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    edj's Avatar
    edj Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 30, 2008, 10:50 AM
    Submersible pump failure
    I have a shared well with a neighbor. The submersible pump, which was probably 10 years old, failed this Spring (Franklin submersible). The water line to the neighbors' house also froze this Winter, which required the road to be dug up to correct the frozen pipes. My guess is the constant draw on the pump for a period with a frozen water line is the reason the pump failed. Is this the likley cause of failure?

    Thanks for your feedback
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #2

    Sep 30, 2008, 12:06 PM

    I doubt that the freeze caused the failure, probably the other way around. Unless you mean the pipe burst and water ran 24/7. A frozen line would have no draw, just like a closed main on the house.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #3

    Sep 30, 2008, 12:11 PM

    I would disagree somewhat with ballenger. The pump does require water for both cooling and lubercation, so if there was no flow for a period failure can be attributed to this.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
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    #4

    Sep 30, 2008, 12:15 PM

    KISS, picture this; pipe burst so you have flow 24/7 with plenty of cooling and lub. Pipe freezes you have no flow or pump action so cooling isn't required. Maybe if Ed comes back he can give more details.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #5

    Sep 30, 2008, 12:19 PM

    Yea, that's why I left it uncertain or at least that was the intention.

    But then again, the submersible pumps probably are not designed for a continuous duty cycle.
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #6

    Sep 30, 2008, 03:34 PM

    I think Ballengerb has it. A frozen supply line would have no effect on the pump. In fact, as long as it was frozen its effect would be to keep the pump from running at all. Once it thaws, it would leak and cause the pump to run more than normal.

    Now if the frozen line was the pipe from the pump to the pressure tank, it would be a different story, but I very much doubt that would be the case.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #7

    Sep 30, 2008, 05:00 PM

    Where is the pressure tank and pressur switch located. If it is in the house that had the freeze, then yes your pump could very well have been ruined do to contanst running.
    Did you seem to have more pressure in your house at the time?
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