[Di79]

Hi, I’m a diy homeowner and I’m replacing the well pump which is a 1/2 horse deep well pump located in my basement. The pipes coming from the well extend about 20 inches outside the foundation wall and in the pump
I would like to know if I can add a check valve in this pipe right before it gets in the pump and if there are any specifications.

 

[surferdude2]

What are you trying to accomplish by doing that? Is there an issue with the pump losing prime?

 

[lenaitch]

It might be a matter of terminology but, to me, a deep well pump is a submersible pump and they have their own check valve. Even most shallow well/water body pumps have foot valves. Do you know for certain you don't have one?

 

[Di79]

It says that the pump has the ability to prime itself. I have it all installed and works well and the pressure is good but as I was working on something else near by, I noticed that the pressure gage went down while there was no one in the house to use water. I was thinking that maybe the water was going back in the well and figured if I put a check valve to prevent that. I’m not sure what it is and I thought to get some professional advice.

 

[Di79]

I’m sorry, I missed to specify that it’s a convertible deep well jet pump

 

[Di79]

I had a Goulds pump an I replaced it with the exact same pump because of the nozzle in the well

 

[surferdude2]

Yep, If your pressure is bleeding off with no users or leaks, you should install a check valve right before your pump. Most pumps have checks but they often aren't as effective as they should be. You don't want that pump cycling on low pressure and waking you up at night! It's also imposing more wear on the system than necessary.
Check Valves

 

[Old Thomas]

The foot valve at the bottom of the suction line in the well is a check valve. It might be leaking. It keeps a pressurized column of water in the pipe so it doesn’t have to pick up prime. If it is bad, replace it. Convertible jet pumps typically depend on the foot valve.

 

[Di79]

I see. It looks like the foot valve is a check valve and might be in need of replacement. I just need to inspect for any leaks on the hose before I go for the foot valve. Also it makes sense to me to add a check valve wright before the pump but should I install the check valve on the feed pipe or the 1 inch discharge pipe? Are there restrictions on how many inches from the pump should the valve be installed?

 

[joed]

If I understand correctly this is a deep well setup of a jet pump. That means you have two lines going down your well.
Install the check valve on the output line. This will prevent the tank pressure from bleeding back to the well through the pump. If the pressure switch is on the pump you may need to move it to the tank side of the check valve.