Can I convert this pump to a side discharge?

[Brett S]

So this isn’t really a pool pump. It’s a pump for my irrigation system, but there are a lot of people who know a lot about pumps here, so I’m hoping someone might be able to help with this question.

I just had solar panels installed on my home and the electricians who did the work said that they don’t think I’ll pass the inspection because this pump and it’s pipes are right in front of the main electrical panel. Apparently code requires at least three feet in front of the panel. I have no idea who put it there or what they were thinking... it came with the house.



In any case, I’ve decided to move it back. I’m just going to cut off the pipes under ground and install elbows and then do a short run underground so I can move the pump and everything back 3+ feet from the panel.

But as I was working it occurred to me that it would be a whole lot better if the pump discharged to the side so the output didn’t have to go up and then do a U turn to go straight back down. I know some pumps can have the wet side rotated so it can discharge on the top or the side, but I have no idea if this one can. Do you guys think it’s worth trying to disassemble it and see if I can rotate it or do you think that it can only discharge up?



I don’t know anything about the pump and the label is pretty well worn off.

Thanks for any thoughts though

 

[Bama Rambler]

The casing on those type pumps can be turned in any direction, but the reason they're set up with the suction (and therefore discharge) at the top is to provide a good volume of water for priming. If you turn the casing to the side you lose the self priming function, So if you're drawing water from a cistern or below pump storage you probably don't want to turn it any way but up.

 

[Brett S]

Hmm, thanks for the reply. It’s drawing from a shallow well, so it does need to pull the water up, but it also has a check valve, so theoretically it shouldn’t loose its prime.

Do you think it would be unwise to turn it knowing that it does have a check valve?

Thanks again

 

[Bama Rambler]

Hmm, thanks for the reply. It’s drawing from a shallow well, so it does need to pull the water up, but it also has a check valve, so theoretically it shouldn’t loose its prime.

Do you think it would be unwise to turn it knowing that it does have a check valve?

Thanks again

I think you might have a problem initially getting it primed unless the check valve is a foot valve at the bottom of the well.

 

[Brett S]

I think you might have a problem initially getting it primed unless the check valve is a foot valve at the bottom of the well.

It’s at the top just before the water goes into the pump. I guess I’ll leave it discharging up. Thanks much