Irrigation pump operation

[uniqueusername66725]

I have a jet pump connected to a small pressure tank that is used to irrigate the garden from rainwater cisterns. The system is set for 30/50 psi cut on/off.

If I run the irrigation fully open, the demand seems to be about 300 gal/hour, so 5 gal/min. This causes the pump to run continuously as the pressure tank only holds about 2 gal (judging by the size of it).

Is this how I should operate the system, with the pump running continuously, or should I throttle back the flow so that the pump runs more like 1 min on, 2 min off? The latter would make for quite long irrigation time settings to deliver the needed water amount, with the pump going on about 60 or 70 times.

I'm asking as I'm trying to reduce the wear on the pump and I've heard conflicting things about pump cycling.

 

[Banjo Bud]

Let her run. Pumps are happier running continuously than cycling on and off.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[uniqueusername66725]

That would be my instinct for sure. Why have the pressure tank, then? Does it aid in consistent pressure?

 

[Valveman]

There is no conflicting information about pump cycling. Cycling destroys the pump and everything in a pump system period. Pumps are made for continuous use 24/7/365. I have one that hasn't shut off in 18 years. You still need pressure tank if using a pressure switch to control the pump. The tank is for times when the pump is off and helps some when not using enough water to keep the pump running continuously. If all the pump is used for is irrigation you can do away with the tank and pressure switch by using the pump start relay in the irrigation controller. But that way there is not way to use hoses or anything that is not on the irrigation timer.

 

[Banjo Bud]

My sprinkler pump has no tank.