A water tank pump works by using a motor to create pressure, which forces water from a storage tank through a plumbing system to provide water on demand. Essentially, it adds pressure to the water, making it useful.
While the provided reference is brief and lacks detail, here's a more comprehensive breakdown of how a typical water tank pump system operates:
Components of a Water Tank Pump System
A typical water tank pump system consists of the following key components:
- Water Tank: This is the storage vessel that holds the water supply.
- Pump: The core component that generates the pressure needed to move the water. Different types of pumps are used, including centrifugal pumps and jet pumps.
- Pressure Switch: This switch monitors the water pressure in the system. It turns the pump on when the pressure drops below a certain threshold and turns it off when the pressure reaches a set upper limit.
- Pressure Tank (Expansion Tank): This tank contains a bladder or air cushion that helps maintain consistent water pressure and reduces the frequency with which the pump cycles on and off. It also prevents water hammer.
- Piping: Connects all the components and delivers water to the point of use.
- Check Valve: Prevents backflow of water into the tank.
Operation Cycle
The operation of a water tank pump typically follows this cycle:
- Water Demand: When a faucet is opened or an appliance that uses water is activated, water is drawn from the pressure tank.
- Pressure Drop: As water is drawn, the pressure in the pressure tank decreases.
- Pump Activation: When the pressure drops to a preset low level (e.g., 40 psi), the pressure switch activates the pump motor.
- Pump Operation: The pump draws water from the water tank and pushes it into the pressure tank, increasing the pressure.
- Pressure Increase: As the pump operates, the pressure in the tank gradually increases. The air bladder in the pressure tank compresses, storing energy and maintaining pressure.
- Pump Deactivation: When the pressure reaches a preset high level (e.g., 60 psi), the pressure switch deactivates the pump motor.
- Standby: The system remains in standby mode until more water is needed, and the pressure drops again, repeating the cycle.
The Importance of Pressure
As the reference states, pressure is crucial. A tank full of water is useless without pressure to deliver it to where it is needed. The pump provides this pressure, and the pressure tank helps maintain it consistently.
