Hey there! I'm a supplier of Deep Well Pump, and I've seen my fair share of issues with these pumps losing prime. It's a common problem that can be a real headache for homeowners and business owners alike. In this blog post, I'll break down the main reasons why a deep well pump might lose prime and what you can do to fix it.

1. Air Leaks in the System

One of the most common causes of a deep well pump losing prime is air leaks in the system. These leaks can occur anywhere from the well casing to the piping and fittings. When air gets into the system, it disrupts the flow of water and can cause the pump to lose its prime.

Signs of an air leak:

• You might notice a hissing sound coming from the pipes, which is a clear indication of air escaping.
• The pump might run more frequently than usual as it tries to compensate for the loss of water pressure.
• There could be a decrease in water flow or pressure at the fixtures in your home.

What causes air leaks?

• Cracked pipes: Over time, pipes can develop cracks due to age, ground movement, or freezing temperatures. These cracks allow air to enter the system.
• Loose fittings: If the fittings on your pipes aren't tightened properly, air can seep in around them.
• Faulty check valves: Check valves are designed to prevent water from flowing back into the well when the pump shuts off. If a check valve is damaged or not working correctly, it can allow air to enter the system.

How to fix air leaks:

• Inspect the pipes and fittings for any visible cracks or damage. If you find a crack, you'll need to replace the damaged section of pipe.
• Make sure all the fittings are tightened securely. You can use a wrench to check and tighten them if necessary.
• Test the check valve to see if it's working properly. If it's not, you'll need to replace it.

2. Low Water Level in the Well

Another common cause of a deep well pump losing prime is a low water level in the well. If the water level drops below the intake of the pump, the pump will start to draw in air instead of water, causing it to lose its prime.

Signs of a low water level:

• The pump might run continuously but not produce any water.
• You might notice a decrease in water pressure or flow at the fixtures in your home.
• There could be a sputtering sound coming from the taps, indicating that air is getting into the water supply.

What causes a low water level?

• Drought: During periods of drought, the water table can drop, causing the water level in the well to decrease.
• Over-pumping: If you're using too much water from the well, it can cause the water level to drop below the intake of the pump.
• Well depletion: Over time, the well can become depleted if the rate of water extraction exceeds the rate of recharge.

How to fix a low water level:

• Monitor the water level in the well regularly. You can use a water level indicator to check the water level.
• Reduce your water usage during periods of drought or when the water level is low.
• Consider drilling a deeper well or installing a larger well if the current well is not providing enough water.

3. Clogged Intake or Pipes

A clogged intake or pipes can also cause a deep well pump to lose prime. When the intake or pipes are clogged, the flow of water is restricted, and the pump has to work harder to draw water from the well. This can cause the pump to lose its prime.

Signs of a clogged intake or pipes:

• The pump might run but not produce any water or produce very little water.
• You might notice a decrease in water pressure or flow at the fixtures in your home.
• There could be a strange noise coming from the pump, indicating that it's working harder than normal.

What causes a clogged intake or pipes?

• Sediment and debris: Over time, sediment and debris can accumulate in the well and clog the intake or pipes.
• Mineral deposits: Hard water can cause mineral deposits to form in the pipes, which can restrict the flow of water.
• Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into the pipes and cause blockages.

How to fix a clogged intake or pipes:

• Inspect the intake and pipes for any visible blockages. If you find a blockage, you can try to remove it using a pipe snake or a high-pressure water jet.
• Use a water softener to reduce the amount of mineral deposits in the water.
• If tree roots are causing the blockage, you might need to cut them out or install a root barrier around the pipes.

4. Faulty Pump or Motor

A faulty pump or motor can also cause a deep well pump to lose prime. If the pump or motor is not working correctly, it might not be able to generate enough pressure to maintain the prime.

Signs of a faulty pump or motor:

• The pump might not start at all or might start and stop intermittently.
• You might notice a burning smell coming from the pump or motor, indicating that it's overheating.
• There could be a strange noise coming from the pump or motor, such as a grinding or rattling sound.

What causes a faulty pump or motor?

• Wear and tear: Over time, the pump and motor can wear out due to normal use.
• Electrical problems: Electrical problems, such as a blown fuse or a faulty wiring connection, can cause the pump or motor to malfunction.
• Mechanical problems: Mechanical problems, such as a broken impeller or a seized motor, can also cause the pump or motor to fail.

How to fix a faulty pump or motor:

• If you suspect that the pump or motor is faulty, it's best to call a professional pump repair technician. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair the problem.
• In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the pump or motor rather than trying to repair it.

5. Incorrect Installation

Incorrect installation of the deep well pump can also cause it to lose prime. If the pump is not installed correctly, it might not be able to generate enough pressure to maintain the prime.

Signs of incorrect installation:

• The pump might not work at all or might work poorly.
• You might notice a decrease in water pressure or flow at the fixtures in your home.
• There could be a strange noise coming from the pump, indicating that it's not operating correctly.

What causes incorrect installation?

• Improper sizing: If the pump is not sized correctly for the well and the water demand, it might not be able to generate enough pressure to maintain the prime.
• Incorrect placement: If the pump is not placed at the correct depth in the well or if the intake is not positioned correctly, it might not be able to draw water from the well effectively.
• Poor plumbing connections: If the plumbing connections are not made correctly, there could be leaks or restrictions in the system, which can cause the pump to lose its prime.

How to fix incorrect installation:

• If you suspect that the pump was installed incorrectly, it's best to call a professional pump installer. They have the knowledge and experience to install the pump correctly and ensure that it's working properly.
• Make sure to provide the installer with accurate information about your well and your water demand so that they can select the right pump for your needs.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several reasons why a deep well pump might lose prime. By understanding these causes and taking the appropriate steps to fix them, you can keep your pump running smoothly and ensure that you have a reliable supply of water.

If you're experiencing problems with your deep well pump losing prime or if you're in the market for a new Deep Well Pump, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you find the right solution for your needs. Contact us today to start the conversation about your pump requirements and let's work together to get your water system in top shape!

References

• "Well Pump Troubleshooting Guide" - Homeowner's Handbook
• "Deep Well Pump Installation and Maintenance Manual" - Manufacturer's Guide