Troubleshooting and Resolving Shallow Well Pump Airlocks: A Comprehensive Guide

by

Shallow well pumps can become airlocked when air enters the impeller section of the pump, preventing it from moving water. This can occur when the pump’s inlet port is above the water level, allowing air to be sucked into the pump. In the case described, the pump’s outlet port is 2 meters below the water level, but the entire house runs on a limited electrical supply from solar panels, and the setup is not designed to run automatically. The pump is manually turned on every week or two to fill elevated tanks, and the pump’s inbuilt check-valve is not working properly. The pump is 1 meter long, and its outlet port is 9 meters from ground level, connected to a PVC pipe. The owner was trying to fill the water pipe from above, believing it was necessary to prime the pump, but this did not solve the issue.

Understanding the Causes of Shallow Well Pump Airlocks

Shallow well pumps can become airlocked due to two primary reasons:

  1. Air Entering the Impeller Section: If the pump’s inlet port is above the water level, air can be sucked into the pump, causing it to become airlocked. This can happen when the well’s water level drops below the pump’s intake level.

  2. Overdrawing Water from the Well: Shallow well pumps can also become airlocked due to overdrawing water from the well. This can occur when the pump is too powerful for the well or when the well point is only partly in the water. In such cases, the pump may starve for water, causing it to draw water inconsistently.

Technical Specifications of Shallow Well Pumps

shallow well pump airlocked

Shallow well pumps are designed to lift water from depths of up to 25 feet. They are typically jet pumps that use suction to lift water from the well. The pump’s horsepower (HP) rating determines its capacity to lift water:

  • A 1/2 HP pump can lift up to 5 gallons per minute (GPM)
  • A 3/4 HP pump can lift up to 15 GPM

The pump’s inlet size, outlet size, and total dynamic head (TDH) rating also affect its performance. The TDH rating indicates the maximum height the pump can lift water, and it is typically measured in feet.

For example, the Wayne WWB 1/2 HP Shallow Well Jet Pump has the following specifications:

  • Maximum Lift: 25 feet
  • Flow Rate: 4.9 GPM at 5 feet of TDH
  • Inlet Size: 1-1/4 inch NPT
  • Outlet Size: 1-1/2 inch NPT
  • Motor: 115/230 volts, 60 Hz, 8.3 amps max

DIY Solutions for Shallow Well Pump Airlocks

If a shallow well pump becomes airlocked, there are several DIY solutions that homeowners can try:

  1. Check the Pump’s Inlet Port: Ensure that the pump’s inlet port is below the water level. If the inlet port is above the water level, air can enter the pump and cause it to become airlocked.

  2. Check the Pump’s Check Valve: Verify that the pump’s check valve is functioning properly. A faulty check valve can allow water to flow back into the well, causing the pump to become airlocked.

  3. Bleed the Air Out of the Pump: If the pump’s inlet port is below the water level and the check valve is functioning properly, try bleeding the air out of the pump. Disconnect the pump’s discharge pipe and allow the pump to run. The pump will draw water into the pump, and the air will be expelled through the discharge pipe.

  4. Prime the Pump: If bleeding the air out of the pump does not solve the problem, try priming the pump. Fill the pump’s suction pipe with water and then start the pump. The water will be drawn into the pump, and the pump will begin to function properly.

  5. Adjust the Pressure Switch: Homeowners can also try adjusting the pump’s pressure switch to ensure that it is set correctly. If the pressure switch is set too high, the pump may not turn on when the water level in the well drops, causing the pump to become airlocked.

By following these DIY solutions, homeowners can often resolve the issue of shallow well pump airlocks without the need for professional assistance.

References: