Weird pressure management

[jucamvil]

Hi all. I need help!.


I have an SQE pump running continuously 24/7 since the CU301 control unit has failed. While inspecting the system, I’ve been trying to understand how the water pressure is being managed, as the pump never seems to shut off.

Here’s the setup: I have an open-loop geothermal system feeding a water heat pump, which discharges into a second well through an Irritrol solenoid valve that only activates when the heat pump is running. The water pressure is fine, but I’m concerned about the pump constantly running without building up pressure ).

The main water line from the well supplies both the heat pump and the house. There’s only one discharge pipe, which comes after the heat pump. I can feel the pump vibrating always, and the only way to stop it is through the electrical panel.

My question is: where is all the water going when no one is using any? Is it possible that the pump is running but not actually moving water, despite the vibration?

I’m confused and would appreciate any insights you might have.

Thank you

 

[Valveman]

If you wired it up without the CU301 box it has no control to shut it off when needed. It should only come on when water is being used and go off when water is not longer on. It is a wonder it hasn't melted down yet. It can even get hot enough to melt plastic casing and ruin the well itself. Always turn off a pump that is running when no water is being used. Maybe you have a small leak somewhere, as it only takes about 1 GPM to keep the pump and well cool. But it is the water being pumped that cools the pump, and if no water is being pumped it gets really hot.

You can replace the CU301 and transducer with a PK1A using a 40/60 pressure switch that will shut the pump on and off as needed.

PK1A Pside-Kick Pressure Tank Kit – Cycle Stop Valves, Inc

Buy It! Interactive Animation Installation Video General Information Typical Applications Specifications Dimensions Installation Instructions Troubleshooting VFD Controller Replacement WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California...

cyclestopvalves.com

 

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[jucamvil]

If you wired it up without the CU301 box it has no control to shut it off when needed. It should only come on when water is being used and go off when water is not longer on. It is a wonder it hasn't melted down yet. It can even get hot enough to melt plastic casing and ruin the well itself. Always turn off a pump that is running when no water is being used. Maybe you have a small leak somewhere, as it only takes about 1 GPM to keep the pump and well cool. But it is the water being pumped that cools the pump, and if no water is being pumped it gets really hot.

You can replace the CU301 and transducer with a PK1A using a 40/60 pressure switch that will shut the pump on and off as needed.

PK1A Pside-Kick Pressure Tank Kit – Cycle Stop Valves, Inc

Buy It! Interactive Animation Installation Video General Information Typical Applications Specifications Dimensions Installation Instructions Troubleshooting VFD Controller Replacement WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California...

cyclestopvalves.com

Thanks @Valveman.
I was even considering replacing the CU301 unit. Fortunately, the well always has water, so the pump stays cool, and I’m currently turning it off manually while I figure out what’s happening.

Current pressure is 123psi. The strange thing is, I don't know where the water/pressure is going. If the pump keeps running with nothing controlling its start/stop, I would expect it to build up pressure and break something, but nothing seems to happen. I mean, if water isn’t being used, the pump stays on. So, pump tries to pump, but there's resistance , so it doesn’t actually pump, even though it's on?

I really dont know what is happening and appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks

 

[Valveman]

The pump can only build 123 PSI. At 123 PSI it is pumping zero water. It needs to be pumping/moving at least 1 GPM to prevent melting down. It can be sitting in a giant ocean of 50 degree water and still melt down if it keeps running and not moving any water. Many times I find out there is a small leak somewhere in the system, which in this case would save the pump from over heating as it would be moving as much as it leaking.

 

[jucamvil]

The pump can only build 123 PSI. At 123 PSI it is pumping zero water. It needs to be pumping/moving at least 1 GPM to prevent melting down. It can be sitting in a giant ocean of 50 degree water and still melt down if it keeps running and not moving any water. Many times I find out there is a small leak somewhere in the system, which in this case would save the pump from over heating as it would be moving as much as it leaking.

That should be the reason, because this pump has been working with the CU301 dead for who knows how long

 

[Valveman]

Toilet valves can leak when above 80-100 psi. Something like that is what usually saves the pump.