Another Well Problem

[Travelover]

Your pump is almost 40 years old? It sure doesn't owe you anything.
I would assume the well guy will also chlorinate the well.

As far as I know it is the original 1986 pump. I think the well guys are required to chlorinate the well, though having just done it, I realize it is not that difficult.

 

[ponytug]

As far as I know it is the original 1986 pump. I think the well guys are required to chlorinate the well, though having just done it, I realize it is not that difficult.

My pump guys only did it because I asked, and supplied the chlorine...

That's a long life for a pump, congratulations. Mine went 1987-2022, and the well guys couldn't recall another pump lasting that long locally.

Personally, I would be happy to replace the galvanized pipe with PVC or polyethylene and the pump wire. Insulation doesn't last forever, and it is a hassle to get to a cracked wire 50' down a well pipe to repair it. YMMV...

All the best,

Peter

 

[Travelover]

OP here with a hopefully final update. The well pump was pulled today. Turns out the old pump was from 1996, so it had been replaced once.
The actual problem was the galvanized drop pipe had
an oval hole just above the pump about the size of two pencils side by side. That probably explains the brown water that suddenly appeared about a month ago then subsided.
New pump has Schedule 120 PVC pipe with stainless connectors and new wires. Should outlast me.

 

[etpm]

OP here with a hopefully final update. The well pump was pulled today. Turns out the old pump was from 1996, so it had been replaced once.
The actual problem was the galvanized drop pipe had
an oval hole just above the pump about the size of two pencils side by side. That probably explains the brown water that suddenly appeared about a month ago then subsided.
New pump has Schedule 120 PVC pipe with stainless connectors and new wires. Should outlast me.

Thanks for posting an update. I know everybody appreciates it when someone posts an update and the final outcome.
Thanks again,
Eric

 

[steve tym]

Glad to hear you found the problem. Not much residential around here on steel. Glad to hear it went back on PVC and not poly. It'll stay in longer.

 

[Valveman]

The actual problem was the galvanized drop pipe had an oval hole just above the pump about the size of two pencils side by side. That probably explains the brown water that suddenly appeared about a month ago then subsided.

I thought I replied to this? A hole in the steel pipe just above the pump is caused by electrolysis from two dissimilar metals. Covering the check valve and up the pipe a foot or two with electric tape will prevent that from happening. Using plastic pipe will also prevent that problem, just don't use any steel change over fittings. With plastic pipe there is more chance of chaffing the wire, so eliminating as much cycling as possible is important.