Sprinkler System Runs 30 Minutes Then Spits Air: Well Water Table Drop

System Loses Prime After 30 Minutes: Classic Low Water Table Symptom

A sprinkler system runs fine for ~30 minutes, then spits air and stops. Area has very low rainfall. Separate irrigation well.

Diagnosis: Lowered Water Table

The pump is sucking air because the water level has dropped below the suction intake. After 30 minutes of pumping, the well draws down until the foot valve or suction line entrance is exposed.

Solution: Lower the Suction Line

The suction line (or foot valve) must be set deeper in the well. This requires:

• Pulling the existing drop pipe
• Adding more pipe sections
• Reinstalling with foot valve at new depth

Do not attempt this yourself unless experienced. Hire a local well service company. They can also assess if the well yield is sufficient long-term.