Question
QUESTION: good morning.
I live in miami florida and i have a flotec pump connect to a well.  the pressure is over 50psi.  I connected three sprinkler heads to the system for the first time.  the pipe size is 1" sch 40pvc. I know i need to add additional heads to the system to correct the back pressure.  is this correct?  and can i install a line back to the well with  a ball valve to correct the problem as well.

please help.  Thanks

ANSWER: Hello.
My first question would be: Is 50PSI too much for you application? Probably not. Rotor sprinklers actually run very well at 50PSI.
With centrifugal pumps, a simple rule is, if you are moving enough water so the pump casing doesn't build heat you are safe. This is not to say it is electrically efficient, but your not going to "blow-up" the pump.
Yes, you can run a pressure relief line back to the well. But, in that way you are pumping water with no benefit. Your best would be to add more sprinklers to that zone and utilize the water it is trying to pump. This way you are "electrically efficient".
If you need further assistance, please give me the HP size of the pump and the type of sprinkler. I can recommend a number of heads it can run.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks a million.  the pump size is 1 1/2 hp flotec. I have only bought three sprinkler heads.  I plan on using maybe 15 to 20 sprinklers. what do you sugguset?

Thanks

Answer
Sorry I haven't replied sooner, I've been on vacation.

You should be capable of running 18-24 gallon per minute for a zone. So, if you are using 2.5 gallon nozzles, the pump would handle 7-9 sprinklers per zone. 7 is probably the best number it allow a little variation of nozzles and give you a safety factor for wear and seal leakage in the future. The pump will run very well at that flow. If you find yourself with a zone of 5 or 6 heads I won't worry. Too many heads is what cause the most problems.
Good luck, if you have further questions feel free to ask.