Thread: Bad pump? Need help firguring this problem out

Technical information:

Well depth: 160 feet.
Current static level: Unknown. Can't see the water; however in the winter and spring, the water level is about 10 feet from top of well.

Pump: Franklin 3/4hp submersible (12 GPM I think), installed approx. 8 years ago.
Model # on control box: 2801074915

Tank: Reliance PMD85 (installed 9-15-07)
Pressure at Schrader valve: 28 PSI
Switch: Square-D 30/50

Actual on pressure: 28 PSI
Actual off pressure: 48 PSI

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EDIT: Adjusted switch:
Actual on: 41 psi
Actual off: 60 psi
Tank pre-charge: 38 psi
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Two ball (check) valves installed on main line: One at the pump and the other at the tank.

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Whew! Now that the tech info is out of the way, my problem:

The pump will kick on as it should at 28 PSI, but it seems like it's overwhelmed and can't keep up with demand when I turn on more than a couple of faucets at a time.
If I run only ONE faucet (say water the lawn) the system will work just fine all night long. But soon as you increase demand.. off it goes.

I was timing it this morning and with NO demand on the system, it takes approx. 5 minutes to fill the tank and about 2 minutes to drain it.
When you have a small demand ON the system (say one faucet), it takes about twice as long to fill. If I have two faucets on, it can't seem to keep up.

Now here's an interesting part:

I disconnected the pipe at the top of the well and turned the pump on.
It ran just fine and pumped water with no problems. I ran it for several minutes this way.

I also did a rough GPM test and in one minute, it filled approx. 2 1/2 5-gallon buckets.

So why can the pump run fine under no pressure, and shut off when it is? Am I looking at a weak pump?

I also did all the electrical tests that I could.
Per Franklin's test procedures, my pump and control box all passed.

EDIT: I just measured the amperage again:

Black wire: 7.9 amps
Yellow wire: 7.9 amps
Red wire: 0 amps



Any ideas?

Thanks,

Homer

Sounds like you have a blockage somewhere. Is there a filter on the system?

sammy

Thanks for your reply,

I have a whole-house filter on the incoming line (before the tank), but the cartridge was recently replaced.

I even took the cartridge out this morning, but it didn't affect the problem.

H.

Run a hose off the tank and see what you have for flow and pressure.

sammy

Ok, I ran a garden hose off the hose bib at the tank, and it filled two 5-gallon buckets in one minute.

As far as pressure, I assume you want it measured while I'm filling the buckets? The closest thing I have is a pressure gauge mounted to a hose-bib connector (works great for testing my drip irrigation)

Anyhow... I pressure tested it this way:

I put a "Y' connector on the faucet and put the pressure gauge on one side and a hose on the other. While filling the buckets, the pressure read approx. 32 psi when I started and ended at approx. 25 after one minute of filling the buckets (the gauge bounced a bit, so it was hard to get an exact reading)

With the hose off, the pressure at the tank faucet reads the same as the tank's gauge (28 on and 50 off). The pressure around my other faucets also read the same as the tank's gauge.


R.

I think you have a restriction in the plumbing. Is there a bypass valve on top of that cartridge filter?If so its more than likely your problem or you have some other blockage somewhere. Try to post a picture of the system.

sammy

I would also increase your switch settings to 40/60 with a 3/8" nut driver. Turn the taller nut clockwise and after a few turns push down on the plate that the screw sits on. Repeat until the pump cuts off at 60lbs.You will need to drain the tank and enough air to bring it to 38lbs. There should also be a gauge on the system somewhere.

sammy

Thanks guys... I'll get to work on it soon as I can.
My afternoon is a nice balmy 102 outside, so I'm going to take a break for a bit

The filter doesn't have a bypass, but I can take it out of the circuit completely. It has some quick connectors on it so all I have to do is make a straight piece of pipe.

I'll get back to you.

H.

IMO your water level is too low for the pump to deliver enough water for your needs. Possibly due to drought or new well construction in your area.

A blockage would increase pressure between the blockage and the pressure gauge.

You should never have anything that can block up between a pump and its pressure switch. It can cause excessive pressure on the plumbing and allow a pump to run without your knowledge.

Gary
Quality Water Associates
www.qualitywaterassociates.com
Softener Forum

Gary,

I thought of the water level too, but every time the water goes off, you can hit the switch and immediately get water. It's never ran out.

Also, if it was 'running out' or 'low' of water, then why can I pump water right at the top f the well without it quitting?
I bet it would pump non-stop if you let it. The shutting-off problem only occurs when I get it under pressure.
As I originally stated, I uncapped it at the top of the well and let it run for several minutes (proly 10).. and I didn't get as much as a hiccup of water interruption.


Then again, I'm the NOOB at this stuff! Ask me about the meaning of life... and not this well stuff.... LOL

Thanks again for your quick replies.

I have my water filter bypassed. I'm getting ready to another test.

H.