well pump question

Jack_9

I know this is a heating forum but I need help, breaker trips on well pump for no reason I can see, had water this morning no problem, no leaks, presure switch seems to work also. When I throw the switch it busses and trips, installed pump 2 yrs ago. Don't want to pull pump if I can help it.

Sweet_2

Possible weak breaker??

Does the pump turn on at all ?? Any hum from the motor?? Short in the wire?? Dry well??

Jack_9

Can't tell pump is submerged down about 300ft. Changed breaker and didn't help. I fear the impeller may have siezed from sediment does this sound plauseable?

Sweet_2

Sure does

Your sure the head capabilities of the pump are in line with your needs?? Its got enough head pressure. ?? 2yrs is not typical of well pumps.

A.J.

pump pulling

is your next step, sounds like a motor problem but make sure of your voltage & current measurements first thuogh.

Kupetz's Plb & Htg

Kyle Kubs - Benchmark Home Inspections

Check the pressure tank

Papi - If your pump is submerged than you have a pressure tank, yes? It has a rubber bladder inside just like an expansion tank on a boiler. Occasionally the bladder will rupture and all the air is lost into the water. This will cause the pump to short cycle which is evidnet by the pressure switch clicking repeatedly (about every 3 seconds - when the water is running) Often the pump just runs continuously during water usage but it may be oversized and drawing enough amps to trip the breaker when the output exceeds the needed water volume. - Also it is possible the impeller is jammed... The breaker buzzes and trips as soon as you turn it on? With or without a call for water? Generally you can put your hand on the incoming water line and you will feel a vibration when the pump kicks in...

Jack_9

well problems

Yes, breaker buzzes then trips, presure gauge dosen't move I'll check the tank next, I did notice the other day the pump cycled on and off repeatedly for a few seconds then stoped, but it's been fine since then, well until yesterday.

nick z.

2wire or 3wire?

Is there a control box and a press. switch? If so check control box. Before you pull the pump unhook the wires at the well top,wire nut them for safety and turn the breaker back on.I f breaker holds you know its the underground wiring.Seen that happen more than once.You defintely have a dead short somewhere.

Dave_22

..

My pump has a panel with capacitors in it- any chance they could be bad or you lost a connection in it???

Rudy

well pump

the control box usually contains the starting components for the pump.[3-wire]on the back panel of control box usually contains resistance values for the pump.I would compare these readings with & ohm meter.check common,start&run windings.check for resistance to ground. take amp readings & compare.start relay or cap look burnt in control box????.is pump trying to start but exceeding amp rating on breaker?????if you find control box is faulty could be due to excessive short cycling of pump. check air charge in diaprham tank. should be 2psi below cut in rating on pressure switch.

Tom Blackwell

If your pump has 3 wires, then the starting components are in the above ground control box. Either the start capacitor or starting relay can cause the pump not to start. The capacitor provides extra torque for starting, and if defective the pump will not turn, just sit there snd draw locked rotor current. As in the previous post, check the resistances of the windings and if ok try replacing the start capacitor. This is a common failure.

Tom Blackwell

If your pump has 3 wires, then the starting components are in the above ground control box. Either the start capacitor or starting relay can cause the pump not to start. The capacitor provides extra torque for starting, and if defective the pump will not turn, just sit there snd draw locked rotor current. As in the previous post, check the resistances of the windings and if ok try replacing the start capacitor. This is a common failure.

Jack_9

2 wire pump

The pump that originally came with the house was a 3 wire, I know this cause they left the guts of the old system in place, less the wiring to the pump. It now runs 230v from the service panel to the presure switch over to the pump. I guess I'll to pull it this weekend, if sediment is the culprit, which I think it is, is there some kind of safeguard available to prevent it from happening anymore. Again, I realize this is a heating forum so thanks for all your help.

Rookie

Well Pump

Do you have power on both legs of the PS.Most have l1 l2 on the outside and the motor ( Pump) in the middle test the box there.Check your pressure gauge on your well tank is it at zero, does it work?Follow out to the well head do you have power out there?turn power off,Dissconnect wire, do you have continiuty to the well pump, if all are no, pull the pump, check the pump line and wire, finally check all fittings and replace pump, check for marks of a power surge, insurance will cover some power surge situations, but the dedu ctable may be too high to be worth it.