Cavitation at end of pump cycle

Discussion in 'Pumps and Tanks Well Forum & Blog. Water is life.' started by Cobra1365, Nov 8, 2019.

  1. Cobra1365

    Cobra1365 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2011
    Location:
    Delaware
    I am experiencing some cavitation at the end of the pump cycle. It’s not the pressure switch chattering, I can hear it in the pump itself.

    I have a shallow well (28yrs old) with a 1/2hp Gould jetpump. Pressure switch is 30/50 and tank is set to 28. Tank is good, pump is a yr old. Pump comes on at 30 and shuts off at 50. Plenty of water pressure at all times. But, I get three to four clunks in the pump right as it approaches 50.

    So,
    Bad footer valve? Wouldn’t that cause loss of prime?
    Well finally going? Our water table here is pretty close to well depth.
    Attic vent not moving enough air? ;)
     
    Cobra1365, Nov 8, 2019
    #1
  2. valveman

    valveman Cary Austin Staff Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2006
    Occupation:
    Pump Controls Technician
    Location:
    Lubbock, Texas
    Most likely you have s suction leak. The leak causes cavitation just before the pump shuts off, because that is the point it is pumping the least amount of water, and the little bit of air tries to take over. You could also just be shutting the pump off too close to the max pressure that pump can build. The pump maybe worn down a bit and not building as much pressure as it used to. Fix the suction leak or turn the pressure switch down, depending on which of these problems is causing the issue.
     
    valveman, Nov 8, 2019
    #2
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  4. Cobra1365

    Cobra1365 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2011
    Location:
    Delaware
    Thanks. I’ll do a leak check and or turn the pump down a tad.

    Wouldn’t a suction leak also cause loss of prime?
     
    Cobra1365, Nov 8, 2019
    #3
  5. valveman

    valveman Cary Austin Staff Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2006
    Occupation:
    Pump Controls Technician
    Location:
    Lubbock, Texas
    Not always. Just a partial loss which is cavitation.
     
    valveman, Nov 8, 2019
    #4
    Cobra1365 likes this.
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