Water system problems

We've had water system problems for the last couple of days. Every other plan and project has been set on the back burner until we have reliable water again.

On the bright side, the well is full of water. It's a plumbing problem of some sort. So far I've replaced a check valve, a pressure switch and a pump. It pumps water up to the house, but the pressure might be too low. That's one more trip into town to pick up a new pressure gauge. That way I'll know for sure.

So far I've spent $400 without solving the problem. I don't feel too bad about the parts I've changed as they were all pretty worn. Better to replace them now than in December.

It's starting to look like the problem might be a damaged water line. Really really really hoped it was something else. The line is 66 feet long, buried between 6 – 8 feet to get below the frost line. It's in a very steep hill, too steep for heavy equipment. One summer, a very long time ago, I buried the whole thing using hand tools.

By Thursday night I should have a better idea what has to be done. One of the joys of home ownership out in the woods.

-Sixbears