Recent Well Foot Valve repair diagnostic FAQs:

These recent questions and answers help troubleshoot problems with well piping foot valves or check valves including their relation to loss of well pump prime.

This article series describes the foot valve used on well piping for water well Pumps & Water Wells: we explain what a foot valve is, how they work, why they are used, and how to diagnose troubles with this special in-well check valve found at the bottom of well piping in some wells.

Foot Valve Troubleshooting Q&A set #2

These recent questions about foot valves and check valves on well piping were posted originally at FOOT VALVES - topic home. Be sure to review that article.

On 2018-04-30 Mod Said: things to check when the pump delays turning on

Brian:

If pressure does not fall when no water is being used, that argues against a leak in well piping or a leaky foot valve.

However several causes of odd pump on-off operation can be intermittent, including

- a debris-clogged pressure control switch (try tapping on the switch when you're running water, pressure falls below the cut-in, and the switch doesn't turn on the pump)

- a sometimes-sticking foot valve

On 2018-04-30 by Brian - well pump hesitates to start or pump runs but water doesn't appear immediately

I didn't draw any water since the last post and this morning it was still showing 50lbs. Now I drew water and this time the tank emptied and the water stopped flowing'

BUT the pump didn't cycle on for about 5 seconds, then it kicked on and water and pressure was normal. Now I may be chasing multiple issues.

Possible leaking foot valve or well pipe and /or a faulty or partially blocked pressure switch ?

It's 90' deep, twin pipe, ejector, foot valve. In the house it's a 3/4 hp pump,pressure regulator into a 36gal tank. No sign of leaks around the pump but haven't pulled the pit cover to look in yet It's been holding steady at 50lbs since my last post. Will see how it behaves in the morning.

On 2018-04-30 00:24:17.769542 by (mod) - look for a leak in well piping system

Brian

That sounds to me as if there is a leak in the well piping or a leaky foot valve or check valve at the bottom of your well.

It may be than that when the pump first comes on it's pushing a slug of air into your water system before the water reaches your fixtures. This might be more likely to be true if it's a deep well.

On 2018-04-29 18:39:55.122032 by Brian

Well, it's happening again.

Drawing water ,draining the storage tank to the point of the pump kicking on and the water stops flowing as the pump continues to run for about 6-10 seconds and then the water is flowing again at pressure with a small amount of air in the line

After the tank was full and the pump cycled off I drew water again to the point of the pump turning on and no interruption of flow. I suppose it might be a leaking foot valve or cracked pipe in the well or pit....not sure what else it could be at this point.

On 2018-04-27 17:42:24.838720 by (mod) -

OK

Check the diagnostic suggestions at WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING

where you'll see examples of things that can cause an intermittent pump cycle.

Such leaks (if it's a leak) can be subtle. For example toilet flush valves may leak just intermittently or some leaks occur only when a faucet is on, or others only at higher water pressure.

A slow leak may cause the pump to run at irregular intervals when we add to the equation the actual use of water by building occupants. So we have a background leak that's constant but slow, added to intermittent greater use, followed by additional background leak that triggers a water pump on-cycle.

A sticky pressure control switch (debris clogging) is another example that can give irregular pump on cycles in response to a slow leak.

On 2018-04-27 02:07:38.125864 by Brian

I considered it being a leak but I can't determine how a leak in the piping could cause this (what is now an) intermittent issue. Usually when something starts leaking it's always leaking ....it doesn't start and stop.

On 2018-04-27 01:15:44.281315 by (mod) -

Leaks can be hard to track down; start by doubling up on hose clamps if you're using plastic piping.

On 2018-04-26 23:44:45.077885 by Anonymous

@Brian,
This morning the issue started again. Not sure what the culprit is. Hate to just start randomly changing parts.

On 2018-04-25 13:14:06.134416 by Brian

@Brian,
I tried to troubleshoot this and concluded it can't be the foot valve as I drained water from the tank and left it at 40lbs. When I came back to the house 12 hours later it was still at 40lbs. I checked the storage tank and the pressure it at 28lbs empty and 50lbs full and no water is coming from the schrader valve. I

thought it might be the pressure regulator so I turned the bolt in one turn, then out two turns and back in one turn.

After that I tested the again and now the problem has vanished.....the water pressure doesn't skip a beat when the pump kicks on. Now I don't know if it was the regulator or something else causing the issues.
Any ideas?

On 2018-04-22 21:32:23.757583 by (mod) - finding the cause of a noise

Gail,

You didn't describe the kind of water pipe noise, but I suspect the diagnostics at

WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE found at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Hammer_Noise.php

More water pipe noises are diagnosed and fixed by advice in articles found in this index:

ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS https://inspectapedia.com/noise_diagnosis/Index_Building_Noise_Sound_Diagnosis.php

On 2018-04-22 21:09:14.876234 by Brian

PRESSURE NOT STRONG WHEN PUMP KICKS IN
Hi,

I have a Goulds Jet pump (J05852 motor #) horizontal on a twin pipe system with a Myers RPT36 storage tank and the well is about 80'.

Pressure in the tank is 50lbs and the pump gauge reads about 53lbs when it kicks off.

When drawing water the gauge drops to about 38lbs and drops slowly as the tank empties. When the gauge reads about 10lbs the pump kicks on but for the past few months the water pressure takes a few seconds to build back up and it seems to take longer to fill the tank than it used to.

Now lately when the pump kicks on the water slows down to a dribble for about 10 seconds and then comes back on strong but there is a bit of air in the line but that works its way out.

I'm not sure it this is a pump problem or a leaking foot valve and/or leaking pressure hose. The pump does not run during the day to refill the tank and I don't see any in-line check valves. I thought when the foot valve was leaking the tank would slowly drain through the pump until the pressure dropped and the pump would kink on to refill?

I remember helping my Dad pulling the lines out about 30 years ago to replace to foot valve. The pump may have been changed then and the storage tank was changed maybe 15 years ago.

On 2018-04-22 19:56:39.540700 by Gail

Water pipes are maki g awful noise.whenushi g toilet,washing,clothes and running water.my husband is a retired plumber and we can't go d the problem.

On 2018-04-05 16:48:38.625695 by (mod) -

Sorry I don't know what we're discussing, Deb.

On 2018-04-05 16:44:53.999693 by Deb

Sprinkler pump and motor come on; it just takes a minute
or two longer and clear cylinder not holding any water.

On 2018-03-24 13:43:37.533908 by (mod) -

Craig

It sounds as if your well water level has fallen and/or the well has a poor flow rate. This speculation will be confirmed if the well recovers after having been shut off for a few hours or longer.

On 2018-03-24 13:20:23.455706 by Craig

Put new pump and switch in, had to lower cut off to 48 to get it to stop. Worked fine for a week but now the pump won't shut off and pressure gauge won't go past 25 with the pump running. Shut off pump and it holds the 25 pounds. Any suggestions

On 2018-03-11 18:08:06.657185 by (mod) -

Sean

A clogged foot valve could be reducing the rate at which the pump can pick up water from the lake.

A worn, damaged, or debris-blocked impeller in the pump itself could be the trouble as could an air leak at the pump (do you see bubbles in the output water?)

If the water usage rate exceeds the pump's capacity that too can leave you seeing low pressure but pressure would increase to the shutoff pressure when you stop using water in the building.

A check valve, properly installed and facing in the right direction would not be expected to limit water pressure.

Also see the diagnostic and repair suggestions at WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Pump_Runs_On.php

On 2018-03-11 16:26:45.145810 by Sean

We have a lake drawn water system using a Red Jacket 3/4 hp jet pump. Pressure is set at 20 - 40 psi. The system is NOT losing pressure when the pump shuts off at 40 psi. When we use water and the pressure drops to 20, the pump starts, but cannot increase the water pressure.

I can get the pump to work by closing a value on the house side of the pump and turning the pump on and off once or twice before it will start drawing water up to pressure. There is a check valve just before the pump that appeared to be sticking.

That has been replaced, but this has not fixed the problem. I am suspecting that perhaps the foot valve in the lake might be faulty. Any ideas or suggestions?

On 2018-02-26 21:55:53.135148 by (mod) -

Forgive me Michell but I don't understand your situation nor what is "outer" and "inner" pipe.

are you describing a TWO LINE JET PUMP - such as at https://inspectapedia.com/water/Jet_Pump_2_Line.php
?

On 2018-02-26 21:43:39.323627 by Michelle

If your outer pipe is 60 ft and they say to put the inner pipe with foot valve 65 ft , will it prime , stay primed , will it work

On 2018-02-12 19:27:08.405705 by (mod) -

Tyrone thanks so much for asking - I need to clarify this.

Yes in essence, a foot valve IS a check valve - located at the bottom end of well piping in some (not all) water wells. It's job is to keep water from running back out of the vertical well pipe and into the well - lest the jet pump (above ground) lose prime.

But there may be other check valves in a water system too. Some of those are built right into the face of the pump, others might be installed at or close to the pump. Those have the same job.

On 2018-02-12 19:10:34.494596 by TyroneBatiste

Are foot and check valves the same.

On 2018-02-12 03:13:10.943123 by (mod) -

We don't have enough information to give a useful diagnostic. For example, is the pump motor running?

On 2018-02-11 02:16:48.238376 by (mod) -

Anon

There are two basic foot valve failures:

1. the foot valve leaks: your well pump will lose prime; when the pump is off water from the pressure tank and piping can flow back down into the well as its check valve feature is not working.

2. the foot valve inlet strainer becomes clogged: your well pump may begin to deliver water at a slower rate; it'd be unusual for a strainer to be 100% clogged (no water at all) but I suppose possible.

On 2018-02-10 19:55:19.653347 by Anonymous

My pump is primed and I pit a new foot valve on but it still want pump water. What is wrong ?

On 2018-02-09 12:25:10.227496 by How do you check your foot valentine to see if is still working

How do you check your foot valve is still working on your water well pump

On 2018-01-08 22:51:59.637048 by (mod) -

Bob,

Using prices from UKPUMPSUPPLIES as an example, a Eurostop non-return foot valve retails for between about £6 and £35 depending on the valve size (or pipe diameter to which it will be connected)

Resource: https://www.ukpumpsupplies.co.uk

On 2018-01-08 21:42:09.159122 by Bob

What's the costs of the filters in euros

On 2017-12-02 17:06:19.370625 by (mod) -

Hazel

Most likely your water pump is short cycling because your pressure tank has lost its air charge. This article series includes methods for recharging the air.

On 2017-12-02 16:42:46.934876 by hazel

i have a shallow well the pump kicks on and off when im using water why

On 2017-11-26 01:25:42.208806 by (mod) -

Typically the foot valve is placed to two 4 feet above the very bottom of the well. It could be at some other dip for other reasons depending on what you're well driller decided at the time that they piping was installed but what I give is pretty common

On 2017-11-21 13:25:39.219653 by Melinda

If my well is 80 feet what depth is my foot valve

On 2017-10-12 03:29:03.813953 by (mod) -

Use the on-page search box at the top or bottom of this page to find our asvice at WELL RETRIEVAL TOOLS

On 2017-10-11 04:07:30.716263 by Anonymous

How do you pull out a broken foot valve out of the well

On 2017-09-20 01:23:28.019843 by Ric

Myers hp100d 3/4 jet pump mounted directly to 4 inch well casing via a (packer? Valve). U sure depth, number of lines. Has a regulator on top of pump. 1 year ago installed a filter at pump output due to red dirt. Been running fine til now. Pump lost prime yesterday.

Found pump running. Replace lightning burnt l1 pressure switch . Started pump finally primed and pumped. Pump ran up and fluctuated at 45 and no cut off. Backed cutoff pressure to 40 and all seemed well. Cut off cut on at 20..sweet.. fine overnight..fill horse trough in morning ..

bam water stops .pump lost prime. Called a well guy. He swears it due to filter placement.

And reprimes..leaves 5 minutes later looses prime.. I understand the chance of a stopped filter cycling pump but the filter is changed often and new at this time. Placement was due to not wanting sediment in tank. I just don't think his assessment of the losing prime due to filter is accurate.

Could it be foot valve, back pressure regulator, pump? What should I check next or is it truly filter placement. With pump mounted to well casing would I expect one line to a foot valve or two too a jet valve and foot?

On 2017-08-27 13:04:06.348984 by Timmurph

Brass foot valves and jet bodies always corrode and get holes in them . DO em make stainless steel or pvc that's corrosion proof .

On 2017-08-16 21:18:11.206545 by Anonymous

I have a Flint Walling - deep well pump - 2,pipes - on home well - had pump tebuilt - primed and worked fine - next day prime gone - reprimed - worked fine agian - next day no prime - however since then the pipe will not fill during priming process - like wster is just running into to undergtound -

I have checked lines - no leaking and also see no inline directional stop valve - I suspect foot valve - service company charges $850 - my questions - can I do anymore testing to identify my issue - can I pull up and replace footvalve myself using your instruction - lastly - how can I measure the depth of my well - thanks

On 2017-07-30 15:35:36.412334 by Anonymous

What happens when you run out of water for the pump

On 2017-07-26 14:26:23.074239 by (mod) -

Joel,

First we need to know what's wrong: no power to the pump, pump doesn't run, or pump runs but no water is delivered.

A good diagnostic article for you begins at NO WATER PRESSURE https://inspectapedia.com/water/No_Water_Pressure.php

If you know that all that's needed is to prime the pump, then see PRIME the PUMP, HOW TO https://inspectapedia.com/water/Prime_The_Well_Pump.php

On 2017-07-26 07:21:15.926606 by joel l. cabactulan

how to start flow or supply of water pump.in to the tank

On 2017-07-26 by (mod) how to start flow or supply of water pump.in to the tank

Joel,

First we need to know what's wrong: no power to the pump, pump doesn't run, or pump runs but no water is delivered.

A good diagnostic article for you begins at NO WATER PRESSURE https://inspectapedia.com/water/No_Water_Pressure.php

If you know that all that's needed is to prime the pump, then see PRIME the PUMP, HOW TO https://inspectapedia.com/water/Prime_The_Well_Pump.php

On 2017-07-26 by joel l. cabactulan

how to start flow or supply of water pump.in to the tank

On 2017-07-06 by (mod) pressure goes to half and after a minute or two it goes to zero and the pump stops pumping

Brent

what you describe sounds to me as if perhaps your pressure control switch is not turning on the pump in response to a drop in pressure. That can be caused by sediment or debris clogging in the switch base or in the small diameter tube or pipe nipple that conducts water pressure to the switch. Try changing the switch

On 2017-07-02 by Brent

The jet pump at our cottage seems to be able to hold its prime and the tank stays pressurized as long as we don't open the valve to fill the hot water heater.

As soon as we open that valve the pressure goes to half and after a minute or two it goes to zero and the pump stops pumping. Does that mean we have some kind of a leak between the pump and the water heater?

On 2017-06-16 by Todd

It is a two line well but it does not self prime. I have to prime it in the event of loss.

On 2017-06-02 by (mod) control for pump for rainwater distribution to sprinkler system

A smaller diameter foot valve would "work" to avoid losing prime in the pipe but will impede the flow rate. I'm unsure how much of a problem that'll be and uncertain but it could cause the pump to run a bit hotter than it likes.

Keep in mind that a typical small irrigation jet pump like the Goulds GT10 with a short lift height - say about 10-15 ft will pump water out of your 55 gallon drum at about 50 gpm. That says you've got about 10 minutes of water in that reservoir.

On 2017-06-02 by Jeff

Oops! CORRECTION: Mt pressure controller will obviously go on the OUTLET line! Sorry about that.

I am buying a 1.0 HP self-priming Jet pump so as to be able to use my collected filtered rainwater to water my garden (4 popup sprinklers plus some drip irrigation.)

The pump requires a 1" inlet pipe, onto which I will fit a pressure controller to operate the pump when a sprinkler valve or faucet is opened. The manufacturer suggests/requires a foot valve on the inlet pipe--which will be situated in a 55 gallon plastic drum. Q: Can I use a 3/4 foot valve on my 1" inlet pipe? (With adapter of course.) Or, will that impede the suction so that I need a 1" to match the piping? Thanks. Jeff

On 2017-05-28 by kasey

Well kept losing prime had primed it several times .....replaced pressure switch and now have water but when turned on it gradually loses pressure should I replace the foot valve or is that a sign for a dry well

On 2017-05-24 by (mod) new footvalve but pump doesn't run water

Prathish

at WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING we list all of the reasons I could find for the problem you describe. Please check out that article and then let me know what you find.

On 2017-05-24 by Prathish

Sir, footvalve is new. Everything in right area but the motor is not pumping water.

On 2017-04-28 by (mod) signs of leaks in the well piping system

Todd:

So water is running somewhere or there's a well pipe leak or there's a bad foot valve.

Some pumps have a check valve right at the pump; many rely on the foot valve in the well.

If your pump is using a 2 line jet pump it may be able to self-prime but could still be leaking water back into the well.

200ft of piping is pretty heavy - I'd get help from a well contractor.

On 2017-04-27 03:36:34.526527 by Todd

My jet water well pump cycles every 10 min with no use. I have a valve at entrance to house that I have tried turning off to isolate leaks in plumbing. It still looses pressure and cycles. It does not loose prime.
My first thought was my pump is bad and allowing water to leak back down well then I came across your very helpful article explaining about the foot valve.

Q1: is it any part of the pumps job to stop water flowing back down the well?

Q2: can a check valve be placed after pump and before pressure tank to solve problem?

Q3: My well is around 200', can the piping be pulled up by hand or is special equipment needed?

I also have an iron problem and I found out that taking the micronizer out eliminates my sand media filters ability to remove the iron.
Q: can a micronizer be placed after the pressure tank and before the filter tank? or is there not enough force in the water to allow the venturi effect to take place?

On 2017-04-19 by (mod) Pump is running all the time gets to 20/25 psi. Will not shut off.

Marylin,

Using the search box just above to look for "water pump won't stop running" finds this diagnostic and repair article:
WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING - at
https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Pump_Runs_On.php

Please take a look through those steps and let me know how that works for your or ask again for help.

Daniel

On 2017-04-19 by marilyn.beach

I have a shallow well. Pump is running all the time gets to 20/25 psi. Will not shut off. I have water and pressure at facet.It slowly decreases.

If I turn facet off and then back on I have pressure again. I have replaced pump, tank, pressure guage. No plumbing leaks. What should I do next!!! HELP! Thank you!

On 2017-04-19 by (mod) why it's not a foot valve problem

John,

If your well pump is not losing Prime, and if water pressure in the system does not fall when no water is being run, then I do not suspect that the foot valve is the problem.

More likely there is a problem with a leak in the well piping, or low voltage, or damage to the pump or pump impeller.

On 2017-04-19 by john

well pump kept losing prime. It is an MSD 6 jet pump. Replaced it with recommended replacement MSD-7 same horse power and fit flanges on well casing.. New pump is supposed to cycle up to 50psi. Primed per procedure in manual. started pump. Max pressure being observed is 20 psi.

Checked new pump for leaks above ground. Well to initial contact through pipe to pump with something is 21 feet..

Did not check out side of interior pipe. Well casing is 2 in. tried this morning and now max pressure is about 10 psi.
if foot valve is issue how difficult would it be to replace? seems a 20--25 foot pull is 2 and 1/2 pvc pipes (10 ft each)

On 2017-04-16 by (mod) use a ball valve not a check valve?

Randy:
Assuming there's no other check valve in the system I'd replace the foot valve.

On 2017-04-16 9 by Randy Caver

Would a ball valve work better?

There is no contaminants It's a 55 gal drum with clean water and nutrients. can't figure out why it would stick close.

On 2017-04-16 by (mod) what causes the foot valve to stick

Randy:

It sounds as if either the foot valve is bad or it is located in an area where there is just too much crud, algae, sand, dirt getting drawn into the valve. Can youi take a look at the pick-up point where the foot valve rests?

On 2017-04-16 by Randy Caver shallow well jet pump to supply nutrient to hydroponics system in greenhouse

Using a shallow well jet pump to supply nutrient to hydroponics system in greenhouse. system pumps from a reservoir using a 1" pvc pipe with a foot valve on the pickup end. every day I have had to un-stick the foot valve and re-prime the pump. the pump loses prime and continues running and heats up the pumping chamber and starts leaking at the connections.

Have to re-teflon. MY question is what causes the foot valve to stick and/or do i need to find a different foot valve.

On 2017-03-29 by (mod) Suspect a faulty foot valve and a slow leak.

Tom please use our search box to find our article on WELL PUMP RUNS FOR NO REASON or INTERMITTENT WELL PUMP CYCLING to see the diagnosis and cure.

Turning off power itself doesn't damage anything (normally) but it may disclose a pre-existing problem when power is restored, such as a foot valve that has begun to leak in the well - losing prime sometimes or for submersible pumps, causing the pump to run as you describe.

On 2017-03-29 15:55:29.816251 by Tom

Well pump turns on although no water is being used in the house. Occurs about every hour. Suspect a faulty foot valve and a slow leak.
First noticed after returning from one month absence in Florida but it could have been leaking beforehand.

Prior to leaving I turned off power to pump and drained system in the house instead of turning off water in the house. Could turning off power for extended period have been an issue? What should I do in the future?

On 2017-03-25 by (mod) What if the strainer is off of the foot valve?

Anon

Then the foot valve is more-likely to clog, jam, stop working, lose well prime, possibly damage pump.

On 2017-03-25 by Anonymous

What if the strainer is off of the foot valve?

On 2017-03-24 by (mod) Can a Venturi get clogged?

Yes, particularly if there's a damaged well casing sending more dirt to the well bottom.

On 2017-03-24 by Joe

Can a Venturi get clogged?

On 2017-03-23 by (mod) randomly lost water, can't prime the pump

Mark

Please use the search box just above to search InspectApedia.com for LOST PUMP PRIME

(I suspect there's a bad foot valve)

Or if the problem is really intermittent, search for INTERMITTENT LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE to see diagnostic and repair suggestions. That ought to help. Do keep me posted, and ask again as needed.

On 2017-03-23 by Mark

We randomly lost water the other day, we replaced the jet pump inside out basement. We couldn't get it to prime, the pressure gets to about 20psi and as soon as I crack the valve leading to the pressure tank all pressure is lost. Any ideas?

On 2017-02-28 by (mod) What does it cost to replace foot valve on water well pumps

Ernie

The foot valve itself is typically less than $20. U.S. to buy.
The labor cost to pull the well piping to replace the valve will vary widely depending on the ease of access to the well, well piping material, well depth, and could range from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more.

On 2017-02-28 by Ernie

What does it cost to replace foot valve on water well pumps

On 2016-12-30 by (mod) Pump runs does not shut off?

Anon: I'd turn off the pump to avoid burning up the motor.
Then find the diagnosis and repair procedure by searching InspectApedia for WATER PUMP WON'T STOP RUNNING

On 2016-12-30 by Anonymous

Pump runs does not shut off?

On 2016-11-27 by (mod) Need help with my jet pump system

Sure, Joe.

Let’s start by searching InspectApedia.com for

JET PUMPS to read about those pumps and their installation, troubleshooting, repair.

After you’ve seen that article, if questions remain just post a comment or email me with specifics and we’ll take it from there.

On 2016-11-27 11:42:37.977968 by Joe

Need help with my jet pump system

Question: water pressure is good, then stops

(May 17, 2012) Rena Spencer said:

When water starts good pressure then water stops for couple of seconds and returns.
What would cause this?

Reply:

Rena search InspectAPedia for "How to Diagnose & Repair Poor Water Pressure or Lost Water Pressure at Buildings " to read at the starting point of our diagnostics. I suspect a sticking pump switch or a pressure sensor that is clogged.

Marion, search InspectApedia for "Intermittent Water Pump Cycling When No Water is Running, Diagnose & Cure " to read the diagnosis of the problem you describe.

Question: lake water pump loses prime, air discharge, pump keeps running

(Aug 13, 2012) Pump will loose its prime and pu said:

We bought this house on a lake it had been sitting for 2 years it has a shallow well the first week the pump started acking up it kept cycling and got hot I shut it off a few hours later i turned it back on an it started working,

sevral weeks later when we would turn on the water at any faucet it would blow a lot of air then one morning the pump was running but not shutting off and was to hot to touch, i shut it down I replaced the pressure switch, then it seamed to work ok for a couple days and

now i have to prime it with about 5 gal. of water to get to build up pressure and sometimes it still wont start and i have to wait a couple hours and then it will start when I prime it still with several gals. of water, then one person can take a shower and it will recover ok but if we dont run water within an hour then it looses its prime and starts getting hot. please help

Reply:

This sounds like a leak in well piping. See WELL PIPING LEAK DIAGNOSIS

Reader comment: thanks for helping solve my water problem

(Aug 25, 2012) donald galletti said:

gee i would like to thank you people for helping me solve my water problem as you know my pump was comming on and off with no water being used i found the problem that you instructed me to check and you were right it was a faluty foot valve i had to drain the well but the new foot valve stopped the pump from running i am very thankful for your website god bless don galletti

Reply:

Thanks so much Don.

Question: sudden loss of water pressure

(Aug 26, 2012) Linda said:

Water was fine yesterday and last night there is hardly any pressure/water coming thru. I have a well but I know NOTHING about them. What would cause a sudden drop like that?

Reply:

See WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR

Question: failed check valvce at the bottom of the well, pump jammed in the casing

(Aug 28, 2012) Chet said:

My well is 800 feet deep. I have started having problems that indicate the foot valve/check valve at the bottom of the well has failed. I had a well company come out to diagnose the problem and they agree. However, when they tried to pull the pump, it is apparently jammed or wedged into the casing.

They told me the only way to fix this was to drill a new well, but I don't have the $20K they said it would cost.

At the time the problem resolved itself (jiggling the pipe when trying to pull it may have helped) but now the problem is back. Can I dig a pit around the well head, cut the casing and install another check valve nearer the top of the well? I would have a well company do this if it is possible.

I could install the check valve inside the house, but then the outside hydrant would not work. The well is about 11 years old.

Reply:

Chet:

It is dangerous for me to second-guess someone more experienced and who was on the scene, but surely everyone realizes that lkosing a pipe, well, tool, or other stuff down a well happens all the time, including jamming (usually because someone made a mistake).

Before rewarding the guys who jammed your pump in your well, call some other well drillers to find someone who has experience with retrieving lost pipes and pumps - there are special tools and procedures for this process.

Search Inspectapedia for "Submersible Well Pumps for Drinking Water Wells " to read about how to fish a lost pump out of a well.

Also see WELL RETRIEVAL TOOLS

Question: creek water pump for gardens loses water

(Sept 8, 2012) craig said:

hi i have a pump running to creek to a davey pump 10 year old iuse just for gardens how build up the psi as it will not hold it or is it to do with the creek drying up

Reply:

Check for a clogged foot valve or foot valve not under sufficient water - a dried up creek

Question: pros and cons of adding a second foot valve or check valve

(Sept 28, 2012) Peter Templeton -- pktempleton@b said:

What are the pros and cons of putting a second foot valve directly on top of a 1 HP 10 GPS pump in a well 360' deep?

Reply:

Peter,

at a companion article CHECK VALVES, WATER SUPPLY (links at the end of this article) you'll read some problems with multiple check valves. I understand, and have yielded on occasion to the temptation to add a second valve, but the correct and reliable repair is to get one check valve in the right place and that works.

Question: small well piping problem

(Nov 4, 2012) Rob said:

Couldn't the problem be that the piping is smaller than the foot valve. As in the foot valve has been bushed down from 1" to 3/4" piping?

Reply:

I don't think so.

Question:

(Dec 7, 2012) Raja said:

I am currently working on a project which employs a 20 hp motor with 1500 rpm with a suitable pump to pump up to an overhead water tank of 30m high. Initially it worked fine but eventually there was no enough pressure to pump up the water from a shallow depth well. Kindly advise.

...

Continue reading at FOOT VALVES - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see FOOT VALVE DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR FAQs-3 - more recent questions & answers about well piping check valves and foot valves

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• CHECK VALVES, WATER SUPPLY, DRAINS, PUMPS
• FOOT VALVES - home
• WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING
• WELL PIPING CHECK VALVES
• WELL PIPING LEAK DIAGNOSIS

Suggested citation for this web page

FOOT VALVE DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR FAQs-2 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to WATER SUPPLY, PUMPS TANKS WELLS

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Citations & References

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