Water Well Journal
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/643500
for the wire and it's bad for the motor," he says. "We replace them because we always assume that for every one we find, there's probably a bad spot we miss and that's not doing the home- owner any favors." Damaged wires will lead to motor failure because the motor will see lower and lower voltage that creates heat—and eventually kills the motor. Schedule 80 PVC and steel pipe won't damage the wire like polyethylene pipe, which is why Smith will only use Schedule 80 pipe to set his pumps. In the end, the key to a long-lasting submersible motor and pump is proper system design, construction, and main- tenance. "Routine maintenance and teaching customers to recognize when a system isn't performing normally extends the life of all of the components in the well, not just the sub- mersible motor," Neubecker sums up. "Properly maintaining your well and pumping system will almost always lead to the longest life expectancy of the system." Smith agrees. "I'm thrilled to death when a customer calls me and says, 'Hey, you guys put this in 30 years ago (and it's still run- ning),'" he recalls. "We love to hear that." WWJ National Groundwater Awareness Week Promote the resource that provides your livelihood! Educate your customers about the importance of annual water testing and well maintenance during National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 6-12, 2016. You will be helping them, yourself, your business, your industry, and the resource. NGWA is here to help you spread the word! From sample letters-to-the-editor and radio spots to print ads, posters, and iers, NGWA has materials for you to use. Find out how you can help spread the word! NGWA.org/AwarenessWeek 800 551.7379 • 614 898.7791 The Groundwater NGWA Association SM Jennifer Strawn was the associate editor of Water Well Journal from 2004 to 2007. She is currently in the internal communications department at Nationwide in Columbus, Ohio. She can be reached at strawnj2 @gmail.com. Twitter @WaterWellJournl WWJ March 2016 29