Well Pump Low Pressure After Suction Leak Repair: Air Leak vs. Well Screen

After fixing a suction line check valve leak, your pump maxes at 20 psi (switch 20/40). You suspect a collapsed well—but it's likely a persistent air leak.

Why Not a Collapsed Well

A shallow well pump (jet pump) develops ~20–25 psi suction max—insufficient to collapse a well casing or screen. Well screens plug slowly over years, not days.

Persistent Air Leak Diagnosis

1. Pressurize the suction line: Connect a garden hose to the pump's prime plug (or a tee on suction side). Turn on house water. Watch for leaks at EVERY joint, fitting, and the check valve.
2. Check the well seal: Where the drop pipe enters the well casing—common leak point.
3. Re-check your repair: The check valve fix may have a weeping thread or gasket.

Cleaning the Well Point (If Needed)

If no air leaks found, backflush the well: connect a pump to the well head and push water DOWN through the screen to dislodge sediment. A pressure washer can work but risks damaging the screen. Better: a dedicated well surging tool or a contractor with a surge block.

Key Insight

Well screens don't clog in days. Sudden pressure drop after a repair = air intrusion. Re-check every suction-side connection with water pressure test.