Single chamber Davies c1 piston pump

[True blue Jill.]

Hi,
We inherited a Davies c1 piston pump. She was pumping well, but lately she had started pumping air locks. We have changed the foot valve, and had her serviced. During her service she had new buckets and valve fittings replaced. They also re bored the brass chamber. Now she pumps a full volume of water for about 10 minutes and after that she starts to grab and then just ceases completely. After leaving her for a hour we released the air chamber which was full of air, and the inlet line was empty.
We would greatly appreciate any advice you could as we are now out of water...

Kind regards,

 

[Valveman]

Since it runs for 10 minutes then stops, it sounds like you are pumping the well dry.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[True blue Jill.]

Since it runs for 10 minutes then stops, it sounds like you are pumping the well dry.

Hi
Sorry I should have said we are pumping from a river.

 

[Valveman]

Then either the suction screen is clogging up or you have a suction leak. The air has to come from somewhere.