Well pump replaced

[RalphVa]

Our 1987 well pump had started causing some air in the lines every so often after sitting overnight. This is a symptom of a tiny air leak between the check valve and the pump, usually. Also, the pump output seemed to have reduced very slightly over time, not quite 2 gpm.

We called Foster Well service, and they were here at 11:30 yesterday. He said the check valve probably needed replaced, $600. Said pump and valve would be $1600. We figured we're on borrowed time with that old well pump; so, we told him to do both.

By 1:30, he had a new pump and valve in. He had a truck with pulling equipment mounted on it.

Kinda dug up the rain-softened lawn a bit, but I'll bring up some more soil and fix those places.

Good job.

Wells typically here are in-pipe and about 250 ft deep. Have no idea how deep ours is. Some in the area are up to 400 ft. The creek level down below is about 120 ft down. Water table is probably a bit below that.

Ralph

 

[fried1765]

Our 1987 well pump had started causing some air in the lines every so often after sitting overnight. This is a symptom of a tiny air leak between the check valve and the pump, usually. Also, the pump output seemed to have reduced very slightly over time, not quite 2 gpm.

We called Foster Well service, and they were here at 11:30 yesterday. He said the check valve probably needed replaced, $600. Said pump and valve would be $1600. We figured we're on borrowed time with that old well pump; so, we told him to do both.

By 1:30, he had a new pump and valve in. He had a truck with pulling equipment mounted on it.

Kinda dug up the rain-softened lawn a bit, but I'll bring up some more soil and fix those places.

Good job.

Wells typically here are in-pipe and about 250 ft deep. Have no idea how deep ours is. Some in the area are up to 400 ft. The creek level down below is about 120 ft down. Water table is probably a bit below that.

Ralph

"no idea how deep ours is"

It would be a good idea to ask the Foster Well Service for that information.

 

[Roadworthy]

you done good, Ralph!! I replaced my vintage 1995 pump last summer - one of the conductors came loose in the well and shorted to ground. I went with the complete package - pump, motor, pipe,wire, and controller. I'm glad I didn't just have the repair done. A month later my neighbor's impeller started shedding blades. The two installations were made within days of each other by the same outfit in 1995. By the way, my pump is at 440 feet so there's no way I was doing it myself.

 

[lman]

you done good, Ralph!! I replaced my vintage 1995 pump last summer - one of the conductors came loose in the well and shorted to ground. I went with the complete package - pump, motor, pipe,wire, and controller. I'm glad I didn't just have the repair done. A month later my neighbor's impeller started shedding blades. The two installations were made within days of each other by the same outfit in 1995. By the way, my pump is at 440 feet so there's no way I was doing it myself.

That doesn't sound good. My pump was installed in 1995. It's only 110' deep though. My water heater was installed then also. I'm sure I'll regret mentioning it.

 

[RalphVa]

Wife looked up the pump and check valve prices. Pump = $300ish but check valve was more, leaving about $800 for his labor and use of his big truck.

Attached are some pics showing what ours looks like. Doesn't show the check valve. Gotta be up near that "pitless adaptor" thing.

It's a far reach past that pitless adaptor to disconnect the piping.

Ralph

 

[Alien]

Our check valve has failed. Pump still works fine and has good pressure but it takes 30 - 40 seconds for the water to come up. I can get a new valve OK. It is listed in the manual. I thought of pulling it up (180 ft) but in a few months I want to fit a bigger pump so hopefully it will keep going in the meantime.

 

[fried1765]

Wife looked up the pump and check valve prices. Pump = $300ish but check valve was more, leaving about $800 for his labor and use of his big truck.

Attached are some pics showing what ours looks like. Doesn't show the check valve. Gotta be up near that "pitless adaptor" thing.

It's a far reach past that pitless adaptor to disconnect the piping.

Ralph

The disconnect is done using a long T- handle 1" pipe.
You could make one yourself.

 

[Valveman]

The only check valve needed in the system is either built into the pump or installed just above the pump. You do not want any other check valves higher up the line like at the pitless or after the pitless. Check valves are just one of many things that are destroyed by cycling the pump on and off too many times.

 

[RalphVa]

Guess that's where it is. Well is 350 ft deep, they say now.

 

[RalphVa]

The disconnect is done using a long T- handle 1" pipe.
You could make one yourself.

Think that is the tool he had in hand. I'm not up to doing that kind of work any more. It's well worth it to have the experts do it now. Got a good plumber, too.