How to Replace a Well Water Pump
Well pumps supply a stream of fresh water from a deep or shallow well. Most deep wells employ a submersible pump that lies in the well below the surface of the water. Shallow wells have pumps located above ground, either in the home or in a well house. The deep pumps push water up through pipes. Shallow wells pull water up from the well and pump it throughout the home. A typical homeowner can replace these pumps with proper guidance. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Volt meter
- Slotted screwdriver
- Open end wrench
- Thread seal tape
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Instructions
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Shallow Well Pumps
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1
Locate your pump. It may be in the structure around the well or inside the home. A shallow well pump has an electric motor that may have a pressure accumulation tank under it. The pipe from the well feeds directly to this pump.
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2
Run home tests that check voltage and pump function determine whether the problem lies with the pump. A volt meter measures electric current, and determines if the pump is in good mechanical health.
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3
Remove the old pump by unscrewing any plumbing unions and disconnecting any wiring. These unions work just as a water hose connects, with a threaded portion that ensures a leakproof connection. There should be a pipe from the well, and one to the home. Both must be removed to install the new pump. Wiring may be inside an electric box. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the box plate and disconnect the wires inside.
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Install the new pump in place of the old pump, reconnecting the plumbing unions and wiring. Take this time to inspect all portions of the original plumbing and the new pump. Once the new pump is in place, it is ready to work.
Deep Well Pumps
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Loosen the well collar. It is a device made of steel and rubber that seals the well and holds pipe that supports the pump. Typically, two bolts are tightened into the rubber, expanding it to fit the inside of the well. Be very careful not to drop anything down the well column.
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Pull the pump out of the well using the attached rope or by carefully pulling the pipe. Take care not to damage the pipe, rope or the wire that feeds the pump.
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Remove the protective plate around the electrical connections. Use the slotted screwdriver to disconnect the electrical wire.
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Detach the pump from the pipe. It is often connected to a check valve with a threaded fitting. The check valve prevents water from flowing backwards down into the well. Unscrew the pump from the pipe.
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Apply tape to the male fitting on the new pump and install it in place of the old pump. Use three layers of tape to ensure a leakproof connection.
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Reattach the electrical wire to the new pump. Reinstall the protective plate covering the connection points.
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Lower the newly installed pump into the well. Be very careful not to damage the pump, wire or pipe when doing this. Reinstall the well collar and tighten its bolts to seat it against the inside of the well. The well is ready for use!
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't feel comfortable making these repairs on your own or aren't sure the pump needs to be replaced, consult a local plumber.
References
- Photo Credit faucet image by Laura Dynan from Fotolia.com
