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The last 8 posts

Friday, June 22nd 2012, 2:53pm

by Central Irrigation

You're right, no pressure switch. I would start looking at your suction line. If there are any leaks between the inlet side of the pump and water line, you could see problems similar to yours. Check any connection points carefully, it only takes a pinhole leak to cause a problem.

Wednesday, June 20th 2012, 9:03pm

by SWProf

Thanks for the info. The pump is a Simer model # 3420P 2 HP Thermoplastic Sprinkler System Pump. I don't see or hear anything that suggests a pressure switch. Am I missing something?

Wednesday, June 20th 2012, 7:24pm

by Central Irrigation

What you described is low pressure with one zone open and higher pressure with two zones open. Pressure and flow are Inversely proportionate, meaning, when flow is increased, pressure decreases. When flow is decreased, pressure increases. Opening the second valve increases your flow, which will decrease your pressure. I realize this is not what you're experiencing, but that is the way it works.
Is there a square box on the side of the pump with a small diameter tube running to it? Better yet, what is the model # of the pump? I'm almost positive you're dealing with a pressure switch!
Have you listened to the pump while running a single zone? Does it stop running for a few seconds while the zone is watering?

Tuesday, June 19th 2012, 8:45pm

by SWProf

Looked up the performance charts on the Simer 2 hp pump. Seems to indicate that the gpm lowers when the psi increases. Could this explain why opening a second zone increases water output?

Tuesday, June 19th 2012, 7:21pm

by Central Irrigation

Some pumps have a pressure switch without having a tank.

Tuesday, June 19th 2012, 4:28pm

by SWProf

No tank on this system. The pump pulls from the creek and pushes straight thru the lines.

Tuesday, June 19th 2012, 9:11am

by GatorGuy

Pressure switch problem?
Going through a tank, 1 zone pulls just enough to activate/deactivate the pressure switch constantly?

Tuesday, June 19th 2012, 8:43am

by SWProf

Water Output Inconsistent Unless 2 Zones are Open

I'm working on an older toro system that hasn't been working for a few years. Replaced the pump (from a creek) and the controller. System starts fine but the pressure through each of the 5 zones goes up and down, rotors spray anywhere from 4-30 ft. I know that sounds like inconsistent water pressure. But if I open a second zone with the bleeder valve while the first is on, both zones show very consistent optimal spray from all the heads on both zones. I can do this through the entire set of zones. Looking for ideas to consider. Is this a valve problem?

Toro 264 valves
Toro S700 rotors
New Simer 2 hp pump
New Orbit 6 zone controller