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Central Illinois

A question about water toter pressure


I haven't seen a tote up close so I wonder if this will work, connect 2 totes together with a hose/pipe
run your garden hose from a well to the first tote, then connect your drip system to the second tote.

The totes would have to be air tight for this to work, this should would work like a water heater does,cold water in warm water out.

If your using about 300 gallons at a time or less, wouldn't you still have fairly warm water getting to the tapes. If you have high water pressure a regulator may be needed be for the tanks, and a 20 psi after the tanks.

I am pretty handy at making things, so I could probably seal a tote up air tight.

Any thoughts?

10/18/2013 9:09:47 AM

Niagara Falls,NY

I was filling one up from my well with a pump when the screw top I had screwed the hose end into was screwed on to tight. It blew the top of the tote wide open with a noise that scared the crap out of me. I would watch the pressure, maybe put a pressure relief valve in it.

10/19/2013 11:08:26 AM

Central Illinois

My drip tape requires 20 psi, so I guess a 20 psi regulator be for the tanks would be all I would need , as long as a tank could handle that much pressure.

maybe add the relief valve too at 25 psi or 30

Anyone think that 20 psi would blow it out.Also what about the warming effect that I am trying to achieve do you think it would still be warm enough to make it worth the effort.

10/19/2013 2:08:59 PM

Central Illinois

Punk'nLvr

I beat you were quite a bit higher than 20 psi ??

10/19/2013 2:10:25 PM

Long Island,New York

good way to contaminate your well should your pump stall and have chems in tank.

10/19/2013 6:08:06 PM

Waterville, Ohio

You could always use one tote, paint it black for heating purpose and purchase an inline pump for distribution.

10/19/2013 8:09:59 PM

Williamsburg,KY

This might give you some insight. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=10&p=383003

Also remember, never leave your water hose when filling the tank when you turn the water off...it could siphon back into your water system.

Im on a slight hill, and I use a tote to run my drip lines. Works great.

10/19/2013 8:18:04 PM

Niagara Falls,NY

Baitman, yes it was probably a lot higher than 20 psi. The well I use is an old well that was never used for drinking.There was an apple orchard here years ago and the well was used to irrigate the trees. I never leave things hooked up so nothing can back flow back to the well. I think these totes could take some pressure. Just use a regular and fill alittle at a time untill the desired pressure is reached. Also I painted mine black so they would heat up the water faster with the sun.

10/20/2013 8:37:25 AM

Central Illinois

thanks for the replies I thought a Vacuum Breaker on the low end of the line prevents contamination of your water ?? That would be important , its all up hill to the garden.

I was just thinking of this way to do it, to save cash right now and some work , I do not have electrically in the patch, its about 150' out,but I do have under ground water lines out to it.

I can always put a pump on a wish list for next year(2015),I have heating cables ,mill fabric ,more drip irrigation and wind fencing for this year(2014), and thats just the big stuff.

Am I wrong about the Vacuum Breaker ?

10/21/2013 9:46:48 AM

Central Illinois

I can build a tower to raise a tote up high ,no problem, I hate to ruin the look of the yard for the wife and her flowers, I am already thinking of starting a patch right in the middle the yard where the pool was removed.

You have to stay on their good side

10/21/2013 9:52:01 AM

Niagara Falls,NY

My patch is 300 ft from my house,I run a heavy duty extension cord out to it. Been thinking about running perm. line out there. The pump I use at my well is gas powered. Also about the tower and your wife's flowers, Plant morning glories or other climbing flowers around it. It will look great and you wife will be happy.

10/22/2013 7:43:00 AM

Central Illinois

25 years ago I thought it would be a good idea to stock up on electrical wire, sadly I didnt , it would have been a good retirement plan.

10/22/2013 8:53:56 AM