So, my well pump died after nearly 30 years. Being a DIY guy, I want to replace it myself if at all possible. I know what I need for a pump, 3/4 hp submersible 230v deep well pump, it's on 1.25" galvanized pipe, no idea on depth. I attempted to find the depth by lowering a small partially filled bottle of water on a long spool of mason line, but there's a pipe centering plate that is down 40' so that's a no go. Honestly, my biggest hug up is pulling the pump. How would one do that? I have an ATV with a winch, have friends with compact tractors with FEL's, but how to grab onto that galvanized steel pipe to pull it, then take the sections off? If it goes south, it gets way more expensive. I'm thinking the water is probably ~200' down. Anyone with any tips? Our should I not attempt this and leave it to the pros? I understand the pitless adapter, but his tires that t bar at the top work? I think I should loosen that nut and see what that does me. The pitless adapter holds the weight of the pump and piping so it's not like the pump drops if that "crossbar" is removed. We're getting water by me hauling it from my neighbors spigot.
Mine has died twice in 30 years living here from a bare wire hitting the well casing. The pros came, pulled the pump, coated the wire, and we were in business. I personally wouldn't attempt to do this myself. Pump was 38 years old last time it was pulled.
IIRR, when mine was replaced the guy used a machine something like an old pitching machine. 2 tires opposite of each other like a clamp and the pipe rode between them. One tire was powered by an electric motor that he could turn on and off with a switch. He'd run it until a coupling came up. Then stop the machine and spin off that section of pipe. Repeat until pump shows up.
I've pulled a bunch of pumps and if your water is 200' down you will have more than 200' to pull. Pipe will be full 21' lengths and will bend if not supported by a truck boom. A LOT heavier than you would think. Can you connect your house to your neighbors with a garden hose?
I did that years ago. Had to replace pump. While well was down, a hose with a washing machine hose (2 female ends) made the connection. We didn't run much water, but could and did. Our pump is on the end of a black plastic hose. ~120ft of well. As I recall, a tripod was set up over the well head, with some kind of one-direction gripping device that allowed the pipe to be pulled up, but gripped the hose so it wouldn't slide back down.
Been thinking about similar issues myself...our pump hasn't been out since I've been here (98) and don't think it was out right before me either! Ours is supposedly at 110'. I think I'd at least want to call a well service, see what they charge to pull 'em...this may be one of those jobs that is done cheap enough that its just not worth fooling with! And they sure make it look easy, with all their "right tools" n all! My question is do they still make well pumps that will last another 20-30 years? Or have they went the way of modern appliances?!
My vote is for calling the professionals. I pulled a well once and only because it had poly pipe and an in basement jet pump. It was winter and I had about 140' of pipe (2 lengths) laying in the driveway while cleaning out the foot valve assembly. Sure wouldn't attempt pulling a submersible pump with galvanized pipe at this point in my life. And have them change out that galvanized pipe to some poly or pvc
No doubt with galvanized!!! Pcv or poly..... I'm thinking this dudes contraption, probably a several thousand dollar tool, had a 2 or 3 hp motor. For some reason it seams mine came apart in 10ft sections? It's been several years. I don't really remember there being much of a support above the wheels on his machine. Maybe a short cage? Maybe he had other sections of cage to add when the well pipe came apart in 20ft sections?
It's not a huge deal to lug water in the gorilla cart. I'll get some quotes. If this was poly pipe, I'd have pulled it already. No idea on the depth of my well. Neighbor doesn't know either. This seems like a special equipment job.
I work for a pump manufacturer. Only one of our companies makes them. They have 1/2 and 3/4 hp. Surely our pumps are better than the off the shelf stuff you can buy locally. Price quoted was about 200 more than the Menards special.
Simple answer on the pump is yes they do. However be prepared to pony up and don't think you'll be getting it at a box store. Goulds, Grundfos and pumps of that caliber will shock you with the price.
Horkn on top of well should be a number it should e registered at your state Will tell you how deep.. mine died on my 50th bday as a gift. My pitiless was 8 foot down. Friend does sprinklers made me a T out of 1 1/4 BIP pulled it. Mine was is 1 and 1/4 black poly. Just hooked to bucket of tractor. if galvanized your going to need to build an A frame to pull it straight up. Then unscrew pipe should be 21 foot lengths
It wouldn't shock me...gotta remember what business I'm in...the only thing that shocks me is how much stuff has went up in the last 3 years!
