Well Pumping: Risks of Over-Pumping and Cavitation

When a pump draws water from a well, it creates a low-pressure area around the pump intake. If the pump is drawing water too quickly, the pressure can drop below the vapor pressure of the water. This causes the water to boil and form bubbles, a phenomenon known as cavitation.

Cavitation bubbles can damage the pump impeller and other internal components. They can also cause the well to collapse, which is a very serious problem.

Water hammer

When a pump is turned off suddenly, the water in the discharge pipe can slam back into the pump. This can cause a pressure spike known as water hammer.

Water hammer can damage the pump, the piping, and even the well. It can also cause leaks and other problems.

Pump overheating

If a pump is run dry, it can overheat and fail. This can be a very expensive problem to fix.

Loss of prime

If a pump loses its prime, it will not be able to draw water from the well. This can be caused by a number of problems, including:

* A leak in the suction line

* A clogged suction line

* A faulty check valve

* A low water level in the well

Loss of prime can be a nuisance, but it is usually not a serious problem. It can be fixed by troubleshooting the problem and correcting it.

Preventing problems

There are a number of things you can do to prevent problems when pumping water from a well:

* Use a pump that is properly sized for the well.

* Do not pump water too quickly.

* Turn the pump off slowly to avoid water hammer.

* Check the water level in the well regularly.

* Have the pump serviced regularly.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your well pump operates smoothly and efficiently for many years.