WSV for a well?

[DrunkenLizard]

I was wondering how practical it would be to use a Water shutoff valve if I have a well, would it be just as effective and most likely cheaper to shutoff power to my well pump?

I'm about to close on a new house and the plumbing needs some repair work, new well pump, water heater, and some type of water treatment installed. Seems like a good time to have a WSV installed if thats the route to go.

 

[WayneW]

I guess it depends upon the size of your storage tank. If it is large, you still have a lot of pressurized water that could make a mess, especially with a slow leak. With a small tank and a burst pipe scenario, then the pressure will bleed down so quick that a valve probably doesn't offer much advantage. It also depends upon how & when you plan to close the valve? Will it be closed often? Do you have sensors everywhere to detect tiny leaks?

 

[DrunkenLizard]

Hmm I have to admit I haven't put alot of thought into this part of my automation set up, I was planning on building untill about two weeks ago. Most of the planning I've done so far has revolved around wiring for new construction.

I'm most likely going to have the new equipment installed in a different configuration than it is now (takes up alot of room along the basement wall) I'd rather set it up so I can close most of it off in a utility closet next to where I'll build my wiring closet.

What does everyone recommend for placement of water sensors?

 

[tmbrown97]

Prob. the basic sources of water... The most basic being under the fridge and washer. If you have any other highly-likely sources, perhaps those.

I also had a big mess once in the garage when some of the pipes for the well froze & burst - made a skating rink out of the garage with inches of ice - so depending on your climate, perhaps freeze and water near that. Given that you have the plumbing in the basement, I'd prob. want one near the equipment if I were doing it anyway.

 

[Spot]

I was wondering how practical it would be to use a Water shutoff valve if I have a well, would it be just as effective and most likely cheaper to shutoff power to my well pump?

I'm about to close on a new house and the plumbing needs some repair work, new well pump, water heater, and some type of water treatment installed. Seems like a good time to have a WSV installed if thats the route to go.

Our permanent home is in Indiana...On a well and I only get back there about 30 days a year. It is unoccupied, and after seeing a neighbors house w/water damage, I decided that it was in my best interest to turn off water when we left our home unoccupied.

However, in the winter...we turn our spa room into a greenhouse to overwinter many perishable plants....I've got grow lights (PLC control) and drip irrigation (on a timer) set up in the room to ensure that the plants survive. However, I am concerned that a frozen pipe will leave a continuously running well pump for a long time.

My initial solution is a 3-position master switch that sets power to the well to either home, off, or away.

1. Home- routes power to the pump normally
2. Off- cuts all power out to the pump
3. Away- routes power through a Normally open contactor. I then use an PLC relay to control the contactor

End result is that I can turn power on for a minute every other day to ensure that the pressurized tank has water to ensure plants get water. It also ensures that the pump will not run continuously with a broken pipe.

Next visit home, I plan to install a current sensor on the well pump to ensure that the pump is not running excessively, or when it isn't supposed to (indicating a pipe break).

 

[gatchel]

I am actually going to do both. Use a WSV and shut off the power to the well. A WSV is only good if the break or leak occurs after the valve. The tank, pressure switch and black plastic line could also cause a problem hence the contactor. I'm not usre what contactor I am going to use yet but I am going to look for one that is normally closed and requires only a pulse to open the circuit and has to be manually reset just in case of a power loss to the contactor. Don't know if one exists yet but when I find one I'll post up.

I use water bug water detectors. You can have multiple sensors per device and they seem to work well.

Here is the model.

http://www.winland.com/WB-200.htm

 

[DrunkenLizard]

Spot- I like your solution I think that could work well for needs here, I'm home a bit more than you are but it can get cold up here in Northern Wisconsin.


gatchel- I look at those sensors

 

[Spot]

Spot- I like your solution I think that could work well for needs here, I'm home a bit more than you are but it can get cold up here in Northern Wisconsin.


gatchel- I look at those sensors

Well...it happened to me. I've spent the last week dealing with a high-pressure water leak at our main (I haven't been there in six months) home. Not sure how long it was going, but it required a lot of cleanup (carpet removal, drywall, insulation, etc.). I believe that we were lucky ( I keep telling my wife that now I can run more CAT5 & Camera coax)...The temps were relatively low, the water was clean, we could rent equipment, etc.

My lessons learned/remedial action:

1. Get a full opening/closing checklist for the house...to include going to "away" mode on the well
2. Add water sensors...and notify via email
3. Add water shutoffs to:
a. Main House Line
b. Water heater
c. Internal irrigation system
4. Add current sensor to detect when the well pump is operating...could detect leaks
5. Add lots off moisture sensors (I'm trying leaf wetness sensors from HB w/DS-10s)
6. Automate the above to shut off power to well and/or close valves as required