Providing a country house with stable water pressure is a paramount task, and often the choice falls on domestic equipment, which has proven itself to be accessible and maintainable. Brand Gilex is one of the market leaders, offering a wide range of pumping equipment, but it is easy for a beginner to get confused in abbreviations and numbers.
Many site owners are wondering: which unit will cope with rising water from a depth of 10, 20 or even 40 meters? An error in choice can lead not only to insufficient pressure, but also to the failure of expensive equipment in the first season of operation.
In this material, we will analyze the technical nuances in detail, compare popular series and help you decide on a configuration that is ideal for your source. Understanding the physics of the process and the characteristics of the pump will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and provide your home with water for many years.
Pumping equipment series: Jumbo or Vodomet?
Main division of the company Gilex for well water supply passes in two key directions: surface pumping stations of the series Jumbo and submersible pumps series Water cannon. The choice between them is dictated primarily by the depth of the water surface and the required noise level during equipment operation.
Series Jumbo are surface centrifugal pumps, often equipped with a hydraulic accumulator and automation. Their key advantage is the ability to install outside the caisson, for example, in a basement or outbuilding, which makes maintenance easier. However, it is worth remembering that physics limits the suction height of such units: they work effectively if the distance from the pump to the water does not exceed 8 meters.
In contrast, the ruler Water cannon - These are submersible devices lowered directly into the well on a cable. They are capable of lifting water from depths of up to 50 meters or more, working silently and without taking up useful space in the house. Submersible pump cooled by the water flow itself, which is critical for long-term operation without overheating.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to use a Jumbo surface pump to lift water from a depth of more than 9 meters will result in cavitation and rapid destruction of the impeller.
If your well is deep and the requirements for silence are high, the choice definitely shifts towards submersible models. For shallow wells or wells with high water levels, surface stations remain a cost-effective and simple solution.
Technical characteristics: pressure, performance and power
When choosing a specific model, it is not enough to look only at the brand; It is necessary to carefully analyze passport data. The main parameter is pressure, which is indicated in meters of water column. This figure must exceed the depth of the well plus the pressure in the water supply system and friction losses in the pipes.
Capacity, measured in liters per minute or cubic meters per hour, determines how much water you can get at once. For example, if you plan to water the garden, take a shower and do laundry at the same time, you will need a high-output model that can produce up to 3-4 cubic meters per hour.
The power of the electric motor directly affects the energy consumption and the pressure generated. Models with index About or equipped with frequency converters can regulate the shaft rotation speed, providing a stable pressure even when the water intake changes. This is especially true for systems where there is no large storage capacity.
Let's look at the ratio of parameters in the table to better navigate the model range:
| Model | Max. head (m) | Capacity (l/min) | Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo 60/35 | 35 | 60 | 600 |
| Water cannon 40/50 | 50 | 40 | 500 |
| Water cannon 55/50 | 50 | 55 | 900 |
| Water cannon 110/110 | 110 | 110 | 2200 |
It is important to select the pump so that its operating point is in the middle of the performance curve, and not at the extreme values. Operating at the limit reduces the life of bearings and seals.
Always reserve a pressure reserve of 10-15% in case the well silts up or the water level drops during a dry period.
Design features and reliability of materials
Pump durability Gilex largely depends on the materials from which its working units are made. The housings of most submersible models are made of stainless steel, which guarantees protection against corrosion even in aggressive environments. However, internal components may vary.
Impellers in budget series are often made of durable plastic (polycarbonate or technopolymer). This decision is justified: the plastic does not rust, has a low coefficient of friction and does not jam when exposed to fine sand. Metal wheels, although they seem stronger, are more sensitive to abrasive wear.
In series models Water cannon missile defense A multi-stage design is used, where water passes through several successive chambers, which allows achieving high pressure while maintaining compact dimensions. The pump shaft should be made of stainless steel, and the supports should be made of graphite or ceramic to reduce friction.
⚠️ Attention: The presence of sand in water (more than 150 g/cub.m) is the main enemy of any pump. Use coarse filters at the pump inlet.
The engine protection system deserves special attention. In submersible models Gilex A double end mechanical sealing system is often used to prevent water from entering the stator. This is a critical element, since repairing a burnt-out engine is often not economically feasible.
What are floating impellers?
Some models use "floating" wheels that are not rigidly attached to the shaft. This allows them to self-align when worn, compensating for gaps and extending the life of the pump even in the presence of a small amount of abrasive particles in the water.
Automatic control: from float to frequency switch
A modern home water pump cannot operate without a control system. The simplest option is to use a pressure switch paired with a hydraulic accumulator. This combination is typical for stations Jumbo, maintains pressure in the range, for example, from 1.5 to 3 atmospheres, turning the motor on and off.
A more advanced solution is to use automation blocks like Crane-m or Gilex Crab. These devices protect the pump from running dry by automatically restarting it when water appears. This saves equipment when the water level in the well dynamically decreases.
For maximum comfort and protection, it is recommended to use frequency converters. They allow the pump to operate in constant mode, smoothly changing power depending on whether you open or close the tap. This eliminates water hammer and pressure surges, extending the life of the pipeline and plumbing.
- 🔌 The pressure switch is a classic, it requires adjustment and a hydraulic accumulator.
- 💧 Automation unit - protection against dry running, compact, but sensitive to air in the system.
- ⚙️ Frequency converter - maximum comfort, energy saving, no water hammer.
The choice of control system depends on the budget and comfort requirements. For a summer residence with seasonal residence, a simple relay is often enough, while for permanent residence in a cottage, a frequency generator will be the best investment.
☑️ Check before starting automation
Installation and typical installation errors
Correct pump installation Gilex - the key to his long service. Submersible models require the use of a stainless steel safety cable as the hose or cable is not designed to support the weight of the equipment. The cable is attached to the lugs on the pump housing.
A check valve must be installed on the suction pipe. It prevents water from draining back into the well after the pump is turned off, eliminating the need to refill the pipes each time. Without a check valve, water hammer during startup may damage the hydraulic part.
The power cable must be secured along the pressure pipeline with special clamps to prevent tension and damage when lowering or raising the pump. The connection points between the cable and the pump must be hermetically sealed, preferably using heat-shrinkable sleeves.
⚠️ Attention: It is forbidden to lower the pump into the well while holding it by the electrical cable. This is guaranteed to lead to wire breakage and leakage.
When installing surface stations, it is necessary to ensure protection against freezing. If the station is located in an unheated room, it will require conservation or heating in winter. It is also important to ensure good ventilation in the area where the motor is running to cool it.
The main mistake is the absence of a check valve or its installation too far from the pump, which leads to loss of primes and idle operation.
Maintenance and service life extension
Pumping equipment Gilex does not require complex daily care, but periodic checks are necessary. Once a season, it is recommended to check the pressure in the air chamber of the hydraulic accumulator (if there is one) and pump it up, if necessary, to a level 10% below the pump start pressure.
If the water in the well contains a lot of suspended particles, it is worth periodically raising the pump and flushing its inside with clean water. This is especially true for new wells or after long periods of downtime. You should also visually inspect the cable for rodent damage or mechanical abrasions.
In winter, if the house is not used, the system must be drained. Residual water in the surface pump housing or pipes can freeze and tear metal or plastic. Submersible pumps in deep wells where the water does not freeze to the bottom can remain submersible, but the home's water supply still needs to be drained.
- 🔍 Visual inspection of the cable and cable before each season.
- 🌡️ Check the pressure in the hydraulic accumulator every 6 months.
- 🧼Rinsing the filter and housing when performance decreases.
Timely maintenance allows you to avoid sudden breakdowns at the most inopportune moment, for example, when guests have already arrived and there is no water coming from the tap.
How can you tell if the pump is worn out?
If the pump starts to turn on more often than usual when the taps are closed, this may indicate a loss of tightness in the system or a decrease in pressure in the tank. If the pressure has dropped, but the pump is humming, the impellers may be worn out or the mesh may be clogged.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a Gilex pump for dirty water?
Standard models for water supply (Water cannon, Jumbo) are intended for clean or slightly contaminated water (up to 150 g of sand per cubic meter). For heavily polluted water (drainage, sewerage), there are special drainage pumps of the series Drainer, which have cutting mechanisms or large flow sections.
Which pump is best for a well 15 meters deep?
For a depth of 15 meters surface pump Jumbo will no longer be suitable, since it will not be able to raise water (limit ~8-9 meters). It is necessary to select a series submersible pump Water cannon with a pressure of at least 30-40 meters (taking into account the height of the rise to the house and the pressure in the system).
Why does the pump turn on and off frequently?
Most often, the reason lies in a rupture of the accumulator membrane or lack of air in its air chamber. It is also possible that there is an air leak or water leak somewhere in the system. It is necessary to check the pressure in the tank and the tightness of the pipeline.
Do I need to lubricate the Gilex pump?
Most models Gilex have sealed bearings that do not require lubrication during their entire service life. Opening the housing for lubrication will void the warranty and compromise the seal. Only individual components are lubricated during professional repairs in service centers.