Well water Pump (faulty?)

[alphason]

Hi,

I think our well water pump has failed again, It was replaced only less than 2 years ago. There are 2 pumps in in the well and one is for our neighbours, both failed at the same time last time and the neighbours pump failed again in only 1 year of use, now it looks like our has also. We do have Gov't mains water also so its not that important, but we wouldn't like to rely solely that as its not reliable in April/May/June time.

I'm not much of DIYer but it doesn't look that hard to do myself? Last time it was 5,000 for pump and labour, but I would like to have a go myself if its straightforward can an be done without any fancy tools. The pump feeds the water into a storage tank in the roof. We have to close the supply running to the tank though when we use mains water or the tank overflows.

How can I be sure it is the pump that has failed?

Can the pumps be repaired or is it a replacement? anything I can easily check myself?

If its a replacement pump could I do it myself easily? is it just as simple as disconnect and reconnect?

I have attached some pictures.

Thanks,

[alphason]

Is the capacitor something that goes often in the pump, I dont have a meter to test it but is it worth replacing it anyway?

[Lamkyong]

i would think that failure of pumps together is coincidence of course you can repair yourself dependant on parts availability (if required)

you have to diagnose electrical or mechanical you will require a multi meter for easy diag if electrical most likely cause capacitor start/run

but if this info seems difficult maybe better take for repair

beware capacitors store energy

unless you discharge them first you could face electric shock even when disconnected from main supply

maybe take a look at you tube plenty of advice there i accept no responsibility for these comments electricity can kill

[Artisi]

Both well pumps are on the surface.

By nature it is impossible to pump the water up from a higher depth then 10 meter. When both pumps failed at the same time,, my guess is the water level dropped below the 10 meter, and both pumps have been running dry?

And probably the suction tube from your neighbours pump is above the level from yours?

Just my thoughts.

Arjen.

This comment needs your review, check water level in your well .

[alphason]

i would think that failure of pumps together is coincidence of course you can repair yourself dependant on parts availability (if required)

you have to diagnose electrical or mechanical you will require a multi meter for easy diag if electrical most likely cause capacitor start/run

but if this info seems difficult maybe better take for repair

beware capacitors store energy

unless you discharge them first you could face electric shock even when disconnected from main supply

maybe take a look at you tube plenty of advice there i accept no responsibility for these comments electricity can kill

Thanks, I dont have a multi meter was just thinking of changing capacitor over anyway if the part is inexpensive. Maybe better just to disconnect the pump and take it somewhere.

Both well pumps are on the surface.

By nature it is impossible to pump the water up from a higher depth then 10 meter. When both pumps failed at the same time,, my guess is the water level dropped below the 10 meter, and both pumps have been running dry?

And probably the suction tube from your neighbours pump is above the level from yours?

Just my thoughts.

Arjen.

This comment needs your review, check water level in your well .

Thanks, could be the reason both pumps went before at the same time. But this time I don't think it is that beause the water level is very high if I stuck my arm in I could probably touch the water.

[Crossy]

Does the pump make any noises?

Can you turn the shaft by hand (try moving the fan with a small screwdriver)?

I agree, the capacitor is the prime candidate and they're not expensive to just swap out, but we had a similar pump which was in regular use fail overnight with a seized front bearing.

[alphason]

Does the pump make any noises?

Can you turn the shaft by hand (try moving the fan with a small screwdriver)?

I agree, the capacitor is the prime candidate and they're not expensive to just swap out, but we had a similar pump which was in regular use fail overnight with a seized front bearing.

Thanks, No noises at all.

I've not tried turning the shaft by hand yet, will have a go later but not sure I can get at it enough to turn it without disconnecting.

If I need to disconnect the pump do the pipes just pull off or need to be cut off or something?

Thank you.