Two Line Jet Pump FAQs

Jet Pump Conversions 2-Line to 1-Line or vice Versa?

Is it possible to use a 2-line jet pump with only the suction line by plugging the pressure line.

Is it possible to use a 2-line jet pump with only the suction line by plugging the pressure line. On 2015-12-29 by Rick -

Answer by (mod) - some jet pumps are convertible between 1-line & 2-line operation but you have to change parts

Sometimes: it depends on the pump brand and model. Some 2-line jet pumps can be modified with a factory kit to convert to one-line.

Watch out: You cannot (usually) just plug the pressure line as there are internal changes needed too. It's a bolt-on parts modification.

 

Converting from 2-line to 1-line jet pump: Can I just plug one line?

Replacing a two line pump with a single line pump. Can the smaller line be plugged and only use the one line? On 2018-09-03 by Rikk

by (mod) - Some 2-line jet pumps can be converted to 1-line jet pump use, but that will NOT work by simply plugging one of the openings

Yes and no. Some 2-line jet pumps can be converted to 1-line jet pump use, but that will NOT work by simply plugging one of the openings in the existing 2-line jet pump body.

The smaller line pumps water out, sending it down a pipe into the well bottom where that water squirts through a venturi device that picks up more water from the well, returning a larger volume of water back through the larger line into the pump body, through the pump impeller, and on into the water pressure tank and into the home.

If you just plugged either of those openings the pump won't work.

Instead you have to buy a conversion kit that bolts a different front-end onto the 2-line jet pump to convert it into a 1-line jet pump system. Those conversion kits are available from the manufacturer or a local plumbing supplier for SOME jet pump models but not all of them.

by (mod) - No. Depending on well depth you'll need to change or modify or remove the in-well injector & venturi

Rikk

Converting a 2-line Jet Pump system to a 1-line Jet Pump?

A 2-line jet pump uses two pipes, 1 smaller (down pipe) and 1 larger (up pipe) to pump water through a venturi in the jet assembly that is down in the well. Some 2-line jet pump systems, particularly for low yield wells, may add a tailpiece below the in-well jet assembly, going down as far as another 34 ft. Maximum pumping lift can be > 200 ft. depending on pump and other design details.

A one line jet pump uses a single suction pipe to draw water from the well. The jet that creates the suction in this case is up above ground, inside the pump itself. Maximum pumping lift is 15 ft.

When you are buying a whole new 1 line jet pump to replace a 2-line jet pump system, most likely you'll need to pull the well line to replace the 2-line tailpiece with a 1 line jet pump foot valve.

Alternatively some jet pumps can be converted between 1 line and 2 line, however the well piping, tailpiece, or foot valve have to be properly selected for 1-line vs. 2-line operation.

Watch out: also a single line jet pump can't lift more than about 25ft. (That's if you are at sea level. If you are at a high elevation the lift height drops to as little as 15-17 ft.)

If your 2 line pump was pumping from deeper than that, the new single-line jet pump won't work.

Also, usually the nozzle and venturi in the tailpiece for a 2-line jet pump is designed to work with a specific jet pump. Changing pumps, even to a new 2-line jet pump, if it's gpm flow rate is different than the old 2-line jet pump, might run into poor performance if there's a mis-match.

Finally, with a 1 line jet pump, depending on piping distances and slope down from the pump and in-well depth, you may need to install a second check valve (beyond the one that may be in the pump itself) as close to the water source as you can get it.

On 2018-09-04 by Rik

thank you, your answer helped a lot

Can I convert a 2-line jet pump for shallow well use by just plugging either one of the lines off?

I have a 2 line jet pump and want to use it for a shallow well application. Can I plug one of the lines off? On 2015-07-10 by Dan Green

by (mod) - no, you'll have to install a conversion kit that changes the pump type

No, Dan, that won't work and the pump won't work.

In a 2-line jet pump system the pump sends water down the smaller pipe through a venturi in the well bottom that then pushes water back up through the larger pipe and on to the building.

Plugging either of those pipes at the pump or anywhere else will simply give you no water delivery at all.

But you can, for many pump models, buy a conversion kit that will convert between 2-line and 1-line set-up .

If your pump is a model that's convertible, changing the pump's front-end changes its pumping method from a "send water down and push more water up" 2-line jet pump design to a "suck water up from the shallow well through a single pipe" 1-line jet pump design.

by Dan Green

thank you for your response. I'll check out the conversion kit.

Jet pump won't get above 30 psi: can I convert it to a 1-line jet pump to fix the trouble?

I have a two line jet pump, not the original. I believe the original one had an air tank attached to it. The one installed now does not have an air tank.

Problem: the pressure will not get above 30 pounds. Pressure switch was adjusted to come on at 18 and go off at 30 psi.

Mother in law has been living with this for ten years. I would like to fix this. Can I convert the 2 line to a one line jet pump with the venturi at the pump not in the well? - Anonymous

Answer by (mod) - Conversion won't fix the problem + warning: short cycling may have damaged your pump

There are some separate questions here, Anon.

First: Watch out: operating a conventional jet pump without any water pressure tank means it's very likely that the pump will short cycle, turning on and off rapidly when water is being run in the building. That can, over time, damage the pump motor or its impeller assembly, leading to an inability of the pump to reach higher pressures - exactly the symptom that you report;

Next: while some jet pump models can indeed be converted between a 1-line or a 2-line set-up by changing parts at the pump and by changing the end of the well line from a 2-line set-up with a venturi to a 1-line set-up with a foot valve, changing to a 1-line jet pump won't fix the pressure limitation you describe unless the whole new 1-line jet pump front-end assembly on the pump includes a new impeller as part of the change.

And changing to a 1-line jet pump limits the depth from which the pump can lift water.

Only if your mother-in-law's well is less than 27 feet deep would a typical 1-line jet pump work to bring up water.

Really? Well not exactly. There are some more powerful 1-line jet pumps that we describe at DEEP WELL 1-LINE JET PUMP CAPACITIES - these one line jet pumps can lift from over 300 feet, but I suspect that changeover is an inappropriate cost in this case.) - Daniel F.

 

Replace a 1-line with a 2-line jet pump without pulling the well pipes?

I am replacing a single line pump with a 2 line pump. However, I am not pulling from a well.

I have a 1400 gal holding tank sitting on the ground outside my pump house, and there is a check valve between the holding tank and the pump. The ejector has a single inlet on it, so I connected that to the check valve from the holding tank.

When I applied water to the pump, the check valve started to oscillate and made a clicking, whirring noise. We tried energizing the pump, but were unable to get much pressure past 20 PSI. I would like to eliminate the ejector, and just connect directly to the impeller housing, and block off the other inlet.

Which opening would be best to put the water into, the larger at the top or the smaller at the bottom. Then I will just plug off the other opening. Would that work OK? My pressure regulator valve is connected to my pressure tank, about 60-80 gal size. Thank you for your assistance. On 2016-12-06 by Jim Blackburn

by (mod) - replacing a single line jet pump with a 2 line pump.

Jim I don't quite have the full picture, but generally

1. you can convert some pumps between 1 and 2 line by changing the pump's front-end and of course re-piping everything.

2. IN the well the tailpiece and foot valve for a 2 line system are different - instead of a foot valve there's a venturi ejector. The pump won't work without that feature.

How do I convert a two pipe into a single pipe using the return pipe ?

Can I convert a two pipe into a single pipe by running the return pipe and not the suction line? My return pipe (suction line) has a leak.

Answer by (mod) -

Richard, some jet pump models are convertable between a 1 -line and 2-line system by changing the pump front end or impeller assembly. You may also need to pull the well piping to install the proper foot valve on the return line that you want to use.

And since you'd be going to that much trouble, if the leak is in the piping sections within the well, that'd be the time to replace the leaky pipe.

Watch out: Keep in mind that a 1 line jet pump can't lift more than about 27 feet, so if your 2 line system is lifting more than that distance a conversion to a 1 line system won't work.

2-Line Jet Pump seems to Run Out of Water

I have a shallow well with a two line set up after i prime the pump it will build up to max pressure setting and shut off as it is set to.

Then turning on the faucet letting the water run with decent water pressure until low pressure setting kicks in the pump .

The water keeps flowing but gradually gets lower then stops after a about four,five min.

I can stop the pump re prime and repeat with same results every time. What could be causing this ? On 2015-12-09 by woody

Explanation by (mod) - it's the well, not the pump, that runs out of water

Woody, it sounds as if your well has a very poor flow rate or yield.

I would check the well static head and flow rate. You can find those procedures at

• WELL FLOW RATE
• WELL YIELD IMPROVEMENT
• WELL FLOW TEST for WATER QUANTITY

2-Line Jet Pump Keeps Turning On and Off

I have no leaks in my house but my pump keeps kicking on and off. What would cause this? On 2015-11-12 by Lee

Answer by (mod)

Lee, when your jet pump cycles on and off and no water is being run in the house there's either running water somewhere that you missed (like a running toilet) or there's a leak in well piping between house and the bottom of the well pipe, or there's a leaky check valve or foot valve in the well.

At WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING we explain why this happens and how to fix it.

2 Line Jet Pump Priming Procedure Q&A

Priming a 2-Line Jet Pump can I Just Pour Water Down 1 of the Lines?

I was told to start priming the pump to disconnect the lines and fill the small one until water comes out of the big one, the small one fills up but water doesn't come out of the big one is that a check valve problem On 2015-05-08 by Stan Wuori

by (mod) - Nope; here are details of priming a 2 line jet pump

Stan that approach will not be likely to work. On a 2 line jet pump the smaller diameter pipe sends water from the pump down the well and through a venturi. The force of water being *pumped* with force through the venturi forces a greater volume of water back up the larger return line. You'd never achieve that by pouring water into the down the smaller pipe.

Watch Out: Both pipes need to be filled. Otherwise you risk running the pump impeller too long while "dry" - which can damage the impeller, resulting in lost pump pressure capacity.

Search InspectApedia for or see WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE to see several alternatives that can work for you.

Can't Prime my 2-line jet pump

I can't prime my deep well pump is it the foot value. the water just won't come up; I wasted lots of water with no success. 2015-10-06 by Benjamin

Reply by (mod): what to do next, and an important warning

Most likely there's a leaky check valve or foot valve in your well so the prime water leaks out into the well.

The other possible and common cause of this problem is failing to prime both the "down line" and the "suction line" that brings water back up from the well.

First see WATER VOLUME NEEDED to PRIME THE PUMP - how much water will you need?

Then try following the details at WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE

and if that still doesn't work, and if haven't run the pump dry enough to damage it, then you'll need to pull the well pipe and replace a leaky pipe or foot valve.

Watch out: don't keep running a well pump without water in the piping and pump itself as doing so can damage the pump impeller and bearings, making it then unable to draw water from the well.

Can't prime the jet pump after we lost electrical power

The power went off today and now I can not get our 2 line jet pump to prime. (June 30, 2014) dennis weaver

Reply:

Dennis,

We'll be glad to help.

Watch out: if you let the pump keep running without water - which I call running the pump "dry" - that may have damaged the impeller and so the pump could need repair or replacement. But first let's Start the procedure for pump priming by reading these instructions

WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE

You'll see that there are are two approaches we recommend for priming the pump - through the pump body or using a garden hose connected to a water source at a nearby building.

How do I prime my 2-line jet pump that has no primer plug?

there is no primer access on pump itself so do I just remove the pressure gauge and prime it through that pipe ?

Ive pulled the 2 lines to replace foot valve, should I fill the lines with water after returning them in casing to help the priming process / On 2020-02-19 by Anonymous

- by (mod) -

Anon:

It's unusual to have no possible primer opening right on the jet pump - please tell me the brand and model and attach a photo of the pump.

But yes if there is a pressure gauge atop the pump impeller housing then you can (very tediously) prime through that opening.

See WELL PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE for details - as we give options that work even if there is NO prime opening on the pump itself.

Or you might need to add a tee fitting on the well piping to use for priming.

Watch out: Take care not to run the pump "dry" or it could be damaged.

When priming the 2 well lines for a 2-line jet pump the water drops slowly

3/4 hp 2 line jet pump, well 56 ft. Foot valve set at 49 ft. Water table approx. 19 ft.

1100g holding tank with booster pump and 2 bladder tanks.

Full lengths 1" and 1.25" 160psi poly pipe

My booster pump manifold blew open and I lost 1100g and totally lost prime. The usual method of priming did not work, so I lifted the pump and filled the reservoir and both pipes, and watched... he water dropped in both slowly but gradually..

I figured my foot valve was failing, as this would also explain why pump would run with no water being used, I just replaced the foot valve , ejector, and pipe, filled the reservoir and pipes , no loss of water, set pump and topped off the prime @ pressure gauge.

Turned on well circuit and jumped to 40# for a few seconds then dropped to 0. Re primed through air vent hole until it spit, tightened it then turned on pump..... nothing.

Removed pressure gauge, very small splash of water to top off, tightened gauge, turned on pump, sounds fine, but 0# pressure. Tried with gauge removed and I didn't get soaked.
Removed pump and impeller cover to inspect. Impeller seems fine and spins freely.

Dressed up where impeller cover seats into pipe and made sure gasket was compressed. Power to motor and watched impeller spin, quietly.

Reset pump, filled for prime and hit switch. Jumped to 40# for a few seconds then dropped to 10# and ran at holding 10#, but barely a trickle going into holding tank. Turned off then on. Still running 10 psi.

Turn off. Wait. Click - zero. Click, click, nothing. Check prime - no water needed - turn on - nothing.

Here I am now. Every thing below pump is new and in same configuration. But.

THIS MIGHT BE MY PROBLEM: the old ejector with foot valve was 49 ft down, water at 19-20 ft.

I put new ejector in same place and used the right nozzle and tube as per instructions... and you saw all the luck I had.

THE PROBLEM- the instructions for new ejector placement state this - depth to water 25-60 ft ejector placed in well. Water at less than 25 ft. ejector mounted on pump.

My old set up is not that way, and is that the way it needs to be? My pump is vertical and sits atop casing. piping going through cap. I don't see how that could work in a 2 pipe configuration.

Yet here we are. Any logical ideas concerning any of this surely would be appreciated. On 2018-10-20 by shawn parker

by (mod) - booster pump manifold blew open and I lost 1100g and totally lost prime.

Shawn

Regarding

the instructions for new ejector placement state this.: depth to water 25-60 ft ejector placed in well

If the ejector is placed at the pump rather than in the well, it can't lift more than 25 ft.

by shawn parker - My well system was fine until booster pump manifold blew apart losing 1100 g of water and lost prime

Yes I understand that. I'm asking.

---- if my problems are because I'm not mounted on the pump?

--- to use this ejector, what do i need to change?how do I change from a vertical pump 2 pipe system to vertical ejector mount 1 pipe system ?

-- do i even need to do this?

--- why won't it work installed in the well at foot valve as it was?

-- do i need to find an ejector that can be put 49feet down a 56 foot well with a water table at 19 feet in a 2 pipe well pump? unlike this one that can't... even though it seems it can be put in a well much

deeper?

--- why did i seem to get 40# pressure ...then nothing? on 2 separate times?

-- is there a way to determine if injector is bad? it spins freely and not noisy

--- can i fix and re use old ejector with new screen ft valve? at least i knew it worked in my system

My system was fine until booster pump manifold blew apart losing 1100 g of water and lost prime

by (mod) -

Frankly I don't have a clear understanding of your pump and well set-up;

But it appears that your pump can be configured in either of the two ways you understand;

Your photo shows, on the left, what looks like the front end of a 2 line jet pump - the blue casing; that gets removed and the two pipes connect to the small and larger fittings respectively on your new jet pump.

You need either to put an injector down near the bottom of your well, or if you are going to use the pump without a down-well injector it can only lift 25 ft. so that's where your foot valve will have to hang.

2-Line Jet Pump Repair Q&A

Why won't the jet pump work?

I have a shallow well setup. Pump is at the well. Inlet is 1 inch and a quarter. Outlet is 1 inch. Lift is 40 feet, distance is 325 feet. Pump and pressure tank are separated by 325 feet. Why won't it work On 2016-02-16 by Heather -

by (mod) - "won't work" needs clarification.

Heather

First confirm that the pump has power, next that it runs. If it runs but delivers no water it may have lost prime. See WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE

Then be sure that the pressure control switch and pressure tank and pump are all close together. Separating the pump and pressure tank and pressure control by such a great distance can cause irregular pump operation.

by Heather distance between the pump and pressure tank

Do you think that the distance between the pump and pressure tank could be a factor

by (mod) - tank manufacturers want the tank and its pressure control located as close to the pump as possible.

Indeed as I suggested, most pressure tank manufacturers want the tank and its pressure control located as close to the pump as possible.

But if your pump actually runs then I doubt that error would explain the failure of the pump to deliver any water water at all unless it was short cycling and burned-up a control or motor.

So either the pump and piping are not primed adequately or it's one of the other snafus we describe at NO WATER PRESSURE - Daniel F

How do I fix a jet pump that's leaking around the drive shaft?

I have a shallow well jet pump that leaks water around/near the shaft. Is this a complete failure or can it be repaired? On 2017-05-06 by Richard

by (mod) - signs of pump motor bearing failure or impeller damage

What you are describing sounds like a bearing failure or more likely a shaft seal failure.

Most jet pump manufacturers provide a shaft seal/packing replacement kit - but you need to buy the specific kit that is exactly for your pump brand and model.

There are companies who can rebuild pumps and motors, or it may be possible to buy replacement front end that includes a new bearing around the pump motor shaft.

However most people would replace the pump.

Can I repair my Gould's JL10N Double Line Jet pump leak at the pressure line fitting?

I have a Goulds JL10N Double Line Jet pump. It was installed in 1990. It still works, but it has a slow drip leak at the pressure port opening (bottom port)? The threaded pipe looks to be pretty corroded. Should I just replace the entire pump or try to remove the the corroded pipe.

Concerned that I'll either strip the threads or break the pipe off. If I replace the entire pump is the Goulds J10 double nose pump compatible? Thanks in advance for the help. On 2017-05-05 by Bruce

by (mod) - troubleshooting a Goulds JL10N Double Line Jet pump

Bruce,

There's no single "right" answer here as ... it depends. If it were my pump I'd turn off power, drain off water pressure, and try to take apart the bad connection;

if I could then clean up the pump connection point and re-pipe to it that'd be a winner (if my time and labor are free). I would figure that there's not much cost of trying to fix something that I was otherwise going to throw away, as long as I can convince myself that the repair will be durable and safe enough.

But if you would not enjoy the task, just buy a new pump. The new pump will also have to be a 2 line jet pump and its connections will be similar but may not match exactly - adjustments if needed are made in the piping connections.

by Bruce Gould's J10 double line

Thanks very much for the advise. I agree, the time it would to fix the pipe would be better spent on hooking up a brand new pump.

It appears that the Goulds j10 double line is the compatible model. By the way, I did have a pump company come and tell me they don't service the system I have anymore. Guess what they wanted me to do? Put in a whole new well. Best regards.

by (mod) - plumber says need new pump. For sure?

Bruce

Disturbing. Did the plumber say why you needed a new well? In fact **IF** your well has run dry or is nearly out of water, then indeed a pump could end up running dry and be ruined by that event. The solutions include

- install a pump protection device (search InspectApedia for that phrase)
and
- increase the well yield (search again for details)

before going to the expense of a new well

by Bruce

There is no problem with the well. We've owned the house since 2011 and all I had to do when I first started it was prime the pump and it started right up, shuts off when it reaches upper limit (50psi) and turns on at lower (30psi). Its only used for outside irrigation and its never run dry, so needless to say I was a bit suspicious.

All he said was that the system was old and the best thing to do was install a brand new one well and all. I just listened, basically said we couldn't afford that and thanked him for his time. Whatever happened to the old adage, if it ain't broke, don't fix it? :-) Thanks again!

by (mod) - if it ain't broke, don't fix it?

Thanks for clarifying, Bruce, your experience may serve as a warning to other readers.

by Bruce

I'm back. if you recall I had the leaky input port on my old pump. So I ordered a new pump a Goulds J10 Double Nose which seems to be identical to the one I have. I also ordered new AV22 Pressure Control Valve Kit. I'm not sure what PCV does, other than measure the pressure coming from the outlet port on top of the pump.

There is a slide adjustment which I have no clue how to adjust. I haven't received the pump yet, so just thought I'd try to prepare. Any help or pointers to instructions would be appreciated. I want to hook up an irrigation system and the irrigation guy said I need at least 40PSI delivered through a 1 inch pipe to the outside.

by (mod) - leaky input port on my old pump

I don't have a clear understanding of the requirements here, but from what you have said I would take a closer look at what you mean by delivering 40 PSI to a 1 inch pipe.

Clearly once you open a valve to lift water out of a 1 inch pipe the 40 PSI is not going to be maintained unless you have an incredible pump and water flow rate.

2-Line Jet Pump Squeals after it was submerged in a flood: do we need a new pump?

We have a two line jet pump that has been submerged when the basement flooded. Now there is a constant high pitched squeal. I suspect the bearings are going.

Is the bearing replaceable or do we need to replace the whole pump. I have some mechanical skill. Is this a job for a plumber? It looks just like the one in the "what is the capacity of a two line jet pump" section. I can add an image late
Thank you On 2019-02-1 by Bruce Frauman

by (mod) - two line jet pump that has been submerged - replace is probably more economical than rebuild

Bruce

Between failed bearings and having flooded the pump motor I'd replace the whole unit.

Often an electric motor that was flooded can be dried out and it'll run, but having been soaked, especially with nasty floodwater, it's going to see ongoing corrosion and future failure. I'd rather fix the situation just once.

Watch out: floodwaters are not sanitary; if your building was flooded from sewage or area floodwaters you may need to do more cleaning, sanitizing, and inspections for mold reservoirs.

And any other electrical motors, receptacles, switches, etc. that got wet need repair or replacement.

Is it possible to "under prime" a jet pump and well piping system? Our pump doesn't work unless we re-prime it

General question about a deep well/jet (2-line) pump setup. Can ANYONE tell me if it's at all possible to 'under' prime a system?

System hasn't lost it's prime in years, however in-house water hasn't been all that great. Pump was primed (by neighbor) few yrs back. Had to be primed again (now) but I called a plumber to do it. Water seems a LOT better inside house now.

Have area well/pump company holding until weather breaks but now I'm not sure if I even need them to come out? When anything is primed, it works, as far as I know. Not primed, doesn't work. Trying to make sense out of this before someone tells me that I really DO need a new well, which I can't afford. ANY help w/b GREATLY appreciated. On 2016-02-12 by cat18

by (mod) - don't confuse lost prime (no water is delivered) with poor water pressure

If an above ground well pump is not adequately primed it will not deliver water, period.

If you are losing prime I suspect a failing check valve or foot valve (in the well).

See CAUSES of LOST WELL PUMP PRIME

The pump motor normally determines the water pressure that can be delivered. However if a well flow rate is poor and if the pump includes a tailpiece or other control to avoid pump motor damage from running dry, then low water in the well or low flow rate might show up as reduced flow or reduced water delivery rate ("pressure") in the building.

See  WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR

And if it looks as if the problem is at the well, ask for a well flow test and also find out the depth of the static head in the well.

See WELL FLOW TEST for WATER QUANTITY

If you don't know these terms you can find articles about them by searching InspectApedia for STATIC HEAD in the WELL and WELL FLOW RATE

Then see WELL YIELD IMPROVEMENT

by cat18

THANK YOU for ALL the info!! Losing prime isn't an ongoing problem. It's happened twice in 7 years, and both times I was running/filling washing machine (which well/pump/bladder tank weren't built for) when area power went out.

The ONLY thing plumber did, last week, was prime it. Everything above ground checked out fine.

ONLY thing that I can come up with is that somehow/somewhere there was an air problem in my system that got 'flushed out' inadvertently when he primed it. I'm going to look up the few things you told me about, and symptoms of air in systems.

by (mod) -

Cat

A system can have a bad check valve or foot valve that sticks open only intermittently.

Or a system can have a bad foot valve that leaks slowly - as long as the pump has power, occasionally enough water leaks back into the well that the pump turns on and re-pressurizes the pressure tank without losing prime. But in that situation if power is off for a time enough water can drain back into the well to lose prime.

Review our diagnostics at FOOT VALVES

Occasionally also a leak in well piping can admit air into the piping.

2-line Jet Pump Pipes Fell Down into the Well during a Pump Repair

Ahh well, has anybody ever lost their two pipes down the bore hole? WE had our pump fixed and in attempted to reconnect, dropped the pipes and they went whoosh, down the casing and perhaps to the centre of the earth. Interesting On 2015-06-02 by eagleeyem

Solution by (mod) - there are special grabber tools you lower into the well to grab the pipes and pull 'em back out.

Eagle

Since the two pipes are joined at their bottom end by a venturi and foot valve assembly you can probably pull both pipes up out of the well together by grabbing on to the top of either one of them.

So many people have dropped so much stuff into wells that there is an industry of special retrieval tools and procedures.

See WELL PIPE RETRIEVAL TOOLS

2-Line Jet Pump Can't Reach Cut-Off Pressure or Won't Pump Enough Pressure

Why can't my 2-line jet pump get above 40 psi?

I have a Goulds 1hp vertical jet pump. Well is 53' deep. The pump keeps running and only makes about 40psi pressure, not enough to turn the pump off.

If i cut the power and try a couple days later it still holds the prime and will pump water but it wont go above about 40psi.

I checked my pressure tank, pressure is fine. I have plenty of water since i am able to run the water at low pressure. I know it has to be either the pump, or the foot valve/jet assembly in the well. that assembly costs about $250. a new Gould 1hp pump 500-900 depending where i get it.

Any one's thoughts or which it most likely is? I'm thinking the jet might be clogged? or something is worn out on the jet assembly, even thou i don't loose prime On 2015-05-19 by Tom

by (mod) - More likely it's a damaged pump impeller or a well piping leak or ...

Tom

RE: I know it has to be either the pump, or the foot valve/jet assembly in the well.

I read that to mean that you are confident that we don't have a problem with the well running low on water - a poor flow rate.

I don't think that a bad foot valve or clogged strainer is likely to limit the maximum pressure that a pump can reach. Usually that pressure limit is from a damaged pump impeller, low voltage, failing motor / bearings, or sometimes water running or leaks in the piping system.

I suspect an impeller problem. Before buying a new pump I'd pull apart the old one and inspect or replace the pumping impeller assembly.

Two other possible explanations: a leak in well piping or well that has a limited flow rate or yield; Sometimes the installer will add a tailpiece in the well to prevent the pump from running "dry" (and being damaged) if the pump draws water down to a very low level in the well. Above ground it'd look as if the pump and well were fine but you'd see a reduced water delivery or even no water delivery.

2-Line Jet Pump Injector Clogging / Corrosion

Corrosion & Clogging in Injector on 2 line jet pump well systems

In the course of business, we run across these 2-pipe injector systems quite often. They are usually in water wells with 4" casings and the injector (being nearly as large as the casing) becomes corroded to the point that it becomes almost impossible to pull the lines out to get to the foot valve.

Are there any products that you know of that will eat away at the corrosion so the injector can be freed in order to pull it up? I have heard of people using sulfuric acid, but I wasn't sure about that idea. (May 28, 2014) Tracey

Reply:

Tracey,

Indeed you've hit on a common and tough problem for which there is an industry of extraction tools to pull stuff out of wells.

See WELL PIPE RETRIEVAL TOOLS for those details.

I would never dump toxic chemicals or acids into a well out of fear that I'd not flush the system adequately, would poison someone, or damage other equipment.

2-Line Jet Pump Capacity & Sizing Q&A

What size jet pump do I need to pump from 175 feet of depth in a 4 1/2" well bore?

Can I use a 2- line jet pump to pump water from the depth of 175 feet from a bore well of diameter 4.5".

If I can, please let me know the motor capacity for 175 feet (suction ) and 20 feet delivery. and At present I amusing a 1HP motor which pumps water from 100Feet. - (July 14, 2014) Anonymous

Reply:

Anon,

Possibly yes but you may need a larger motor. I'm assuming we're discussing a 2-line jet pump.

See the pump selection details you need at this article on well pump sizing requirements

WATER PUMP CAPACITIES TYPES RATES GPM

How do I choose a 2-line Jet pump to get More Water?

I am interesting this two line pump but I am looking two line pump max head 130mitir max flow 880l/minute because I have deep well in Somalia

And farm so know the well using submersible pumps but it is not giving more water that I can use irrigation for my farm, so please I need any advice about that problem On 2017-05-14 by Abdi ahmed

by (mod) - choosing an irrigation pump for use in Somalia

Ahmed

You will want to check the particular specifications of the pumps that are available in your area. Each pump will give a pumping rate in litres per minute in a table of data that shows how the pump's ability to deliver water is reduced depending on the lift height to which it has to raise water out of the well.

More detail is at WATER PUMP CAPACITIES TYPES RATES GPM

Do let me know if any of that is unclear and I'll be glad to work further with you on this.

Our well bore system just stopped pumping water - 2-line jet pump still works, it just won't pump

Why would our bore just stop pumping water pump still works, plenty of water, just wont pump? (Dec 22, 2014) Dianne s

Reply: check these items in this order

Dianne, your well pump motor may be running but that doesn't mean that the impeller assembly that actually moves or lifts water is itself working.

And if the pump and impeller are not damaged, you still could lose pump prime and the pump might run without delivering water.

Watch out: turn off the pump immediately and don't let it keep running if it's not delivering water; the risk is a damaged pump impeller or motor.

Then check starting with the basics:

- power to the pump

- pressure switch turns on the pump

- pump is properly primed - see WELL PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE if you need to re-prime your jet pump.

- no leaks in well piping

- pump impeller is not broken, clogged, damaged

- foot valve or water pick-up in well is not clogged

and then see

NO WATER PRESSURE

2-Line Jet Pump Tailpiece Venturi Q&A

How do I select the correct injector kit for a 2-line jet pump for my well?

I had to change the foot valve on my 2 line jet pump. I decided to change the injector and all the pipes at the same time.

I have a 3/4 hp but the store sold me an injector kit for a 1/2 hp pump. I installed it before I realized but can't seem to get it to keep the prime.

Also realized I didn't put nozzle in the venturi. Will the 1/2 hp kit work or do I need to find one for a 3/4 hp pump - my store doesn't have it in stock. (Apr 11, 2015) Lou

Reply: serious but simple mistakes you need to correct: start by installing the missing venturi nozzle

Lou,

Missing jet pump injector venturi nozzle: Without the nozzle installed in the jet pump injector your pump certainly isn't going to be able to send water back from the well, so start by pulling up the injector and installing the venturi.

That alone could explain why you can't successfully prime your two-line jet pump.

The size of the injector is essentially matched to the flow rate produced by the jet pump. Naturally one should use the injector kit suggested by the pump manufacturer.

Having a pump that is more powerful than needed should not result in lost prime. But it could draw water out of the well faster then the well's recovery rate, causing you to lose water pressure.

If you keep losing prime, it's likely have a leak in the piping somewhere between the pump and the bottom of the well or a defective foot valve.