our old farm house has a hand dug 25' well and has a 3/4hp pump mounted in a shed and a 30 gallon holding/pressure tank.last winter we lost water[dont know why-didnt freeze bad?]theres plenty of water in the well.niebhor said it might have lost its prime??what does it take to check it out??any help would be great,we're heading up there tommorow to try teg get it working for the 4th.bws
Pumps that take a 'prime' to get started, usually have a plug that can be removed, pouring water into the plug hole, put the plug back in, and switch the pump on. The water in the pump will hopefully begin the pumping cycle. Some are fancier than that, and have some valves set up to take the place of the 'plug'.
If not, then the pipe needs to be primed with water, as well as the pump primed, so that when the switch is turned on, there is 'something' there to pump.
If it isn't evident, and you likely need water, I'd suggest talking to that neighbor and asking for some expert advice. Probably willing to give you a hand or some good advice.
Learning about pumps on the net might be a good idea before you go on that venture. [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
If your pump does not have a downhole jet system the maximum you will be able to lift water is about 22 feet. I'm quessing this will be your type of setup. That means your suction line is at the pressure tank setting. Any leaks will create problems.
There should be a check valve on the end of the suction line in the well. These can get crudded up and start to leak. The suction line may also have developed a small leak somwhere. The pump itself maybe starting to wear out. All these could be factors.
You have already gotten information on primming.
Have fun [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
I've had many hours experience primming pumps. None of it enjoyable [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
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