Well Jet pump knocking sound at cut-out
#1
09-01-13, 08:57 AM
Well Jet pump knocking sound at cut-out
Hello to all!
I'm new at this forum, I recently purchased my 1st home. This is a 1978 home and the water supply is from a well.
Here is the thing (I've been reading all over the net for this issue but no answer) my jet pump makes a knocking sound (hammer like) at cut-out.
The equipment is:
VersaJet J-Class 1Hp
Challenger Series Model PC66FR Diaphragm 20 gallons pressure tank.
Cut-in @ 38psi Cut-out @ 58psi Pressure tank @ 36psi.
It all works fine, good water flow, constant pressure, good off/on cycling (what's expected from a 20 gallon pressure tank). I cuts in with no issue but when it cuts out I hear a loud hammer like noise at the pump (making it jump a little) and a shake on the suction line. No other noises nor hammering at the house. I know it may not be a big issue if all is working fine but I don't want my pump to die due to unnecessary hammering or vibrations.
Any experts out there to assist me with this issue?
I'm new at this forum, I recently purchased my 1st home. This is a 1978 home and the water supply is from a well.
Here is the thing (I've been reading all over the net for this issue but no answer) my jet pump makes a knocking sound (hammer like) at cut-out.
The equipment is:
VersaJet J-Class 1Hp
Challenger Series Model PC66FR Diaphragm 20 gallons pressure tank.
Cut-in @ 38psi Cut-out @ 58psi Pressure tank @ 36psi.
It all works fine, good water flow, constant pressure, good off/on cycling (what's expected from a 20 gallon pressure tank). I cuts in with no issue but when it cuts out I hear a loud hammer like noise at the pump (making it jump a little) and a shake on the suction line. No other noises nor hammering at the house. I know it may not be a big issue if all is working fine but I don't want my pump to die due to unnecessary hammering or vibrations.
Any experts out there to assist me with this issue?
#2
09-01-13, 09:19 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
I don't recall ever hearing that problem. It would appear to be related to your check valve though.
I'm guessing the check valve is right at the pump ?
I don't recall ever hearing that problem. It would appear to be related to your check valve though.
I'm guessing the check valve is right at the pump ?
#3
09-01-13, 09:44 AM
I'm guessing that would be the case as all I see is a pipe leaving the pump thru the wall and then outside in to the ground. But a curios thing is that I was testing the system a little while ago and there was no knocking. It seems to be intermittent.
Now if the check valve is at the pump is that an easy fix? Or a total pump replacement?
Now if the check valve is at the pump is that an easy fix? Or a total pump replacement?
#5
09-01-13, 12:18 PM
Vey
I must definitely say that's not it... I don't think the switch will be able to shake the pipes.
pjmax... Can you enlighten me a bit more about the check valve theory?
I must definitely say that's not it... I don't think the switch will be able to shake the pipes.
pjmax... Can you enlighten me a bit more about the check valve theory?
#7
09-01-13, 04:30 PM
Group Moderator
The picture is of a standard type check valve. A jet pump system should have a foot valve at the base of the pipe or point where the water is taken in. Sometimes that valve leaks and an additiional one is added near the pump in place of picking up the point for repair.
Inspectapedia has a good piece on it too.
Water System Check Valves - DIY repairs
Inspectapedia has a good piece on it too.
Water System Check Valves - DIY repairs
#9
09-01-13, 04:47 PM
PJmax
I did read from Inspectapedia its a cool place to get info.
I have no water pressure loss, just that hard knock at cut out.
I heard of the foot valve could be slamming shut hard and this could make the noise. But I'm hopping that's not the case because that seems like a costly project.
I don't know how deep this well is and how it was dug. The well pipe is only a foot away from my garage exterior wall.
Vey
I will observe the switch to see how it behaves. I hope this is the problem at it is something I know I can take care of right away.
I did read from Inspectapedia its a cool place to get info.
I have no water pressure loss, just that hard knock at cut out.
I heard of the foot valve could be slamming shut hard and this could make the noise. But I'm hopping that's not the case because that seems like a costly project.
I don't know how deep this well is and how it was dug. The well pipe is only a foot away from my garage exterior wall.
Vey
I will observe the switch to see how it behaves. I hope this is the problem at it is something I know I can take care of right away.
#12
09-01-13, 04:54 PM
Joecaption1
The pressure tank is @ 36psi 2 psi below cut off, how it should be. No problems there. I tested the tank and it holds its pressure fine, no punctured bladder no leaks.
So if you suspect water hammer, what it is causing it and how do I fix it. The noise is intermittent, Some times it cuts out perfectly without any noise, and sometimes it cuts out with that clunking/hammering noise. The noise is just on the pump area, I got no water hammering inside the house.
The pressure tank is @ 36psi 2 psi below cut off, how it should be. No problems there. I tested the tank and it holds its pressure fine, no punctured bladder no leaks.
So if you suspect water hammer, what it is causing it and how do I fix it. The noise is intermittent, Some times it cuts out perfectly without any noise, and sometimes it cuts out with that clunking/hammering noise. The noise is just on the pump area, I got no water hammering inside the house.
#13
09-02-13, 08:43 AM
Chattering usually occurs when the points make contact, but I have seen weak springs where the points don't separate cleanly.
Lessee. Sometimes the check valve spring is broken, so the water slams it shut. Sometimes the pump motor is pulling too many amps (means it is wearing out), so that it doesn't stop cleanly, sometimes the tank isn't working right -- have you tried resetting it yet? We have instructions here:
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/we...well-info.html
That's all I can think of.
Lessee. Sometimes the check valve spring is broken, so the water slams it shut. Sometimes the pump motor is pulling too many amps (means it is wearing out), so that it doesn't stop cleanly, sometimes the tank isn't working right -- have you tried resetting it yet? We have instructions here:
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/we...well-info.html
That's all I can think of.
