Inline Constant Water Pressure Systems
by Little Giant / Franklin Electric

Q. "How how much can I expect my water pressure to fluctuate after I install this constant water pressure system?"
A. The Inline System's constant output pressure should not fluctuate more than 1-2 PSI, even though the overall system's water flow requirement may change dramatically.

Q. "What is the incoming pressure requirement for the unit?"
A. It requires a minimum incoming pressure of 3 PSI.

Q. "What is the water flow requirement for the unit?"
A. The system operates on a wide range of flows from flooded suction to 35 GPM. The Inline System is not designed to draw/lift water from a source below the pumping unit. There is not an incoming flow requirement, other than the system needs to be supplied with a constant supply of water to keep the unit completely full of water at all times. It is recommended that the system be supplied with inlet line that is 3/4" in diameter or larger. Please note although the unit has no water flow requirement other than being kept full at all times, you still must meet the minimum water pressure requirement of 3 PSI.

Q. "What is the difference between water flow and water pressure?"
A. Water flow refers to the amount of water coming out of a hose, faucet or other pipe fixture in a certain amount of time. Water pressure refers to the amount of force that is put on the water to make it move from one place to another, or to the amount of force the water exerts when coming out of the pipe. Water flow is the result of pressure on volume. Volume is the amount of water available for delivery, and pressure is the force exerted on it. For example if you have a pressure of 3 PSI forcing water through a 1/2" i.d. pipe it will have a lower flow rate than that same 3 PSI forcing water through a larger pipe.

Q. "What does flooded suction mean?"
A. A "flooded suction" refers to a situation in where water flows to the pump inlet from an elevated source by means of gravity.

Q. "What is the maximum temperature of water that can be used in the constant pressure system?"
A. The maximum incoming water temperature should not exceed 104°F.

Q. "My water is sandy and somewhat abrasive. Can I still use the constant pressure system?"
A. Pumping abrasive or sandy water can damage the pumps' internal components. We suggest installing a sand separator before the constant pressure system if you have these water conditions. We have many sand separators for you to choose from. Please note: if you are considering adding a sand separator before the constant water system you must make sure that your water system meets the minimum flow rate for the sand separator to function correctly.

Q. "Will I experience water hammer while using the constant pressure system?"
A. The pressure tank helps reduce water hammer by acting as a system buffer. However you may still need a water hammer arrester as water hammer is caused by a rapid shut off of a valve on a long run at the end of your plumbing system and the constant pressure system is installed at the beginning of your plumbing system.

Q. "What other items and/or tools will be needed to install the constant pressure system?"
A. The manufacturer recommends but does not include: wrenches, screwdriver, pipe sealant, pipe fittings, nipples, check valves, ball valves, unions and a 100 PSI pressure relief valve.

Q. "What size of a pressure tank will I need?"
A. For 12 gpm or greater flow, the minimum pressure tank size is 4 gallons; for 12 gpm or less, the minimum pressure tank size is 2 gallons. Oversizing the pressure tank is acceptable and will not adversely affect the system's performance or warranty.

Q. "What are the physical dimensions of the pressure tanks?"
A. The 2 gallon pressure tank has a diameter of 8" and a length of 12". The 5 gallon pressure tank has a diameter of 11" and a length of 14-1/2".

Q. "Can the pump run dry without any damage?"
A. No, never run the pump dry.

Q. "Will this system be able to handle other liquids besides water?"
A. Per the manufacturer, this pump has been evaluated for use with water only.

Q. "What does the optional 'Pressure Shut-off Sensor' do?"
A. The optional over pressure switch monitors the pressure levels within the constant pressure system. If the pressure level exceeds 100PSI, it will shut down the unit and allow your pressure relief valve to dissipate the excessive pressure.

Q. "What is NEMA 4 rating mean?"
A. The NEMA 4 rating means that the units enclosure provides a degree of protection from falling dirt, water, dust and sleet. The unit can be installed outdoors but the manufacturer recommends that the unit be shielded from direct sunlight to prevent overheating.

Q. "Will this system meet the low lead requirements for California, Maryland, and Vermont?"
A. No, the constant water pressure system is not certified to meet the low lead requirements for California, Maryland, and Vermont, therefore, cannot be shipped to those states.

Q. "What does it mean to have ANSI Certification for lead free plumbing products?"
A. Laws requiring plumbing products that come in to contact with drinking water to be essentially lead-free (0.25% weighted average) have been passed in California, Louisiana, Maryland, and Vermont. In order for companies to ship these plumbing products to locations in CA, LA, MD and VT, they must be ANSI certified lead free.

Q. "What is CA AB 1953, LA Act No. 362, MD HB 372, and VT S.152 and how is this different from previous low-lead legislation?"
A. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the amount of lead in drinking water under guidelines established in the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (passed in 1974; amended in 1988 and 1996). This Act defines "lead-free" as not more than 8% lead in pipes and fixture fittings. PLEASE NOTE: Use of the term "lead-free" varies between the new legislation in CA (AB 1953), LA ( Act No. 362), MD (HB 372), and VT (S.152), and in the current Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. In the new legislation for CA, LA, MD and VT only (as of Jan 2013), it will mean 0.25% or less (weighted average). Similar national legislation is scheduled to go into effect Jan 2014.