Pump Life (Submersible)

[removeb4flight]

What is the life expectancy of a 1 HP submersible pump? Mine is down 90 feet and is pumping a pressure tank up to 50 psi. It is 11 years old, made by Gould. I noted the pressure is not coming up as fast as when it was new, so I suspect the impellers are getting worn. The last pump I had in this well had pieces of nylon impeller coming up out of the well when I replaced it. Black sand comes up and collects in my house filter which I change every 2 months.

[mdshunk]

Sand is the killer of these pumps. I'm in the same boat. Some people with good water have had their pumps last for 20 years. I get about 6 to 8 years out of mine before the impellers are shot. You can get a totally stainless steel one, but they're a few grand compared with about 400 bucks for a regular one. I did have a plumber tell me recently to slide two legs of a good pair of lady's nylon stockings over the pump and secure with zip ties at the top of the pump to preserve the impellers. I'm gonna try that next pump change. I just put one in this past fall, so it will be a while before I can try it.

[removeb4flight]

Thanks for the reply, md. I guess I feel better that mine has lasted 11 years. I'll just keep using it until I can't take a shower and water the yard at the same time.

[xkvator]

I did have a plumber tell me recently to slide two legs of a good pair of my nylon stockings over the pump...
:eek: MD...we would have never guessed... :p



with your high iron content...don't you think the nylons would get clogged?

i think Flint & Wallings and Grundvos make pumps with stainless impellers and are $600 - $800

my first pump (sears) lasted approx. 12 years - lightning hit a close tree. the Lancaster i have in now is approx. 13+ yrs.
when i figure out what iron filter to put in, i think i'll put a new pump in, too. probably the F&W.

MD,what brand are you using?/h.p?/how deep?

[xkvator]

I'll just keep using it until I can't take a shower and water the yard at the same time.

Hmmm...oh well, you ARE in California ! :D

[mdshunk]

MD,what brand are you using?/h.p?/how deep?
Meyers, 1-1/2 hp, 330 feet.

[xkvator]

Meyers, 1-1/2 hp, 330 feet.

how are you pulling it?...330 ft. must be quite heavy.

so, do you think the nylons will clog with the iron?

[Unregistered]

indian submersible pump manfacturers directory www.pumpsourceindia.com

[mdshunk]

how are you pulling it?...330 ft. must be quite heavy.

so, do you think the nylons will clog with the iron?

Don't know about clogging. I doubt it, but we'll see. I've had the pump in and out a few times. Once I used the bucket truck boom, but mostly it's easier and quicker with 3 guys.

[Gary Slusser]

I have some pictures of submersible pumps I've pulled from wells with iron, and they have the screen all but clogged shut. So I wouldn't advise anyone to use nylons, they would give bacteria (IRB; iron reducing bacteria) and rust an excellent place to cling to.

I would suggest a tail piece making the water enter from under the pump instead of straight through the screen. You can do that with a piece of PVC tubing or a bit or aluminium and a hose clamp large enough to go around the pump above the inlet screen. Franklin Electric has a picture of one on their web site with directions IIRC. It's used for cooling of a motor.
www.franklinelectric.com

Gary

The usenet newsgroup and web forum goto water softener guy since Jan 1997. Doing plumbing installations in water treatment and well pump work since 1987.