RogerPDX
Member
I posted some weeks ago, to get my feet wet with my well problem. I am pretty
amazed by all the knowledgeable people who are on this forum..
I need to replace my submersible pump and pipe. I've talked with 2 local well
companies - and have received varying information. Both bids are "expensive".
I'd like to do it "right" this one time, so I can forget about it for years to come.
a.) I am on a rock in the Lower San Juan Islands of Northern Washington State.
b.) The well was drilled in 1978 to 360'.
c.) The well is only cased for the first 20'.
d.) They hit a "spritz" of water at 150'.
e.) There is a 1983 1/2hp Goulds down the hole attached with galvanized pipe.
f.) We pump up from the well into a 500 gal cistern, then pump out of the cistern and into a
pressure tank for domestic use. The cistern's float switch is set to fill after about 30 gallons
are used. Lately this 30 gallon refresh rate is taking w-a-y longer than usual.
g.) The water does not appear cloudy, dirty or rusty.
We historically have only made about 250 gallons per 24 hours, but we are careful
and it has worked out better than having no water. Unless we have visitors, there are
only 2 of us using the system. The house has been used as a vacation home for all
these years, but is now lived in full time. We are putting stress on the old pipe and pump.
Lately the fill rate has been way down. The water does not come up from the ground as
forcefully and quickly as usual. I did some research, contacted some pump people, got
online, etc, etc. Now the problem is getting worse and I've got to hire one of the
companies to replace the down-pipe and pump - quickly.
One company says use PVC - the other says Galvanized. (Nobody is installing flexible pipe)
One company says replace the wire - the other says it should be fine...
One company says use a torque arrestor down by the pump and those white
spiders incrementally up the pipe...
The other company says "no" torque arrestors or spiders in an unlined rock well.
One company says use a 3/4hp - 5gpm pump.
The other company says use a 1.5hp - 10gpm pump.
One company says use 1 foot valve - the other says use multiple valves.
Neither company could tell me the "best" valves to use.
Are there no standards in this industry? It is such an expensive fix, that it would be nice
to do it "correct" the first time!
I would think that pumping less water up the pipe (slower 5gpm vs 10gpm) might be
better for a long pump life than moving water quickly. Is this correct?
They both sell different pump manufacturers... They say they install "all" the brands - but
push their "favorite".
Can you please tell me what is the "all time best pump" to use? (Longest life - fewest problems)
Are torque arrestors and spiders used, or not used, in uncased rock wells?
If the existing wire is not banged up, can we re-use it, or is it better to replace it anyway?
With the price of copper these days, reusing the wire would be nice - if it is still in good condition.
How about valves? How many and what is the "best" brand?
What else do I need to know? I'd like to get it "right" so whichever company I choose
is doing the job "by the book".
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!
amazed by all the knowledgeable people who are on this forum..
I need to replace my submersible pump and pipe. I've talked with 2 local well
companies - and have received varying information. Both bids are "expensive".
I'd like to do it "right" this one time, so I can forget about it for years to come.
a.) I am on a rock in the Lower San Juan Islands of Northern Washington State.
b.) The well was drilled in 1978 to 360'.
c.) The well is only cased for the first 20'.
d.) They hit a "spritz" of water at 150'.
e.) There is a 1983 1/2hp Goulds down the hole attached with galvanized pipe.
f.) We pump up from the well into a 500 gal cistern, then pump out of the cistern and into a
pressure tank for domestic use. The cistern's float switch is set to fill after about 30 gallons
are used. Lately this 30 gallon refresh rate is taking w-a-y longer than usual.
g.) The water does not appear cloudy, dirty or rusty.
We historically have only made about 250 gallons per 24 hours, but we are careful
and it has worked out better than having no water. Unless we have visitors, there are
only 2 of us using the system. The house has been used as a vacation home for all
these years, but is now lived in full time. We are putting stress on the old pipe and pump.
Lately the fill rate has been way down. The water does not come up from the ground as
forcefully and quickly as usual. I did some research, contacted some pump people, got
online, etc, etc. Now the problem is getting worse and I've got to hire one of the
companies to replace the down-pipe and pump - quickly.
One company says use PVC - the other says Galvanized. (Nobody is installing flexible pipe)
One company says replace the wire - the other says it should be fine...
One company says use a torque arrestor down by the pump and those white
spiders incrementally up the pipe...
The other company says "no" torque arrestors or spiders in an unlined rock well.
One company says use a 3/4hp - 5gpm pump.
The other company says use a 1.5hp - 10gpm pump.
One company says use 1 foot valve - the other says use multiple valves.
Neither company could tell me the "best" valves to use.
Are there no standards in this industry? It is such an expensive fix, that it would be nice
to do it "correct" the first time!
I would think that pumping less water up the pipe (slower 5gpm vs 10gpm) might be
better for a long pump life than moving water quickly. Is this correct?
They both sell different pump manufacturers... They say they install "all" the brands - but
push their "favorite".
Can you please tell me what is the "all time best pump" to use? (Longest life - fewest problems)
Are torque arrestors and spiders used, or not used, in uncased rock wells?
If the existing wire is not banged up, can we re-use it, or is it better to replace it anyway?
With the price of copper these days, reusing the wire would be nice - if it is still in good condition.
How about valves? How many and what is the "best" brand?
What else do I need to know? I'd like to get it "right" so whichever company I choose
is doing the job "by the book".
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!