pump question

[bnk26]

I am having a problem, I live at the top of a big hill, I rent so the landlord pays for the pump and pressure switches, we have gone thru 8-9 switches in the year we have lived here. It isn't costing me money, but it gets very aggrevating to have no pressure. I am no plummer, so I may not be giving enough info, but I am wondering what causes the switches to burn out so fast and what can be done so I can relay it to my landlord, any help would be greatly appreciated

[Bob NH]

The most likely cause is that the pressure tank has no air charge, either because of failure or because of inadequate maintenance.

Turn off all water uses and go to where the pump control is located. Then do the following:

1. Make sure there is a working pressure gauge. If no gauge then one must be installed, or replaced if not working.

2. Slowly drain water from the tank using a convenient faucet. When the pump starts, turn off the water and measure the time in seconds for the pump to pump up to shutoff. If the time is less than 60 seconds, then the tank may be waterlogged, or too small.

If the cycle time is too short, come back here for instructions on the next step. Tell us how big the tank is (diameter and height in inches) and the horsepower of the pump if you can find a record of it.

It is especially bad if the pump cycles on every 2 to 5 seconds.

[speedbump]

Since it is probably a waterlogged tank, you might want to tell your landlord that he is penny wise and dollar foolish. If he continues to change switches and do nothing else, the pump motor will be next.

bob...

[bnk26]

ok first I'd like to thank you for the replies. Now as I stated in the original post, I am no plummer. I believe the guy who does the plumming is no plummer either, he is a good friend of the landlord. there is a pressure tank, it isn't hooked up though, not sure if it is broken or what, so our water pressure comes from just the pump. I'm thinking a pressure tank is needed, am I correct. I want to learn as much as possible before presenting my ideas to the landlord thanks btw when I say the pressure tank isn't hooked up, I mean the water line is not going into it at all

[speedbump]

If he has a pressure switch and not tank, I am surprised he still has a pump motor that works at all.

Yes he should have a tank in the system, preferably at the pressure switches location.

bob...

[Rancher]

there is a pressure tank, it isn't hooked up though, not sure if it is broken or what, so our water pressure comes from just the pump. I'm thinking a pressure tank is needed, am I correct. I'm thinking you are correct, you need a pressure tank... no wonder the pressure switches burn out, I'm suprised the pump has lasted this long.

Rancher

[bnk26]

thanks for the help, I will need more, on the pump how can I tell which is water in and which is water out (sorry if the terminology is bad) the way my pump sits on a platform it is impossible to follow the lines without doing a lot of digging

[Rancher]

Call your landlord, tell him the water problems are unacceptable, that he needs a pressure tank, and you are calling the local officials (if there are any)

You don't need to do any more engineering/plumbing repair for him.

Rancher

[bnk26]

thanks rancher lol he does have a pressure tank, I am going to hook it up and get discounted rent. I agree it is unacceptable, but we really love this place so I am willing to do it

[bnk26]

also rancher we are saving to buy a house, so the more I can learn the better off I am

[Mike Swearingen]

www.IrrigationTutorials.com
www.peekspump.com
Check out these two very excellent sites for detailed information on wells and pumps.
Depending on your type of pump, the suction side may be straight out on the end of the pump head and the discharge side would be toward the pump motor. The discharge line should go to the pressure tank. The pressure tank air pressure should be two psi below your pump cut-on pressure with no water pressure on.
Good Luck!
Mike

[bnk26]

thanks mike I'll check those sites

[speedbump]

I'de stay away from that Peekspump site. It's full of popups and it's nothing but a advertising site. Not much help there.

bob...