Specific design and products needed for multiple water source hookup
Hi,
I have a RainBird ESP-Modular 12-zone system installed by a contractor. It is connected to the city water supply.
Also, within 15 feet of the connection between the system and our city water, we have a 5-foot deep concrete lined sump pit in our basement floor. When our house was built, they needed to put 3 feet of gravel under the slab because we are sitting on awful marine clay soil. When we first moved in, we installed a sump pump which pumped continuously, ultimately flooding our down-hill neighbors' yards. So, I just unplugged the pump to see what would happen. Turns out, the pit was continuously filled with clear water, but it never reached closer than 1 foot from the top of the pit. Even during hurricane Sandy it did not overflow. There must be some kind of underground stream flowing though it.
Well, you can see where I'm going. Why pay the city hundreds of dollars for water when my house is virtually floating already, and I have an easy top into that source.
So, I get the basic idea with a pump, backflow preventer and valve to switch between city and sump pit water, but I'm struggling with specifics:
For example:
- Since I didn't install the system, how do I know the flow requirements.
- The city water line feeding the system is 3/4" copper, does that help?
- I know I need a backflow preventer, and I assume RPZ. Beyond that, does it matter which I choose?
- I still need to coordinate with the city code people, but you guys probably already know the best way to go.
- How do I decide on a pump? The city water feeds the current system about 8 feet above the bottom of the pit.
- I would like it to automatically switch to city water if the sump pit gets too low. How best to do that?
- What other features do I need: inlet type, filters/strainers, gauges, pressure tanks, etc.
- If you can recommend specific products, I'll just buy what you say.
- I want good, quality stuff both for safety and reliability. I'm not looking for the cheapest solution possible.
I would like to do this myself. I will be fun. I have no concerns about the technicalities of the plumbing and electrical work. I just need the right design.
This looks like a great forum. I would really appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Ed