QuestionI had a shallow well jetted in last year around March. They left with a 2" PVC pipe with a PVC point at the bottom, near 28' down. I was left to install the pump, but was unable to obtain prime on the well. After lots of trial and error, I ended up inserting a 1 1/4" pipe inside the 2" pipe with a foot valve at the bottom and a check valve up above going to a 3/4 HP jet pump. This well is sucking/pumping sand all the time. If I put a cheesecloth at the end of the hose, sand collects in a pocket I left in the cheesecloth. I am guessing that at some point, the installer fractured the 2" PVC somewhere. It turns freely at the top, but, I was unable to remove it to see. I am afarid to try to pull it for fear of collapsing the hole. Is there any way to deal with this without pulling this well? Can I obtain a 1 1/4" point and put it at the bottom of what I am now using as a suction pipe? Someone suggested drilling several holes in the bottom section of this suction line and secure a cheesecloth or pantyhose to the pipe to block the sand, but, I was told that this would end up completely plugging the pipe in short order. This well is used for irrigation only. This sand is very fine and does not seem to be having any effect on the pump. I am using impulse sprinklers and the only effect on them is that I have to leave them in a completely circular pattern. Trying to make them sweep back and forth, the sand gets into the works and it stops working. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
AnswerA couple of suggestions. If you are consistantly pumping sand, your suction line may be too low. Try measuring down to where you have water in the well, and place the suction line a foot or two below that point. If your well replenishes quickly, this may work. If this doesnt work there are sand seperators that can be installed inline downstream from the pump. I wouldnt put the cloth or nylon over the end of the suction line, it would be too problematic for maintenance.
