I have a Goulds 1/2hp shallow well pump, 40ft 1&1/2 plastic pipe, footvalve, and total lift of about 8ft. Recently I developed a leak in the elbow at the top of the down-pipe. So, I made up a new down-pipe using black plastic pipe, barbed plastic fittings, and double clamps. I inserted a PVC union near the top of the down-pipe to make foot valve maintenance easier. I also replaced the footvalve. The result: I still had symptoms of an air leak.
So, I disconnected the union in the well, blew the water out of the pipes, reconnected the union, and pressurized the system with air to 80psi. I then snooped all of the connections for leaks and found none. I let the system sit with air pressure for a bit over an hour, resulting in a loss of one psi (I attribute to temperature differential?)
I drained the tank and checked the bladder - all is OK.
I replaced the pump. I still have symptoms of a suction side leak...and I have a spare pump.
Does it ever happen that something leaks under vacuum but not under pressure? Should I take out the union? Do metallic hose barbs seal tighter than plastic?
I'm really not sure where to go from here and would appreciate any advice.
Thank you,
Jeff
So, I disconnected the union in the well, blew the water out of the pipes, reconnected the union, and pressurized the system with air to 80psi. I then snooped all of the connections for leaks and found none. I let the system sit with air pressure for a bit over an hour, resulting in a loss of one psi (I attribute to temperature differential?)
I drained the tank and checked the bladder - all is OK.
I replaced the pump. I still have symptoms of a suction side leak...and I have a spare pump.
Does it ever happen that something leaks under vacuum but not under pressure? Should I take out the union? Do metallic hose barbs seal tighter than plastic?
I'm really not sure where to go from here and would appreciate any advice.
Thank you,
Jeff