Private well problems

Danny Mulcahy

Hey all,
This is my first post here but have found good info in the past through Boards.
My well In the house stopped working last night.
I noticed a few weeks ago that the well was flicking on and off every so often.
The preasure was still good in the house so didnt think anything of it.

Im a city boy so have no experiance with wells.:mad:

There is no preasure in the vessel so am guessing this is my problem but am looking for someone to explain the system I have first so I know whatall parts do and shouldnt do.

Ive 2 Hydro pipes going down the well.The well is about 6" diamiter.
There is a draw wire going down that seams to be joined at the end of one of the pipes down the well.

Above ground Ive the two pipes coming into the motor and vessel.
The out going pipe is connected to a contact switch which when I closed manualy it ran the pump.

Just looking for someone to explain my system if posible from my description and may shed some light on what the problem is.

P.S If there is threads on this sorry.Ive just logged into the forum and still trying to find my way around it

Thanks in advance

shane0007

First thing to check would be the pressure switch. Could be faulty or just dirt blocking the function of the diaphragm of the switch.

Danny Mulcahy

shane0007 wrote: »

First thing to check would be the pressure switch. Could be faulty or just dirt blocking the function of the diaphragm of the switch.

When you say dirt do you mean internaly in the pipe fitting?

I have an external pump so what would be at the end of my draw wire in the well...Is it/could it be a filter??
I found rust on one side of the vessel and can see the internal lining so need a new one and my guage seams to be stuck to @ just over 60psi.

All will have to be replaced but just wondering whats on the end of the draw wire going into well before I go shopping for the parts needed.
Any ideas???

shane0007

No, the pressure switch will be close to the expansion vessel usually. Turn off water, drain off water to reduce pressure to zero. Isolate electrics, remove pressure switch wires. Unscrew pressure switch completely from pipe. Unblock opening with small screw driver. Unscrew approx 6 screws from underside of pressure switch. Remove panel & diaphragm & clean. Re-instate everything in reverse order.
Whilst expansion vessel is empty, check pressure & re-inflate as required or replace if diaphragm split. Replace pressure gauge if not functioning.

Danny Mulcahy

Ah I see its internal in the presure switch.
Thanks Ill give that a go and see.
Thanks Shane.

Danny Mulcahy

Update,
I replaced the expansion vessel,pressure swith and guage.
I have water back but now realize why the vessel rusted so badly.
There is a pin hole in the motor which is leaking down over the vessel so a new motor is needed too.:mad:
Thought I got away with not needing a motor but sods law I suppose!!!

Thanks again for your help Shane0007