Help a couple of lady farmers with wellpump problem

[oosik]

Well - Coby - - that is my EXACT intent. I'm glad to see you could interpret that.

 

[shooterdon]

Water is something that not appreciated until you have none. But to your question.

Some helpful hints already to try to diagnose what could be wrong. Nothing more to add there.

Well pumps are not rocket surgery but it is great to have someone with experience help you, especially if you decide to replace it. You are living rural, like me, and I have a couple of guys I can call on to help with stuff like this. No need to hire a plumber or well outfit IMHO. I trust you have established relationships in your community and can get some inexpensive help. Out here, helping neighbors is the norm. I always offer to pay or give them something in return.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

First, make sure pump turns on at a set psi, usually around 30psi, and turns off at a higher psi, usually around 50psi. Those numbers can be slightly different, but should be consistent.

Then with no water turned on anywhere, observe that the pressure stays at the high reading. If it goes down, you have a leak.

If the pump turns on and off constantly, you might need a new pressure tank.

Normally, running water from multiple locations would not cause a breaker to trip. If the pump is running a lot, the breaker may be getting warm and tripping due to the breaker getting hot.

Also, breakers go bad. You might just need a new breaker.

 

[bironacad]

beakers trip why?

Amperage spike or too large an amperage draw. Sounds like your pump is drawing more then name plate run amps. If it is drawing more there are reasons. I would check amperage drawn while running and compare to name plate. That would be my start. Check it with and without load. that would require some basic skills.

Sounds like it has run its course. I am at the age were I can't push what i used to either, lol.

Note from net on AMPS:
Taking the 1/2 hp, 230 V example, when delivering 1/2 hp to the pump it draws 5.0 amps. However, if that same motor operates at its service factor of 0.8 hp (1/2 x 1.6) it draws 6.0 amps. In most installations, motors operate near the Maximum Load.Jun 8, 2012

 

[fried1765]

GET HELP!
I have had pumps all my life.
You have no idea what you are doing, and no one can solve your problem here on the internet.
You may...or may not...need a new pump.
Too many variables.
Either free help, or paid help,.... but get help!.

 

[Stimw]

Pump popping breaker- is it a 120 V breaker or 240 V breaker? (single/double)
I have seen pumps hooked up to 240 V BUT they didn't switch pump motor to 240 V so it is set at 120 V and running on 240 V - motor overheats.
Is the pump being run on a cheap extension cord? Will cause motor to overheat.

 

[tcreeley]

- replace it - all of the specs are on the current pump, replace the pressure switch, new clamps etc,, replace the water tank if it is as old as the pump - home depot has everything you need, or your local hardware store does - ..... then if it does not work call a plumber. my guess is that it will work

 

[BoylermanCT]

I just replaced my well pump this weekend. Everything was fine then no water. 8 years ago I called in a professional and they replaced the control box and pump for $1800. I watched them and realized it is not rocket science and if I ever had a well problem again I was going to fix it myself. If you are tripping breakers, your pump may be bad. Failing pumps draw more current than they should. I started with the pressure switch which controls when the pump turns on and off. $12, but no dice. Then I replaced the control box which provides starting current and running current to the pump for $65. That did not solve it, so I pulled the pump which is 205 feet down. It was all rusty and corroded, so I replaced it at $310. Still no water. So I pulled the pump again and checked the wire. 240 volts at top, 0 at bottom. So I replaced the wire for $200. Now I have a brand new system for 1/3 the cost of hiring a professional! Lesson learned - test the wire before replacing the pump!

 

[kenmac]

have someone check the wire size, breaker size to the motor.
If the wire size and breaker size matches the motor amps. Have someone check the amp draw of the motor.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I had mine replaced afew months ago.. I had no idea how it worked.. it "WAS" magic to me.. Lol
Old man in his 80's & 2 helpers.. 1 about 15 & another about 25.. old man yelling instructions & 15 yr old arguing.. & the 25 yr old doing the work..
They changed my steel pipe over to pvc & replaced the well pump at the bottom of the pipe.. I had no idea HOW to get the pipe outta the ground??
I've always seen those BIG TRUCKS w/ the pipe pullers.. THEY DID IT w/ 2 pipe wrenches.. The helpers would pull UP as much as they could, the old man would clamp it.. they'd get another bit on the pipe, pull as hi as they could.. the old man would clamp it.. over & over till there was a coupling..10ft.. They un-did the coupling & did it again until the pump came up.. Replaced everything & stuck it back in the hole..
$1400.00 and 2 hrs later.. I had water..
The BEST & WORSE $1400.00 I ever spent.. I looked up the P# of the pump that came out & had served me well for over 20 years & it cost 200.00
Prob. another 50.00 for the pvc & $1150.00 for not knowing HOW to do it..
THAT'LL NEVER happen again.. My 1 inclination that things were going bad was small chunks of white plastic in ALL the screens at the water faucets.. The water started to slow in the house.. I took the screens out & they were filled w/ white plastic.. I know NOW, they were "impeller" pieces..
Good luck w/ yours..