Well/pump won't hold prime

[Gus Schick]

My lawn irrigation system is fed by a well. The pump will not hold a prime overnight. Works fine once I get it primed, but that's a hassle. A pump man replaced the check valve but that didn't do the trick. He says the problem must be in the well pipe and he's pretty much washed his hands of the problem. He pooh-poohs the idea that the pump itself could have anything to do with the problem, he says it has to on the well side of the check valve. Could it be the pump? and if not what would cause the system to lose its prime?

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[George]

When you say check valve I assume your referring to an above ground check valve probably somewhere near the pump inlet. If so the problem is most likely the FOOT valve at the bottom of the well pipe OR there is a small leak in the pipe somewhere above the foot valve. I agree that the pump itself is probably ok.

George

Gus Schick wrote:

[ddvanrooy]

Hi Gus !

Seen this one.

I take it the check valve is in the inlet between the well and the pump. There could be a leak in the downpipe between the checkvalve and the water - ie when the pump is switched off air is sucked in; or the checkvalve doesn't seal properly - could be a sticky spring or sand in the water. I don't think the pump is faulty.

Good luck. DD

Gus Schick wrote:

[Harry K]

As others have said. You either have a leaking footvalve or a leak in the pipe. The bad news is that you will have to pull the pump to fix it.

Harry K

[Harry K]

As others have said. You either have a leaking footvalve or a leak in the pipe. The bad news is that you will have to pull the pump to fix it.

Harry K

[Harry K]

As others have said. It is either a leaking footvalve or a leak in the well pipe. Bad news is you have to pull all the pipe out of the well to find/fix it.

Harry K