Washing machine connected to a water butt

[storeyn]

I have connected my washing machine to a 1000 litre water butt with a 1.6bar pump to provide the pressure. The head is minimal hence the fitment of the pump, the flow when not connected to the washing machine triggers the pump and provides sufficient flow. However when connected to the washing machine the flow without the pump on is not suffient to open the soleniod valve, so not creating a flow to start the pump. Apart from changing the pump to a continuous flow pump with a flow switch has anybody managed to overcome this problem.

Cheers

 

[lame plumber]

you need a negative head pump for this to work, although the cost probably outweighs your saving here.

 

[Whn1]

You need a pump with a pressure switch rather than a flow switch.

 

[Whn1]

Dammit!

 

[lame plumber]

an old dinosaur hits the buttons faster than a toddler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[REDSAW]

trying to digest this!!!!

electricity is cheaper than water, electricity is more eco friendly than water from the mains......nope, dont get it?

 

[snowhead]

trying to digest this!!!!

electricity is cheaper than water, electricity is more eco friendly than water from the mains......nope, dont get it?

Could be stored spring water.

 

[MRDrip]

Try and find out if there is an alternative low pressure soleniod valve for the washer.

 

[dancinplumba]

the solenoid works off leccy not water power

 

[MRDrip]

the solenoid works off leccy not water power

Trust me, i'm an engineer !

 

[lame plumber]

Its because he lives in the sw prehaps where water costs more than leccy, sww bill £105 per month GAS Bill £100/month ELEc Bill £45/month

 

[eaton]

It's seriously not worth it. If you really want it to work raise the tank to create the pressure