Well pump running

iris · #1 04/20/08, 01:50 PM

WE have encountered a new problem. The well pump keeps running, seems the pressure cut off is not working or is stuck as the water pressure is much higher than normal. Then we get bursts of air followed by rusty water from the hot water tap and gray cloudy water from the cold tap. Both clear after letting it run for a little bit. Where do we start to solve the problem? It is an in well pump with a good 75 feet of well below the pump head ( replaced an old out of well pump and does not fit into the lower casing)

deaconjim · #2 04/20/08, 02:09 PM

First, cut the power to your pump to make sure you don't over pressure the tank, and to allow you to safely check the pressure switch.

Take the cover off the pressure switch and make sure the contacts are opening and closing properly. If the pressure is above the cut off point, the contacts should be open. As the pressure drops below the setpoint, they should shut. Drain off the water if necessary to get the pressure below the setpoint.

Tracy Rimmer · #3 04/20/08, 03:15 PM

Your pump is constantly running, and the water you're getting from the tap is either rusty, or grey, and your taps are choking out air?

I'm no expert, but it sounds to me like your well is going dry. Have you checked your water level?

deaconjim · #4 04/20/08, 04:05 PM

That thought occurred to me as well, but the higher pressure has me concerned that the switch is sticking.

neolady · #5 04/20/08, 06:42 PM

The two occasions I have had this happen have been (1) the well has been pretty well dry and (2) there was a small hole in a copper line feeding from the well to the house. When we dug down to the line you would not believe just how small that hole was.

#6 04/24/08, 07:37 PM

Another possibility is the "poppits" might be shot. If your well is running and there is a slight hissing noise that could be the culprit.

agmantoo · #7 04/24/08, 08:23 PM

A well that is low in water will not allow the pump to make high pressure.

Nothing but the pressure switch malfunctioning will allow the pressure to go above the setting of the pressure switch.

The air in the line is probably coming from the pump not shutting down.

Replace the pressure switch.