[chestermoyle]

I have a well and it stopped pumping due to clogged filter. Replaced filter and restarted pump. Next day pump cut off and I had to prime well. The pump ran all night but a lot of air in line. Bled every faucet. Next day same thing had to reprime pump and start. It is still running but no matter what I am getting a lot of air in lines. Have bled everything 3 or 4 times. Still lots of air. Toilet sounds like a volcano and showers are a new experience. Any suggestions welcome.

[talaniman]

You're still sucking air from somewhere. Maybe before the pump, or maybe the check valve is bad. Does the line pressure drop during operation? Can you hear the pump cavitating when its running? When you changed your filter did you flush your line? I think I would start at the well intake, and see exactly what besides water you are sucking up.

[chestermoyle]

I have the inline filter and did not put a new filter in. casing is empty. I am getting some rust but the water is iron heavy on the best of days.. The only change besides air is where it is a 30-50 switch it is cutting in at 25-45 now. And the air seems worse when its how water running.

[talaniman]

My best guess is an obstruction of the intake line. Small enough to create reduced flow and pressure but not big enough to fully obstruct the pump which would cavitate even after priming. While checking the intake line for obstruction, do replace your filter, as that is the front line of protection for your pump and even the smallest grit, sand, or rust, or hard water sediment and deposit contamination can cause havoc with pump/system components.

I assume your check valve is in the intake line also so a thorough and complete inspection of the entire intake including the pump intake is recommended. Sucking air is either from a leak, or an obstruction, or LOW WATER LEVELS. The next step is the pump itself, as worn gaskets and O-rings can cause the very thing you are suffering. Notice any leaks when you primed it? Is it holding prime now?

How old is your pump/system? What brand pump? A dirty filter is bad news, and not using one now is worse. Filters should be changed before they shutdown the system, and checked regularly.

[chestermoyle]

The pump is three years old but I did find a leak in the joint in the pipe between the well and the pump. About a drop a second with pump off, nothing with pump running. Will get filter today but filter is inline after pump.

[jlisenbe]

Assuming the filter is on bypass, so that should not be a problem. Sounds like a shallow well pump with one line going into the well. Is it possible the well level is down and you are pulling some air from the well? The leak in the wellpipe could be a problem as well. It stops leaking when the pump runs because it is under suction at that point and could be pulling air. Good first place to start.