My system is four years old. Suddenly, my submersible well pump started running continuously even though there was no draw on water. A repairman dug up all around the buried (small) tank and connections and found no leak. He checked the pressure in the bladder tank and it was 22 PSI. (If I get some of the terms wrong, it's because I am thoroughly unfamiliar with well terms.) Then, he changed the checkvalve, and the pump worked fine - for about two hours, after which it started running again. I closed all the valves to the house and irrigation system, but it did not stop. (I know there is no leak under the house because the solar panel would have drained after I isolated it if there were.) He came back and lowered the pressure via the pressure control switch, saying that there must be a link in the well casing. He suggested that they can put in some kind of plastic tubing and also suggested that, at the same time, the pump be replaced. I asked why replace a working pump - is there something better? He said there wasn't but that it was kind of an insurance and I'd be guaranteed at least 5 years of trouble-free operation. He quoted about $1800 with the pump price being around $800 of that for a 1 hp pump.

Now, as a woman (a senior at that), I am skeptical. We do have hard water, but would that cause the casing to leak after only 4 years? I am not convinced as well that I should buy a new pump. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks

Is this the same guy who installed the pump four years ago? If so, then why isn't this pump warranted for "5 years of trouble free operation"?

Sound to me like a leak in the well pipe or a failing pump. The checkvalve shouldn't impact this unless it was REALLY obstructed.

How far down is your pump?

I have been unable to determine from the builder (who is semi-retired and now out of town) who installed the well & pump nor the specifications of same. I called the plumbing people, but was told they didn't do anything well, and they referred me to the company (guy) who responded. The well was drilled to 186 feet. Can only assume the pump is down that far.

Hard to say. Sounds like the guy is suggesting you start over with all new components. I might be tempted to hang onto the pump. I have a 1/2 horse pump 120' down and it gives us all the water we can use. On the other hand, for 1800 dollars you will be able to call this guy at any time during the next five years and say, "Your pump is not working."

Are there any other well pros in your area? If so, then get a second or third bid. If not, then you might be stuck. 1800 is high for my area, but not exorbitantly so. Still, he should be able to get that pump above ground and decide if it's a go or no go.

Finally, this morning, I was able to connect with the builder who uses at his residence and referred us to the people who did the well. I called them and their secretary knew more about wells than the guy who was out here working on ours Wednesday! As I explained the situation, she asked if he pressured up the tank. Nooooooooooooooooo. Her comment was, "What was he going to do, replace everything?"

Anyway, they will be here this afternoon to check out the situation. I feel SO MUCH BETTER knowing that I am working with someone I can trust!!

I do sincerely thank you for taking the time to respond to my question, however. It's nice to know that there are people 'out there' trying to help. Have a nice Thanksgiving!!

Not too sure what she meant by "pressure up the tank". Bear in mind that the guy"checked the pressure in the bladder tank and it was 22 PSI." Still, hopefully the new contact will resolve the issue.

PLEASE post the resolution of the problem.

Just had the people who put the well/pump in, and the problem was the checkvalve in the pump itself. After taking care of that, he added air to the bladder tank, and it's all set to go. Total price was $182.00. Also turned out that the guy who was here on Wednesday did not 'change' a checkvalve, he took off the cycle stop which was on there primarily for the sprinkler system. It was recommended that I get the guy to return to put the cycle stop back on (a good reason to keep all old parts!). So, I called the first outfit and explained the situation to the guy who did the work, and he tried to tell me that the checkvalve accomplished the same thing. Hung up, went to the internet to learn about cycle stops, then called back and spoke to the owner who has agreed to come by and put the cycle stop back on. He was also amazed that pulling the pump only cost me $182.00 (and so was I), but I was told the people who put the well in were very reputable and reasonable. They are definitely keepers!

Forgot to mention, the pressure in our tank should have been at least 38 PSI for my system.