We have a well with a manual pump. We changed the leathers and it pumped water just fine for about a week. Then it lost its prime and now we have to pour water down the top to get it to work. What happened? Were the leathers bad? Should we try new leathers again? Can someone tell me what I should do? Advice would be much appreciated.

-- (rvd73@webtv.net), November 13, 1999

Answers

Response to Need advice about my well

Are you using a foot valve on the line that goes to the pump? If so it may not be functioning properly, causing the water to drain back and lose the prime. Could your line have developed a leak and the pump is sucking air instead of water? You might also want to check the pump and make sure that the leather hasn't rolled up or became dislodged or that there is not a build up of minerals or some dirt that would cause the leathers to not get a good seal. This happened to us once.

-- Marci (ajourend@libby.org), November 13, 1999.

Response to Need advice about my well

You don't say where you live, but if you are in a cold climate, could it be that your leathers froze? Trying to use the pump with frozen leathers would cause them to tear at the sealing edges. (I know this from past experience!) Otherwise, as the others have stated, you might be pulling air, or your check-valve may be inoperative. Hope you find the problem. DAN

-- DAN (dshaske@excel.net), November 17, 1999.

Response to Need advice about my well

I'll second the comment above about the foot valve. Having been in and out of my well more than I would care to discuss I have nonetheless learned a few things--foot valve, and a good foot valve is very important. I tried a plastic one and the thing never held the prime. A leak is possible too. What kind of pipe is it? I used a combination of stainless steel and plastic, trying to manage for durability yet still wanting to be able to dismantle the thing if need be (and when). The sad part is that whatever the problem, you'll have to open the well up and lift the pipe.

-- Jim Lindstrom (jcrocket@alltel.net), November 21, 1999.

Response to Need advice about my well

If you'll e mail me, and tell me what kind of pump you have (piston in the above ground part, as in a pitcher pump, or piston down the hole, as in a ranch pump, aka force pump) I'll be glad to trouble shoot the problem with you.

-- jumpoff joe (jumpoff@echoweb.net), January 25, 2000.