How To Clean A Clogged Well Point

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Well-point cleaning
Author: Anonymous User Over the last ten years, my well has continued to lose pressure. First, it ran two sprinklers with no problem. Then it would only run one. This year, it seems to barely run even one. When I was a kid, I watched my dad clean his well-point by dumping muratic acid down the pipe. My problem is: 1) I have an out-door well with an in-door pump. 2) I have a jet pump so there are two pipes entering the basement wall horizontally. How do I go about cleaning my well-point with this type of well.........if, in fact, this is even the reason for my loss in pressure.
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Well-point cleaning

Author: Anonymous User

Over the last ten years, my well has continued to lose pressure. First, it ran two sprinklers with no problem. Then it would only run one. This year, it seems to barely run even one. When I was a kid, I watched my dad clean his well-point by dumping muratic acid down the pipe. My problem is: 1) I have an out-door well with an in-door pump. 2) I have a jet pump so there are two pipes entering the basement wall horizontally. How do I go about cleaning my well-point with this type of well.........if, in fact, this is even the reason for my loss in pressure.

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Re: Well-point cleaning
Author: Gary Slusser The well doesn't provide pressure, the pump does but.. if the pump can't get water it can't move it or build pressure. So with no proof that the point is blocked, I'd suspect the pump first, and jet pumps are always suspect. It could have a blocked jet (eductor) or worn inpellor or it could be the well not providing the water as quick as the pump wants it. A vacuum check of the pump may be needed to see if it is capable of doing the job. You could have a blocked inlet screen on the foot valve if you have one; I'm really not up on well point type wells. Muratic acid is one way to clean scale and bacteria encrustations off of screening. But how you'd find out how much to use for how long I don't know. Gary
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Re: Well-point cleaning

Author: Gary Slusser

The well doesn't provide pressure, the pump does but.. if the pump can't get water it can't move it or build pressure. So with no proof that the point is blocked, I'd suspect the pump first, and jet pumps are always suspect. It could have a blocked jet (eductor) or worn inpellor or it could be the well not providing the water as quick as the pump wants it. A vacuum check of the pump may be needed to see if it is capable of doing the job. You could have a blocked inlet screen on the foot valve if you have one; I'm really not up on well point type wells.

Muratic acid is one way to clean scale and bacteria encrustations off of screening. But how you'd find out how much to use for how long I don't know.

Gary

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Re: Well-point cleaning
Author: hj (AZ) If you have a drilled well, which would almost have to be the case with an external jet, then it probably also has a foot valve, which would not let the acid flow into the well or inlet screen.
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Re: Well-point cleaning
Author: nhmaster3015 (NH) If you have 2 pipes coming in through the foundation to the pump, the jet or venturi is down in the well. YYou will need to pull the jt up and then check the jet for an obstruction. They get plugged with sand, rust and stuff. It can be disassembled to clean.
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