Pump countdown timer

We recently had a hose failure that went unnoticed, and the result was our cistern was nearly pumped empty. I am thinking of installing a timer of some sort, that woul be in series with the power cable to the pump (110v, need to check the amps, but not much). The desire is that if the pump came on, it would run only a limited (programmable) time before it shuts off automatically. The timer then needs to reset for the next cycle.

A potential problem is a slower leak may allow the pump to properly cycle, and the timer never shuts it off.

Any recommendations? Other ideas?

 

Tough call guarding against a small leak. Was it an outside garden hose ? If it was then a gallons delivered countdown timer would be effective. Basically a mechanical water driven valve. Called a sprinkler timer. After so many gallons fast or slow it shuts.

 

That sounds like a really good idea! I'll look into it, thanks!

 

I am going to try to install this on the hose.

Melnor Flow Meter with Shut-off-101-HD - The Home Depot

Thanks Screwloose !

 

I hope it does what you need.