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    moonwidower's Avatar
    moonwidower Posts: 11, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Mar 17, 2011, 05:12 AM
    Shallow well problem.
    Hi, I'm running out of ideas. I have a shallow well with a 1/2 hp pump and a small tank. Up until a few weeks ago everything worked fine but then I had a plumping problem while I was at work and the water ran for a few hours. I believe the well ran dry and when I got home the pump was running dry. I fixed that problem, and since I was going to have to reprime it anyway I replaced a couple old rusty/worn out parts (check valve, 2 fittings, length of hose). Now I can no longer get more then 38psi pressure when I use to get 55psi. I tried removing the air valve of the tank to see if the bladder was done, no water coming out the valve, refilled the bladder with air. Checked for leaks, none. Well has lots of water now and suction line in well is 3 feet above bottom of well to prevent pulling sand. I can pump the bladder with air to build pressure but when I turn on the faccet the pump still doesn't go past 38psi. Is the pump done? Am I missing something?
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #2

    Mar 17, 2011, 05:57 AM

    When you get to 38#, does the pump shut off, or keep running?
    moonwidower's Avatar
    moonwidower Posts: 11, Reputation: 2
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    #3

    Mar 17, 2011, 06:04 PM
    No, it keeps running. Switch is set for 25psi startup and 45psi shutoff. Switch seems to be working fine.
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #4

    Mar 18, 2011, 06:58 AM

    1. With the system off, drain pressure to zero by running water from your lowest level faucet. Set the tank pressure to 23#. Turn system back on.
    2. Make sure that the new pipe you added is not leaking. '
    3. How many pipes go from the pump into the well, one or two?
    moonwidower's Avatar
    moonwidower Posts: 11, Reputation: 2
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    #5

    Mar 18, 2011, 05:31 PM
    One pipe from well. No leaks in new pipe. Friend suggested it is dirt in the pump casing so next step is to dismantle pump.
    jlisenbe's Avatar
    jlisenbe Posts: 5,020, Reputation: 157
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    #6

    Mar 18, 2011, 09:14 PM

    Let us know what you find.

    Do you know how far down it is to water in your well?
    moonwidower's Avatar
    moonwidower Posts: 11, Reputation: 2
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    #7

    Mar 19, 2011, 06:05 AM
    About 6 feet from top of well to water. 7 feet to top of inlet pipe from top of well. About 8 feet of suction line to foot valve. Another 3-4 feet from foot valve to well bottom.
    rjh2o's Avatar
    rjh2o Posts: 58, Reputation: 13
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    #8

    Mar 19, 2011, 09:17 PM
    If the pump was running for an extended period with no water the impeller may be bad now preventing pressure build up. When you added air to the bladder tank did you drain all the water from the tank before adding any air? You may have excess pressure in tank.
    RJ
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