Has anyone tried using two pumps in parallel to increase GPM output. For example, If the flow rate through a 3/8 inch hose 150 foot long at 50 PSI is less than wanted, would paralleling a second pump (same model) increase flow by a noticeable degree? I am actually using 1/2 inch PVC hose for the first 100 foot, and adding 50 foot section of 3/8 inch to the end to have a total of 150 foot. The object is to reduce the effort required to apply the mix by using the lighter weight hose. I would be tempted to expect the GPM to double, but I'm probably missing some important factor. Thanks for your thoughts, Chuck
Admin said
Jul 7, 2020
What kind of pump are you using? Delavan makes a Fat Boy with a 100 PSI at 7 GPM
Soft-N-Safe Chuck said
Jul 7, 2020
I went with the 60 psi Everflo EF7000 1/2". I got two pumps to have a spare on hand. Recently I got the notion to use some 3/8 inch hose to make dragging my hose around easier. The additional 40 psi out of the fat boy pump would surly increase my flow. So my 100 foot 1/2 inch pvc hose (300 pound) arrives later today. I'm going to set up a test on the bench to see where things stand using the 100 foot 1/2 inch followed with 50 foot of 3/8 hose shooting into a bucket. Maybe the flow rate will be sufficient without any changes. I plan to test with the hoses coiled up which should represent a worst case result. I am anxious to get things operational. Has anyone tried using a standard room light switch mounted in a standard plastic box to supply power to the pumps? Final trailer layout is still in progress. Bought some yard signs. They are double sided and my final cost per sign with shipping was $7.50 each, Only got 10 pieces.
I saw several videos of guys using 3 gallon back packs to do mobile home jobs. It takes very little time. If I was younger, I would give it serious consideration. It seems that just maybe, a 1/2 gpm output is adequate to apply SH on mobile homes. Thanks Chuck
Electrical switches work fine, not sure about dual pumps. I never had a need for it. !/2" hose works best because of the weight. 5/8" works better for flow 3/8 would give you less flow
Soft-N-Safe Chuck said
Jul 7, 2020
Hi Art, thanks for the information. In the beginning of this project, I believed the most important aspect of soft wash for me was to get the maximum amount of flow possible. So, I ordered some 3/4 reinforced hose for the pump input using a dip stick to the tank. After some reading, I decided on using 1/2 inch PVC hose.
However, now that I have everything needed ready to go, I am having some second thoughts. It revolves around my physical condition now. It turns out that if I have a high flow rate, will I could be wasting a lot of cleaning product unless I can move fast. Well, I'm unable to do much fast moving now, so it seems to me now, a lower gpm may be beneficial in that respect. I could move around slower. The second pump in parallel would only be used during the rinse segment to increase both the gpm and the pressure through the 3/8 hose to help get the product washed off. One related question is, should I consider using an indicator dye? Also, should I consider using a neutralizing product in the rinse off? Meanwhile, I am laying low to avoid getting the Corona Virus, and constantly re imagining my simple basic 12 volt system layout . I hope to set up a bench test this week to see iif a second pump will increase the rinse flow significantly. Chuck
too much restriction through the hose or tip size will blow fused if i remember
BlueRidge said
Jul 8, 2020
At one time I used 5/8" hose. It was heavy and I couldn't put enough on the hose reel. I have been using 1/2" for about eight years.
Soft-N-Safe Chuck said
Jul 11, 2020
Thanks everyone... I have abandoned my booster pump plans, at least for now.
Art O said
Jul 11, 2020
Soft-N-Safe Chuck wrote:
Thanks everyone... I have abandoned my booster pump plans, at least for now.
Booster pumps are work and not for the guy that is starting out. Keep it simple!
BlueRidge said
Jul 12, 2020
Art O wrote:
Soft-N-Safe Chuck wrote:
Thanks everyone... I have abandoned my booster pump plans, at least for now.
Booster pumps are work and not for the guy that is starting out. Keep it simple!W
Wow is that true Art! It's so much easier to get going with a good 12v pump, with a back up. I cannot count the roofs and house washes I did before I started down streaming. I'm glad the booster pump came along much later.
Soft-N-Safe Chuck said
Jul 16, 2020
Good information. So in the end, I have decided to have my spare pump set up so I can run pressure hose when there is a need. One guy can shoot the SH, and the 2nd guy can follow along with a rinse or shoot the roof. I am looking at roofs now. Mobile home roofs anyway. There are generally good sized covered lanais in the newer mobile home communities here. Lord help me, I'm already planning on buying an electric hose reel. Maybe I will find a used one. I have looked into batteries. I have decided on a 200 AH 4D. They are under $200 at my local Tractor Supply store here.
Maverick Contracting said
May 11, 2021
Revisited this thread as I was thinking of a rebuild in which I would have 2 identical pumps setup with ball valves in which if primary pump failed I could quickly switch to backup pump in a second.
the rebuild I planned got me thinking of running in parallel to boost head pressure and be able to shoot further being up on 3+stories of roofline.
my worries (as I posted in this thread) is added pressure in output hose may blow fuses, pressure switch, burn out motors etc. ?
the 2 pumps connected with switchable valves and wiring is so I don't waste time physically replacing bad pump with backup. its already ready to go. I might post a picture of the diagram later
btw, I'm running either 5/8 or 3/4 hose. don't remember.
would switching to 1/2" on output side help or hurt both shooting distances at elevation or burn out something on pump side due to restriction?
-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Tuesday 11th of May 2021 10:15:24 AM
BlueRidge said
May 15, 2021
It would be good to see a picture.
Have you thought of using one solenoid for both pumps? I could be wrong but it would switch on both pumps at the same time. An easy back up to carry.
I used 5/8" hose about 8 years ago. I didn't noticed that big of a difference when I switched to 1/2" except fatigue!
DirtyRoofcom said
May 15, 2021
Someone has done the 2 pump setup and the results if i remember correctly where great. I'll see of I can find it.
Has anyone tried using two pumps in parallel to increase GPM output. For example, If the flow rate through a 3/8 inch hose 150 foot long at 50 PSI is less than wanted, would paralleling a second pump (same model) increase flow by a noticeable degree? I am actually using 1/2 inch PVC hose for the first 100 foot, and adding 50 foot section of 3/8 inch to the end to have a total of 150 foot. The object is to reduce the effort required to apply the mix by using the lighter weight hose. I would be tempted to expect the GPM to double, but I'm probably missing some important factor. Thanks for your thoughts, Chuck
I went with the 60 psi Everflo EF7000 1/2". I got two pumps to have a spare on hand. Recently I got the notion to use some 3/8 inch hose to make dragging my hose around easier. The additional 40 psi out of the fat boy pump would surly increase my flow. So my 100 foot 1/2 inch pvc hose (300 pound) arrives later today. I'm going to set up a test on the bench to see where things stand using the 100 foot 1/2 inch followed with 50 foot of 3/8 hose shooting into a bucket. Maybe the flow rate will be sufficient without any changes. I plan to test with the hoses coiled up which should represent a worst case result. I am anxious to get things operational. Has anyone tried using a standard room light switch mounted in a standard plastic box to supply power to the pumps? Final trailer layout is still in progress. Bought some yard signs. They are double sided and my final cost per sign with shipping was $7.50 each, Only got 10 pieces.
I saw several videos of guys using 3 gallon back packs to do mobile home jobs. It takes very little time. If I was younger, I would give it serious consideration. It seems that just maybe, a 1/2 gpm output is adequate to apply SH on mobile homes. Thanks Chuck
Electrical switches work fine, not sure about dual pumps. I never had a need for it. !/2" hose works best because of the weight. 5/8" works better for flow 3/8 would give you less flow
Hi Art, thanks for the information. In the beginning of this project, I believed the most important aspect of soft wash for me was to get the maximum amount of flow possible. So, I ordered some 3/4 reinforced hose for the pump input using a dip stick to the tank. After some reading, I decided on using 1/2 inch PVC hose.
However, now that I have everything needed ready to go, I am having some second thoughts. It revolves around my physical condition now. It turns out that if I have a high flow rate, will I could be wasting a lot of cleaning product unless I can move fast. Well, I'm unable to do much fast moving now, so it seems to me now, a lower gpm may be beneficial in that respect. I could move around slower. The second pump in parallel would only be used during the rinse segment to increase both the gpm and the pressure through the 3/8 hose to help get the product washed off. One related question is, should I consider using an indicator dye? Also, should I consider using a neutralizing product in the rinse off? Meanwhile, I am laying low to avoid getting the Corona Virus, and constantly re imagining my simple basic 12 volt system layout . I hope to set up a bench test this week to see iif a second pump will increase the rinse flow significantly. Chuck
At one time I used 5/8" hose. It was heavy and I couldn't put enough on the hose reel. I have been using 1/2" for about eight years.
Booster pumps are work and not for the guy that is starting out. Keep it simple!
Wow is that true Art! It's so much easier to get going with a good 12v pump, with a back up. I cannot count the roofs and house washes I did before I started down streaming. I'm glad the booster pump came along much later.
Revisited this thread as I was thinking of a rebuild in which I would have 2 identical pumps setup with ball valves in which if primary pump failed I could quickly switch to backup pump in a second.
the rebuild I planned got me thinking of running in parallel to boost head pressure and be able to shoot further being up on 3+stories of roofline.
my worries (as I posted in this thread) is added pressure in output hose may blow fuses, pressure switch, burn out motors etc. ?
the 2 pumps connected with switchable valves and wiring is so I don't waste time physically replacing bad pump with backup. its already ready to go.
I might post a picture of the diagram later
btw, I'm running either 5/8 or 3/4 hose. don't remember.
would switching to 1/2" on output side help or hurt both shooting distances at elevation or burn out something on pump side due to restriction?
-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Tuesday 11th of May 2021 10:15:24 AM
It would be good to see a picture.
Have you thought of using one solenoid for both pumps? I could be wrong but it would switch on both pumps at the same time. An easy back up to carry.
I used 5/8" hose about 8 years ago. I didn't noticed that big of a difference when I switched to 1/2" except fatigue!