Water pump question (problem)

skeeterhawk · #1 05/01/09, 05:20 PM

I think my 18 year old water pump is dying. When I turn on a faucet the water will run for a few minutes, then the flow stops. I can wait a few minutes and get water again. The pump does not come on and run. Instead I hear this loud clicking sound which seems to be coming from underneath the tank. - I have an above ground tank. I called several pump service/installation people who have never returned my calls. Finally reached a real live person, who is no longer in business (retired) but happens to still be listed in yellow pages. He talked to me about my problem, said it might be that the tank is water logged and suggested I have the tank drained, and that it may need a new air volume control. He recommended another pump man whom he said used to be his top competition and was really good.

I have a neighbor who "knows all there is to know about water wells and pumps" who wants to do any needed repairs for me, and is highly insulted that I am seeking the services of a professional - he says I will likely get screwed by this person (though I did not tell him who it is). I cannot afford to pay a non-professional and still not have water. I would rather pay a licensed professional more and have some recourse. I am a widow, living alone, and my late husband had the original pump installed. It is a Ruth-Berry pump.

Any opinions out there about what my problem might be? Thanks a bunch.

ronbre · #2 05/01/09, 05:27 PM

i was just going to say air volume control..we used to have to relace them regularly on our old pumps

agmantoo · #3 05/01/09, 06:50 PM

skeeterhawk
I can help but need more information. Is the pump a submersible pump? Is the tank a bladder tank? If you do not know if it is a bladder tank then describe it to me. Color and number of pipes connecting to the tank and are they any other items mounted to the tank?

skeeterhawk · #4 05/01/09, 07:36 PM

agmantoo, Not sure what you mean by submersible. OK, I know the meaning of submersible - it's just that i'm not sure where the motor really is. I also don't know if it is a bladder tank. All I can tell you it is a round, tall cylinder shape tank, kinda silvery/gray, has some pipes running to it on one side, also a visible pressure gauge. On the other side is a little box attached which has contacts in it. Can't tell you the color of anything until later. It's dark out there and there's spiders in the pump house. I'll check it in the morning and post any additional information which might help. Somewhere, in an old file cabinet is a book on it which I will try to locate. It really is a shame how technically challenged I am! But it's good to have you HT guys around who try to help. Thanks.

Sawmill Jim · #5 05/01/09, 07:38 PM

Seen a lot of so called licensed prows that were rip offs most here hire anyone they can an some can't pour water out of a boot with the directions on the heel . My vote is air water control valve .

Mr. Ed · #6 06/15/09, 12:05 PM

There is a lot of information and troubleshooting info on this site

http://www.greenroadfarm.com/wells.html

Good luck,
Mr. Ed

skeeterhawk · #7 06/15/09, 03:09 PM

Oh, my - was surprised to see this old post come up. My problem did turn out to be the air control valve. The guy I called to look at it drained the tank, replaced the air control valve and another little cap of some sort and she's working like a dream again. I found his work and attitude very professional, as well as reasonable. There are still some good guys out there.