Hi, I hope somebody here is able to help me - I would more than appreciate it! This is our third day without any water, we have a well system which looks pretty old (here is a link to a picture of it: http://hoodlife.tv/water_system.jpg )


The pump that you will see the arrow pointing to in the picture has ben replaced because it would kick in for about two to three seconds and then shut off. (This is the pump that pushes the water into the house) After replacing the pump it still did the same thing. It is still doing it with the new pump, it will start up, and it is pulling water from the tank, but it cuts off within a few seconds and all that I am getting into the house is a very slight trickle of water. Even when I put the softener tank in 'bypass' it makes no difference. I have checked out the pressure tank and added more air, and doesnt seem to be losing any pressure. I have also replaced the pipe that ran from the main tank to the pump because it did have a small leak, but nothing I have done has cured this problem. I am now completely at a loss of what the problem could be. I have called several technicians but they have not been helpful at all, (which is just typical of the area in which I live!) and I am capable of replacing / repairing things myself if I could only find out where the problem lies!

 

Are there any checkvalve or cutoff valves in the pump discharge line between the pump and tank? If so, are you sure they're open? I've seen valves break inside, so that while they appear to be open, they're not.
Also, what size is the new pump, and who manufactured it?
Does the pump run if you open that hose barb that's above the pump?
Ron

 

Thanks very much for your reply, still nothing is working, have replaced almost everything and still the same problems...

There are no valves at all in the system, the pump does come on when I use the hose tht is above the pump, but then cuts off after a couple of seconds. The pump is a Sta-Rite 1/2 HP, and I have called their tech support who told me to decrease the pressure in the pressure tank to about 28psi - did that but problem is still the same!

I really appreciate all of your help Ron, this is the 4th day with no water!

 

Let me see if I am reading this picture correctly. Please correct everything wrong here...

Your well is on the far right. The well pump fills an aerator tank and that feeds a pressure pump that pumps into a bladder type storage tank. It is this pump that is cycling incorrectly. From the pressure tank the water goes into your softener (which you ruled out as a problem) then on to your house. Is that correct?


If so, this is what I would do... It sounds like you have added air to your pressure tank without regard to specifics on the proper method of doing so. So let us rule out a busted bladder. Turn off the breakers to the pump. Start letting air out of the schrader valve on top of the pressure tank. If water EVER comes out of that valve in more quantities than a coke can then your bladder is ruptured and you need a new tank. If not, proceed...

Now completely drain the tank using the lowest possible hydrant. Once all the pressure is gone add 5-10 pounds of air and wait until ALL the water is drained. Then add air to 2 pounds less than your pumps low pressure cut in value. (You may need to determine this prior to doing anything else.)

Once that is done turn your breakers back on and evaluate the system.