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Water well pump problem

objector1 | Posted in General Discussion on September 18, 2008 03:24am

 I am in the process of converting an old jet pump well system to a submersible pump system. For sake of economy, and because it was there, I am using a 12 year old 1/2 horse pump. The pump was installed in my father’s well and was pulled after just about an hour because the well was muddy. It has just set around and I decided to use it when my jet pump started to cause problems. Last year I started it in a barrel of water and it pumped strong for several minutes.

 Today I installed the pump and when I started it , it would run for about 5 seconds and stop. I can turn the power off and right back on and it runs, but only for five seconds. I have been testing it by putting it in the well and running the power directly from the disconnect to the pump power line. Initially I hooked up the entire system, running it through the pressure tank (etc) and it did not work then but just for a few seconds.

 Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

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  1. McPlumb | Sep 18, 2008 03:57am | #1

    Check the amp draw, 110 should draw 11 +/- 1 amp.  220 should draw between 5 and 6 amps.

    You could try raising the pitless to the top of the well casing and block it there, then kick the power on and see what it does.

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | Sep 18, 2008 04:16am | #2

    As stange at is might be centrifical pumps draw more current when they run with an open discharge than when they are pumping into a dead head.

    And some submersiable pumps are made for use in deep wells. That that means that that might have over 100 psi head before you get a drop of water.

    so running it with an open discharge is much different than it is designed for and thus the motor can over load.

    However, I would expect that it would run a little longer than that before the internal overload protect would shut it off.

    But get the brand and model number and then get the manual.

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
  3. inperfectionist | Sep 18, 2008 05:17am | #3

    Almost seems like a piece of junk stuck in the pump,,, unlikely though.

    Really need to see what she's pulling for current when she's pumping , and when she stops pumping.

    Those motors do not like sitting around for twelve years drying out( their full of liquid).

    Get those current readings, also, meg the motor.

    Harry

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