Shallow pump intake size

[Frank lammers]

I have 500 gal. Gravity fedTank with a 1"supply. Can I connect 1"supply to 1-1/4" intake on shallow well pump and go from a 1" to 3/4 on outlet side to compensate for lack of volume on intake. Feeding pressure tank 3ft. Away.

 

[Reach4]

If the pressure switch is at the pressure tank, there would not be a problem.

If the pressure switch is at the pump, you would probably be OK, but is is less sure.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

The shorter the 1" supply to the pump the better, but it will be OK. And you can stay with 1" after the pump no problem.

 

[Frank lammers]

The shorter the 1" supply to the pump the better, but it will be OK. And you can stay with 1" after the pump no problem.

Be advised my tank is 125 ft away with 15 ft of elevation.

 

[Valveman]

It is much easier for a pump to push water than to draw water. Can you increase the pipe size to at least 1 1/4" or move the pump closer to the storage tank?

 

[Texas Wellman]

It would be better to go with 1.25" suction pipe, even if the adapter at the tank is 1". But even if you use 1", especially with it being gravity fed you should be OK. What can happen is if your pump pulls more water than your suction pipe can supply it will begin to cavitate. If your pump does not cavitate you will be OK, but you won't know until you try. The reason I suggest 1.25" pipe is because you may want to go to a bigger pump one day and what worked for 1" may not be adequate with a bigger pump. When I'm burying stuff I like to oversize a little so if you need a little more you got it.

Good luck.