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1

Pumps, Wells, Tanks, Controls / Re: Water gave out this evening - might need a new pump after less than 7 years!

« on: November 29, 2016, 02:22:12 PM »

That sounds really great!

How do I determine if the water level isn't too deep?  Do you mean how deep is the well, or what? 

Thank you!
Molly

2

Pumps, Wells, Tanks, Controls / Re: Water gave out this evening - might need a new pump after less than 7 years!

« on: November 29, 2016, 11:51:19 AM »

Turns out that I have a 1/2 hp pump which they told me does around 7 GPM based on depth etc.  It appears that I have a 20 gallon pressure tank.

We've never had anything like what I would call good water pressure, e.g. if you try to take a shower in the bathroom farthest from the water, you can barely get enough pressure to rinse your hair. Even if you hardly have any.     The worst part about it is that the pressure changes quite noticeably while you are taking a shower, to the point that you have to jump out of the water periodically to avoid getting frozen or scalded as the cold water pressure goes up and down.  It is clearly the cold water that is the problem.  The hot water basically never runs out; we have a geothermal system that pumps excess hot water into our hot water heater about three times per hour when it's running.

It would be a huge bonus if the CSV could address some of our ongoing issues, and it sounds like it would, as long as they don't stem from some other problem.  In the past we've always been told there was no way to fix the situation fort of having a second pressure tank installed upstairs.  Now I have a new plumbing contractor.

It looks like the problem I currently have is not the pump or the pressure tank, but the wires leading to the pump.  The outfit that installed the pump did not include a torque arrester and it's easy to see that the pump has been scraped around and they think the rotation also accounts for the wear of the wires at multiple points.  The well is around 180-200 feet deep.
Anyway, they are fixing the wires and then they will test the pump.  I've asked them to install a torque arrester, too.  It's got to be less expensive than the wear and tear on the system!  We had this same problem just a couple of years ago. 

Please let me know what you recommend in my situation.

Thank you!
Molly

3

Pumps, Wells, Tanks, Controls / Re: Water gave out this evening - might need a new pump after less than 7 years!

« on: November 29, 2016, 08:26:23 AM »

Is there an easy way to figure out what size pump I have, or will I need to ask the technician?  I think the pressure tank I have currently is at least 10 gallons based on the size (roughly 30 inches high).

Thanks for the help!

Molly

4

Pumps, Wells, Tanks, Controls / Water gave out this evening - might need a new pump after less than 7 years!

« on: November 28, 2016, 10:53:44 PM »

I had this house built about 22 years ago and our original well pump lasted 15 years, which our plumber said was normal. That pump was replaced in 2010.  We also had our first pressure tank replaced at one point, but the one we have now has lasted longer than the original one. Our water pressure has been awfully variable for the last couple of years; it's actually scary to take a shower. You never know if you're going to get scalded or frozen!
I have not talked with a plumbing contractor yet, and I stumbled on your website and like what I read.  I am an engineer and although I don't work with fluid systems, I do understand the stress on motors that cycle on and off constantly.  Your CSVs make a lot of sense to me!
My question is when I have a plumber come out here tomorrow sometime, they are most likely going to figure out what needs replacing and want replace it with whatever it is that they like to use. Should I tell them I want a CSV and have them call your office?
It seems like a CSV can be installed after a pump or new pressure tank is installed (I obviously don't want to go too long without water!) but I'm thinking they might need to speak with you about sizing a system and what pumps are recommended (or NOT). 
We are located in SE Pennsylvania.
Please advise.

Thanks very much!
Molly