Could use some tips on debugging Lake Water pump

[bilproject]

Check your line for wear where it crosses the rocks into the water. Wave action can cause holes to wear into the plastic line. The problem usually shows up when the holes are no longer covered with water and air is sucked in when the pump runs.

[Descant]

I double piped mine where the line comes over the rocks. Cheap, next time you cut or replace the line.

[rick35]

Originally Posted by Descant

I double piped mine where the line comes over the rocks. Cheap, next time you cut or replace the line.

Our last two leaks were from the hose rubbing on rocks. Doubling up the hose helped a little but piling rocks on the hose where it entered the lake kept the hose from moving. Haven't had a leak since.

[ApS]

Instead of a double pipe, I cut 1-foot oversized sections and threaded about a dozen sections over the intake pipe. Holes can't be worn through the pipe, as those loose sections rotate—rather than be abraded by the rocks.

Originally Posted by bilproject

Check your line for wear where it crosses the rocks into the water. Wave action can cause holes to wear into the plastic line. The problem usually shows up when the holes are no longer covered with water and air is sucked in when the pump runs.

Years ago, it used to be wave action, but in the last few decades, the "action" has become violent wake action.

[mswlogo]

Lots of fantastic ideas.

This is hopefully, just temporary to get to end of season.
With this weeks weather I’m so glad I didn’t close yet. What a week.

If for some reason I need to run the lake water next summer I’ll apply some of the mods suggested.

I got a new foot valve, 10” feet of tubing, a few unions and clamps.

I hope to avoid going in the water I do have a wet suite and booties. But that might not cut it.

I have an old percolator I’m gonna use for hot dipping the tubing.

One thing I did on my prior pump was I did put a back flow valve near the pump but I replaced an elbow (on the lake side of the added back flow) with a T and a Valve off that new tap so I could still prime the line. Worked pretty good. But I didn’t want to get into adding all that.

[Descant]

If there are 100 pumps, there are 100 different hook ups. They all work.

[mswlogo]

Originally Posted by Descant

If there are 100 pumps, there are 100 different hook ups. They all work.

And they are all similar. 1”-1.5” Poly line, with a foot valve/screen. Most need priming.

Probably the biggest variation are folks that use submersible well pumps. Which is a pretty cool idea and something I’d consider long term if I was gonna continue with lake water. No priming

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by mswlogo

And they are all similar. 1”-1.5” Poly line, with a foot valve/screen. Most need priming.

Probably the biggest variation are folks that use submersible well pumps. Which is a pretty cool idea and something I’d consider long term if I was gonna continue with lake water. No priming

Another plus for the submersible well pumps is you cannot hear them. I have one at a commercial property and it works fine. The pump at the house is in the basement and you can hear it whenever it goes on.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Another plus for the submersible well pumps is you cannot hear them. I have one at a commercial property and it works fine. The pump at the house is in the basement and you can hear it whenever it goes on.

I like knowing that water is in use. (That someone has arrived home, and might need help with the groceries).

A pump that starts up at night is also a handy diagnostic tool to determine plumbing faults.