Well plumbers? Shallow well pump problem

[Motofixxer]

I'm trying to figure out the cause and solution to this pump problem.

https://youtube.com/?#/watch?v=qECPUWsOE10

2" well casing 23' deep with a sand point. Pump is on about 20' of 1 1/4" suction pipe with a foot valve. The static water level is 4-5ft below pump. The pump is brand new. I tested pump with a barrel of water and it seemed to work ok. This happens with pressure tank connected or not and with a wide open discharge. It seems to prime OK and hold it. Foot valve seems to be operating normally and suction pipe seems to be ok. Switch doesn't seem to be opening and closing but is clicking. Problem persists with switch bypassed and wired direct.

 

[Motofixxer]

I contacted the pump manufacturer and reviewed with them. They recommended using old fashioned foam shaving cream around suction pipe joints and run pump. The suction will indent the foam where it leaks and ***** in. Also another thing to try is saran wrap on joints. After reviewing actual suction pipe components it was suggested to remove pvc union as they apparently have a history of leaking.

 

[Slowgsr]

I agree, pvc unions ****!

 

[Motofixxer]

First time I tried one...I picked up a galvanized union and a few other fittings today. Have to wait till I can work on it again.

 

[atty5420]

For what it's worth...on a shallow well, I've never used unions, just regular PVC glued joints. On a 400' well, that won't work, but for shallow stuff, they work fine and take the worry about of a threaded union.