How to Unwaterlog a Pump

If a pump is waterlogged, the problem usually involves the water pressure tank. A waterlogged tank will cause the pump to turn on and off frequently. The pressure tank is a reservoir that allows the pump to avoid constant operation. The pressure tank has a bladder that fills up with water. When the bladder fills up with enough water, the air pressure increases, pushing the water out. However, this tank becomes waterlogged when it leaks, which causes the space intended for air to fill up with water instead. This causes the water pressure to drop fast and also causes the well pump to activate. The water does not compress, so the well pump reaches a high-pressure setting quickly and shuts off.

Compressed air
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the power to the pressure tank. Check the valve to see if it is broken or leaks. If so, change it. If these problems aren’t fixed, the pump will simply become waterlogged again.
- 2
  Open the faucet closest to the tank, ideally one that is close to the ground. Let the water drain out until it is only trickling out of the faucet. This will empty out most of the water in the pressure tank.
- 3
  Bring air into the tank, either by taking out a fitting or plug to let air seep in on its own, or use an air compressor to pump air into the tank through the side or bottom. The air will help remove most of the water out of the tank. If the pump motor is in the well, you can remove all the water from the tank. If you have a jet pump, you should leave half the water in the tank to use for priming the pump. Fill up several buckets with water to add to the pump when you do not have enough water to prime it.
- 4
  Turn off the faucet and stop adding air to the tank. Open the valve between the tank and pump to keep the pump running, but do not open the valve so much that the pressure drops below 20 pounds until the tank completely fills up.

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