So you need a generator because your water is off during power outages...
Planned power outages from utilities are becoming more common for multiple reasons. As a result many people have no water because the well and submersible water pump that supply water to their property rely on utility power. This lack of water causes many homeowners to purchase and install generators to ensure electricity is available during these power outages. In this blog we are going to explore the primary factors you’ll need to consider before purchasing a generator. Make sure to read to the end, because we’ll also explore a few proven ways to supply water without the hassle, expense and maintenance of a generator.
What size generator Do I Need?
If you just want some power for a few lights, fridge/freezer and to keep your phone/computer going, check out the popular units that Generac makes.
If you have bigger needs that involve running your electric heater, AC unit, well pump or electric stove, don’t make assumptions! If you have a 1 HP pump (746 watts if you remember your high school physics) a 1000 watt generator is NOT large enough to run your pump.
Electric motors require a large amount of power to start and get to full speed. Once they have come up to speed their power demands drop to those listed on the label. In the case of a 1 HP standard submersible well pump; a 3-4 KW generator is required for the well pump to be able to start, even though 1 KW is the amount of power the pump uses when it is running. In the rest of this blog we’ll give some tips on generator sizing and even some suggestions at the end that may help you avoid purchasing a generator at all if your primary need is for some water during power outages.
Your pump equipment should have a labels on the control box. The control box has the power cables that go to the submersible well pump. Above ground pumps will have a label on the motor that has a label. The label should indicate the voltage, most likely 220 or 230 volts and the horsepower or current draw (in amps) of the pumping equipment. These are the most critical bits of information you’ll need to start with. If you don’t know what size pump you have or can’t find the labels, check out this recent blog to help you get that information.
Pump manufacturers have provided information available to help you select the correct size generator for your well pump. Franklin Water has what the AIM Manual, which has become the defacto industry bible for many that install, service and design pumping system equipment. The AIM Manual contains this reference chart for sizing a generator to your well pump. If you have a new type control system that uses a variable frequency drive or constant pressure controller, check out this Franklin Subdrive reference chart as a guideline for sizing a generator. If your pump controller is of a different manufacturer, please verify the manufacturer specific requirements for operation using a generator. If you can’t find that manufacturer’s data, then the Franklin information could be used to approximate the needs.
So, for that 1 HP example we briefly visited earlier, a Honda 4500 watt Generator would work well with power remaining to run other parts of your home. If you don’t like yanking a starter cord or lifting/dragging the generator around, check out this 4500 watt Honda Generator that has an electric start.
Keep in mind that many water systems may have more than one pump that are used to provide water. Well pumps are frequently used to pump water into a storage tank and then a booster pump is used to pump water from the storage tank and pressurize it for irrigation and household needs. Some people choose only to use generator power for the booster pump that supplies water from the storage tank, but in some cases with large water demands, it is necessary to size the generator to run both the well and booster pumps at the same time. If you plan to irrigate normally during an extended power outage you need a generator that can run the submersible well pump and the booster pump at the same time. You’ll also need a large enough fuel supply to last through the irrigation cycle.
In addition to the demands of your well pump, there are the demands for lighting and appliances you want to run during power outages. While these electrical loads may seem insignificant, they can add up, especially if you use electric heating or an electric stove. Make sure to include these demands as you calculate what size generator is adequate for your needs or consult with a qualified electrician.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to consider the type of power your well pump equipment requires. Most residential pumping equipment is single phase 230 volts, however, some small pumps in the USA may use 120 volts single phase. Larger pumping installations may require 208, 230 volt or 480 volt 3-phase power. In general, small generators in the USA under ~2000 watts usually only provide single phase 120 volt power while most medium size generators will provide 120/230 volt single phase power. The Honda generators I have linked above all offer 120 and 240 volt single phase outputs so that you can run your well equipment and household equipment at the same time!
Our friends at Franklin Water have created this video about the use of generators for well pumps, check it out when you have time to ensure you are connecting and operating your well pump properly with a generator!
What generator do OPS professionals use to run our customer’s submersible well pumps?
There’s nothing like trying to run a customer’s pump with a generator that won’t start or that doesn’t have enough power for the job. Because we rely on these units, many of our trucks are equipped with Honda 6500 watt portable Generators. These units provide both 120 & 240 volt single phase power and have enough power to start and run a 3 HP single phase submersible well pump. If you’re after a reliable, easy starting, minimal maintenance generator to run your house and well pump, this unit is a great option. Not all houses will need a generator this large! Keep reading for more details on specifics about, electrical connection strategies and safety precautions you should consider when operating a generator.
Make sure you have a suitable location for the generator
Generators can be loud, emit toxic gases and pose fire hazards. Generators should be placed so that: a) noise is minimized for both you AND your neighbors b) it is never located inside of a room connected to your house c) it is located with proper ventilation for both cooling and provision for dangerous exhaust fumes d) it is not close to any combustable surfaces.
If you plan to install a generator outside; wood, brush, plastic and any fuel containers should be cleared to a safe distance from the generator site. Bare, clean dirt or cement are are great options. The generator should have a properly installed spark arrestor on the exhaust and care should be taken that the generator won’t tip over or vibrate in one direction or another (or get stolen). A fire extinguisher should be kept close at hand and fuel stored a safe distance from the generator. Portable generators should not be left running unsupervised. Keep in mind that if a generator belonging to you starts a fire, you may be held liable for the damages!
Plan your generator electrical connection strategy
This aspect is of serious concern as it is a matter of safety, not just for you, but for others referenced in the video above. Improperly connected generators can back feed the power grid, electrocuting utility workers and causing other issues that you may be held responsible for. Properly connected generators come in two forms:
1) Installation of a transfer switch compliant with local/national electrical codes. A transfer switch allows the electrical load to be connected either to the generator or to the utility power source and, if installed properly, will never allow the generator to be connected to the utility grid. Some people try to install their generator using a separate circuit breaker in their electrical panel. With this setup they turn the utility circuit breaker off and then turn the generator circuit breaker on. This is considered unsafe practice as it is possible, through human error, to have both the generator and utility circuit breaker on at the same time. Some areas allow for installation of a breaker interlock in your breaker panel, but this needs to be confirmed with your local building code and needs to be carefully selected to fit your specific electrical panel. Utility workers will frequently check sites that have generators running to see if the generator is safely connected before starting their repair work or turning the utility power back on. If they see a potential hazard, they will “pull” your electrical meter and your system will need to be inspected, often by the county building inspector, before the utility will reinstall the meter and restore utility power.
2)Plug items that need power directly into outlets provided on the generator. On the upside, this method is quite simple and much less expensive than installing a transfer switch. There are, however, several drawbacks with this method. It means running extension cords and only being able to power a few key items that are plugged into the generator. This method means putting all the extension cords away and plugging everything back into the house when you are done. Some people will have an electrician install 220 volt plugs/receptacle on the well pump equipment that can be unplugged from the utility power and plugged into the generator to ensure that water is available during a power outage. If you are going the extension cord route, make sure you are using high quality, grounded extension cords that have wire size large enough (we only recommend using extension cords with #12 or #10 wire) for the electrical loads and that all safety precautions and building/electrical codes are followed. Using a cheap electrical cord with small wire will ensure you don’t have enough power to run your appliances from your generator. Make sure that the extension cords are not going to be a trip or safety hazard and that they are in good condition without cuts, scrapes or damage or loose cord ends. Limit the use of power strips/splitters by using extension cords that have integrated splitters, and don’t try to run everything in your house, just the essentials. Power splitters plugged into power splitters are a “no-no” and a fire hazard.
Prioritizing power needs when your generator is too small
If your generator is too small to run everything you want to, it is time to prioritize! If you have an electric stove or use electricity for heating, then you are simply out of luck for those appliances unless you can run them on the lowest settings. Other techniques to make the most of a generator that just can’t run everything include plugging in the fridge 8 hours and then unplugging the fridge and plugging in the deep freezer for a 8 hours on a rotating basis. You’ll also want to ensure that you turn off lights when you aren’t using them and switch out those old light bulbs for some good quality LED lights bulbs. Unplug any electronics or appliances you are not using, even though you aren’t using them, they often still consume some amount of power and it can add up! The good news is that computers, chargers for phones and laptops as well as your internet router typically consume very small amounts of power and you should be able to keep them online.
Don’t settle for cheap, it will cost you in the long run.
Found a cheap generator from the big box store or the local hardware store? One generator is like another? That may be your initial impression, but we’ve found that these cheap units let you down when you need them most, and then you’ll toss it in the trash and replace it in frustration because trying to find somebody that will repair it will cost more than the unit is worth. Stop the waste of your money, halt the frustration with junk, quite buying disposable plastic CRAP that lets you down and ends up in landfills. That’s why we stick with Honda. Honda has a good network of service providers, the parts are readily available and they make a quality product that just plain work and last for a long time. Honda’s are also the better option for the environment-not just because they last and you aren’t having to constantly replace them, but because they are fuel efficient! We don’t sell generators, but check out our blog about shopping for a generator before you buy!
other Proven methods of supplying your temporary water needs instead of a generator
Unless you are willing to spend a large amount installing an automatic backup generator with an automatic transfer switch, you should expect some hassle when using a portable generator. When the power goes out you get to drag the generator out, make the connections and fiddle around with starting it. It may have been a year or more since the generator was last used and the battery for the starter is dead or the gas is old and has fouled the carburetor or fuel system. When you get the generator running you get to check the fuel and oil every few hours. If it’s time to run and pick the kids up from school, don’t forget to shut the generator off before you leave and fill the empty gas container! When the power comes back on, don’t forget switch everything back over and put the generator away and extension cords away!
“Isn’t there a better way?” you may be asking. In some cases, yes, there are other, potentially better ways to ensure water without resorting to the purchase of a generator. The potential solution really depends on your situation, budget and the amount of water needed during power outages.
If you are after enough water for a few toilet flushes, a quick shower and doing a few dishes in the sink; there are a few options:
1) Check with your neighbors to find out who has water that is not affected by utility outages. It may be possible, with their permission, to run a garden hose from one of their hose bibs to one of yours and connect it using a double hose connector from your local hardware store. Keep your water usage down and offer your neighbor a few bucks, some cookies, or a invitation to dinner to show your appreciation!
2) One of my favorite solutions is to install an additional pressure tank or a larger pressure tank into the water system. This will increase the amount of pressurized water available during a power outage. Many standard systems have small pressure tanks that hold only a few gallons. This means after washing hands and a few toilet flushes, the stored reservoir of pressurized water is gone and the pump must run again to re-pressurize the system! A single 119 gallon Well X Trol WX350 pressure tank will give you 37 gallons of usable, pressurized water, ready to use even if the power is off. This is enough for several short showers, dishes from several meals, and a half dozen toilet flushes! As I’m certain you’ve already noticed, pressure tank size and drawdown capacity are different. An 80 gallon pressure tank may displace a physical volume of 80 gallons, but may only have a water storage capacity of 25-30 gallons when the air charge needed to provide pressure is accounted for. While a large pressure tank can be expensive, there is virtually no maintenance and installation is usually not difficult! If you have any water leaks, this type of solution won’t be of any help until those leaks are identified and repaired. Give our team a call if you’d like to discuss this option!
3) Some people choose to install a small storage tank near the house. To ensure the water stays clean use a small quantity of chlorine bleach or purchase a commercial water preservative. This small storage tank serves as a point you can go to fill buckets to use for toilet flushing, washing dishes and watering plants if needed. Make sure you refill your tank when the power is back on! If you want your tank to fill automatically when the water is on you can install a float valve in the tank and connect the float valve to a faucet with a garden hose. You may need the correct hose adaptor to connect the hose to the float valve.
There are some solutions if you need more water than a small tank can provide, but they really depend on existing site conditions:
1)If you have elevation on your property in the form of a hill or a sturdy elevated platform, gravity will be your friend! It may be time to install a storage tank that can fill when the electricity is on and then water can flow by gravity to your house when needed.
2) If you have already installed solar panels on your house and have solar power available, you can upgrade this system with a battery bank to ensure power in the event of power outages. This can be quite expensive and may also require more than just installing a battery bank. Some systems may require changing the type and location of the inverter(s) and the installation of charge controllers. Please contact your solar installer for more information on converting your grid tied solar system to a grid tied solar with battery backup.
3) Some properties in the mountains have untapped or undeveloped springs located above the houses that could be setup to supply water.
Oakville Pump Service has been helping our customers ensure reliable and available water for our clients for over 35 years! Please call us at (707)944-2471 if we can help you ensure your water needs are met. Check out more of our blogs that discuss generators and other options to supply water in the event of an emergency! If your after very simple simple solutions for water during power outages, check out this recent blog on simple solar power and hand pumps that some of our clients use!
If there are questions you’d like our blog to address, please contact us and we will try to address them for you in future blogs.
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