumped together and it would drain immediately.


Around the perimeter of the basement is about 12" of crushed stone under the slab, that crushed stone encompasses the concrete sump pit which is open on the bottom.

So when you say 'fill the sump' it is not as easy as that.
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Oh

But I am still thinking that the pump might be at fault more than the need to excersize. Is it the pump impeller that freezes up?
 
170107-1033 EST

iwire:

This thread is now at 50 posts and I doubt that you are interested in my comments, but I will provide a few.

1. Cost other than just cheap. What do you have in mind?

2. You want to use the exercising approach, and that is probably your best choice by some electrical timing means.

3. Need a well defined set of specifications. Possibly two different specs, one to allow a wide range of experimental values, and another that would be a more permanent set.

4. Switch contact ratings for switching the motor. This may be only pilot duty to another relay, or full motor load current including inrush current. This may determine whether an SSR or mechanical relay is best or in combination with other decisions.

5. Minimum and maximum on time for motor. From previous comments this might be in the range of a few seconds (more than 1) to a number of minutes. Is this to be adjustable?

6. How often is this exercise is to occur. Minimum is probably not less than once per week. Maximum is probably less than 6 months. Is this to be adjustable?

Anything above can be done digitally, possibly a small computer, PLC, or digital timer. Look into an Arduino with an added real time clock. May directly drive a SSR or will with the addition of a small transistor. An added small transistor can also drive a P&B KUP relay.

Analog pulse generators (some form of RC or pneumatic time delay) is going to work to 60 seconds or so. P&B makes such timers including relay contacts, there should be surplus Sq-D or AB timers. You can make your own with an NE555 CMOS timer chip.

I don't believe any solution is real cheap ($10) unless you already have the parts.

.
 
I don't mean to derail this thread- but will do it anyways :p


The question I have for all you guys: Is it normal to have a sump pump seize when the well runs dry?
 
mbrooke said:
I don't mean to derail this thread- but will do it anyways :p


The question I have for all you guys: Is it normal to have a sump pump seize when the well runs dry?
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Depending on the impeller and bearing design and whether or not the motor is relying on water cooling, I would say it is not uncommon.
Normal might be a little strong.
Submersible pumps can definitely fry if run dry.
 
GoldDigger said:
Depending on the impeller and bearing design and whether or not the motor is relying on water cooling, I would say it is not uncommon.
Normal might be a little strong.
Submersible pumps can definitely fry if run dry.
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Might be worth calling the manufacturer and see what they say or have anything to offer.
 
iwire said:
So what I am thinking (I am open to any suggestions / mickey mouse ideas as long as they are cheap. :) ) is setting up a timer that will run the pump maybe 15 seconds every few days or a week not really sure how often. I don't want to kill the pump over doing it either.

Anyway this being in my own home codes and listings are down low on the priority list, function over form is fine.

TIA, Bob
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I'm liking the idea of using a sprinkler timer.
 
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