pcbmw320
Jun 23, 2007, 06:20 AM
My well pump is operating but continues to run because if I turn it off it will immediately loose pressure. I have a square d electric switch. Is there a valve in the pipe associated with that electric swith that could be letting the pressure bleed off. I can isolate the pressure tank by shutting of a valve and the pressure still drops. It seems to be losing pressure between the house and the outside.:confused:
speedball1
Jun 23, 2007, 06:47 AM
My bet's on a faulty check or foot valve. If it didn't close off the pressure would bleed off every time the pump got up to pressure and shut off.
Replace the check valve. Good luck, tom
scirocco70
Jun 23, 2007, 07:57 AM
You could also have a leak in the line between the house and the well.
This is often black plastic "well pipe" (polyethylene). It comes in several grades, rated by PSI. About a year ago I noticed a new little spring right in the middle of my brick driveway.
Yup, the cheap PE pipe (80 psi, installed by a contractor) was leaking. It had a small split about an inch long, a very narrow crack running in-line with the pipe. With the pump on, it would spray pretty fine.
I replaced the whole line with 200psi stuff, but got away with a temporary patch for months before I got around to doing that.
SO. I suggest that you closely follow the path from your well to where the water enters the house, and look carefully for signs of leaks. Spongy, wet ground, actual water coming up, lots of water coming out of french-drains or swales nearby etc
Also, if you well pump is running 24/7 to maintain pressure in the house, it's not going to last long. AND further (sorry to pile on the gloom/doom!) if you are pumping your well so hard for a long time, it is possible to drop the water level significantly. It can take weeks, months or even years of very light use for the well to recharge.
Good luck!
~aaron