Air in sandpoint

[jeff1363]

I have a new sandpoint that hits water at 22 feet. Three attempts to seal the fittings and still getting air in the water flow. Someone suggested to me that water depressuring from that deep will cause the H2O molecule to breakdown and turn to air. Is that rue or do i have a leak? It’s galvanized pipe. Thanks.

 

[Chucky_ott]

I think what the person is talking about is cavitation. I don't know that cavitation would cause obvious bubbles in your water flow.

It's not clear if you are successful in pumping water. Is it that you are pumping water and there is a lot of air in it? Or that you are not successful in pumping water because you are losing prime?

Your sand point is fully submerged? And it stays submerged while pumping?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[jeff1363]

I think what the person is talking about is cavitation. I don't know that cavitation would cause obvious bubbles in your water flow.

It's not clear if you are successful in pumping water. Is it that you are pumping water and there is a lot of air in it? Or that you are not successful in pumping water because you are losing prime?

Your sand point is fully submerged? And it stays submerged while pumping?

Yes. Good flow of water but with air. We are certain that the sand point is submerged and holding the prime which would indicate no leaks. But still getting air in the water flow. Strange. Any ideas?

 

[Reach4]

Try slathering all of the accessible joints between the well and the pump itself with shaving foam. Run the pump, and see if any foam sucks in.

Chucky_ott's thought that the air could be being sucked in down at the sand point could be the case, and that would be harder to fix.

 

[Bannerman]

The maximum distance a jet pump can draw water vertically under suction, is approx 24' while at sea level. As Henning Mn has an elevation of approx 1400 feet above sea level, the higher elevation and lower atmospheric pressure, will result in the vertical draw distance to be less than 24'.

Assuming the 22' signifies the difference in elevation between the pump inlet and the well's static water level, that distance maybe too close to the maximum distance possible, especially on days when atmospheric pressure is low or when the static water level is somewhat lower.

To utilize a jet pump to draw water from a greater distance, requires a deep well jet pump which utilizes 2-pipes, one to supply a small volume of water under pressure to the Jet Ejector/Packer Ejector, typically located within the well casing only a short distance above the water level. This pressurized supply then assists to propel a larger volume of water from the well, into the suction pipe, and upward to the pump.

 

[Chucky_ott]

Following Bannerman's observation, can you lower your pump at all?

 

[jeff1363]

The maximum distance a jet pump can draw water vertically under suction, is approx 24' while at sea level. As Henning Mn has an elevation of approx 1400 feet above sea level, the higher elevation and lower atmospheric pressure, will result in the vertical draw distance to be less than 24'.

Assuming the 22' signifies the difference in elevation between the pump inlet and the well's static water level, that distance maybe too close to the maximum distance possible, especially on days when atmospheric pressure is low or when the static water level is somewhat lower.

To utilize a jet pump to draw water from a greater distance, requires a deep well jet pump which utilizes 2-pipes, one to supply a small volume of water under pressure to the Jet Ejector/Packer Ejector, typically located within the well casing only a short distance above the water level. This pressurized supply then assists to propel a larger volume of water from the well, into the suction pipe, and upward to the pump.

Thank you for this information and diagram. Because there is good flow, unfortunately, with air, is using a jet pump system intended to stop the cavitation?

 

[jeff1363]

Following Bannerman's observation, can you lower your pump at all?

Good thinking but it's already at the lowest point in the basement.

 

[Valveman]

Thank you for this information and diagram. Because there is good flow, unfortunately, with air, is using a jet pump system intended to stop the cavitation?

If there is a suction leak above the screen, the jet pump is causing the cavitation or sucking in air. A submersible would not, but also would not fit down a sand point.

 

[jeff1363]

I've pulled the pipe three times and feel certain it is sealed, but who knows for sure? Good flow and it held the prime for 5 days and kicked in straight away when I started the pump. I'm about to resign to living with some air in my lines and using a water softener to get it out before it hits the water fixtures. A deep well is not a good option for me or I might consider it.

 

[Valveman]

Picture might help.

 

[Chucky_ott]

Where's your check valve? There should only be one and it should be as close to the sand point as possible. That way, the suction line stays under positive pressure and full of water when the pump is not running.