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Redoakfarm364 · May 12, 2013, 04:09 PM

I installed a new 3/4 hp well pump into my well, ran fine to fill the house and allow 1 shower. It shut off and won't restart, it has power. Pump is set at @300'. New pressure switch was installed. Pressure tank remains empty put gauge keeps going up to 20 (gauge is 30/50 on pressure switch. Any suggestions on where to go from here. I have water in the well at 17' down.

speedball1 · May 12, 2013, 05:24 PM

I'm curious. If your water table's at 17 down why in the world would dig the well down over 300 feet and install a submersible pump instead of a 75' well and a shallow well pump? I know you must have a good reason but I just can't figure it out.
You say the pump worked for how long after it was installed?

It shut off and won't restart,

Do you have power and are the contacts in the control box closed? How about the bladder tank? What do you have it charged at? Back to you, Tom

jlisenbe · May 12, 2013, 06:48 PM

I'm with Speedball. Something strange about your description. When you say it has power, I am assuming you mean the breaker is on. Speedball's second entry is the deal. Are the points closed in the switch?

Redoakfarm364 · May 13, 2013, 04:04 AM

I reversed the numbers, water is at 71' not 17'. I live on the top of a mountain area and they had to drill until they found ledge to secure the well walls. Last night I noticed the well pump came on but pressure tank remained empty and water in house is under little to no pressure and will not sustain past flushing the toilet - no showers possible at this point. I am thinking the bladder in the tank but not sure if that makes sense.

speedball1 · May 13, 2013, 01:00 PM

What did you charge the bladder tank at? Back to you, Tom

Redoakfarm364 · May 13, 2013, 01:11 PM

28 - I have a 30/50 pressure switch (new) also.

jlisenbe · May 13, 2013, 04:44 PM

Easy enough to check the bladder. There is a little air valve at the top of the tank. Press the valve stem a few seconds. You should get air, not water. I'm going to guess you are going to get air, but if you get water, then the tank is shot.

But I don't think the tank is your problem. Your pump is simply not building pressure. From what you said, it sounds like the pump is coming on since you are getting some pressure. So here is the big question: If the pump is coming on and building some pressure, then what is making the pump cut off? There are two possibilities. The switch might be bad, even though you said it is new. When the pump is off, CHECK THE POINTS ON THE SWITCH! If they are open (not touching), then the switch had turned the pump off, which points to a switch problem. If they are closed (touching), then the pump has, for some reason, cut itself off. Check those points and get back to us.

BTW, do you have a filter or water softener on this system? Also, is there a cutoff valve between the tank and the house?

Redoakfarm364 · May 13, 2013, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by jlisenb768

Easy enough to check the bladder. There is a little air valve at the top of the tank. Press the valve stem a few seconds. You should get air, not water. I'm going to guess you are going to get air, but if you get water, then the tank is shot.

But I don't think the tank is your problem. Your pump is simply not building pressure. From what you said, it sounds like the pump is coming on since you are getting some pressure. So here is the big question: If the pump is coming on and building some pressure, then what is making the pump cut off? There are two possibilities. The switch might be bad, even though you said it is new. When the pump is off, CHECK THE POINTS ON THE SWITCH! If they are open (not touching), then the switch had turned the pump off, which points to a switch problem. If they are closed (touching), then the pump has, for some reason, cut itself off. Check those points and get back to us.

BTW, do you have a filter or water softener on this system? Also, is there a cutoff valve between the tank and the house?

I want to thank everyone for their advice. I purchased a new pressure tank today and we have everything working. I was out of options and no I did not get water when I checked the tank but did notice a decrease in the pressure in the bladder. Since the tank was the only thing I didn't change it was the last option. Water is clear and pressure is awesome!

jlisenbe · May 14, 2013, 04:29 PM

Always nice to get a system going. When you have no water, you sure learn to appreciate it more! Congrats.

Redoakfarm364 · May 15, 2013, 02:11 AM

Originally Posted by jlisenbe

Always nice to get a system going. When you have no water, you sure learn to appreciate it more! Congrats.

So true