Check Your Pumping System

Orin R. Kenzie, Engineering Technologist, Alberta Agriculture, Lethbridge

With the last touches of winter disappearing, farmers are busy calving, getting machinery ready, working the land and seeding. You might save some down time with your pressure system by opening the pump house or well pit. Here are some things to consider:

• Remove bales, insulation, and litter from around the pump house or well pit. If mice have not nested in this material over winter, they may be attracted to it during the summer. As well, it may allow for some ventilation during the summer, reducing temperature and humidity in the pump house.
• Check drainage around well pits and divert surface water away.
• Check system wiring. Loose, broken wiring, or wiring with insulation removed (by mice) should be repaired.
• Check all plumbing joints for leaks, and pressure tank for leaks and rust on the tank itself.
• Check pressure switch for rust, corrosion or excessive wear. Correct defects or replace switch (a good idea to have spare pressure switch on hand).
• If you have a jet pump, does sound normal when running or does it make strange noises - indicating a worn or defective pump part. Note if the pump is cycling too frequently. Disconnect heaters, heat lamps or heat tapes for the summer.
• Pressure gauge working? Check cut-in and cut-out pressures.