I have two wells with two tanks. I have it set up so I can run each submersible pump separatly. Each pump has it's own pressure switch. I would like to remove the two tanks and replace them with one large tank. How do I set this up with both pumps going to one tank with one switch, and still run one pump at a time. Thanks... Don Harris

I would call Zoeller engineer and ask them to design such a system for you. They'll be glad to do so... Zoeller Corporation (http://www.zoeller.com)

But in the interim: From my experience, I would have them hooked up on a switch that alternates between those two pumps. One pump runs, the other rests. The other pump runs, the first one rests... Make sure you have good check valves installed on each pump...

It would depend upon whether you want the pumps opposing, as Milo suggests or work in tandem with two pumps going at the same time to one tank with a single outlet. What's your pleasure?
Just let us know. Tom

Pardon, do the two tanks presently feed into one system? If so, then the two tanks are already equalizing pressure into each other. That being the case, why not just continue to use two switches with two pumps feeding into one tank? I would try to make the cutin/cutout points about the same, but I don't see why that wouldn't work.

Saw your old post and am looking for the type of switch you suggested and where I can get it. I also have two wells and only one pressure switch and tank. I have been removing the wires from the pressure switch each time I switch to the other well and it requires a lot of crawling in a damp tight crawl space. At 67 it's get'n kind of old! Any help would be appreciated. Email me at [email protected]. THANK YOU!!

Would a double post pressure switch be the answer? Check it out at. http://www.sta-rite.com/resources/images/13433.pdf Good luck, Tom

Why not just use two switches? One to one pump, and the other to the second pump.

Why switch pumps? I guess if you really want to do that, with two switches you could put a cut-off on both. Just switch the one on you want to use.

Speedball, not sure what the double post switch link is about. Most switches are double post (two adjusting nuts). Did I miss something?

Install a 3-way switch. Switch can be installed on the line any where between the panel and the tanks.

I never got this question answered.
It would depend upon whether you want the pumps opposing, as Milo suggests or work in tandem with two pumps going at the same time to one tank with a single outlet. What's your pleasure? Let me know, Tom

Your iquick responses are appreciated!!

I now have a dp pressure switch. As you know there is only room for one set of line and load wires. I have been rewiring the load wires for each pump every time I needed to switch wells. I need to use the two wells because of water issues, during the summer months. Before the second well was put in we kept running out of water in the summer. The 1st well is located under the house in the crawl space and when the pump went out it was a real chore pulling the pump (move furniture, cut hole in floor for access, etc). 2nd well was dug away from the house but went 900+ feet mostly through ledge rock, no water. Moved over 40ft started over, again all through ledge rock, hit water at 400+ ft, driller went another 400 ft for some reserve. In summer months number 2 well is used because burying lines over ledge rock to house below frost line for winter use became an expensive issue to solve.

About the 3way switch. Will this work with for the one dp pressure switch and tank I now use for both wells? I forgot to tell all that I am also switching the water lines. Sorry for not getting back sooner to you all!!

No on the 3-way switch. You would need a 240v 3-way switch. That switch would be installed after the pressure switch. They are available but expensive. Simpler and cheaper to to use two pressure switches.

Doesn't do much good to make switching the electric easy if you have to crawl up under the house to repipe the water lines.
Tee the two well pipes together with a pressure switch on each line before the tee. Put check valves on if necessary.

Then you can switch wells by flipping the switch from a convenient location.

OK... let me digest this information...

Have I missed something here? This is the third time I've asked this question and haven't got a answer yet. One more time.

It would depend upon whether you want the pumps opposing, as Milo suggests or work in tandem with two pumps going at the same time to one tank with a single outlet. What's your pleasure?
Think the third time may be a Charm? Tom

Speedball, I only want to run one pump at a time and I want to make the switch to the other pump without having to crawl on my hands and knees in that tight crawl space.

You don't need a plumber for that. You need a electrician. Good luck, Tom

Just curious. What state are you in? You are really going deep to get to water.

I am in Maine.

Harold, looked things over and your suggestion is doable for us. Thank you for your input!!

How about 2 2 Pole Switches side by side, Then you could have 1, the other or both.
If you want the switch location Located remotely with out running the big wires,
You could have 2 24 volt 2 Pole Contactors, a tranformer, and 2 switches and control remotely.

Will provide a drawing if you like.

Maine here also.

Why not a pump controller? This is for septic pumps, but will work for well pumps, keeping both pressure switches;

http://diversifiedfluidcontrols.com/ESW/Files/Control_Panels.pdf

This will automatically switch from pump to pump, or use in manual mode.

I would like to do this without adding another pressure switch if possible. I will look into pump controllers. I now have a lot more to work with thanks to all your suggestions.

A Controller could be more efficient, automatic, and more Expensive.
Sounds like you keep regular eye on the system and may just need a couple of remote switches.
A cheaper/another way:
You need 2 contactors at the panel, or somewhere in between, then you need 3 conductors(4 or 5 wire thermostat wiring is more common ) going from the contactors to the remote switches, 2 single pole switches allow 1 the other or both, a single pole double throw switch would allow 1 or the other, not both, and if you have a center off, you can turn both off, and a 24 volt transformer to activate the contactors 24 volt coils.
Less than $100 in parts, and if resourcefull, less than $50.

I guess I don't understand the hesitation about using two pressure switches. They are cheap and easy to install.
Before making your final decision perhaps you should tell us the size of the pumps and what the amperage draw of each is. If there is a big difference is the sizes of these pumps you may get into trouble trying to combine the electric supply.

Simplest and most straight forward approach may be to run a second cable from breaker box to pressure switch. Then turn on the breakers to the well you want to use.