It's been years since I shocked our 120' well, so I decided to do it today. When I opened the well cap I heard the pump running. No water had been used in the recent past so I wondered why. I spent a lot of time online looking for an answer. A few places suggested that it was the pressure switch. One new switch later I'm no better off. The pressure gets to 42 and just stays there while the 18 year old pump keeps running. I can turn it off with the little handle on the pressure switch. I did this and it holds the 42 pounds of pressure without falling off at all. I also drained the pressure tank and checked the bladder pressure. It was at the 35 lbs that a tech set it at about 5 years ago. I should add that we've never run out of water in 20 years.
I'm looking for some guidance for tomorrow's work on solving this.
Thanks, Harvey

 

Last time we ran into this problem it was a clogged filter screen at base of pump. Not a very easy thing to confirm or repair.

 

Thank you PJMax, I had a slight feeling that I'd be pulling it out. We've done it before pretty easily with our hydro tractor with FEL. Tomorrow has a good forecast and I'll plan on trying it out. I'll post up results after that.

 

Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

OK, Looking for more expert guidance now. I have the pump out of the well. The only obvious issue is that the plastic screen between the motor and pump is cracked and could have let a larger piece of something get through to the pump. I have the pump removed from the motor and now am wondering what to do next. The info on the pump:
Goulds 1/2 HP made in Seneca Falls NY (less than an hour from here. Actually it has a sticker on it that it was assembled by R. McGuigan)
10EJ05422 motor: 2K94 21-1186 230 Volt 3450 RPM continuous duty E79319 2 wire lightening protected (actually three wires going to it)

What is next?

 

I just got off the phone with our local Goulds pump place (Groundwater Systems in Bloomfield NY). The man suggested that I likely have a bad wire and it is running on half voltage. I will check the wires shortly. There are no obvious breaks through the insulation but I think he could be onto something. I have to go there for a replacement screen in a while.

 

damn. We tried the pump with disconnecting one positive wire at a time. It wouldn't run either way. I'm guessing that the pump half itself is worn. Ground water systems will check it out for $30. Their in stock replacements are $750 though.

 

He actually said.... running on half voltage


Definitely worth 30.00 to check out.

 

It went in to be checked yesterday. Besides being worn, something got past a crack in the plastic screen and took out small bits of the impellers. I am going there in a little while to see it myself. They have a replacement in stock for $591. It is better than the price from the place 10 miles away. They wanted $790 for the same Goulds pump. $1695 installed. Yikes!

 

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This is why I'm a HUGE fan of the indoor reserve tank.

Basically......I have two 200 gallon poly water tanks in my basement (30" dia x 6' tall)

My 125' deep submersible pump fills these tanks.....but the key is it's free flowing.

Since the well pump never has to pressurize the system......it lasts forever.

Indoors I have a separate 3/4 hp pump that draws from the bottom of both tanks.

This is what feeds and pressurizes the house with a standard bladder tank.

If this pump ever fails it's easy to repair or replace if necessary.....even in the winter.....

The added bonus is the 400 gallon reserve capacity.....lots of water to play with.

The tanks refill at their leisure.....intermittently overnight via the timed pump control.

Also eliminates the problem if your well has a low flow rate.....and lessons the stress on the well.



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Final post.
First of all, Thank You to PJMax and Halton for your input.
I went and picked up my old pump. The top 2/3 of the impellers were broke off the shaft. You could see that they had worn that way for a long time. It's amazing that it pumped anything, much less 42 pounds. I also bought the replacement Goulds pump while I was there. Bob at Ground Water Systems was great. The price was actually $550 plus tax. He also didn't charge for the testing of the old pump. Great guy and great place. I would HIGHLY recommend them to any locals. I had a bunch of questions and he had all the answers. I installed it to the included instructions. It took a while to get clear water after shocking the well again. I flushed lots of fine rust down the well.
Everything has now been well flushed including the pressure tank and hot water heater. Everything is running clear and the smell that started this all is gone.
Next week I will replace our cartridge filter. With the 30/50 pressure switch our water pressure is better than ever. About $650 total for everything including a new anode rod for the water heater. Thanks again, Harvey

 

interesting concept halton

 

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I love it actually..... ...... it's so simple and yet it solves so many issues.



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Thanks for the update Harvey. That's the best part of this website.....to hear a problem has been resolved.

Great idea Halton.