So it always seems that when I see the jet and foot valve out of a well there's a drop tube between the jet and foot valve. My question concerns this drop tube- is it necessary? I've got a leak somewhere, replaced the foot valve and still have a leak. I'm inclined to get rid of the old drop tube, it's crusty and likely to be the source of leaks either now or in the future. any reason to not just plumb the foot valve directly to the jet? Thank you kindly for useful information.
This drop tube is the suction line. This tube will always be below the water level in the well. I would talk to a competent water well company and get their recommendations. Regards, Dale
The reason for the drop tube is to possibly save you replacing a pump. All wells silt in a certain amount. Your submersible pump can withstand a certain amount of this fine silt but if it gets to be half-submerged in the stuff it will burn out. With the drop pipe in place, the foot valve will plug up first, giving you warning and a chance to shorten the pipe above the pump. Rather than fitting the foot valve directly into the bottom of the pump, you would be better advised to replace the drop tube with a new piece. Also be sure to test your foot valve while you have it out of the well. Some are faulty right out of the box. I always screw on a fitting with a snifter valve that allows me to put 150 psi of air on the foot valve over night. If it doesn't hold that, it shouldn't be at the bottom of a deep well; it's just too much darn hassle pulling them.
