Submersible pump problem

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May 28, 2007 | 07:37 PM

scole250

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From: Goldsboro, NC

Submersible pump problem

I have a well with a 4" SS Grundfos 5hp pump used for irrigation. It's set up to pump 30gpm, but I was using it to run a single 5-10gpm sprinkler. It quit. Yeah, I know. It's not supposed to cycle, but it was. It has a control box. If I press then reset button, the control box hums for 10 seconds or so, then clicks off. Does this sound like a control box (capacitor or relay) problem or have I fried the pump? I have a troubleshooting guide, but I don't like messing with 30amp 220v stuff. I'm trying to get an electrician over here ASAP. Just looking for advice.

May 28, 2007 | 10:14 PM

King Triton

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From: Michigan

It might just be a capacitor problem,thats what the cap is for,during start-up the motor draws more amps than what the line supplies and the cap gives a surge of electricity to help get it going.

May 29, 2007 | 12:15 AM

wlihntr

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From: colorado

sounds like you may have locked up the pump. i have seen locked up bildge pumps do the same thing...it takes a few seconds to build up enough current to kick the breaker.

May 29, 2007 | 12:42 PM

scole250

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From: Goldsboro, NC

WOOHOO! A friend help me test the control box and I only had to replace a $23 run capacitor.

May 29, 2007 | 04:58 PM

ckal704

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From: Lancaster County PA

Gotta love it when it is not a "worst-case" scenario!!

May 29, 2007 | 05:21 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

You probably should set it up to run constantly, either running additional sprinklers or just dumping the water back down the well (if it's an open well).

May 29, 2007 | 07:44 PM

scole250

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From: Goldsboro, NC

I never knew they existed until recently while I was researching my pump problem, but they make CSV (cycle stop valves) that keep back pressure (false head) on the pump and keep them running instead of cycling. There's different types. I'm going to have one put in that has a max flow rate of 50gpm and min of 2gpm.