A jet pump is a popular choice for residential water supply systems, as it can efficiently draw water from a well or other water source and deliver it to your home. However, when a jet pump fails to pump water, it can be a frustrating and potentially costly issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the common causes of a jet pump not pumping water and provide you with a step-by-step troubleshooting process to help you get your water system back up and running.
Checking for Water in the Pump
The first step in diagnosing a jet pump that’s not pumping water is to check for water in the pump itself. If the pump is not producing any pressure or flow, it’s likely that the pump has lost its prime or there is a leak in the pipe, preventing the pump from having enough water to operate properly.
To check for water in the pump, you’ll need to open up the pump case and visually inspect the interior. Look for any signs of water or moisture, and make sure the pump is fully primed and filled with water. If the pump is dry or there is a lack of water, you’ll need to prime the pump and check for any leaks in the suction line.
Clearing the Jet
If the pump is full of water but still not producing pressure, the issue may be a clogged or obstructed jet. The jet is a critical component of the jet pump, responsible for creating the suction that draws water into the pump.
To clear the jet, you’ll need a long metal rod, such as a coat hanger or a narrow screwdriver. Carefully insert the rod into the jet opening and gently move it around to dislodge any debris or obstructions. Be cautious not to damage the jet or any other internal components during this process.
Checking the Water Supply
If the pump is holding its prime but still not producing the desired pressure or flow, the issue may be with the water supply or the suction side of the system. Check for any leaks or blockages in the suction pipe, and ensure that there is enough water in the well or other water source to support the pump’s operation.
To quantify the water supply, you can measure the depth of the well and the water level. A jet pump typically requires a minimum of 10 feet of lift to operate properly, so if the well is deeper than 10 feet, a shallow well jet pump may not be sufficient. In this case, you may need to upgrade to a deep well jet pump, which can lift water from depths of up to 200 feet or more.
Inspecting the Pump’s Motor and Internal Components
If the pump is not running or is running slowly, the issue may be with the motor or the internal components of the pump, such as the impeller or diffuser. You’ll need to open up the pump case and visually inspect these components for any signs of damage or wear.
The efficiency of a jet pump is measured in horsepower (HP), with a typical jet pump having a rating of 1/2 to 3 HP, depending on the size and model. If the pump’s motor is not providing the necessary horsepower, it may not be able to generate the required pressure and flow.
Checking the Foot Valve and Ejector
If the pump is not sucking water through the intake line, the issue may be with the foot valve or the ejector. The foot valve is responsible for maintaining the prime in the suction line, while the ejector creates the suction that draws water into the pump.
Inspect the foot valve for any damage or debris, and ensure that it is properly seated and sealing the suction line. If the ejector is clogged or damaged, it may need to be cleaned or replaced to restore the pump’s suction capabilities.
Technical Specifications and Measurements
To further diagnose and troubleshoot a jet pump that’s not pumping water, it’s important to understand the technical specifications and measurements of the pump. Here are some key data points to consider:
- Lift Capacity: A jet pump typically requires a minimum of 10 feet of lift to operate properly. If the well is deeper than 10 feet, a shallow well jet pump may not be sufficient.
- Flow Rate: The flow rate of a jet pump is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A typical jet pump has a flow rate of 5 to 50 GPM, depending on the size and model.
- Pressure: The pressure of a jet pump is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A typical jet pump has a working pressure of 30 to 50 PSI, although some models can produce pressures up to 100 PSI or more.
- Efficiency: The efficiency of a jet pump is measured in horsepower (HP). A typical jet pump has a horsepower rating of 1/2 to 3 HP, depending on the size and model.
- Voltage: The voltage of a jet pump is measured in volts (V). A typical jet pump operates on 115 or 230 volts, although some models may require a different voltage.
By understanding these technical specifications and measurements, you can better diagnose and troubleshoot the issue with your jet pump, ensuring that it’s operating within the expected parameters and delivering the necessary water pressure and flow.
Conclusion
A jet pump not pumping water can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps and technical knowledge, you can often resolve the problem yourself. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can systematically diagnose and address the root cause of the issue, whether it’s a loss of prime, a clogged jet, an insufficient water supply, or a problem with the pump’s internal components or motor.
Remember to always prioritize safety when working with any electrical or plumbing equipment, and don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the troubleshooting process. With the right approach and attention to detail, you can get your jet pump back up and running and restore the reliable water supply to your home.
References:
– Troubleshooting a Jet Pump: Low Pressure or Flow – YouTube
– deep-well jet pump that will not build pressure – DoItYourself.com
– Well Pump Not Pumping, here’s why. Jet Pump 2 Line … – YouTube
The lambdageeks.com Core SME Team is a group of experienced subject matter experts from diverse scientific and technical fields including Physics, Chemistry, Technology,Electronics & Electrical Engineering, Automotive, Mechanical Engineering. Our team collaborates to create high-quality, well-researched articles on a wide range of science and technology topics for the lambdageeks.com website.
All Our Senior SME are having more than 7 Years of experience in the respective fields . They are either Working Industry Professionals or assocaited With different Universities. Refer Our Authors Page to get to know About our Core SMEs.