submersible well pump cuts on and off with pressure switch contacts closed

Users who are viewing this thread

wellfed

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kentucky
Hey everyone,
I just bought an old farm house thats been vacant for 5 years. The house is gutted to the bare studs and all plumbing and wiring is removed. I wanted to check the well so I dug up the water line next to the well and plumbed in a hydrant. I added a shut off valve between the hydrant and house to keep water from shooting through the floor. I then ran a wire from a 30 amp double pole breaker in the breaker box (which is still hot) to the well. When I flipped the breaker and opened the hydrant I immediately got a great flow of water... for about 8 seconds. After that the pump kicked off. After a little research I replaced the pressure switch (with a 30/50 psi switch) and drained the pressure tank and filled it to 28 psi. When I turned on the power the pump kicked on and ran for a few seconds then kicked off. After a few more seconds it kicked back on. It did this for several minutes until the pressure reached about 42 psi. I watched the pressure switch the whole time and the contact didn't break until the pressure reached 42 psi. Also, if I leave the hydrant open the pump still turns on and off every few seconds. So, why is my pump kicking on and off? I have no idea of the size, brand or specs of the pump. I chose the breaker size based on the wire size running to the pump and the fact that 30 amp was the only double pole breaker in the box. According to what records I could find the well is approximately 75' deep, and thats all I know.
 

LLigetfa

DIYer, not in the trades
Messages
7,497
Reaction score
575
Points
113
Location
NW Ontario, Canada
How many wires on the pump? Is there a pump control box in the circuit? Where is the pressure switch and tank in relation to the well and house?

It sounds like the pump thermal overload is tripping. How long is the run of wire and what gauge?
 

wellfed

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kentucky
Its a 2 wire pump with no control box. The pressure tank and switch are both in a 5'x5' block enclosure with the well. The wire is 10 gauge and run is about 100' from the breaker box. Thanks for the quick reply.
 

Valveman

Cary Austin
Staff member
Messages
14,599
Reaction score
1,296
Points
113
Location
Lubbock, Texas
Website
cyclestopvalves.com
Are you sure it is 240 volt? You could have 240 volt wired to a 115 volt motor, which would make the overload trip as you describe. Do you know the horse power?
 

LLigetfa

DIYer, not in the trades
Messages
7,497
Reaction score
575
Points
113
Location
NW Ontario, Canada
Ja, a 115V 1/2 HP pump can go 250 feet on #10. A 240V 1/2 HP pump can go over 1000 feet.

For the distance you describe, #10 could drive a 5 HP pump which is a lot of pump for an 80 foot deep well.

What if any high amperage single pole breakers are there in the panel?
 

wellfed

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kentucky
I'm not sure on the horsepower or the voltage. I saw a big red and black wire disappearing down the well and assumed 220/240 volt (you know what they say about assuming). 20 amp was the biggest single pole breaker in the box. Is that enough to run a 110 volt pump? Thanks a lot for your responses.
 

LLigetfa

DIYer, not in the trades
Messages
7,497
Reaction score
575
Points
113
Location
NW Ontario, Canada
115V 1/2 HP pumps are common and one with a Franklin motor would draw around 12 amps so a 15 amp breaker might be too close for comfort but a 20 amp would be OK.
 

wellfed

New Member
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Kentucky
Switched to the single pole 20 amp breaker and everything is working perfectly. I may be an idiot, or you may all be geniuses. Maybe a little of both. Thanks for the help everyone!
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks