Selecting a pump for a cistern

[radioman]

Is the pipes outside still uncovered? Have you tried to clean foot valve yet?
If I were you, I would google pressure testing the pipes. You may need to replace strainer with a cap and install shutoff before pump and do a pressure test to see if pipe is ok. If it is, then check and recheck connections from shutoff to pump to tank for leaks.
This method is only way to figure it out yourself without guessing if it a prime issue or air leaks.

OTHO, If you have a bad foot valve or cistern doesn't recharge fast enough it would do what you describe.

 

[tnmike]

I used this pump on my cistern that is fifteen feet deep. I had to put a check valve on the intake and outlet at the pump. Throw away the plastic check valve that comes with it and buy quality brass ones. After initial priming the thing has run perfect ever since. The built in pressure tank is a plus. I do not have a foot valve ' just a screen on the bottom of the feed pipe.

1 Horsepower Shallow Well Pump with Stainless Steel Housing

 

[mjw357]

You can test your suction line for leaks by disconnecting the union and connecting your garden hose, should give you 40-60psi. Any leaks that would allow air in should show up pretty fast.

 

[MillWeld]

I like the garden hose idea. Another one that I just thought of is to coat the junction of every fitting and pipe with a heavy oil. If there is a leak the oil should be sucked in and plug it long enough to start normal pumping. Is that a sane idea?

Bob

 

[MillWeld]

I did the oil trick and got no results. Then I pressurized the entire system via a garden hose connected to the prime port. This is the short galvanized section in the pic. It pumped up to 38 PSI and is still holding there after 13 hours. I don't think I have a leak. Defective pump? Call a well guy?:mur:
Bob

 

[Kays Supply]

Is it a jet pump? It could have something lodged in the jet. Check the check / foot valve. They have been known to stick shut.

 

[MillWeld]

The foot valve is not stuck. I have removed the dip pipe with the foot valve on it several times. When I lift it up it holds water, when I turn it upside down water rushes out.

It is a jet pump. To check the jet means removing the motor and dissassembly of the pump, right?
Bob

 

[beeforty]

I used to have a jet pump on my well, and every time I had to disconnect the lines to work on it, when done to get it to prime I had to pour water down the pressure gauge hole with the pump running. As soon as it started spitting at me you had to screw the gauge in so as to not loose the prime. Finally put in a "T" which was quicker to close and let the pressure build up to cut off point. I went to a submersible when I replaced the pump, so much easier.:thumbsup: Jet pumps PUMP water down to the jet which then draws water UP and out.

 

[Kays Supply]

It depends on the pump for getting at the jet. Some are made into the side of the head others are in an adapter screwed to the pump head where the suction connects. You won't need to pull the motor for sure. I have an old one in the shop that actually has a pipe plug made into it so you can remove the plug and run a wire into the jet to clean it.

 

[MillWeld]

I haven't given up on this BUT I have found a smoking A-bomb. A friend suggested the same as Kays Supply, i.e., a clogged jet or nozzle. I took the pump apart and found it wasn't clogged - it was BROKEN. The cone part was broken away from the threads - probably due to the factory torqueing it too tight and not noticing. See pic. Called WaterAce and they will send me a kit containing the new nozzle under warranty. I was impressed with them. The pump is obsolete but they honored the warranty anyway.
Bob