We have a private well that serves our outdoor water needs with a submersible pump and a pressure tank located in the basement. Twice in the last week after running water I have come back in the house to find the pump running. As soon as the pump shut off the pressure would drop, kicking the pump back on. The first time this happened I shut off the power to the pump, went outside, and turned on the water to find nothing there. I went back inside, turned the power back on and it built up pressure and shut off just as usual-not dropping in pressure and cycling again. Today it happened again so I did the same thing I did earlier, however, this time when I turned the power back on it did the same thing again; the pump would build up pressure, shut off, and then drop off, causing it to come back on again. Today I had to leave for work so I shut off the power to the pump and left. I also noticed that both times this happened the water appeared dirty. Thanks for any assistance you may offer. Jeff

You have the classic symptom of a failed check or foot valve. This check valve will allow pressureto pass into the system as the pump runs but closes when the pump stops retaining the pressure upstream from the pump. If the valve fails every time the pump stops pumping all the pressure bleeds back down into the well. A check valve is located in the nsuction line near the pump while the foot valve will be found in the well point. Good luck and thamks for rating my answer, Tom

Correct diagnosis except that this is a submersible pump. Sounds like your answer pertained to a jet pump with a suction line. Jeff, if you are a little lucky, the check valve will be above ground, between the tank and the well head. However, be advised that there is frequently a check valve a few feet above the pump as well. I'd change out the one above ground first. If it holds, then you should be OK. Depending on the depth of the well, it would also be possible to install a check valve between the tank and the well head if you don't currently have one.

Thanks Jlisenbe,
I went back and corrected it. Good pickup on your answer. Tom

SB, in your experience is one check valve between the wellhead and tank sufficient, or does it also need a second valve near the pump? I ask because mine has one valve above ground with 120' of pipe below to the pump and seems to do fine, but I have read that the recommendation is for a second valve to be 10 feet above the pump.