Posted by Gary Slusser on September 25, 2003 at 22:52:58:
In Reply to: Deep well problems posted by Marty on September 25, 2003 at 15:28:04:
: The following as a long description, but given my problems I thought it would be better to try and provide as much detail to anyone who might be able to offer any insight. I like to thank all of you in advance that take the time to read and reply.
: I have a weekend cottage that I've been having a problem with well and pump.
: I want to thank anyone that read this whole thing. Please reply with any insights, suggestions you might have, or other places I might seek advise.
: Thanks again
: Marty
Thanks for all the detail.
You're running out of water, or suffering what is called a dry well condition, when you are using water and the pump loses prime. Go to water conservation procedures. If not you have a leak in the pipes above the water after drawing down the well some. Otherwise and most likely you have a bad foot (check) valve in the well. It allows water under pressure to flow from the tank/pump back into the well. A leak between the tank and foot valve is a possibly too. Shut off the water past the tank to the house. If the pump runs in that 8± minutes you've proved the leak is on the well side of the tank. It won't be on the house side because that won't cause air to be sucked into the foot valve or the los of prime but still, you could have a leaking toilet fill valve etc. and that wastes water that you don't seem to have. The tank and such has nothing to do with a loss of prime in a jet pump or other type sell system.
And don't use the softener until you conserve water or stop getting air in the lines.
You can try using a metal detector to find your sanitary well seal. Then use a Fernco fitting and sch 40 PVC t obrin the otop of the casing above grade. It will be below the frost line in your area. Otherwise you can take the lines off the pump and insert a 'snake' and see if the detector finds that. At the end of the snake should be the well. Watch you don't damage the lines as you dig. You have enough problems as it is without having to dig more to fix a broken line due to an errant shovel or pick. Winter's comin', so dig now because this on off stuff is very hard on a pump and you don't want to do this later if it freezes where you live.
You may be able with an extra few hands to pull the piping out of the well. Your setup is not good for more than 180' or so, and with a leaking foot valve or drop pipe (all to most of) the water will run out of the lines as you lift them. That's if you don't have galvanized pipe down the well.
Gary
Quality Water Associates