Have a deep well (145' at 4.5gallons) with a 1/2hp goulds pump.
It is supplying a large pressure tank that feed 3 trailers.

Woke up this morning at about 6 to find no water.
Went out and checked the system.
No leaks at the trailers.

When I tried to start the pump it would get to about 10psi and no higher.
It also starts by sounding like nothing is happening then you hear gulps and after a few seconds get water. Mixed in with the sound of the rushing water is a popping sound that reminds me of air is in the line.

As soon as I let go of the lever (on the tank) the pressure drops to 0psi.

Disconnected the outlet line from the tank and attached a shut off valve. Started the pump and got the same sounds then water spraying from the valve. I closed the valve and still could not get above 10psi.

I opened the valve and let go the lever (the pump cuts off) and put my hand to it and got a sucking. The pump has a check valve on it.

PLEASE do not tell me there is a burst pipe underground.
It is the middle of winter and no one will be able to dig.

Is it possible that the pump is just air locked or something?

I am waiting for an adapter so I can pull the pump.

Thanks for ANY information,
Mike

 

What type of pump? Submersible or double drop tube jet pump. It sort of sound like you might be out of water in the well or there is burst pipe.

 

The more info that you can give us. The sooner some one here can try and help you.

 

sounds like the pipe is burst in the well ( i think this would cause the severe sucking when pump is shut off noise he hears)...and i suspect if the pipe is burst in the ground...it would have found its way to ground level and be spotted

of course this is just a guess

 

it is a submersible pump.

Im in Maine. The lines are burried about 6' deep.

Mike