Well & Septic Systems Diagnostics

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SUBMERSIBLE WELL WATER PUMPS

Diagram

Diagnostics

Diagnostics - 2

WARNING: Disconnect and lockout electrical power before attempting any service. Failure to do so can cause shock, burns or death.

Having a well water problem?
Listed below are several common problems with water wells. They are listed for your convenience, though we always recommend calling Monticello Pump Services when you have a problem.

SUBMERSIBLE PUMP

Problem

Pump Motor Not Running

Probable Cause

1. Motor thermal protector tripped.

a. Incorrect control box.
b. Incorrect or faulty electrical connections.
c. Faulty thermal protector.
d. Low voltage.
e. Ambient temperature of control box/starter too high.
f. Pump bound by foreign matter.
g. Inadequate submergance.

2. Open circuit breaker or blown fuse.
3. Power source inadequate for load.
4. Power cable insulation damage
5. Faulty power cable splice

Solution

1. Allow motor to cool, thermal protector will automatically reset.
a-e. Have a qualified Monticello Pump Services technician inspect and repair, as required.
f. Pull pump, clean, adjust set depth as required.
g. Confirm adequate unit submergence in pumpage.

2. Have a qualified Monticello Pump Services technician inspect and repair as required.
3. Check supply or generator capacity.
4–5. Have a qualified Monticello Pump Services technician inspect
and repair as required.

WARNING: Disconnect and lockout electrical power before attempting any service. Failure to do so can cause shock, burns or death. We always recommend that you call a technician from Monticello Pump Services to do any necessary repair or installation.

SUBMERSIBLE PUMP

Problem

Little or No Liquid Delivered by Pump

Probable Cause

1. Faulty or incorrectly installed check valve.

2. Pump air bound.

3. Lift too high for pump.

4. Pump bound by foreign matter.

5. Pump not fully submerged

6. Well contains excessive amounts of air or gas

7. Excessive pump wear.

8. Incorrect motor rotation – three phase only.

Solution

1. Inspect check valve, repair as required.

2. Successively start and stop pump until flow is delivered.

3. Review unit performance, check with dealer.

4. Pull pump, clean, adjust set depth as required.

5. Check well recovery, lower pump if possible.

6. If successive starts and stops does not remedy, well contains excessive air or gases.

7. Pull pump and repair as required.

8. Reverse any two motor electrical leads.

Pressure switch won’t cut out.

The pressure switch is not set correctly.

The water level too low in well for rating of pump.

The switch opening is clogged.

Revise the settings: 20-lb cut-in, 40-lb cut-out; or 30/50 (depending on tank size).

Pressure switch not set correctly. Check pump setting.

Clean out openings or, if necessary replace switch.

JET WELL WATER PUMPS

Diagram

Diagnostics

JET PUMP

Problem

Pump Motor Not Running

Probable Cause

Pump starts too often, runs too long

Check to see if the valve leaks.

The pressure switch is out of adjustment.

There are leaks in the pipe.

Any or all of the above All known causes are checked but system still won’t work properly.

Solution

You have a water-logged tank (loss of air pressure). Check tanks for leaks. Re-charge with air pressure to proper level. Check air volume control.

Replace or repair.

Adjust to proper setting and check to assure setting remains. If not, replace pressure switch.

Check above-ground piping for leaks. if none, pull pump and check all pipe connections and connection of pipe to pump.

Call Monticello Pump Services 1-540-210-0886 or540-202-2054

SEWAGE PUMPS - BOTH SINGLE AND DUPLEX

Diagram

Diagnostics

SEPTIC PUMP

Problem

A. Pump will not start or run

B. Motor overheats and trips overload or blows fuse

C. Pump starts and stops too often

D. Pump will not shut off

E. Pump operates but delivers little or no water

F. Drop in head and/or capacity after period of use

Common Causes

Check fuse, low voltage, overload open, open or incorrect wiring, open switch, impeller or seal bound mechanically, defective capacitor or relay when used, motor or wiring shorted. Float assembly held down. Switch defective, damaged, or out of adjustment.

Incorrect voltage, negative head (discharge open lower than normal) impeller or seal bound mechanically, defective capacitor or relay, motor shorted.

Float tight on rod, check valve stuck or none installed in long distance line, overload open, level switch(s) defective, sump pit too small.

Debris under float assembly, float or float rod bound by pit sides or other, switch defective, damaged or out of adjustment.

Check strainer housing, discharge pipe, or if check valve is used vent hole must be clear. Discharge head exceeds pump capacity. Low or incorrect voltage. Incorrect motor rotation. Capacitor defective. Incoming water containing air or causing air to enter pumping chamber.

Increased pipe friction, clogged line or check valve. Abrasive material and adverse chemicals could possibly deteriorate impeller and pump housing. Check line. Remove base and inspect.

SUMP PUMPS - WITH BATTERY POWER BACK UP SYSTEM

Diagram

Diagram #2

Diagnostics

MAINTENANCE

1. Inspect and test the system for proper operations at least every 3 months.

Red power on indicator light should be “on” indicating AC power is on
Unplug primary pump and the control charger from power supply.
Fill sump pump with water to the “on” level for the DC pump. Allow pump to run a few minutes.
The alarm will sound approximately 5 seconds after the pump starts to run.
Push alarm reset switch. The alarm will go “off””.
Pump will shut off after water level is lowered and the float drops to the off position.

2. Plug the control charger and the primary pump into the wall outlet.

The primary pump will come on and lower the water to the normal operating level and shut off.
The “yellow” charging light should be on. The charger is replacing the energy consumed during the test. The “green” light will come on after the charger has replaced the energy consumed during the test.

3. Battery should be agitated gently every 3 months. Caution

Batter acid is dangerous. Take proper safety precautions. Do not splash the acid. Add distilled water to battery when necessary per battery manufacturer’s instructions.

TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION

1. Charging and charged LED’s alternate frequently

This is normal

2. DC Pump won’t run

Check 15 amp fuse in line from pump to switch . If fuse is blown, replace with 15 amp Littelfuse type 3AG, series 311.
Check for proper connections.
Check all wire terminal points. Clean if required.
Check for low battery. Service battery if required.

3. Pumps runs but pumps very little or no water.

Check for low battery. Battery will recharge if Red power “on” light indicates power has been restored and the float switch is in the off position.
If immediate usage is required, remove and replace dead battery with a full recharged battery.
Due to varying conditions the pump may continue to run on a low battery without sufficient power to remove water. Pump will not stop running until battery is completely discharged.
*Caution* Weak batteries can be recharged but may not store sufficient energy for full service. A weak recharged battery can only be detected by reduced pumping time or by checking each cell with a hydormeter. If your emergency pump system is used frequently the battery should be checked by a qualified battery dealer.

4. Pump cycles too frequently

Check positions of rubber stops on float rod.
Adjust upper float stop as required. Recommended for standard installation

5. Float switch in “on” position. Pump won’t run.

Remove pump. Check for obstruction in pump preventing impeller from rotating

6. Pump runs, but pumps water intermittently

Pump is air locking. Check flow of water incoming to sump. If water is entering the sump at high velocity creating a turbulent condition, a mixture of air and water may cause a complete or partial air lock and reduce or stop the flow of water in the discharge pipe.
Baffle the incoming stream of water to reduce turbulence. Diverting water stream against wall of basin usually corrects an air lock problem.

SEWAGE PUMPS - BOTH SINGLE AND DUPLEX

Diagram

Diagram - #2

Diagnostics

SEPTIC PUMP

Problem

A. Pump will not start or run

B. Motor overheats and trips overload or blows fuse

C. Pump starts and stops too often

D. Pump will not shut off

E. Pump operates but delivers little or no water

F. Drop in head and/or capacity after period of use

Common Causes

Incorrect voltage, negative head (discharge open lower than normal) impeller or seal bound mechanically, defective capacitor or relay, motor shorted.

Float tight on rod, check valve stuck or none installed in long distance line, overload open, level switch(s) defective, sump pit too small.

Debris under float assembly, float or float rod bound by pit sides or other, switch defective, damaged or out of adjustment.

Increased pipe friction, clogged line or check valve. Abrasive material and adverse chemicals could possibly deteriorate impeller and pump housing. Check line. Remove base and inspect.

Septic Systems Repair Services Sometimes Right Over The Phone!

CALL 703-241-1673 (540) 210-0886

Free Emergency Troubleshooting

MONTICELLO PUMP SERVICES

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Well Pump Repair
Low Water Pressure Issues & Diagnosis
Well Pump Retrieval including video (from falling loose inside the well)
Well Water Facts
Well Casing Repair
Emergency Advice/Service

HELPFUL BROCHURES:

What Our Clients Say?

Our commitment to exceptional service is reflected in the feedback from our satisfied customers. We invite you to view recent comments and testimonials on our website to see why homeowners consistently choose Monticello Pump Services for their water pressure and well pump needs. Their experiences speak volumes about our reliability, professionalism, and the lasting quality of our solutions.

Paul at Monticello is the perfect example of what is great customer service and what it means to be a truly good human being. Not only is Paul extremely knowledgeable about sump pumps but he is extremely patient and fair. I highly recommend this business and working with Paul if you ever have any sump pump related issues. I can’t thank you enough, Paul!!

Anuj S.

Called Monticello at 4:20AM Super Bowl Sunday and the phone was answered by Paul the owner. Clearly I woke him from a dead sleep but he immediately worked with me over the phone to determine why I did not have water. He spent at least 45 minutes working me through diagnosing the problem which ended up being a loose fuse, the best we could determine. He refused to take any payment for his help which I would have gladly paid. He could have scheduled a service call which he felt was not necessary, he said he just wanted to get the water back on for my family. In todays world so few Company’s and people exist that would do something like this that it shocks you. Thank you Paul!!!!!

Reid B.

I had Monticello install a constant water pressure system into my house on a Saturday afternoon. It only took the crew five hours to install. I am so happy I went with the upgrade because now I can take a shower using my body massage shower, you can definitely feel a 100% improvement in the water pressure.

Kay Zangler

Wonderful gentleman. Troubleshooted and walked me through my well water problem. I highly recommend using them for all of your well issues. Excellent customer service. Very personal. Highly professional. Could have charged me for an emergency call out. He called me back 3 times to verify that all systems were up and running.

Dot

My house is on a well and Monticello installed a constant pressure system. Now when we take showers or use the hose outside, the water pressure is unbelievable.

Phil Joseph

I woke up one morning with no water, someone over the phone at Monticello Pump Service walked me step by step in trying to get my water back for me and it worked. After I was done speaking to Monticello I had my water back on and was up and running again.

Thomas Tran

I use Monticello for all my well water needs. They are very polite, professional and on time.

Jackie Bump

      
   Monticello Well Pump Services, Inc.
   70 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   ting wang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This company has a really good worker. Jason A. Kyer, he is a kind and hardworking person. He is one of the best workers you’ll ever meet.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kim Mabe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Jason!  He is very honest and does not try to sell items that may not be necessary.  He answers his phone and is very responsive. Great customer service and reasonable rates.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bob Jonas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Water just stopped flowing yesterday. We never had that happen before. I know a little about all the parts but not much. We called Monticello well pump services. I talked to Jason.  He is an angel. He walked me through trouble shooting. Turned out to be dead spot on electrode switch. All is well now.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Brenon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I called these guys because my well pump was shot. Jason came out immediately and took a look at it. He was able to figure out what the problem was and had a new pump installed by the end of the day. Our well is quite a bit deeper than the average well (470 feet) so it was not an easy job. They did a fantastic job and couldn't have made it any easier.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jason & his team were fantastic! We had no water; I called him late in the evening, he answered all my questions & asked the right questions; he came out the next day & replaced our broken well pump. He also pointed out what the prior installer did not do & how he does things differently to help ensure the longevity of the well pump. & his cost was very fair & in some cases Way lower than other estimates we received. I highly recommend Monticello!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Jennings 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This company is awesome!  Within 6 hours of calling  they were replacing the pump and wiring in our 400 ft well (in the snow).  Great job and customer service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Zoey Qaradaghy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for the excellent job fixing the leaks in my well. Very professional, and truly cared about getting everything done right. I appreciate your hard work. Great falls VA
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ian S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had well issues a few years back. I ultimately went with a different company to do the work but Jason, as a courtesy, gave me valuable advice over email numerous times. I recommend reaching out to them if you have well issues.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cliff Souder 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cannot describe how thankful I am for Monticello. My well quit this afternoon at, without question, the worst time. I called around frantically trying to find someone who could help quickly and had ZERO luck. Finally gave up and assumed my wife, 4 kids and I were going to have to move out for a few days. I called Monticello so they could come and give us a quote some day soon and instead their very knowledgeable folks helped me troubleshoot over the phone, find a bridge solution and stayed on the phone for 45 minutes until our water was back up and running.  The best service experience I’ve ever had with a contractor.  I’ll never call anyone else again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   jean kriger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An absolute pleasure to work with Jason and Will. They explained everything. Very helpful. Pricing was within range. Highly recommend them for any well-related issues.

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703-241-1673

Well & Septic Systems Diagnostics