Pump below water table

[Trumptone]

I'm replacing my jet pump, pressure tank, and all the associated fittings. I started taking stuff apart today. Upon cutting the pipe after the pump, there is a steady stream of water coming from the pump/well. I'm guessing that it is currently sitting below the water table. This stream is apparently enough to keep the check valve near the pump open. How can I tell if I have a foot valve or if it works?

 

[Reach4]

Can you pressurize the pipe/system somehow, perhaps with an air compressor?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Trumptone]

I might be able to borrow a compressor and buy/install the needed fittings. I guess I'd need an air gauge, but what pressure would show that the foot valve is working and the pressure isn't just due to the water level?

Is that the only way, besides digging up the well?

Should I just install a new check valve before the pump, even though I might have a foot valve?

 

[Reach4]

If you can put 10 psi on, and no more without the air bubbling out, then the foot valve leaks, and the foot valve is about 20 ft below the surface of the water in the well.

If the foot valve does not leak, you can put a lot more pressure on.

 

[Valveman]

Or just turn on the pump, let it build some pressure, and shut off the pump. If the pressure stays the same as when you turned it off, the foot valve is working fine.

 

[Trumptone]

I went with valveman's suggestion. Turns out I don't have a working foot valve. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the system up and running. I had to add a check valve and cement/thread everything together. Thanks.

 

[Trumptone]

Here are my before pictures:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9cidw2flxqa0q8x/1 Before 12-10-20.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lxmavmo5qolt4i5/2 Before 12-10-20.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/r4v96q2yx38d0yc/3 Before 12-18-20.jpg?dl=0
After:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/58zxugko07gtkuj/4 After 12-18-20.jpg?dl=0
So far, I'm loving the new system with the Cycle Stop Valve. My pressure switch is set to 30/50. I ran the shower and set the CSV to about 47.

 

[Bannerman]

Congrats!

Too bad you already replaced the pressure tank before deciding on the CSV. With such a large tank, it takes longer to reduce the pressure down to 30 psi so the pump will kick-in to deliver the constant 47 psi.

 

[Trumptone]

I knew that, but still decided on this size pressure tank.