Well Pump Operating Question

[tcrouch1183]

Hi everyone, my apologies up front for my ignorance on well pump operations. This is a new to me house and the pump operates for the most part but sometimes if I run it for 20 minutes or so it'll just quit. Then if I let it sit it starts back up again. I know it looks rough and I called a guy and of course he just wants to replace everything but I don't have $3k right now so was hoping for a little help/guidance. I've attached a video of what it does when pumping to see if this is normal or if there is an obvious issue. Also, In the 2nd picture there is a plug. Is this for putting oil in or should I leave it alone? Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

 

[Valveman]

No place for oil is a water pump. Yours is the age old problem. The pump is cycling on and off until it trips the overload in the motor. These overloads cool down in a minute or three and the pump just comes back on. Well, at least for a short time, then the cycling on and off finally destroys the motor completely. It maybe too late to save that pump. But a much larger pressure and or adding a Cycle Stop Valve will solve your problem.

Oh an BTW, if it is cycling when no water is being used, that plastic check valve is also bad. Get a good metal, spring loaded check valve.

 

[tcrouch1183]

Thank you for your reply! That is a lot of great information. I don't ever hear it cycle when water isn't running so I guess for now the check valve is ok for now. I'll look into adding both of those items you suggested.

Just out of curiousity, what is that plug I showed in the 2nd picture for?

 

[Valveman]

Looks like it could be used for priming. But I would not want it sucking air, so I would prime from the discharge side.