Replacing a submersible pump that is 30m deep could scare you. This article will explain step by step how to proceed.
Steps
Step 1. First of all you need to turn off the pump switch
To make sure the pump is not working, try running the water. Remember that there may be residual water with a little pressure in the system. If, after 5 minutes, no more water flows, then the pump is switched off.
Step 2. Find and remove the manhole closing the well
It could be fixed with 8mm bolts and you will need an 11mm wrench to take them off.
Step 3. Light a very powerful flashlight and look into the well
You may already have some conclusions on how to proceed with the replacement. The first thing you should observe is how the well is connected to the house. There may be a filler or hydraulic adapter. The other thing to check is the type of material of the main pipe: is it PVC or flexible? Connections can be difficult to see, but remember that PVC is white and reflective, while the hose is black, opaque and does not reflect light.
Step 4. Now that you know how to approach the job, you need to get the tools you need
You need a 150 cm long “T” tool with a nominal 1 inch diameter in the sch 40 chart. It needs to be threaded on both ends with a final T and two 6 inch nipples. In addition, you will need a one kilogram hammer and at least one other person to help you. It would be better to have two assistants because a 60m hose is difficult to handle.
Step 5. Screw the "T" tool onto the top of the hydraulic adapter and disconnect all electrical connections
Now you can prepare for removal.
Step 6. When you are ready, someone has to push up the small cable that acts as a block for the adapter and another person pushes the "T" tool
Once the hydraulic adapter has been removed from the pipe, the person holding the cable must now grab it. At this point it is necessary to detach the "T" tool from the adapter. The 14 watts per meter pump located in the well weighs about 30 kg when it is in the water, which means that it is still deep inside the well.
Step 7. Now that you have removed the “T” tool, you can start pulling on the hose
Make sure that another person stretches the tube well on the ground; if the well is 30m deep, you will need 30m of space to put it. If you have a third helper available, ask him to help the first one get the pump out of the well, as this is hard work.
Note that the hose may be slippery where it meets the water. Rubber gloves with a good grip are very useful at this point, although not essential
Step 8. Now that the pump is out of the pit, you can replace it
You need to get a new one with the same specifications. There are two models: one with the control unit and one without. Also, remember that the voltage, frequency, power and flow rate must also match those of the previous pump. When buying the new pump, remember how challenging and problematic the replacement work is, then buy a reliable model known for its good quality. Water leaks from an inexpensive pump could prove to be much more expensive in the long run.
Step 9. When connecting the new pump, make sure you have some knowledge of electrical wiring
For example, a 230 volt pump has two black (poles) and one green (ground) wires. Remember to put the shrink wrap over each wire before fastening the connections. Better quality connectors than those supplied with the pump should be used. Keep in mind that you don't have to find yourself in the situation of having to remove the pump from the well, once it has been lowered, just because you have noticed that the wiring is not perfect. Once the secure connections are made, you need to put the shrink tubing over the connectors. You will need a lot of heat for the sheath to shrink, a match or lighter may not be enough. Sometimes a small propane flame is used. Now that the sheaths have retracted, tape the cables to the pipe to prevent them from moving. Connect a 3mm diameter stainless steel cable to the pump to make subsequent removals easier. Get a cable that is as long as the depth of the well (30m in our example) plus another 3m to make the connections. You will also need 6 stainless steel clamps to attach three to each end.
Step 10. You are now ready to install the new pump
It is not essential to tape the cable to the water pipe, but you can do it if you want. Put the pump near the opening and move the hose so that it is well aligned along the well.
Step 11. Just like you did during the removal phase, you need two people on top of the well and another one leading the pipe through the opening
Lower the pump into the opening and slowly the descent begins. When the pump touches the water, it will begin to weigh less. This is completely normal, since water partially balances its weight.
Step 12. When you reach the hydraulic adapter, you need to use your "T" tool again
One person has to hold the adapter while another screws it in place. At the end you can finish the job by inserting the adapter in its seat.
Step 13. Now that the adapter is also well fixed, you don't need the "T" tool and you can remove it
Don't push too hard to make sure everything is well placed, as you could ruin the well lining.
Step 14. Now you can reconnect the electrical wiring at the opening of the well; if you feel unsure at this stage of the work, call an electrician
Step 15. Before replacing the manhole, check if you have water in the house
Connect a hose to the general tank, open and close the tap in the house. Turn on the pump switch. The water should start bubbling due to the air that has remained in the system. If water does not arrive within 5 minutes, turn off the pump switch. There may not be any problem, you just have to wait 5 minutes to allow the water pumped into the pipes to force the air out. After 5 minutes, restart the pump switch and you should have a good flow of water.
