Old Steamers

Pumps, pressure, and machines that outlived their makers

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All 109 articles from Old Steamers, newest first.

2026

Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Compact Water Booster Pump: Size the Pump and the Installation Choose a compact water booster pump by flow, pressure boost, inlet conditions and service space—not maximum PSI or enclosure size alone. Pump Valves And Priming Direct Acting Pressure Reducing Valve: Operation and Selection Understand how direct acting pressure reducing valves work, why outlet pressure droops, and what to check when selecting or troubleshooting one. Well Pump Components Spin-Down Sediment Filter for Well Water: Sizing and Placement Choose a spin-down sediment filter for well water by particle size, flow and pressure drop. Learn where it belongs and when flushing is not enough. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Split Case Pump: Design, Selection and Suction Checks Understand split case pump construction, double-suction flow, curve selection and the suction-piping faults that can damage bearings and reduce output. Well Pump Components Fiberglass Well Pressure Tank: What to Check Before Buying A fiberglass well pressure tank avoids steel-shell rust, but sizing, internal design, precharge and installation limits still determine suitability. Well Pump Components Residential Water Well: Components, Pump Sizing And Safety Learn which well records matter, how pumping water level affects pump sizing, and why pressure, water yield and laboratory testing need separate checks. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Well Water: Check Supply, Pressure and Safety Separately Understand well water yield, pump head, pressure-tank storage and testing—and identify what to check before replacing a pump or adding treatment. Well Pump Components Pressure in a Well Tank: Precharge vs. Operating Pressure Find the correct well-tank air precharge, understand 30/50 and 40/60 settings, and learn why the tank must be drained before checking it. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Constant Pressure Well Pump: VFD or Control Valve? Compare variable-speed drives and constant-pressure valves, including motor compatibility, upstream pressure, low-flow behavior and tank requirements. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Whole House Water Pressure Booster Pump: Selection and Sizing Find out whether a whole-house booster will help, calculate the required flow and pressure boost, and check controls and installation requirements. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Dewatering Submersible Pump: Flow, Head and Solids Size a dewatering submersible pump for inflow, drawdown time and total head, then check solids limits, minimum water level, controls and power. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Eccentric Screw Pump: Working Principle and Design Features Understand eccentric screw pump operation, rotor–stator geometry, flow and pressure, material selection, suction limits and essential protection. Well Pump Troubleshooting How to Increase Water Pressure From a Well Trace weak well-water pressure to restrictions, controls, pump capacity or well yield, then choose a repair, pressure adjustment, booster or storage system. Well Pump Components Bladder Tank for a Well: Size by Drawdown, Not Gallons Compare well tank drawdown at 30/50 and 40/60 PSI, calculate capacity from pump flow and runtime, and check model-specific precharge before buying. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Solar Water Pump for a Well: Size the Whole System Size a solar well pump by pumping water level, daily demand, total head and seasonal sunlight. Compare tank storage, pressure delivery and backup power. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Hand Pump for a Water Well: Size to Water Level, Not Well Depth Compare pitcher and deep-well hand pumps, then check pumping water level, casing clearance, output, pressure, freeze protection and potable-water parts. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Hand Pump Well Pumps: Selection and Sizing Guide Choose a hand pump well pump by pumping water level, total head, stroke output, casing clearance, freeze protection and sanitary well sealing. Sump Pump Systems Pedestal Sump Pump: How to Size and Install One Choose a pedestal sump pump by delivered flow at total dynamic head, then verify basin size, float clearance, discharge piping and backup needs. Sump Pump Systems Backup Sump Pump Selection: Size, Power and Discharge Compare backup sump pump types and size one from measured inflow, total dynamic head, runtime, discharge routing and independent safety controls. Well Pump Components Cost to Replace a Water Well Pump: A Quote Guide Budget about $1,000–$2,800 for many well-pump replacements, then compare the pump, depth, pipe, wire, controls, testing and warranty. Sump Pump Systems Backup Battery for a Sump Pump: Size the Whole System Compare DC backup pumps and inverter systems, calculate required flow and runtime, and match a deep-cycle battery to the controller manual. Sump Pump Systems Backup Battery System for a Sump Pump: How to Size and Choose One Size a sump-pump backup by inflow, total head and outage duty, then check pump redundancy, battery compatibility, alarms and discharge layout. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Recirculation Pump for a Water Heater: Selection Guide Compare return paths, controls, pump curves, heater compatibility, and common faults before choosing a hot-water recirculation pump system for your home. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Is an Expansion Tank Required for a Water Heater by Code? See when water-heater codes require thermal-expansion control, what closes a plumbing system, and how an expansion tank must be sized and installed. Sump Pump Systems Sump Pump Lifespan: When to Repair or Replace Compare pump age, wet-test performance, workload and backup protection to decide whether to keep testing, diagnose a fault or replace the unit. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Camlock Hose Selection: Match the Whole Assembly Select a camlock hose by fluid, duty, pressure, vacuum, temperature, flow, materials and attachment—not fitting size alone. Sump Pump Systems Sump Pump Valve Check: Test, Diagnose, and Fix It Learn to check a sump pump valve with a wet cycle, then trace drainback, rapid restarts, poor flow, leaks, wrong direction, and water hammer safely. Well Pump Components Sediment Filter Cartridge Selection: Microns, Flow and Pressure Drop Match a sediment filter cartridge to particle size, housing, peak flow and allowable pressure drop—and know what its micron rating cannot promise. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Spindle Bearing Identification and Failure Checks Learn what a spindle bearing does, how to identify the correct replacement, and how to trace heat, noise or play without erasing failure evidence. Sump Pump Systems How to Choose a Sump Pump for a Crawl Space Size a crawl-space sump pump by inflow and total head, then check the basin, float, discharge, power, cover, alarm and backup. Pump Switches And Controls What Is a Proximity Switch? Types, Uses, and Selection Compare inductive, capacitive, magnetic, photoelectric and ultrasonic switches, then match sensing range, output wiring, mounting and environment. Well Pump Components What Is a Well Pump Control Box? Learn what a well pump control box does, how it differs from a pressure switch, and why voltage, horsepower and motor type must match. Pump Valves And Priming Y Strainer Selection, Installation and Pressure Drop Select a Y strainer by fluid, debris, screen opening, pressure drop and service limits—then install its pocket in the correct orientation. Pump Valves And Priming How to Prime a Well-Water Pump Without Running It Dry Prime a surface jet well pump safely, identify systems that do not need manual priming, and diagnose a prime that will not hold. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Liquid-Filled Pressure Gauge: Selection, Installation and Troubleshooting Choose a liquid-filled pressure gauge by range, media, temperature and connection—and know when a snubber, seal or siphon is still needed. Wastewater And Septic Pumping Aerator for Septic Tank: How to Choose Check system identity, airflow, pressure, dimensions, controls, treatment capacity, local approval and warranty requirements before buying. Pump Switches And Controls Reducing Washer: Size Selection and Bonding Match the existing knockout to the desired fitting trade size, then verify quantity, orientation, listing, conduit compatibility and bonding. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics How to Choose a Water Tank With a Pump A selection worksheet covers demand, pressure, elevation, suction, piping, reserve, power and exposure, plus controls, certifications and total cost. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Crimped Hose Selection and Safety Checklist Match the exact hose, coupling, ferrule, dies, crimper and current specification, then verify crimp diameter, routing and required tests. Pump Switches And Controls Normally Open Contact: Meaning, Test, NO vs NC Defines the unactuated reference state, explains what counts as actuation, and separates NO behavior from PLC logic, electrical ratings and safety. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Wiper Seals: How to Select and Install Match gland construction and dimensions first, then verify profile, compound, fluid, temperature, speed, contamination duty and outward-facing lip orientation. Well Pump Components Brass PEX Pipe Fittings: How to Check Compatibility Match purpose, size, PEX type, barb or expansion system, fastener and tool, then verify potable-water documents and complete-assembly limits. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Flex Couplings: Types, Tradeoffs & Selection Match damping, stiffness, backlash and displacement needs, then verify torque, speed, bore, balance, materials, mounting and service limits. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Pump Tubing: How to Confirm Compatibility For breast pumps, check the exact model, revision, connectors and dimensions; for peristaltic pumps, match the pumphead and process conditions. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Aeration Pump Sizing and Selection Calculate target CFM and backpressure from depth, line and diffuser losses, then verify airflow on the exact model’s performance curve. Pump Valves And Priming Back Pressure Regulator Valve: Operation & Selection Maps the fluid, flow, inlet and outlet pressure, temperature, materials and discharge data needed for preliminary selection. Well Pump Selection And Sizing How to Choose a Square D Pressure Switch Compare PSI candidates, then match the full catalog number, motor voltage, phase, horsepower, contacts, port, enclosure, mounting, and control feature. Pump Switches And Controls Alternating Relays: How They Work and How to Choose Use a sequence-first method, then compare control voltage, inputs, contacts, starter interfaces, pinouts, sockets, timing, mounting, and approvals. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Gear Coupling Types, Selection and Maintenance Compare full-flex, flex-rigid, spacer and sliding designs, then verify torque, speed, bore, alignment, lubrication and installation requirements. Pump Valves And Priming Selecting a DN15 Stainless Steel Ball Valve Match DN15/1/2-inch connections, bore or Kv, wetted materials, pressure-temperature limits, dimensions, and actuation with a supplier checklist. Well Pump Selection And Sizing DN25 Check Valve Selection: Sizing and Compatibility Evaluate fluid, contaminants, flow range, pressure-temperature limits, pressure loss, connections, orientation, leakage and surge before purchase. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Water Well Installation: Process, Costs & Planning Explains how a potable well is sited, approved, drilled, connected and tested for pressure, household demand, contamination risks and water quality. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics External Gear Pump: Operation, Sizing & Selection Calculate displacement from flow, speed and efficiency, then check pressure, viscosity, inlet conditions, compatibility and performance curves. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Hydraulic Pump for Log Splitter: Sizing Use GPM-to-horsepower ranges to narrow options, then verify stage flows, RPM, rotation, shaft, mount, ports, dimensions, and pressure ratings. Wastewater And Septic Pumping Septic System Air Pump: Sizing and Replacement Match airflow at operating pressure, then verify power, tubing, controls, alarms and system approval before buying a replacement. Well Pump Components Insulated Pump House: How to Choose Work backward from equipment, winter conditions, maintenance paths, moisture and failure risks; compare usable dimensions and total installed cost. Pump Switches And Controls Arizona Pool Pump Off-Peak Savings Before an Upgrade Compare APS and SRP pump schedules, calculate time-of-use savings, and see whether retiming should come before a variable-speed replacement. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Audi EA839 Water Pump Lawsuit: Quote Spread and TSBs Compare Audi EA839 water-pump quotes, review models named in Larr v. Audi, and see what the reported bulletins and proposed lawsuit establish. Pump Valves And Priming How to Choose a Ball Non-Return Valve Match flow and differential pressure to orientation, wetted materials and connections, then verify installation requirements and troubleshoot by symptom. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Jeep Wrangler Power Steering Pump Recall: What Gets Fixed Check whether a 2021–2025 Wrangler, Gladiator, or 4xe is in the recall range, what dealers replace, and why parking outside beats a pump swap. Well Pump Components Well Water Air Injector Pros and Cons: When It Fits See when it suits compatible iron or sulfur, plus how water chemistry, pump and drain capacity, backwash, noise and maintenance affect the choice. Pump Valves And Priming Reducer Bushings: Types, Sizes, Selection & Installation Guide A reducer bushing is a compact fitting used to connect pipes, fittings, or equipment ports of different nominal sizes. Selecting one correctly requires more… Pump Switches And Controls Voltage Sensitive Relay: How It Works and When to Use One A voltage sensitive relay can make a dual-battery system seem simple: start the engine, charge both batteries, stop the engine, and isolate the starter… Pump Switches And Controls Hydraulic Pressure Switch: Selection, Types, Testing & Specs A hydraulic pressure switch cannot be selected safely or reliably from its PSI range alone. The switch must trip and reset at the required pressures, remain… Pump Motor Troubleshooting TEFC Motor Meaning: Cooling, Protection, and Uses Explained TEFC stands for “Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled”: it describes an electric-motor enclosure and cooling arrangement in which ambient air does not circulate freely… Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Cost of Motors per HP: Price Examples, Formulas & Calculator No supported universal or representative industry-average cost of motors per hp is available from the cited sources. For an industrial electric motor, cost per… Pump Valves And Priming Normally Closed Solenoid Valve: How It Works and How to Choose A normally closed solenoid valve is closed when its coil is de-energized and opens when energized under the model’s specified electrical, pressure, flow-… Pump Motor Troubleshooting Can I Still Buy a Single-Speed Pool Pump Motor? Check your motor’s total horsepower against the 2025 standard, delayed 2027 enforcement window, and March 2029 cutoff before buying. Pump Motor Troubleshooting DOE Motor Rule 2027: What Changes for Pump Motors Determine whether a new or replacement pump motor falls under the 2027 DOE efficiency standard and how the limited 2029 enforcement policy applies. Pump Motor Troubleshooting VW Atlas Water Pump Settlement Claim Deadline Check an Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport VIN, estimate 80% repair reimbursement, and prepare the records needed for the October 5, 2026 postmark. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Multistage Centrifugal Pump Specifications, Features & Applications How to read, compare, and apply multistage pump data Pump Switches And Controls Wet Switch Flood Detector: WS-1 Guide, Specs & Fit The DiversiTech/Asurity WS-1 Wet Switch Flood Detector addresses a specific risk: condensate or drain-leak water reaching a monitored area around ducted HVAC… Sump Pump Systems Ideas for Sump Pump Discharge: Choose the Right Yard Drainage Setup A working sump pump does not automatically mean a protected basement. If the exterior discharge releases water where it can flow or seep back toward the… Well Pump Components Water Pressure Tank Problems: Symptoms, Tests, and Fixes Water pressure tank problems are easy to misdiagnose. A pump that starts whenever you open a faucet may have lost effective tank drawdown, but low pressure,… Pump Valves And Priming NPSH Thread: Sizes, Compatibility, NPT Differences & Identification An NPSH thread can be easy to confuse with NPT pipe thread or NH/NST fire-hose thread. Two couplings may share a nominal size, look similar, or even begin to… Pump Valves And Priming Pressure Protection Valve: Truck Air-System Selection Guide A pressure protection valve in a heavy-duty truck or trailer air system cannot be selected safely by matching its appearance, port size, or the largest PSI… Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Booster Pump for Irrigation System: Sizing & Buying Guide A booster pump for an irrigation system should be selected by its duty point: the flow required, in gallons per minute (GPM), at the total head the pump must… Pump Valves And Priming Pump Seal Kit: How to Find the Right Kit for Your Pump A pump seal kit should be selected by exact pump identity, repair scope, material compatibility, and operating application—not by appearance, a broad family… Well Pump Selection And Sizing Cost to Drill a Water Well: Scope, Depth and Geology Commercial guides put many standard residential well projects at roughly $5,000–$18,000 for planning, though scope is defined inconsistently. Pump Valves And Priming Normally Open Describes a Solenoid Valve's Power-Off State It permits flow while de-energized and closes when its coil receives the correct power. "Normally" names the default state, not the position used most often. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics PSI per Foot of Water Converts Vertical Head to Pressure A vertical foot of fresh-water head yields about 0.433 PSI of static gauge pressure. Flowing systems require separate friction and outlet-pressure checks. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Boiler Feed Pump Calculation Links Flow and Head to Power Near-boiling feedwater is about 4% less dense than cold water. Its actual density governs the conversion from drum pressure into pressure head. Well Pump Components How Long a Well Tank Lasts and What Changes It Plan on roughly 10-15 years, but use age plus condition, not a birthday deadline. Water at the air valve is stronger failure evidence than age. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Variable Speed Pumps Keep Pressure Steadier Within Limits A pressure tank normally remains in the system, even though the controller performs most pressure regulation during active demand. Well Pump Troubleshooting Well Pump Runs but No Water: Jet vs. Submersible Checks Switch it off, verify the outage affects the property, record pressure behavior already observed, then check accessible valves or restrictions. Sump Pump Systems What a Sump Pump Weep Hole Does and Where It Goes When required, the opening generally goes above the pump connection and below the check valve, unless the manufacturer specifies another arrangement. Well Pump Components A Pump Cover Is an Oversized Layer Worn at the Gym An ordinary loose hoodie or T-shirt can qualify without a special label, and it can stay on throughout the workout. The term also means a pump enclosure. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Diagnose the AC Before Adding a Hard Start Kit Start assist cannot repair a weak capacitor, burned contactor, or poor supply, and it cannot fix an airflow restriction, refrigerant fault, or damaged compressor. Pump Motor Troubleshooting Motor Vibration Patterns Narrow Possible Causes For ordinary electric motors, a bolt can feel tight after bottoming without applying clamping force. Speed, load, heat and coast-down behavior guide diagnosis. Sump Pump Systems Ejector Pump vs Sump Pump: What Each Handles A basement may need one of these systems or both, but pump appearance and horsepower cannot determine which setup it actually requires. Sump Pump Systems A Sump Pump That Keeps Running: Causes by Water Level A full or rising pit points to ineffective water removal: restricted discharge, weak pump output, excessive inflow, backflow or mechanical failure. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics Submersible Irrigation Pumps Must Match Flow and Head The pump must provide the active zone's GPM at the TDH that includes lift, friction, equipment losses, and required sprinkler pressure. Pump Valves And Priming Which Water Well Pumps Need a Foot Valve? Submersible pumps ordinarily use discharge-side check valves rather than a screened foot valve on a suction line. Confirm pump type before testing or buying. Wastewater And Septic Pumping How Much Septic Pumping Costs by Tank Size and Access For an accessible 1,000-gallon residential tank, plan on $300–$500 for routine service. Compare written scopes for disposal, digging and travel. Well Pump Selection And Sizing Shallow Well Pump and Pressure Tank Sizing Is Site-Specific Roughly 25 vertical feet from pump to water level is a screening guideline, not guaranteed capability. Sizing uses pump curves, usable drawdown and runtime. Well Pump Troubleshooting Signs of a Well Drying Up vs. Equipment Trouble Failure under heavy demand and improvement after rest suggest drawdown or low yield. Water-level measurements and system inspection are needed to confirm the cause. Well Pump Maintenance Well Pump Maintenance: Observe, Then Act on Changes Track normal pressure, flow and cycling. Investigate changes rather than adjust controls, and test annually for total coliform and E. coli. Pump Switches And Controls A Float Level Switch Must Match the Application The liquid must lift the float, wetted parts must tolerate the process, movement needs clearance, and the contact must suit the control circuit. Well Pump Troubleshooting How to Troubleshoot Well Pump Problems Safely If it runs but no water reaches the house, switch it off promptly. Gauge behavior helps narrow what to investigate but cannot identify the failed part. Well Pump Troubleshooting Well Pump Failure Signs Can Come From Other Components Repeated breaker trips, humming without water delivery or a running pump that does not raise pressure need prompt checks of the pump, motor, wiring and controls. Well Pump Troubleshooting Four Clues Narrow Down a Well Water Pump Problem Compare whole-house flow, breaker status, gauge behavior and pump sound. Reset a tripped breaker once only if the panel is dry, undamaged and safe to access. Pump Valves And Priming How to Prime a Pump Based on Type and Setup For surface water pumps isolate power, add water at the approved point and vent air. A steadily falling level suggests a suction leak or nonholding foot/check valve. Well Pump Components Well Pump Capacitor Replacement Is Model-Specific Matching microfarads alone does not establish compatibility. Catalogs distinguish type, voltage, resistor configuration, control-box application and pump rating. Well Pump Troubleshooting What to Check When Your Well Pump Stops Working First check whether every fixture is affected, then note the gauge and pump sounds. Reset a tripped breaker once only if no danger signs are present. Pump Switches And Controls 8 Pump Pressure Switch Specs to Check Familiar housing and a nominal pressure range do not prove compatibility. Voltage, motor rating, port and wiring still matter. Gauge behavior can flag system faults. Pump Sizing And Hydraulics What Is Claverton Pumping Station? Flowing river water powers the mechanism that lifts a separate flow approximately 48 feet. Its six stages show what the wheel, beams and pumps each do. Sump Pump Systems A Sump Pump Is One Part of a Water-Control System A new pump can still fail if it does not fit the basin, faces excessive resistance, loses power in a storm or shares a blocked discharge path with its backup. Pump Valves And Priming Check Valve and One-Way Valve Cover Many Designs A check valve is a one-way valve, but reliable service still requires matching the medium, flow range, cracking pressure, orientation and closure dynamics. Pump Motor Troubleshooting How a VP44 Injection Pump Fails and What to Check Measure supply pressure at the VP44 inlet: aim for 12-15 psi at idle and never below ~10 under load instead of assuming pressure from a new-part receipt.