Replace Pump or Well??

[tonyvb]

I have a 2" deep well, that is probably decades old (don't know for sure). The 1/2 HP pump is in the basement with a small pressure tank next to it. When I moved in five years ago, this system would run between 20-40 lbs (although it took the pump some time to get there). Lately the pump has been running non-stop and never gets above 30-32 lbs. I reduced the cut-off pressure, so it will turn off at 32 lbs, but now I get a lot of air and chugging at low pressure.

Is the pump the problem? Can I replace that myself or will I have priming problems? What are the chances the whole system needs to be replaced; afterall I never received good pressure even when it was working optimally!

Any help would be appreciated; I don't want to spend $2,500 if I don't need to...

[billie_boy]

i am going to guess that if yoru well and pump are old...your pump may be getting weak...if it is really old it may even be an old piston pump...these pumps have leathers inthem that wear and low pressure or even no pumping can occur..regaurdless of what type of well you have i would first have the pump checked out...jsut my opinion but a new pump is by far better than a new well

[tonyvb]

Thanks for the reply!

I know the pump is only about 6-7 years old (it was put in just before I bought the place). But assuming it is the pump, and I replace it, can I expect anything better than 40lbs on a 2" deep well? I have never gotten better than that.

Again, thanks.

[Pumpman]

Since you have a 2" deep well, it's safe to say that there is probably some sort of packer type ejector down in the well. If this packer is not functioning properly, you'll experience the problems you are having.
Without knowing the capabilities of the well, it's impossible to say whether you'll get any better pressure than what you've seen.
A 6 or 7 year old pump, if it is a good brand name, should still be good, unless you're pumping sand or other abrasive materials.
Might just be time to have it all checked out.
Ron

[tonyvb]

Thanks for the inputs. I'll get it checked out.