Recirculator
Here is the basic way to build a recirculating washer for bathing dogs and cats. I will have an article secondary to this article on how to use the recirculator and why and how it works.
Pump
First you will need a pump. Any submersible 1/6 HP pump will work, but I prefer the Little giant pictured. It is available at Grainger as well as Amazon and many other locations as well.
The reason I like this pump is that it is similar to the ones used by the major companies and it lasts a long time. It comes equipped with a plug and a long cord and is ready to screen, attach a hose and go to work.
Here is the basic way to build a recirculating washer for bathing dogs and cats. I will have an article secondary to this article on how to use the recirculator and why and how it works.
Pump
First you will need a pump. Any submersible 1/6 HP pump will work, but I prefer the Little giant pictured. It is available at Grainger as well as Amazon and many other locations as well.
The reason I like this pump is that it is similar to the ones used by the major companies and it lasts a long time. It comes equipped with a plug and a long cord and is ready to screen, attach a hose and go to work.
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Step TWO
To add the screening, you take the bottom part of the pump off and in between the two pieces you can add a small piece of metal screen to act as a filter. If you do not want to do this a piece of nylon stocking will work, put over the outside of the pump. DO NOT use vinyl screening as it will tear and get sucked up into the pump. You may use a basket strainer to sit the pump inside of or knee high stockings pulled over the bottom of the pump if you prefer. They will work great for the purpose of keeping hair out of the pump. |
Hose and Nozzle
You simply install a short water hose and nozzle to the pump and you are good to go. You can use any variety of nozzles, and many people are using Firemans nozzles. I was able to order a nozzle from Hydrosurge and use it. You can put a cut off valve at the nozzle to adjust how much water flows if you prefer more control, but I rarely used mine, so I removed it. Some people use a fan nozzle like the one pictured. It has a built in adjustment knob.
You simply install a short water hose and nozzle to the pump and you are good to go. You can use any variety of nozzles, and many people are using Firemans nozzles. I was able to order a nozzle from Hydrosurge and use it. You can put a cut off valve at the nozzle to adjust how much water flows if you prefer more control, but I rarely used mine, so I removed it. Some people use a fan nozzle like the one pictured. It has a built in adjustment knob.
Power Source
Foot Switch You will need a switch of some type to make the pump turn on and off. This will need to plug into a GFCI outlet on the wall. I like Air Switches, but if you cannot find one, and they are hard to find, this type of switch will work just as well. Make sure you get a MAINTAINED switch. this is the type that stays on, not a momentary one that only works with your foot on the switch. To use it you plug the cord from your pump into this switch's plug and then plug it in. Easy!
You can also have an outlet with an on/off switch built in installed by an electrician to operate the pump with. Just make sure it is a GFCI outlet and it will work great!
Foot Switch You will need a switch of some type to make the pump turn on and off. This will need to plug into a GFCI outlet on the wall. I like Air Switches, but if you cannot find one, and they are hard to find, this type of switch will work just as well. Make sure you get a MAINTAINED switch. this is the type that stays on, not a momentary one that only works with your foot on the switch. To use it you plug the cord from your pump into this switch's plug and then plug it in. Easy!
You can also have an outlet with an on/off switch built in installed by an electrician to operate the pump with. Just make sure it is a GFCI outlet and it will work great!
