Well Problem

[MossRoad]

That's going to cost big $$ to fix. The homeowner can claim he disclosed the problem, the insurance company can claim the previous owner, but not your son, is insured if it's not repaired before he signs. If it takes two or three months to work it out he will be hauling water for two or three months. I'd make sure it was in the contract it is the seller's responsibility to get water into the house if it isn't fixed when he signs on the line.

One thing I would check on is the pump and wire size needed for that much lift. That's way past most residential wells. I would really wonder if there is a pump made that would fit in a 4" casing and have the power to lift water 500 ft. + any additional to the fixtures in the house. It's possible but I would want to know for myself and make sure they used the right pump and the wire size for that pump's current draw.

Did the OP mention a 4" casing? I didn't see that anywhere.

Anyhow, that sure seems DEEEEEEEP for a residential.

 

[Egon]

http://www.goulds.com/pdf/7309.pdf

Information for Goulds four inch pumps. Scroll down for pump curves.:thumbsup:

The pump may be seized in the hole but the chances of it having got hot enough to weld to casing string are pretty slim.

Needs a service rig. Might have to cut tubing above the pump and then grab the pump with a tool or just mill it out. I think.

 

[Deere Dude]

My son is getting ready to close on a property with a 980' well.There is water at 500' and the pump sits at 760'. Turns out the pump had some problem and is welded it's self to the casing at 760'. The well is insured and looks like a new well be installed under the insurance. Any recommendations? Is this the best way to go? Who makes the best well pumps? Any advice for the new well?

HS

That is a deepy. I am pretty handy with plumbing and things like that, but I wouldn't attempt a job like that by myself. Just make it known to the seller that until he replaces the pump and pipe the deal is on hold. That will put a little pressure on him to call a plumber and get them out there. Plumbers should be used to situations like that in your area. They will also put in a pump that will last quite awhile, or they won't be in business long.

 

[houstonscott]

It's a 4" pipe and a 5hp motor. Has worked for almost five years. It's in the contract so no risk there. I guess tomarrow the insurance company decides if they get a new replacement well. I guess that's what others have gotten in similar cases. They have a new 5hp pump above the old pump now that is working, and tied the system into the local rural water coop for back-up.

HS

 

[Chooglin]

Those pumps can be pulled out of the casing.here in Ohio,they will charge $500.00 to $700.00 to pull it.My Father had to have his pulled last year(it had gotten stuck).

 

[houstonscott]

That's the problem, the pump can't be removed. They think it welded it's self to the case. The new pump is just above now, but can't go below the old pump at 760ft. So it's like the well has been reduced to 760ft.

HS

 

[Jstpssng]

That's the problem, the pump can't be removed. They think it welded it's self to the case. The new pump is just above now, but can't go below the old pump at 760ft. So it's like the well has been reduced to 760ft.

HS

It must have been run dry and gotten some hot to do that, unless it's rusted itself in.

 

[MarkV]

I sure don't know all about wells but I do know I have on well at 560' with the 1.5 hp pump pulling from 450'. I also know a neighbor that someone tried to steal a pump from and it became wedge in the casing. Three different well companies tried and could not remove the pump. It is expensive when you lose a 500 + foot well.

I have never heard of well insurance before. I would guess given the depth of that well water is an issue in the area. Sounds like a good insurance to hold on to.

MarkV

 

[SPIKER]

I dont think there is enough energy to "WELD" the pump to the casing and I doubt there is casing that deep. More than likely there has been a shift in the under ground well bore, (slight earth quake or a rock came loose and wedged the pump.) the under ground water would insulate the pump from welding to the casing as just about all but 300 or 400 amps of current. (possibly a lightning strike but that would go through the casing into the ware & aquifer and bypass the pump other than perhaps burn through the wire insulation if it entered through the wiring. most pump wires are 10 AWG rated at 30 amps. A 5HP pump running 240vac will draw slightly less than that under load. that depth & distance at 240vac single phase 5 HP the wires should be heavier 8 or even 6 AWG.

There are companies that can try & yank it out but more than not once wedged they are stuck. Not sure if they can re-drill the well out leaving the existing casing and knock the pump down to the bottom ? anyhow I wish you luck.
mark

 

[Egon]

Needs a proper service rig capable of handling the tools required.