If you’re a homeowner who relies on a well pump to draw water from a well on your property, then you know that problems with your pump can be a frustrating and inconvenient experience. One of the most common issues that well pump owners face is when their jet pump starts to surge, a phenomenon that occurs when the water pressure in your system fluctuates at an unsafe rate.
When your jet pump starts to surge, it can be a sign of various problems that require immediate attention. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about what could be causing your jet pump to surge and share the steps you can take to fix it.
Understanding Jet Pumps
Before we dive into the reasons behind jet pump surging, it’s essential to understand the basics of jet pumps.
Jet pumps are the most common type of well pump used in the United States and are comprised of an electric motor, a pump impeller, and one or more nozzles. Using the power of the motor, the pump impeller spins around, generating a low-pressure zone that draws water into the pump from the well.
The nozzle (or nozzle system) determines whether the jet pump is single-action or double-action, which refers to how the nozzle(s) moves water.
Single-action jet pumps have a single nozzle that delivers water into the pump and pushes it through the discharge pipe. This is a less-efficient setup.
Double-action jet pumps, on the other hand, have two nozzles working together to suck water into the pump and push it through the discharge pipe.
These pumps can be powered either by electricity or by gas, and they play a vital role in ensuring you have a reliable source of water on your property.
What Causes Jet Pump Surging?
Now that we understand what jet pumps are let’s explore some reasons why your pump may be surging.
Clogged Pipes
Jet pump surging can be caused by a poorly designed or poorly maintained plumbing system. For example, if your pipes are too small, it can create a backpressure that prevents water from being drawn into the system. Clogs can also occur, causing water flow to be restricted or stopped altogether.
A clogged pipe could be caused by a variety of things – from sand and sediment to debris and rust flakes. While a jet pump can typically handle some small debris in the water, maintaining and cleaning the well on a regular basis can help prevent clogs in pipes.
Broken Foot Valves
When your jet pump draws water from your well, it has to pass through a foot valve at the bottom of the pump. This valve maintains pressure, preventing water from backflowing and draining back into the well. Therefore, when it breaks, the jet pump may struggle to maintain pressure. This can cause surging and may cause the water flow to also decrease significantly.
Leaking Foot Valves
Even if your foot valve isn’t broken, it can still cause problems if it’s leaking. A leaking foot valve can allow air to enter the system, which can lead to cavitation. Cavitation is a process that happens when air bubbles are formed due to low pressure, which can then create a vacuum. This causes water to flow erratically. A leaking valve can also negatively impact the pump’s ability to move water at all.
Weak Pump
If your jet pump is too weak, it may struggle to maintain a consistent pressure. A jet pump’s power is measured in horsepower, so if it’s rated too low for your well’s depth, it can cause it to surge. To ensure that your system is adequately powered, you need to calculate the correct horsepower required for your system.
Inlet Screen Clogs
The inlet screen prevents sediment and other debris from passing through the well into your plumbing system. However, if the screen isn’t cleaned properly or if it’s too small, it can become clogged with debris. This can restrict water flow to the point where it creates surging.
How to Fix Jet Pump Surging
If your jet pump is surging, there are several steps you can take to fix it. Before attempting to fix the pump, consult an expert as a safety precaution.
Check for Clogs
The first thing you need to check is if there’s anything blocking your pipes or the pump inlet screen. You can do this by opening the valve closest to the pump, removing the water filter, and then taking a look inside.
If you find any debris, remove it and see if that fixes the problem. You may need to clean the well and plumbing system periodically to prevent debris from building up – this is a good preventative measure to help keep your jet pump in good condition.
Inspect the Foot Valve
If you’ve ruled out clogs as your issue, then you’ll want to inspect your foot valve. Check for any visible damage on the valve, and if there is any, replace it. If it’s leaking air, you may need to tighten screws or replace a gasket.
Increase Horsepower
If your pump is too weak, you may need to replace it or increase the horsepower. While this may be a costly investment, having a properly powered pump system will give you peace of mind and save you money in the long term.
Call in Pros
If you’ve ruled out the earlier fixings and are facing a surging jet pump, it may be best to seek professional assistance. Not only is this the safest option, but it’s also the best way to ensure a lasting solution.
In conclusion
Jet pump surging is a common problem experienced by homeowners. If your jet pump is surging, it can be caused by a clogged pipe, a broken or leaking foot valve, a weak pump, or a clogged inlet screen. Whatever the problem, solving it as soon as practical is essential for maintaining a properly functioning plumbing system.
As always, contact a professional plumber if you suspect that there’s a problematic issue with your plumbing system, including surging jet pumps. Give us a call today to speak to a plumbing expert!
Call Now