Just use a hose and switch it when it is empty, keep it simple. Quick, cheap and flexible, using elbows and tees are unhealthy for the pump because you start to restrict the flow.

for your slotted filter, go to home depot or lowes, and look in the plumbing and irrigation section. look for "well tip"

I feed from the top also.  The pvc you need for the slotted filter is sometimes called well point as well as well tip.  I got mine at lowes and made several of the filters from the one piece I bought for about $10.00.  I even use one in my 5 gal buckets.

PS - It comes in metal and pvc.  Get the pvc!

-- Edited by al9226 on Monday 9th of August 2010 01:26:22 PM

James, don't mount the pump too high.  As you already know, the pump will prime up to 14'.  Always work with gravity.  Many guys pull from the bottom of a tank and don't post the pics. 

You can drill and tap the bung on the drum if you wish.   We recommend that you keep the bung the way it is.  Try not to hard pipe anything if you can.  You will find that many of the tank lids are vented because when it is warm out they like to breathe.

Remove the bung and if you have the slotted filter use a length of 1 1/2" id pvc just a bit taller than the drum to act as a sleeve to keep that filter laying at the bottom of the drum. It is best to go big on the supply line as you have said that you are using 3/4" as supply hose.  (James, Great Job on doing the research and implementing it!!!)  If you find that you are pulling amps just getting luv into the pump, upsize the hose to 1". Use a schedule 80 hose barb to connect the filter to the suction hose. Do not use poly braid tubing. It will collapse.

Drop the hose and filter with the sleeve into the drum through one of the openings.   Being able to remove it to put the filter in a five gallon bucket of water to rinse is very convenient.   If you want to use that method to rinse, make sure your slotted filter is short enough to lay at the bottom of the bucket to maximize all five gallons of rinse water.  This is super easy and cheap! 

Since you are using drums, keep your truck clean, the chems labelled and MSDS's for everything in the vehicle. Clean equipment and vehicles keep DOT from getting nosy!

Bob Jr wrote:

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Just use a hose and switch it when it is empty, keep it simple. Quick, cheap and flexible, using elbows and tees are unhealthy for the pump because you start to restrict the flow.

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Yo Bob where have you been! Busy with Roof cleaning I hope!

oh another quick ? why do the tops on the barrels have a "plus sign" type indention, is there a certain fitting that goes in those? mine were pretty tight and fun getting them off lol.

Two flat head screw drivers will get those off easy keep on to the front of the + the other to the side.
Keep the 2 drivers low and it will twist right off.

Just purchased a Delavan 5850 from Lori. She suggested that I use a minimum of 1" inside dia. hose on the intake side of the pump.

-- Edited by Cleaner08 on Wednesday 1st of September 2010 10:47:07 PM

Its like trying to drink through a straw when you're thursty... Hard to do, just think what the pump is doing.