From dajulius at gmail.com Mon Aug 4 18:41:19 2025 From: dajulius at gmail.com (Julius Gaisford) Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2025 18:41:19 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? Message-ID: Hello all, I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that this is a failed test? I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where else to go from here. Thank you, Julius Gaisford -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Tue Aug 5 08:38:57 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 08:38:57 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Anyone know the next steps? On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford wrote: > Hello all, > > I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the reservoir > is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was undoing the > valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at 90 psi > instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that this > is a failed test? > > I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where > else to go from here. > > Thank you, > Julius Gaisford > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From grsshppr at kumango.net Tue Aug 5 08:59:09 2025 From: grsshppr at kumango.net (Ross Harpestad) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 08:59:09 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, bring this is with Adam asap On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: > Anyone know the next steps? > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford wrote: > >> Hello all, >> >> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the >> reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was >> undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at >> 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that >> this is a failed test? >> >> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where >> else to go from here. >> >> Thank you, >> Julius Gaisford >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From adam at phenaproxima.net Tue Aug 5 09:01:19 2025 From: adam at phenaproxima.net (=?utf-8?Q?Ph=C3=A9na_Proxima?=) Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:01:19 +0000 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: I am in Canada for most of the month, but I will see if I can get some advice on this one. Adam On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 8:59 AM, Ross Harpestad wrote: > Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, bring this is with Adam asap > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: > >> Anyone know the next steps? >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> >>> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that this is a failed test? >>> >>> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where else to go from here. >>> >>> Thank you, >>> Julius Gaisford >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Tue Aug 5 09:10:57 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 09:10:57 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: How do we get the water level up? On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:01?AM Ph?na Proxima wrote: > I am in Canada for most of the month, but I will see if I can get some > advice on this one. > > Adam > On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 8:59 AM, Ross Harpestad < > grsshppr at kumango.net> wrote: > > Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, bring > this is with Adam asap > > > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: > >> Anyone know the next steps? >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford >> wrote: >> >>> Hello all, >>> >>> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the >>> reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was >>> undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at >>> 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that >>> this is a failed test? >>> >>> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where >>> else to go from here. >>> >>> Thank you, >>> Julius Gaisford >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> > > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From grsshppr at kumango.net Tue Aug 5 09:16:04 2025 From: grsshppr at kumango.net (Ross Harpestad) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 09:16:04 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Certify the water level is actually low. Very carefully open the manhole cover outside of the pump house. (Between the pump house and the emergency fill pipe). Water level should be nearish the top. If the water is indeed low, there?s a fill line in the far corner of the pump house- technically this should automatically open and fill once the level gets low. May want to enlist daver for assistance On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 09:11 Mike Gaisford wrote: > How do we get the water level up? > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:01?AM Ph?na Proxima > wrote: > >> I am in Canada for most of the month, but I will see if I can get some >> advice on this one. >> >> Adam >> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 8:59 AM, Ross Harpestad < >> grsshppr at kumango.net> wrote: >> >> Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, >> bring this is with Adam asap >> >> >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: >> >>> Anyone know the next steps? >>> >>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> >>>> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the >>>> reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was >>>> undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at >>>> 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that >>>> this is a failed test? >>>> >>>> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where >>>> else to go from here. >>>> >>>> Thank you, >>>> Julius Gaisford >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From adam at phenaproxima.net Tue Aug 5 09:19:32 2025 From: adam at phenaproxima.net (=?utf-8?Q?Ph=C3=A9na_Proxima?=) Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:19:32 +0000 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Definitely enlist Daver's help to open the manhole, as that thing is heavy enough to shear off a finger if it's in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is a good chance that the level sensor is faulty; it's been flaky lately (and we replaced the battery not long ago). Send a photo of the water level with the manhole cover off; if it's actually low we probably should replace the sensor. Adam On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:16 AM, Ross Harpestad wrote: > Certify the water level is actually low. Very carefully open the manhole cover outside of the pump house. (Between the pump house and the emergency fill pipe). Water level should be nearish the top. If the water is indeed low, there?s a fill line in the far corner of the pump house- technically this should automatically open and fill once the level gets low. > > May want to enlist daver for assistance > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 09:11 Mike Gaisford wrote: > >> How do we get the water level up? >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:01?AM Ph?na Proxima wrote: >> >>> I am in Canada for most of the month, but I will see if I can get some advice on this one. >>> >>> Adam >>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 8:59 AM, Ross Harpestad wrote: >>> >>>> Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, bring this is with Adam asap >>>> >>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: >>>> >>>>> Anyone know the next steps? >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>> >>>>>> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that this is a failed test? >>>>>> >>>>>> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where else to go from here. >>>>>> >>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>> Julius Gaisford >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From adam at phenaproxima.net Tue Aug 5 09:21:06 2025 From: adam at phenaproxima.net (=?utf-8?Q?Ph=C3=A9na_Proxima?=) Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2025 13:21:06 +0000 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: <2Eexv0sBg-xRlaao6lVUXUuyaOLsCx6Ceib4HTWqtle2lpZpmQRXDVK9O6cnKuaQ4lPReqDOyzIx1ff1L5zn2aSfu0OPOkdfcw8V0LEKrZc=@phenaproxima.net> Sorry - I meant, if it's NOT actually low, we should probably replace the sensor. A On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:19 AM, Ph?na Proxima wrote: > Definitely enlist Daver's help to open the manhole, as that thing is heavy enough to shear off a finger if it's in the wrong place at the wrong time. > > There is a good chance that the level sensor is faulty; it's been flaky lately (and we replaced the battery not long ago). Send a photo of the water level with the manhole cover off; if it's actually low we probably should replace the sensor. > > Adam > On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:16 AM, Ross Harpestad wrote: > >> Certify the water level is actually low. Very carefully open the manhole cover outside of the pump house. (Between the pump house and the emergency fill pipe). Water level should be nearish the top. If the water is indeed low, there?s a fill line in the far corner of the pump house- technically this should automatically open and fill once the level gets low. >> >> May want to enlist daver for assistance >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 09:11 Mike Gaisford wrote: >> >>> How do we get the water level up? >>> >>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:01?AM Ph?na Proxima wrote: >>> >>>> I am in Canada for most of the month, but I will see if I can get some advice on this one. >>>> >>>> Adam >>>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 8:59 AM, Ross Harpestad wrote: >>>> >>>>> Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, bring this is with Adam asap >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Anyone know the next steps? >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hello all, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that this is a failed test? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure where else to go from here. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>>> Julius Gaisford >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Tue Aug 5 10:04:38 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 10:04:38 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: <2Eexv0sBg-xRlaao6lVUXUuyaOLsCx6Ceib4HTWqtle2lpZpmQRXDVK9O6cnKuaQ4lPReqDOyzIx1ff1L5zn2aSfu0OPOkdfcw8V0LEKrZc=@phenaproxima.net> References:

<2Eexv0sBg-xRlaao6lVUXUuyaOLsCx6Ceib4HTWqtle2lpZpmQRXDVK9O6cnKuaQ4lPReqDOyzIx1ff1L5zn2aSfu0OPOkdfcw8V0LEKrZc=@phenaproxima.net> Message-ID: I am happy to help with this but prefer to do it with someone with experience. Is Daver on this email list? If so, I'm available this evening, after 6pm, for this work. Thanks, Mike On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:21?AM Ph?na Proxima wrote: > Sorry - I meant, if it's NOT actually low, we should probably replace the > sensor. > > A > > On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:19 AM, Ph?na Proxima < > adam at phenaproxima.net> wrote: > > Definitely enlist Daver's help to open the manhole, as that thing is heavy > enough to shear off a finger if it's in the wrong place at the wrong time. > > There is a good chance that the level sensor is faulty; it's been flaky > lately (and we replaced the battery not long ago). Send a photo of the > water level with the manhole cover off; if it's actually low we probably > should replace the sensor. > > Adam > On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 9:16 AM, Ross Harpestad < > grsshppr at kumango.net> wrote: > > Certify the water level is actually low. Very carefully open the manhole > cover outside of the pump house. (Between the pump house and the emergency > fill pipe). Water level should be nearish the top. If the water is indeed > low, there?s a fill line in the far corner of the pump house- technically > this should automatically open and fill once the level gets low. > > May want to enlist daver for assistance > > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 09:11 Mike Gaisford wrote: > >> How do we get the water level up? >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 9:01?AM Ph?na Proxima >> wrote: >> >>> I am in Canada for most of the month, but I will see if I can get some >>> advice on this one. >>> >>> Adam >>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 8:59 AM, Ross Harpestad < >>> grsshppr at kumango.net> wrote: >>> >>> Get the water level in the tank back up and test again. In any case, >>> bring this is with Adam asap >>> >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 08:39 Mike Gaisford wrote: >>> >>>> Anyone know the next steps? >>>> >>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:00?AM Julius Gaisford >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hello all, >>>>> >>>>> I am doing the test right now, and I had some issues. First, the >>>>> reservoir is low at 5.4 ft. I noted this and moved on, but when I was >>>>> undoing the valve to begin running the pump, the alarm started blaring at >>>>> 90 psi instead of the usual 80. The water did not discharge. I take it that >>>>> this is a failed test? >>>>> >>>>> I will complete the list and reset the alarm, since I am not sure >>>>> where else to go from here. >>>>> >>>>> Thank you, >>>>> Julius Gaisford >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From adam at phenaproxima.net Tue Aug 5 12:12:01 2025 From: adam at phenaproxima.net (=?utf-8?Q?Ph=C3=A9na_Proxima?=) Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:12:01 +0000 Subject: [Pumptesting] Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Update from Daver on the sensor issue: > No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide open can make this more likely. > > It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Tue Aug 5 12:20:43 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2025 12:20:43 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: So is the direction to retest? On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima wrote: > Update from Daver on the sensor issue: > > No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the > building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the > test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the > sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide > open can make this more likely. > > It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure > until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. > > > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From adam at phenaproxima.net Tue Aug 5 12:37:28 2025 From: adam at phenaproxima.net (=?utf-8?Q?Ph=C3=A9na_Proxima?=) Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:37:28 +0000 Subject: [Pumptesting] Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: > Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the test valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford wrote: > So is the direction to retest? > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima wrote: > >> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >> >>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide open can make this more likely. >>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Wed Aug 6 14:43:32 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2025 14:43:32 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Hey Julius or Mike, Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt it sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: 508-361-9605 Cheers! Tara On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima wrote: > > Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: > > Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the test > valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. > > > Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this conversation > and its findings in the SH trustee manual. > On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford < > mgaisford at gmail.com> wrote: > > So is the direction to retest? > > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima > wrote: > >> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >> >> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the >> building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the >> test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the >> sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide >> open can make this more likely. >> >> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure >> until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> > > _______________________________________________ > Pumptesting mailing list > Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org > http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Wed Aug 6 14:51:32 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2025 14:51:32 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: I?m not been able to get back there to test. If you?re able to do it that would be great. Otherwise, I will try to do it tonight. On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 2:43?PM Tara Halwes wrote: > Hey Julius or Mike, > > Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt it > sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. > > I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: > 508-361-9605 > > Cheers! > Tara > > On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima wrote: > >> >> Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: >> >> Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the test >> valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. >> >> >> Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this >> conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. >> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford < >> mgaisford at gmail.com> wrote: >> >> So is the direction to retest? >> >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima >> wrote: >> >>> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >>> >>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the >>> building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the >>> test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the >>> sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide >>> open can make this more likely. >>> >>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure >>> until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Pumptesting mailing list >> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Wed Aug 6 17:18:22 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2025 17:18:22 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] TODO Aug 7 (thu) check battery Re: Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: The tank level was still reading low, fluctuating rapidly between around 4.7 and 5.1 feet.DaveR came out and did a visual inspection, and we measured it at approximately 6 feet, which means the sensor reading is incorrect, but also the level is still low enough that the auto fill solenoid should have triggered, and it very obviously was not running. So a couple things need to happen in the next day or two. First is we need to give the battery on on the sensor panel time to recharge. The battery was down to something like 6 V and should be at 12. It?s fairly new. One of the terminal leads was extremely loose so that was tightened and it is possible That will be enough to get it to charge correctly. It is also possible that when it charges correctly, The other issues will resolve, but in case they don?t: - Make sure the battery charged back up to 12 V - Verify the auto fill triggered and the tank is back up to 8 feet, or at least above 6.9. - if it sounds like it?s filling, but the panel still reads low, visually inspect the tank level. Also check for running water sounds in the great behind unit number 80 as that would indicate it kept filling past 8 feet which it should not do if the sensor is working correctly. - Recalibrate the tank level sensor if it?s still reading incorrectly, but the tank has filled back up. This procedure should be covered in the manual above the control panel, but if not, DaveR can help. Default plan is Tara will do these things, but various medical appointments might necessitate someone else stepping in to check on the battery, etc. The rest of the test went fine and does not need to be redone until next week. The system will come off of TEST in four minutes at 5:21 PM. I will be unavailable for further troubleshooting this evening, but the battery needs to charge anyway. Tara On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 14:51 Mike Gaisford wrote: > I?m not been able to get back there to test. If you?re able to do it that > would be great. Otherwise, I will try to do it tonight. > > On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 2:43?PM Tara Halwes wrote: > >> Hey Julius or Mike, >> >> Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt it >> sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. >> >> I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: >> 508-361-9605 >> >> Cheers! >> Tara >> >> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima wrote: >> >>> >>> Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: >>> >>> Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the test >>> valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. >>> >>> >>> Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this >>> conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. >>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford < >>> mgaisford at gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>> So is the direction to retest? >>> >>> >>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima >>> wrote: >>> >>>> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >>>> >>>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the >>>> building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the >>>> test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the >>>> sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide >>>> open can make this more likely. >>>> >>>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure >>>> until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Fri Aug 8 19:50:22 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2025 19:50:22 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] TODO Aug 7 (thu) check battery Re: Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: After 2 days the battery is up from around 6V to around 8.5V. Still not 12V but I guess it's charging now? (And / or I don?t actually know how to use a multimeter) tank level display is still jumping around wildly, but went from a lower jumping range to a higher jumping range after I unplugged and then plug back in the battery charger. Still, the highest number I?ve seen flash on the screen is 6.7 and scrolling through the relay statuses, the auto fill should be going (and still is not). Based on DaveR's Prior troubleshooting guesses, I assume this could still be due to the battery not being sufficiently charged for that relay to successfully signal the solenoid it's supposed to talk to. we had hoped it would have come on by now, but we were also assuming that the battery would be back up to 12 V by now, so I believe the next step is either too immediately replace this battery or two continue letting it charge and check back to see if the tank fill line has been triggered by tomorrow or Sunday. I?m hoping to have provided enough detail here that any regular tester on this list could check on that if you're available this Sunday but if it?s not clear enough what I?m talking about please let me know. On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 17:18 Tara Halwes wrote: > The tank level was still reading low, fluctuating rapidly between around > 4.7 and 5.1 feet.DaveR came out and did a visual inspection, and we > measured it at approximately 6 feet, which means the sensor reading is > incorrect, but also the level is still low enough that the auto fill > solenoid should have triggered, and it very obviously was not running. So a > couple things need to happen in the next day or two. > > First is we need to give the battery on on the sensor panel time to > recharge. The battery was down to something like 6 V and should be at 12. > It?s fairly new. One of the terminal leads was extremely loose so that was > tightened and it is possible That will be enough to get it to charge > correctly. It is also possible that when it charges correctly, The other > issues will resolve, but in case they don?t: > > - Make sure the battery charged back up to 12 V > - Verify the auto fill triggered and the tank is back up to 8 feet, or at > least above 6.9. > - if it sounds like it?s filling, but the panel still reads low, visually > inspect the tank level. Also check for running water sounds in the great > behind unit number 80 as that would indicate it kept filling past 8 feet > which it should not do if the sensor is working correctly. > - Recalibrate the tank level sensor if it?s still reading incorrectly, but > the tank has filled back up. This procedure should be covered in the manual > above the control panel, but if not, DaveR can help. > > Default plan is Tara will do these things, but various medical > appointments might necessitate someone else stepping in to check on the > battery, etc. > > The rest of the test went fine and does not need to be redone until next > week. The system will come off of TEST in four minutes at 5:21 PM. I will > be unavailable for further troubleshooting this evening, but the battery > needs to charge anyway. > > Tara > > On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 14:51 Mike Gaisford wrote: > >> I?m not been able to get back there to test. If you?re able to do it that >> would be great. Otherwise, I will try to do it tonight. >> >> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 2:43?PM Tara Halwes wrote: >> >>> Hey Julius or Mike, >>> >>> Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt it >>> sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. >>> >>> I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: >>> 508-361-9605 >>> >>> Cheers! >>> Tara >>> >>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima >>> wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: >>>> >>>> Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the >>>> test valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. >>>> >>>> >>>> Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this >>>> conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. >>>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford < >>>> mgaisford at gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> So is the direction to retest? >>>> >>>> >>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >>>>> >>>>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the >>>>> building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the >>>>> test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the >>>>> sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide >>>>> open can make this more likely. >>>>> >>>>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the >>>>> pressure until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>> >>> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Fri Aug 8 22:00:57 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2025 22:00:57 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] ATTN: Adam and SH Trustees, from Fire Pump Testers Message-ID: Current state of fire pump reservoir tank: NOT auto-filling. There should still be approximately 6 feet of water in the tank. If any sprinklers go off we need to remember to send someone to plug in the power to the side of the sensor control box to trigger the solenoid to continue filling the reservoir. However, it does not currently work right so we?re leaving it unplugged while the tank level is close to the cut off trigger values for fill/stop. We (Tara + Ryan + DaveR + Helene) have removed the battery and connected it to a separate trickle charger (plugged in by the door). In the meantime, the power from the outlet to the side of the Levcon box is disconnected, because we weren?t sure that the solenoid could handle the fluctuation between on and off given how fast the sensor reading is changing. It's much faster (and wider range) then it should be. Something is wrong with the battery monitor/charger component on the inside of the box which is getting 11.8 V from the wall outlet but only outputting 10.2 V to the controller panel. well, see how it all behaves again after the battery is charged all the way. I hope that made sense voice to text everything bad apologies. Tara 508-361-9605 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From adam at phenaproxima.net Fri Aug 8 23:17:03 2025 From: adam at phenaproxima.net (=?utf-8?Q?Ph=C3=A9na_Proxima?=) Date: Sat, 09 Aug 2025 03:17:03 +0000 Subject: [Pumptesting] ATTN: Adam and SH Trustees, from Fire Pump Testers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: That sensor has been giving us grief for a while now. Time to replace it? A On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 10:01 PM, Tara Halwes <[tarahalwes at gmail.com](mailto:On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 10:01 PM, Tara Halwes < wrote: > Current state of fire pump reservoir tank: > NOT auto-filling. > > There should still be approximately 6 feet of water in the tank. > > If any sprinklers go off we need to remember to send someone to plug in the power to the side of the sensor control box to trigger the solenoid to continue filling the reservoir. However, it does not currently work right so we?re leaving it unplugged while the tank level is close to the cut off trigger values for fill/stop. > > We (Tara + Ryan + DaveR + Helene) have removed the battery and connected it to a separate trickle charger (plugged in by the door). In the meantime, the power from the outlet to the side of the Levcon box is disconnected, because we weren?t sure that the solenoid could handle the fluctuation between on and off given how fast the sensor reading is changing. It's much faster (and wider range) then it should be. Something is wrong with the battery monitor/charger component on the inside of the box which is getting 11.8 V from the wall outlet but only outputting 10.2 V to the controller panel. well, see how it all behaves again after the battery is charged all the way. > > I hope that made sense voice to text everything bad apologies. > > Tara > 508-361-9605 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Sat Aug 9 13:58:17 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2025 13:58:17 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] [Shtrustees] ATTN: Adam and SH Trustees, from Fire Pump Testers In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Why did you need to call the alarm company / why did FD show up? Did you do a pump test? Or did reconnecting the battery trigger it? Something else? On Sat, Aug 9, 2025 at 13:48 David Ritchie wrote: > I just put the battery back in and everything looks to be working fine. > The cistern is currently at 6.4 feet and filling. > > Despite calling the alarm company first, the fire department still showed > up. I talked to them and we're all good. > > Dave > > > > On Fri, Aug 8, 2025, 23:17 Ph?na Proxima via Shtrustees < > shtrustees at lists.sawyerhill.org> wrote: > >> That sensor has been giving us grief for a while now. Time to replace it? >> >> A >> >> >> >> On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 10:01 PM, Tara Halwes > > wrote: >> >> Current state of fire pump reservoir tank: >> NOT auto-filling. >> >> There should still be approximately 6 feet of water in the tank. >> >> If any sprinklers go off we need to remember to send someone to plug in >> the power to the side of the sensor control box to trigger the solenoid to >> continue filling the reservoir. However, it does not currently work right >> so we?re leaving it unplugged while the tank level is close to the cut off >> trigger values for fill/stop. >> >> We (Tara + Ryan + DaveR + Helene) have removed the battery and connected >> it to a separate trickle charger (plugged in by the door). In the meantime, >> the power from the outlet to the side of the Levcon box is disconnected, >> because we weren?t sure that the solenoid could handle the fluctuation >> between on and off given how fast the sensor reading is changing. It's much >> faster (and wider range) then it should be. Something is wrong with the >> battery monitor/charger component on the inside of the box which is getting >> 11.8 V from the wall outlet but only outputting 10.2 V to the controller >> panel. well, see how it all behaves again after the battery is charged all >> the way. >> >> I hope that made sense voice to text everything bad apologies. >> >> Tara >> 508-361-9605 >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Shtrustees mailing list >> Shtrustees at lists.sawyerhill.org >> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/shtrustees > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Sat Aug 9 14:05:26 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2025 14:05:26 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] TODO Aug 7 (thu) check battery Re: Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Hi Tara I appreciate the narrative and detail. However,tThis is where I embarrassedly admit that I am NOT a mechanically inclined person. I would need to go through the steps in person to feel confident troubleshooting or manual overriding anything in the testing procedure. I can set a reminder to go check if the tank is showing full tomorrow afternoon (based on the display reading in the pump house) if that helps, but I would not be able to troubleshoot the battery or solenoid with confidence on my own. Mike On Fri, Aug 8, 2025 at 7:50?PM Tara Halwes wrote: > After 2 days the battery is up from around 6V to around 8.5V. Still not > 12V but I guess it's charging now? (And / or I don?t actually know how to > use a multimeter) > > tank level display is still jumping around wildly, but went from a lower > jumping range to a higher jumping range after I unplugged and then plug > back in the battery charger. Still, the highest number I?ve seen flash on > the screen is 6.7 and scrolling through the relay statuses, the auto fill > should be going (and still is not). Based on DaveR's Prior troubleshooting > guesses, I assume this could still be due to the battery not being > sufficiently charged for that relay to successfully signal the solenoid > it's supposed to talk to. we had hoped it would have come on by now, but we > were also assuming that the battery would be back up to 12 V by now, so I > believe the next step is either too immediately replace this battery or two > continue letting it charge and check back to see if the tank fill line has > been triggered by tomorrow or Sunday. > > I?m hoping to have provided enough detail here that any regular tester on > this list could check on that if you're available this Sunday but if it?s > not clear enough what I?m talking about please let me know. > > > On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 17:18 Tara Halwes wrote: > >> The tank level was still reading low, fluctuating rapidly between around >> 4.7 and 5.1 feet.DaveR came out and did a visual inspection, and we >> measured it at approximately 6 feet, which means the sensor reading is >> incorrect, but also the level is still low enough that the auto fill >> solenoid should have triggered, and it very obviously was not running. So a >> couple things need to happen in the next day or two. >> >> First is we need to give the battery on on the sensor panel time to >> recharge. The battery was down to something like 6 V and should be at 12. >> It?s fairly new. One of the terminal leads was extremely loose so that was >> tightened and it is possible That will be enough to get it to charge >> correctly. It is also possible that when it charges correctly, The other >> issues will resolve, but in case they don?t: >> >> - Make sure the battery charged back up to 12 V >> - Verify the auto fill triggered and the tank is back up to 8 feet, or at >> least above 6.9. >> - if it sounds like it?s filling, but the panel still reads low, visually >> inspect the tank level. Also check for running water sounds in the great >> behind unit number 80 as that would indicate it kept filling past 8 feet >> which it should not do if the sensor is working correctly. >> - Recalibrate the tank level sensor if it?s still reading incorrectly, >> but the tank has filled back up. This procedure should be covered in the >> manual above the control panel, but if not, DaveR can help. >> >> Default plan is Tara will do these things, but various medical >> appointments might necessitate someone else stepping in to check on the >> battery, etc. >> >> The rest of the test went fine and does not need to be redone until next >> week. The system will come off of TEST in four minutes at 5:21 PM. I will >> be unavailable for further troubleshooting this evening, but the battery >> needs to charge anyway. >> >> Tara >> >> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 14:51 Mike Gaisford wrote: >> >>> I?m not been able to get back there to test. If you?re able to do it >>> that would be great. Otherwise, I will try to do it tonight. >>> >>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 2:43?PM Tara Halwes wrote: >>> >>>> Hey Julius or Mike, >>>> >>>> Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt >>>> it sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. >>>> >>>> I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: >>>> 508-361-9605 >>>> >>>> Cheers! >>>> Tara >>>> >>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: >>>>> >>>>> Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the >>>>> test valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this >>>>> conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. >>>>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford < >>>>> mgaisford at gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> So is the direction to retest? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >>>>>> >>>>>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for >>>>>> the building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near >>>>>> the test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool >>>>>> the sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide >>>>>> open can make this more likely. >>>>>> >>>>>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the >>>>>> pressure until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Sun Aug 10 00:44:06 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:44:06 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] TODO Aug 7 (thu) check battery Re: Fw: Re: Fw: Pump Test Failure? In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Last time the tank sensor was flaky, Daver and I not replaced the battery and didn't call Encore. That was...I dunno, a month or two ago? I am not sure if Encore inspects the level sensor at all, tbh, since that's not technically part of the fire pump? OTOH, it is possible it was inspected, and was working on the day they happened to show up. Adam On Sunday, August 10th, 2025 at 8:33 PM, Tara Halwes wrote: > Yes and no, please stand by? > > What did they do last time the tank sensor wasn't working? Is that when the control panel 12v battery was replaced? Can you forward any service notes or any visit summary from their recent quarterly inspection if you have them? We obviously need to consult with them soon but I want this data point first. I'm wondering why this wasn't noticed at that time, for example, and or if something in their inspection knocked a battery terminal loose. > > I'm not looking to place blame but I want to get as clear a picture as we can of the symptoms and timeline so we can get the right thing fixed sooner. > > For my birthday I would like: > Coffee > Data collection > And maybe a pastry > > Tara > > On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Ph?na Proxima wrote: > >> Just FYI, this is absolutely something I'm comfortable calling in Encore to deal with to diagnose, if you'd prefer. Please keep me posted. I can certainly call them and ask them to come out. >> >> Adam >> On Sunday, August 10th, 2025 at 8:10 PM, Tara Halwes wrote: >> >>> Don't worry, you can still join the fun too. >>> >>> The pump tank sensor or something in the box with the controller for it is messed up, causing it to always signal "refill me! I'm not up to 7 feet yet!" ... Even when it's overfilled and dumping to the swale. >>> >>> For now (since the water issue Saturday night) the tank sensor and controller are again disconnected from both wall and battery power, because when we reconnect them all of the fresh water dumps out of the freshwater reservoir in less than half a day and then we have no water on site. >>> >>> Except in the swale, that gets quite wet. Not very useful unless you're a frog. >>> >>> However we know that the fire pump tank level was maxed out because it overflowed, so it hit just above 8 ft. >>> >>> We also know no sprinklers have gone off so there is still plenty of water in there. >>> >>> We (or someone so may as well be pump testers plus Daver and Ryan), on behalf of the Sawyer Hill trustees (especially while Adam is in Canada), need to keep an eye on the level while the sensor is not working and the autofill is disabled. >>> >>> Next step will be tomorrow around ... I think we said 1:30 p.m.. DaveR and I will disconnect the sensor from the controller so that we can test it independently and see if it's totally blown or what. >>> >>> Hopefully it is totally blown. >>> >>> No really, that would be great because that would be a single specific thing that we know needs to be replaced and would explain the bad behavior. >>> >>> If the sensor seems fine then we have a problem in the Levcon controller or the part of the box that the power comes through from the wall outlet. Ryan tested the voltage at various points though and I don't think that side component is faulty. It's only spitting out 10.2 volts to the control panel but on closer inspection the control panel should be happy with anything above 9 volts up to 24. We don't think it's the battery because that was recently replaced and also was able to successfully take a charge on a trickle charger when removed from the control panel. So most likely the Levcon control panel itself or the float tank sensor. >>> >>> The battery was behaving really strangely while connected to the controller, but the leads to the terminals were loose and the connection was bad which might be part of the battery draining. Maybe it also messed up something in the controller that can get unmessed up. I'm not sure exactly, but I don't think the new battery itself is the source of the problem, I think it's just a symptom. >>> >>> I'm not actually sure what our next step will be after testing the sensor, but we are in the process of ruling out various possibly failed components while still protecting both the fire suppression and freshwater systems. >>> >>> Tara >>> 508-361-9605 >>> >>> On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Courtney Lewis wrote: >>> >>>> For some reason, all of these emails are just showing up in my email box now? >>>> Sorry you guys have been dealing with this all week >>>> >>>> Sent from my phone with the ?help? of my two young ones >>>> >>>>> On Aug 10, 2025, at 3:09?PM, Tara Halwes wrote: >>>> >>>>> ? >>>>> After 2 days the battery is up from around 6V to around 8.5V. Still not 12V but I guess it's charging now? (And / or I don?t actually know how to use a multimeter) >>>>> >>>>> tank level display is still jumping around wildly, but went from a lower jumping range to a higher jumping range after I unplugged and then plug back in the battery charger. Still, the highest number I?ve seen flash on the screen is 6.7 and scrolling through the relay statuses, the auto fill should be going (and still is not). Based on DaveR's Prior troubleshooting guesses, I assume this could still be due to the battery not being sufficiently charged for that relay to successfully signal the solenoid it's supposed to talk to. we had hoped it would have come on by now, but we were also assuming that the battery would be back up to 12 V by now, so I believe the next step is either too immediately replace this battery or two continue letting it charge and check back to see if the tank fill line has been triggered by tomorrow or Sunday. >>>>> >>>>> I?m hoping to have provided enough detail here that any regular tester on this list could check on that if you're available this Sunday but if it?s not clear enough what I?m talking about please let me know. >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 17:18 Tara Halwes wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> The tank level was still reading low, fluctuating rapidly between around 4.7 and 5.1 feet.DaveR came out and did a visual inspection, and we measured it at approximately 6 feet, which means the sensor reading is incorrect, but also the level is still low enough that the auto fill solenoid should have triggered, and it very obviously was not running. So a couple things need to happen in the next day or two. >>>>>> >>>>>> First is we need to give the battery on on the sensor panel time to recharge. The battery was down to something like 6 V and should be at 12. It?s fairly new. One of the terminal leads was extremely loose so that was tightened and it is possible That will be enough to get it to charge correctly. It is also possible that when it charges correctly, The other issues will resolve, but in case they don?t: >>>>>> >>>>>> - Make sure the battery charged back up to 12 V >>>>>> - Verify the auto fill triggered and the tank is back up to 8 feet, or at least above 6.9. >>>>>> - if it sounds like it?s filling, but the panel still reads low, visually inspect the tank level. Also check for running water sounds in the great behind unit number 80 as that would indicate it kept filling past 8 feet which it should not do if the sensor is working correctly. >>>>>> - Recalibrate the tank level sensor if it?s still reading incorrectly, but the tank has filled back up. This procedure should be covered in the manual above the control panel, but if not, DaveR can help. >>>>>> >>>>>> Default plan is Tara will do these things, but various medical appointments might necessitate someone else stepping in to check on the battery, etc. >>>>>> >>>>>> The rest of the test went fine and does not need to be redone until next week. The system will come off of TEST in four minutes at 5:21 PM. I will be unavailable for further troubleshooting this evening, but the battery needs to charge anyway. >>>>>> >>>>>> Tara >>>>>> >>>>>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 14:51 Mike Gaisford wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> I?m not been able to get back there to test. If you?re able to do it that would be great. Otherwise, I will try to do it tonight. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 2:43?PM Tara Halwes wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Hey Julius or Mike, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt it sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: >>>>>>>> 508-361-9605 >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Cheers! >>>>>>>> Tara >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the test valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. >>>>>>>>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> So is the direction to retest? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for the building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near the test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool the sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide open can make this more likely. >>>>>>>>>>>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the pressure until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>>>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>>>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tarahalwes at gmail.com Mon Aug 11 15:11:49 2025 From: tarahalwes at gmail.com (Tara Halwes) Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:11:49 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] PROBLEM UPDATE - next step Aug 11 2025 - diagnostic test of fire pump tank float switch sensor In-Reply-To: References:

Message-ID: Hi Adam. update from today, we are currently working on the assumption that the level sensor itself is the problem and needs to be replaced, which is consistent with all of the data and observations we?ve gathered so far. Encore DOES NOT test or service that sensor; they have had nothing to do with it directly, although it is an important piece of a mandatory component of our fire suppression system. The first time it went bad about 5 years in, Daver replaced it himself. The last time (around 2018) he ordered one and asked SWSS if they would install it, which they were happy to do, even though it is not their responsibility or part of our service contract with them. I just think it?s super important to know which professionals we can engage to handle maintenance on things that have traditionally been done by residents/homeowners. This in particular is a Sawyer Hill Trustee responsibility that has been primarily handled by Daver since move-in, and which SWSS may be able to advise or assist with in the future. The sensor itself, disconnected from the control panel, is giving fluctuating amperage readings when they should be steady. They are not only going down slowly, which they should not be doing, but also jumping around. We continue to leave the controller disconnected, but the good news is the problem does seem to be with the sensor itself. They?ve come down in price a bit recently and we might be able to get a direct replacement for $500-$600 instead of $1500. We are still doing data gathering to confirm our hypothesis, but I think it makes sense at this point for you to reach out to SWSS (not Encore) and see if they?re available to help us with this replacement. Dave can certainly do it again, and if he does, I will document everything for your manual, but we are also wondering if SWSS has thoughts about alternate sensors types, and specifically what they think of the ultrasonic sensor used on the freshwater tank. We're speculating that the pressure-based level sensors that need to stay in the water are degrading faster than that ultrasonic style would, so now is a good time to look at whether switching to a different style makes sense. Also, I previously incorrectly referred to what we have as a tank float switch, which it is not, although I think we have those in our septic. Dave acknowledged that we could probably accomplish what we need with tank float switches here, but we don't like that option due to the fact that we would never be able to get a reading of the current tank level, just an approximation based on which switches are flipped or not. We want to be able to set a tighter range of refill trigger so we never draw too much off of the freshwater tank at a time. Historesis? Did I spell that wrong? Not enough detail? Too much detail? Want to reach out to SWSS either way and just let them know. We?re thinking about replacing our fire pump tank level sensor with something like the ultrasonic one that is currently installed on our freshwater tank and want to know their thoughts. It should be possible to hook one of those up to our existing Levcon controller. Cheers Tara On Sun, Aug 10, 2025 at 20:36 Ph?na Proxima wrote: > Last time the tank sensor was flaky, Daver and I not replaced the battery > and didn't call Encore. That was...I dunno, a month or two ago? > > I am not sure if Encore inspects the level sensor at all, tbh, since > that's not *technically* part of the fire pump? OTOH, it is possible it > was inspected, and was working on the day they happened to show up. > > Adam > > On Sunday, August 10th, 2025 at 8:33 PM, Tara Halwes > wrote: > > Yes and no, please stand by? > > What did they do last time the tank sensor wasn't working? Is that when > the control panel 12v battery was replaced? Can you forward any service > notes or any visit summary from their recent quarterly inspection if you > have them? We obviously need to consult with them soon but I want this data > point first. I'm wondering why this wasn't noticed at that time, for > example, and or if something in their inspection knocked a battery terminal > loose. > > I'm not looking to place blame but I want to get as clear a picture as we > can of the symptoms and timeline so we can get the right thing fixed > sooner. > > For my birthday I would like: > Coffee > Data collection > And maybe a pastry > > Tara > > On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Ph?na Proxima wrote: > >> Just FYI, this is absolutely something I'm comfortable calling in Encore >> to deal with to diagnose, if you'd prefer. Please keep me posted. I can >> certainly call them and ask them to come out. >> >> Adam >> On Sunday, August 10th, 2025 at 8:10 PM, Tara Halwes < >> tarahalwes at gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Don't worry, you can still join the fun too. >> >> The pump tank sensor or something in the box with the controller for it >> is messed up, causing it to always signal "refill me! I'm not up to 7 feet >> yet!" ... Even when it's overfilled and dumping to the swale. >> >> For now (since the water issue Saturday night) the tank sensor and >> controller are again disconnected from both wall and battery power, because >> when we reconnect them all of the fresh water dumps out of the freshwater >> reservoir in less than half a day and then we have no water on site. >> >> Except in the swale, that gets quite wet. Not very useful unless you're a >> frog. >> >> However we know that the fire pump tank level was maxed out because it >> overflowed, so it hit just above 8 ft. >> >> We also know no sprinklers have gone off so there is still plenty of >> water in there. >> >> We (or someone so may as well be pump testers plus Daver and Ryan), on >> behalf of the Sawyer Hill trustees (especially while Adam is in Canada), >> need to keep an eye on the level while the sensor is not working and the >> autofill is disabled. >> >> Next step will be tomorrow around ... I think we said 1:30 p.m.. DaveR >> and I will disconnect the sensor from the controller so that we can test it >> independently and see if it's totally blown or what. >> >> Hopefully it is totally blown. >> >> No really, that would be great because that would be a single specific >> thing that we know needs to be replaced and would explain the bad behavior. >> >> If the sensor seems fine then we have a problem in the Levcon controller >> or the part of the box that the power comes through from the wall outlet. >> Ryan tested the voltage at various points though and I don't think that >> side component is faulty. It's only spitting out 10.2 volts to the control >> panel but on closer inspection the control panel should be happy with >> anything above 9 volts up to 24. We don't think it's the battery because >> that was recently replaced and also was able to successfully take a charge >> on a trickle charger when removed from the control panel. So most likely >> the Levcon control panel itself or the float tank sensor. >> >> The battery was behaving really strangely while connected to the >> controller, but the leads to the terminals were loose and the connection >> was bad which might be part of the battery draining. Maybe it also messed >> up something in the controller that can get unmessed up. I'm not sure >> exactly, but I don't think the new battery itself is the source of the >> problem, I think it's just a symptom. >> >> I'm not actually sure what our next step will be after testing the >> sensor, but we are in the process of ruling out various possibly failed >> components while still protecting both the fire suppression and freshwater >> systems. >> >> Tara >> 508-361-9605 >> >> On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Courtney Lewis >> wrote: >> >>> For some reason, all of these emails are just showing up in my email box >>> now? >>> Sorry you guys have been dealing with this all week >>> Sent from my phone with the ?help? of my two young ones >>> >>> >>> On Aug 10, 2025, at 3:09?PM, Tara Halwes wrote: >>> >>> ? >>> After 2 days the battery is up from around 6V to around 8.5V. Still not >>> 12V but I guess it's charging now? (And / or I don?t actually know how to >>> use a multimeter) >>> >>> tank level display is still jumping around wildly, but went from a lower >>> jumping range to a higher jumping range after I unplugged and then plug >>> back in the battery charger. Still, the highest number I?ve seen flash on >>> the screen is 6.7 and scrolling through the relay statuses, the auto fill >>> should be going (and still is not). Based on DaveR's Prior troubleshooting >>> guesses, I assume this could still be due to the battery not being >>> sufficiently charged for that relay to successfully signal the solenoid >>> it's supposed to talk to. we had hoped it would have come on by now, but we >>> were also assuming that the battery would be back up to 12 V by now, so I >>> believe the next step is either too immediately replace this battery or two >>> continue letting it charge and check back to see if the tank fill line has >>> been triggered by tomorrow or Sunday. >>> >>> I?m hoping to have provided enough detail here that any regular tester >>> on this list could check on that if you're available this Sunday but if >>> it?s not clear enough what I?m talking about please let me know. >>> >>> >>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 17:18 Tara Halwes wrote: >>> >>>> The tank level was still reading low, fluctuating rapidly between >>>> around 4.7 and 5.1 feet.DaveR came out and did a visual inspection, and we >>>> measured it at approximately 6 feet, which means the sensor reading is >>>> incorrect, but also the level is still low enough that the auto fill >>>> solenoid should have triggered, and it very obviously was not running. So a >>>> couple things need to happen in the next day or two. >>>> >>>> First is we need to give the battery on on the sensor panel time to >>>> recharge. The battery was down to something like 6 V and should be at 12. >>>> It?s fairly new. One of the terminal leads was extremely loose so that was >>>> tightened and it is possible That will be enough to get it to charge >>>> correctly. It is also possible that when it charges correctly, The other >>>> issues will resolve, but in case they don?t: >>>> >>>> - Make sure the battery charged back up to 12 V >>>> - Verify the auto fill triggered and the tank is back up to 8 feet, or >>>> at least above 6.9. >>>> - if it sounds like it?s filling, but the panel still reads low, >>>> visually inspect the tank level. Also check for running water sounds in the >>>> great behind unit number 80 as that would indicate it kept filling past 8 >>>> feet which it should not do if the sensor is working correctly. >>>> - Recalibrate the tank level sensor if it?s still reading incorrectly, >>>> but the tank has filled back up. This procedure should be covered in the >>>> manual above the control panel, but if not, DaveR can help. >>>> >>>> Default plan is Tara will do these things, but various medical >>>> appointments might necessitate someone else stepping in to check on the >>>> battery, etc. >>>> >>>> The rest of the test went fine and does not need to be redone until >>>> next week. The system will come off of TEST in four minutes at 5:21 PM. I >>>> will be unavailable for further troubleshooting this evening, but the >>>> battery needs to charge anyway. >>>> >>>> Tara >>>> >>>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 14:51 Mike Gaisford wrote: >>>> >>>>> I?m not been able to get back there to test. If you?re able to do it >>>>> that would be great. Otherwise, I will try to do it tonight. >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Aug 6, 2025 at 2:43?PM Tara Halwes >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hey Julius or Mike, >>>>>> >>>>>> Did you re-test? If you did, let me know soon? Otherwise I?ll attempt >>>>>> it sometime in the next 2 hours and report back. >>>>>> >>>>>> I?m reachable by phone or SMS text to: >>>>>> 508-361-9605 >>>>>> >>>>>> Cheers! >>>>>> Tara >>>>>> >>>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:37 Ph?na Proxima >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Mike asked if we should re-test. Per Daver: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Yes, re-test as normal. If it keeps happening, try only opening the >>>>>>> test valve enough to get a consistent drop in pressure. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Any further questions, let me know. I will also document this >>>>>>> conversation and its findings in the SH trustee manual. >>>>>>> On Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 12:20 PM, Mike Gaisford < >>>>>>> mgaisford at gmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> So is the direction to retest? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 12:12?PM Ph?na Proxima >>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Update from Daver on the sensor issue: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> No need for Encore. What happened is that the waterflow sensor for >>>>>>>> the building's own sprinkler system tripped. The waterflow sensor is near >>>>>>>> the test valve. If there's a lot of turbulence in the pipes, that can fool >>>>>>>> the sensor into thinking there's water flowing. Opening the test valve wide >>>>>>>> open can make this more likely. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> It doesn't mean there's anything wrong. Just keep lowering the >>>>>>>> pressure until it gets to 80 PSI and the main pump turns on. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>>> Pumptesting mailing list >>>>>>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>>>>>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>> Pumptesting mailing list >>> Pumptesting at lists.sawyerhill.org >>> http://lists.sawyerhill.org/mailman/listinfo/pumptesting >>> >>> >> > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mgaisford at gmail.com Mon Aug 18 22:00:32 2025 From: mgaisford at gmail.com (Mike Gaisford) Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:00:32 -0400 Subject: [Pumptesting] [Shtrustees] PROBLEM UPDATE - next step Aug 11 2025 - diagnostic test of fire pump tank float switch sensor In-Reply-To: References: