Well pump issues

Hi all.
I could really use some help. As of this afternoon we have no water. I have no water pressure. I have replaced the pressure switch and that seemed to help for a while as I dropped the pressure to stop the breaker from tripping. Well the breaker started tripping again and I bypassed it to the 20A breaker in the main panel. The main breaker is not tripping but the pump is shutting down and I have no water. The bladder seems OK and there is a new pressure switch. The pump gives full pressure for a bit then just shuts down without tripping the breaker. The breaker at the pump was a 12A and the breaker at the main is a 20A. Anybody got any ideas as to what is going on?
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How about calling in an expert and showing him your bypassing. Before the fire department comes to put you house out!

You haven't said but I assume that you have a submersible pump.

A pump requires more current when the pressure is lower because that is a condition that results in more flow. More flow requires more power and more current.

You could have a failed pipe between the pump and the tank, including in the well.

The best instrument for diagnosing this kind of problem is a clamp-on ammeter. I have seen one for about $70 at HD. The meter will also have a voltmeter function that will be useful.

You would search on-line to find the full-load current for your motor horsepower and compare it with measurements. Current too low means that the water level in the well is low or the pump impellers may have become worn or something is plugging up the suction of discharge side of the pump.

Current too high can be caused by too much flow or by failure of the pump or motor in such a way that it is causing the pump to drag.

The pump is probably shutting down on the 20 Amp breaker because it has an internal thermal protection device that shuts it down if there is too much current. It will probably restart when it cools off but you need to fix the cause of the high current.

A well-service person should be able to diagnose the problem on site. A plumber without experience and tools to deal with wells and pumps will charge you for his time but may not be able to diagnose the problem and is even less likely to be able to fix it.

I agree with Redwood. The breaker is tripping to tell you that there is a problem. You put in a bigger one. Now the overload in the motor is tripping again telling you there is a problem. You need to accept the fact that there is something wrong with your pump, not your electrical system.

bob...

You have a motor, capacitor, or a control box problem. Have a QUALIFIED pump man or electrician check it out.