I need well pump help

[Mgderf]

This is my first property with a well.
The place has been empty by some accounts for as long as 7 years.
The pressure valve and gauges are shot and need replaced, as well as the pressure tank.
I'm fully capable of that.
What I'm not sure about is this...
It appears to be some sort of motor starter.

Can I bypass this for a test, just to see if my pump is working?
It has what appears to be a rather large capacitor.
I don't want to damage my pump motor if it's still working.
I have relatively new, black plastic pipe going into the house.

 

[hammerd13]

It's a submersible pump control box. You need it to properly start the 3-wire pump. If it were a 2-wire pump, you could test without the box...this looks like a 3-wire to me.

Give your current unit a try...if it doesn't function, you could buy a replacement easily. I've used Zoeller brand with good results.

• Zoeller 3/4 HP Pump Control Box - Lowes
• Zoeller Pump Control Box Info

 

[Rookie]

Since the well hasn't been used for a while, consider shocking it.

 

[TheGrumpyGuy]

It's a submersible pump control box. You need it to properly start the 3-wire pump.

Give your current unit a try...if it doesn't function, you could buy a replacement easily. I've used Zoeller brand with good results.

Zoeller 3/4 HP Pump Control Box

Better re-check that link...

 

[TheGrumpyGuy]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Zoeller-Steel-Control-Box/1000667335

 

[LeverGunFan]

It's been a while since I worked on a well pump... I recall there was a pressure switch that closed when the tank was empty (low pressure) and opened when the tank was full (high pressure). You should be able to temporarily jump across that switch/close the circuit to start the pump.

 

[Mgderf]

Since the well hasn't been used for a while, consider shocking it.

Can you elaborate?
I've heard of this, but not sure of the process.

 

[Mgderf]

Will I need to prime this pump if it hasn't been used in years?

 

[bigretic]

Will I need to prime this pump if it hasn't been used in years?

Probably - I used to have a pump that would lose prime if you ran it to hard also... good luck.

 

[Rookie]

Disinfecting Your Well Water: Shock Chlorination

Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlorine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems. This publication...

extension.uga.edu

 

[Michigan Slim]

If the pump is in the well, it is primed and ready. If an above ground pump, there should be a port on the volute to pour in priming water. If not, you will have to make a spot to pour water in. I made a combo port for mine where the pressure gauge is in my piping.

 

[Michigan Slim]

And, like stated above, shock your well. Coliform bacteria will build up. On the other hand, if you don't your family won't need a laxative.

 

[snapping turtle]

If the pump is in the well, it is primed and ready.

Correct.

 

[Leadeye]

Chlorinating the well was just something we did every year. Pick a day you won't be home or overnight and pour the bleach in so it can sit for several hours. Then run your taps until you don't have the smell.