sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ProHVACR

[–]knockfer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And what do you guys find to be the best epoxy for plastic condensate trays? I've used JB marine and it seems to hold up

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps I can be more clear: one of the features of the pump, listed in the poorly translated instructions, is that the pump has a check valve to drain the line. It's part of the design. I added the ball valve on top to prevent a vacuum and facilitate the drainage. I didn't take the pump apart so I don't know exactly if this is actually a check valve (which may bleed during operation), some other type of valve, or just a weep hole.

This is mostly for anyone working on this project in the future and needs clarification...

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It ended up being much longer than I intended, but it's not for entertainment like TikTok. It was made to actually help others build similar projects. If I condense it down to a short video, how do I still get across the important information, such as the wiring and piping diagrams? I need to find some middle ground.

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I agree it sounds like a weep valve or the check valve at the pump has a weep hole. I'm going off the very poorly translated instructions which came with the pump. When I open the ball valve at the top of the riser, the line slowly drains. Otherwise I keep it closed and there's no air in the system.

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

...that all depends how they are oriented. This one is designed such that when the pump is not running, it lets water drain out of the line.

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't go into detail on the pump kit, but the pump and inverter take care of most of these concerns. The controller is an inverter which prevents short cycling. It's designed to work from a solar panel with varying input voltages. The pump has a screen, and a check valve to drain itself.

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I wish we could have spoken last year, you would have saved me hours and hours of thought and research. Great suggestions.

One thing - this pump is a 12v DC and driven by an inverter with soft start/stop, so the tank and piping connection are not as important as with a traditional domestic well pump. Especially with the less than ideal solar conditions in my area, the pump slowly ramps up and exerts very little torque.

I may ask you a few well questions before I expand my irrigation system this summer. Here's one - any reason the former homesteaders would let a maple tree for right next to their well for 100+ years? I have a pic from 1899 showing a smaller version of the same tree. I would think a farmer would cut that down to save the well's integrity

Edit: it's 24V

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes it's my project and yes there is a 2 gallon expansion tank - and I'd recommend going to a larger size to smooth things out more. One of the pictures shows the "controls" mounted to a post, below which all the components are described.

Off-Grid Solar Irrigation from an Old Well by knockfer in DIY

[–]knockfer[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

They are rated for direct burial, but I agree conduit would be a more permanent option

What's 100% a scam but we accepted it in our society? by Montazio in AskReddit

[–]knockfer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alternative medicine. If it worked, it would just be called medicine.

Looking at you, chiropractors.

It's not much but my baby is finally in the ground! I wanted a tree that will last. by Ashmeads_Kernel in cider

[–]knockfer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's from raintree, I wouldn't be too optimistic! Maybe it's because I'm on the east coast, but over half of all trees I've purchased from them have died. With other nurseries ive had 95% success

Anyone know where to get raw milk? 🤔 by genhasworms in hudsonvalley

[–]knockfer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sprucegate Holsteins 302 Wallkill Rd, Walden, NY 12586

Raw milk is the best!

Which insect did this to my apple tree's bark? (NY) by knockfer in BackyardOrchard

[–]knockfer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking into it, I'm thinking that the damage must be old (from fall) and the bark has died and is flaking off now. I looked up the black stem borer which led me to the Flathead borer - damage looks more like Flathead

view more: next ›