Hi Gus !

Seen this one.

I take it the check valve is in the inlet between the well and the
pump. There could be a leak in the downpipe between the checkvalve and
the water - ie when the pump is switched off air is sucked in; or the
checkvalve doesn't seal properly - could be a sticky spring or sand in
the water. I don't think the pump is faulty.

Good luck.
DD

Gus Schick wrote:

My lawn irrigation system is fed by a well. The pump will not hold a prime
overnight. Works fine once I get it primed, but that's a hassle. A pump
man replaced the check valve but that didn't do the trick. He says the
problem must be in the well pipe and he's pretty much washed his hands of
the problem. He pooh-poohs the idea that the pump itself could have
anything to do with the problem, he says it has to on the well side of the
check valve. Could it be the pump? and if not what would cause the system
to lose its prime?

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