Pump inop

[kulenek]

Thanks in advance for any help on getting the water flowing!
My water quit Thursday (day 4 without H2O) and the man with the truck is supposed to be here tomorrow. The plumber we called in hopes it was just a pressure switch on the pressure tank has trouble shot it to the well. We told him the well is 400-600 feet deep and he said that would require the truck to pull the pump which would cost $600 in addition to the $3000 - $4000 it would cost to replace the pump if it's fried. We have hope of a broken wire, but I'm trying to find out if this is a little overpriced. The well is only 4 years and 10 months old and was put in when we built. I don't know if it is under warranty or even if well's come with one.
Any insight on this matter is greatly appreciated.
Waterless in Virginia!
Pete

 

[Bob NH]

If the well was put in when you built, you should be able to find what make/model/horsepower the pump is. That will allow you to estimate what the pump will cost.

You should be able to find out exactly how deep the pump is set. What kind of pipe was used; poly, iron, or PVC? Those things will let you get an estimate of the cost of pulling the pump.

Whoever checked it out should tell you exactly what they found. Is the circuit open, indicating a failed winding? What are the resistance measurements? What megohm measurements? Is it drawing current when you attempt to start it?

If you get someone to pull the pump, you should arrange to have a pump on hand to immediately replace it. You will know from the above information. If the pump isn't failed, you should be able to return it. The pump dealer will take it back if it is a stock pump and not used.

People who depend on wells and similar equipment should understand what they own. You will save thousands during your time in the house if you have that knowledge.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Valveman]

Valveman

Four years and ten months is about par. Average life of a submersible pump is about seven years. An average of seven years means that some will run 14years and some will run 2 years. This depends on how much they are being used and how many times they cycle off and on. When you get the old pump out, have someone give you a cause of failure. If the thrust bearing is down then the motor was overheated. Could need a flow inducer or motor shroud. A shroud is about 5 dollars worth of 4" plastic pipe that forces water past the motor before it enters the pump intake, this forces water past the motor to keep it cool. If the thrust bearing is not down but the motor is locked up, or if the shaft, spline, or motor coupling is broken or stripped out, then you probably have a cycling problem. Even if a wire is broken or the pump has come unscrewed from the pipe, it is probably cycling. Most failures are caused by cycling. In this case you need a much larger pressure tank or something like a Cycle Stop Valve to fix the problem. If the pump end is locked up it is probably from pumping dry. Then you need a smaller pump or dry run protection like a Cycle Sensor. If you can't find someone to give you a cause of failure and address the problem, then you are condemed to repeat the problem in about the same length of time. Keep us informed as to what you find.

 

[Speedbump]

$3 to $4 thousand is a bit steep I would say. We swap out a 1/2 to 1hp submersible for $1195.00. That includes the pump, motor, wire and labor. Including the truck as they say. You might want to shop around a bit.

bob...