Shallow well pump won't build pressure
#1
07-31-13, 08:01 PM
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
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Shallow well pump won't build pressure
I replaced the 4.5 gallon bladder tank with a 20 gallon & adjusted the tank pressure to 28# (30-50 Pressure switch). Now the pump won't build pressure. Flow directly out of the pump is about 5 gpm. I'm suspecting an air leak but don't know why since nothing on the suction side was touched. Pump is a 1/2HP Goulds model J5SH. Well is aprox. 30 ft. deep & pump is only pulling 10-12" vacuum.
#2
07-31-13, 08:16 PM
Super Moderator
Hi grady... Why the tank replacment???
Now the pump won't build pressure.
What does it do...run and run???? what is the final pressures....?
If not suction leak I find faulty foot valves and priming issues to be culprit to be related...
Is 5gpm normal????
Now the pump won't build pressure.
If not suction leak I find faulty foot valves and priming issues to be culprit to be related...
Is 5gpm normal????
#3
08-01-13, 03:57 AM
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
Posts: 12,667
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37 Posts
Constantly runs but won't get to over 15# pressure.
Old tank had a bad bladder.
Yes, 5 gpm, more or less, is normal. If I disconnect the house supply & discharge directly off the pump into a bucket, there is good flow.
Old tank had a bad bladder.
Yes, 5 gpm, more or less, is normal. If I disconnect the house supply & discharge directly off the pump into a bucket, there is good flow.
#4
08-01-13, 06:54 AM
Super Moderator
IDK... Open the nozzle clean out plug on the front and see if the nozzle is clogged... That can cause your issue...
I know thats a noryl impeller... Could you have melted it from it running??
I know thats a noryl impeller... Could you have melted it from it running??
#5
08-01-13, 06:04 PM
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
Posts: 12,667
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It was the nozzle. A 9/16" wrench, little red screwdriver, & a piece of stiff wire were all that was needed to get it up & running. Once I dug & poked out the crud, I started the pump & allowed water to come out the nozzle plug hole for a few seconds before reinstalling the plug. Run time is 2:10 with no flow. 
Thanks for the help. I owe you one.
Thanks for the help. I owe you one.
#7
08-01-13, 07:47 PM
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Delaware, The First State
Posts: 12,667
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There are two 1.25 x close nipples, one 1.25 x 4 nipple, & two 1.25" unions on the suction side which are galvanized. All the galv on the discharge side is now gone & replaced with brass. Suction line is poly. Well pipe??? Water is typical Kent County, Delaware shallow well water; Low pH, some iron, & probably moderately high nitrates. Not mine & the owner doesn't want to do anything about it so...
