Quck answer
A foot valve in a submersible well pump is responsible for preventing water from flowing back into the well when the pump is turned off. If the foot valve is faulty, it can cause issues such as reduced water pressure, frequent pump cycling, or no water flow at all. To diagnose a bad foot valve, you can follow these steps:
1. Turn off the power to the pump and drain the water from the system.
2. Disconnect the pipe connecting the pump to the foot valve.
3. Inspect the foot valve for any signs of damage or debris.
4. Check if the valve is stuck or not closing properly.
5. Clean or replace the foot valve if necessary.
6. Reconnect the pipe and turn on the pump to see if the issue is resolved.
By following these steps, you can diagnose and potentially fix a bad foot valve in a submersible well pump.
A foot valve is a check valve situated at the bottom of a well, ensuring that water flows up the pipe to the house but not back down into the well. In a jet-pump system, the pump is placed above ground and pumps water down the well to lift more water back up. In a submersible well pump system, the foot valve is technically called a check valve as it sits above the pump, but it functions in the same way as a foot valve.
A leaky foot valve or check valve results in slow drainage of water down the well piping and back into the well. This reduces the pressure in the pressure switch, causing the pump to cycle back on to increase the pressure, leading to intermittent pump cycling. This can significantly increase electricity bills and happens when no water is being drawn from the system. Unfortunately, a leaky foot valve or check valve isn’t the only cause of intermittent cycling.
What You’ll Need
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Wrenches
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Pressure gauge
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Pipe fittings
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Two 2×4 or 2×6 boards (2 feet), four 4 1/2-inch bolts with nuts and washers
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Drill
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Drill bits
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Winch
Determining the Cause of Intermittent Cycling
Step 1: Shut Off the Main Valve to the House
Eliminate all other leaks by closing the main valve to the house. The main valve is located just beyond the pressure switch. This should eliminate all leaks from sinks, toilets, and household plumbing. If the pump still cycles, the leak is in the well or the pipes between the well and the main valve.
Step 2: Build a Well Pipe Termination Plug
Create a termination plug to fit on the end of the pipe and have a pressure gauge. The way you build it depends on the type of pipe in your well. It’s essentially a series of pipe fittings connected together, enabling you to adapt from your pipe, seal off the end, and terminate in a pressure gauge.
Step 3: Build a Well Pipe Clamp
Construct a clamp from 2x4s. Bolt the two boards together face-to-face with a piece of cardboard in between. Drill a hole in the center, the diameter of your pipe. Unbolt the 2x4s and remove the cardboard to reveal two crescent-shaped grooves: one on each board. Together, they will now be slightly smaller than the diameter of the pipe, allowing you to clamp the well pipe without squashing it.
Step 4: Cut Off the Electricity
Turn off the electricity to the well by flipping the breaker at the circuit breaker panel.
Step 5: Remove the Well Housing Cover
Remove the cover of the well housing. Usually, there is a series of eight or 10 bolts around the top. Remove them and take off the cover.
Testing the Well Pipe and House Feed Pipe
Step 1: Detaching the Well Pipe from the Feed Pipe
Fix the winch to the well pipe. A gasketed flange should be present to connect it to the sidewall. By pulling up the flange using the winch, the pipe will disconnect from the feed pipe supplying water to the house.
Step 2: Raising and Securing the Well Pipe
Using the winch, lift the pipe a few feet out of the well and fix the 2x4s on the pipe to prevent it from falling back into the well.
Step 3: Connecting the Termination Plug and Pressure Gauge
Lower the winch slightly to ensure that the clamp is holding the pipe. If it is holding, detach the flange from the top of the pipe and connect the termination plug and pressure gauge.
Step 4: Building Pressure in the Well Pipe
Turn on the breaker to the well to build pressure in the well pipe. The pressure should remain stable for over an hour without cycling. If the pressure remains constant, the pipe and check valve are not the issue. Search for leaks between the well and the house. If the pressure drops, the leak is in the well.
Step 5: Checking the Well Pipe and Check Valve
Winch the well pipe out completely. If you have identified the leak in the well, there is a leak in either the well pipe or the check valve. Either way, verify both by pulling out the pump and pressure testing separate sections of the pipe and the check valve.
Tip
If the well pump cycles on and off while water is running, it is not a foot-valve issue.
Warning
Most main valves are located after the pressure switch. Closing a valve before the pressure switch (if there was one) would eliminate the possibility of a leak in the well or anywhere before the valve. Closing valves assumes that the valves are actually working and seal properly.
Be extremely cautious not to drop the well pipe into the well as it can be very challenging to retrieve and could result in damage. Tying an emergency rope around the pipe is a good precaution.
FAQ
1. What is a foot valve in a submersible well pump?
A foot valve is a small device attached to the bottom of a submersible well pump. It serves as a one-way check valve that allows water to flow into the pump from the well but prevents it from flowing back out.
2. What are the signs of a bad foot valve in a submersible well pump?
Some signs of a bad foot valve in a submersible well pump include reduced water pressure, frequent cycling of the pump, air bubbles in the water, and an inability to maintain a consistent water level in the well.
3. How can I visually inspect the foot valve?
To visually inspect the foot valve, you need to remove the pump from the well. Once the pump is out, carefully examine the foot valve for any signs of damage, such as cracks, wear, or debris accumulation. Ensure that the valve is securely attached to the pump and that the rubber seal is intact.
4. Can I test the foot valve without removing the pump?
Yes, you can perform a simple test without removing the pump. Start by turning off the power to the pump and closing the valve that supplies water to the system. Then, open a faucet to release any pressure. Once the water stops flowing, turn the power back on and observe if water starts flowing immediately. If it does, the foot valve is likely functioning properly.
5. What should I do if I suspect a bad foot valve?
If you suspect a bad foot valve, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible. A faulty foot valve can cause damage to the pump and lead to further issues with the well system. Consult a professional or refer to the pump’s manual for guidance on the specific replacement procedure.
6. How often should I inspect the foot valve?
It is advisable to visually inspect the foot valve during regular maintenance checks of your submersible well pump. Depending on the usage and the water quality in your area, it is recommended to inspect the valve at least once a year or more frequently if you notice any signs of problems.
7. Are there any preventive measures to prolong the life of the foot valve?
Yes, there are a few preventive measures you can take to prolong the life of the foot valve. Regularly clean the well to prevent debris from entering the pump system. Additionally, installing a strainer or screen around the foot valve can help prevent larger particles from getting lodged inside and causing damage. Lastly, avoid excessive pressure on the foot valve by ensuring the pump is properly sized for your well system.