[jjames]

Hi I need some info on running 2 poles from 1 pump as we were having problems yesterday. We were running a 18ft pole and a 4ft pole but could only get the water out of the 4 foot pole unless both were level. I take it that it is a pressure problem. we are running from a pro5 with 1/2 inch hose over 50 meters. Any ideas on how to solve the problem without using another pump.

Cheers

Justin

[spongebob]

Hi Justin.
I don't run two poles so this may be wrong. There are two things to consider with water, flow and pressure. If you hold your finger over both open ends of the hoses and you feel the water pushing to get out then the pressure is there. i know many on here use one pump with two hoses. The fact that you have to equalize the height to get flow from both would seem that the bore on 1/2 inch hose is too much for one pump. You may have to use mini or micro bore to restrict the flow in the hose so that the pressure can push the water out of both hoses.
I assume you are using two reels. Also did it work ok before and now has just dropped?

[jjames]

Thanks Spongebob

I think it is pressure I am using someone elses system on a new contract and they have never tried two poles before. I will get some microbore as It could well be the problem. We have tried one hose two poles and two hoses two poles and the same thing happens.

[Spruce]

Thanks Spongebob

I think it is pressure I am using someone elses system on a new contract and they have never tried two poles before. I will get some microbore as It could well be the problem. We have tried one hose two poles and two hoses two poles and the same thing happens.

I would rather spend a couple of pounds extra and get another pump and run each pole on it's own pump.

[VSP Home Care]

Are you using a pump flow controller?  If you are then I'm thinking it might confuse the hell out of the controller.  The way I see it is that the water will always take the easiest route, same as electric going to earth.  The path of least resistance.

I can see it working without a controller although again you'll have a problem if one pole is higher than the other.

I'll be interested to hear the solution    Possibly put an in line flow valve on the shorter pole to balance the pressure between the two poles.

[alanwilson]

the problem is what VSP has mentioned, water takes the easiest path.

just get another pump.

[andy1975]

i had this problem,definetly need another pump fitting and thats it

[mlscontractcleaner]

We regularly use two hose reels with one 100psi pump and have no problem at all. No matter how long the poles are we're using or how far we are apart still no problem.

Not sure what you're doing wrong but you're definately doing something not right

[VSP Home Care]

We regularly use two hose reels with one 100psi pump and have no problem at all. No matter how long the poles are we're using or how far we are apart still no problem.

Not sure what you're doing wrong but you're definately doing something not right

Do you use a pump controller like the VariStream or just the pump and hose reels?

[mlscontractcleaner]

Just the pump and hose reels.

[VSP Home Care]

I think if he's using a controller it will have a proper headache using two poles.  Your pump will be pushing at full blast no matter what hight or length of run, if you both have triggers at the pole end then the pressure will have time to get to both poles fairly evenly.

The same will still apply about the path of least resistance but not have such a dramatic effect I suspect.

Two pumps and two controllers is the only way I can think to do it if he's concerned about his water usage and flow.

[luther1]

I have an Ionics system with one pump and can run two hoses ok. I use 6mm hose,so i would suggest yours is a hose problem. As long as both are the same size (not 13mm)then you'll be ok

[richard jagger]

Just thing on this line. Your poor pump trying to push 1.2 inch pipe x the 100 metres hose to two pole .How much volume do you thing that might be and them to crown its some is up hill.Your pump might only be a 80 psi and say 5 litre per minute.Its a big ask.

[jjames]

Thanks all

Its not my system and its the first time my mate has used it this way. I am not sure what sort of controller the ionics systems have but I do think the hose size is one of the problems. I will talk to him about getting another pump fitted. Its the first time I have used an ionics system and I must admit for the money they are not what i expected. There are other systems which would have done the job with two pumps and better hose for a lot less money. But I cant argue because it is a large contract and I dont have too fork out for a system. If the worst come to the worst I will do downs traditionaly and ups with water fed pole. I will get him to get on to ionics and see what they have to say ( I imagine it will involve a fair bit of money ). Cheers Justin

[David Kent @ KentKleen]

its just your hose size. (1/2 inch)
We use 2 reels both at 100 metres sometimes. 6mm hose on both with one controller. No problems whatsoever even over 35ft.
New hose required i think you already know that anyway . hope this helps

[andy1975]

I have an Ionics system with one pump and can run two hoses ok. I use 6mm hose,so i would suggest yours is a hose problem. As long as both are the same size (not 13mm)then you'll be ok

i also have ionics and one pole had high pressure and the other low pressure,i just got rid of the worker and done it myself in the end

[stephen.b1]

its not a hose problem its a pressure problem the ground floor hose is taking all the pressure you need a restrictor in line  or a hose tap turn it down on the ground floor pole and the pressure will build and will flow to the top pole £10.00 fix max simples

[David Kent @ KentKleen]

whats causing the pressure problem? 

[stephen.b1]

whats causing the pressure problem? 

i thought i answerd that

[Lee Pryor]

The answer is to use 2 hose reels of either 8 or 6mm split at the van so you each have your own reel, making a T piece splitter is easy. Then you need the pump turned up to maximum and use 1.5mm jets in your brushes. This works fine.