jmagerl wrote:
No I'm not sure at all. I doesn't seem to be pumping air but I havent really
let the system run down. I'm thinking that if the leak were above the water
level in the well (and in the external pipe), at some point all the water
would drain into the well and I would have air in the pipe. if that
happened, the next time the pumpgoes on, I would get air. That doesnt seem
to be happening. So I either have a leak below the water level in the well
or I havent let the system get that low. Tonight, I close the valve that
shuts the well off and let it sit to see if I suck air.


"Rich" wrote in message
g.com...
Are you sure it isn't the check valve built into the pump that isn't
letting water drain back down the line? You proved it is from the valve to
the pump but haven't proven it is a leak yet. Also could be a broken pipe
down to the pump that would cause the same thing as the pump check valve
being out of service too and not show up as a leak as it is just putting
water back down the well casing.

Rich


snip


OKay. Ignore all the 'the problem is the tank' replies - it isn't.
You are correct - you have a leak and that should have been obvious to
everyone from the first post.

The leak is almost (note the 'almost') certainly to be in the pipe from
the well to the house because it is where pipe is in contact with the
ground that most corrosion occurs (been there and done that - had to
replace 1/4 mile of line for my "new" house).

Check valve? Will work but it is only a temporary fix.

With a 40 year old pump - yes, replace it if they pull the well. The
line from well to house can be replaced without pulling the well. The
pipe going down the well should be inspected as it -might- need
replacing also but the entire string won't need pulling to do it.

You said the precharge 'had been checked'. Later is sounds as if you
know how to do it yourself. If not:

Shut pump off
Drain tank
Set pressure to 2 psi below your cut-in.

Another thing to check while working is to see if you have the proper
cut in/out differential - should be about 20psi, i.e., 30/50, 40/60.
Higher than 60 is not recommended for residence.

Harry K