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The pump goes on and off every second. The manifold and regulator are all rusted beyond repair and usability. The tank spews water when you check the pressure (I read that indicated the bladder was bad.) The current tank is a WellMate WM-6 20-gallon. I've read this constant recycling can ruin a pump. The pump is submersible at 90 feet in a 6 inch pipe. I only use the well to water the lawn and flowers and wash the car. It is full of iron and filters can't handle all of it.

Since the pump has been subject to so much off and on cycling, I want to check it out before I spend close to $100 on a manifold kit and over $100 on a tank. So, can I hook the pump wires coming into and out of the regulator to each other and flip the breaker to see if the pump is working OK? They are connected to a Square D 30/50 regulator. The plain wire is connected to the 1 and 3 terminals on the regulator and the striped wire is connected to the 2 and 4 terminals. Is that enough information to know that I am connecting them right?

Assuming everything goes OK with the pump and I need a new tank, can I get a smaller (cheaper) one for just watering, or will a bigger one be useful for getting the water out 150 feet or more into the yard?

The pump has been pumping the water out OK. Is it possible there is some damage that isn't showing up yet that might make the pump worthless after awhile? If the pump is bad, I'll probably have to shut it all down because I can't afford a new pump, especially if a well guy has to re-install it. The city water is an extra $20-40 a month during watering season.

So, what course of action should I take - hook the wires directly to make sure the pump is working or fix the new manifold assembly and buy a new tank for close to $200?

I'd research the specs (and wiring diagram) for the pump, then do a simple volume test. I.E. if your pump is rated to 10 GPM, connect it for a minute and measure the output. Since you have both corrosion and sediment issues, perform any needed maintenance first.

I would definitely not worry about the pump. What goes bad on pumps are mainly the seals and bearings. If yours is not leaking anywhere, it will do just fine. The pump parts maybe a bit worn from the sediment in the water, but that happens. If the unit is pumping enough to make the sprinklers max out, then leave3 it alone, and replace the tank.

When we put in our underground sprinkler system, we had a separate meter installed. That water rate is much cheaper, as there is no sewer bill included.

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Mr. Curmudgeon, on Mountain Lion.

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btfc
I'd research the specs (and wiring diagram) for the pump, then do a simple volume test. I.E. if your pump is rated to 10 GPM, connect it for a minute and measure the output. Since you have both corrosion and sediment issues, perform any needed maintenance first.

I have no idea what kind of pump it is or even the size. The installer is long-gone and I never had the specs. I think I'll probably redo the manifold with a galvanized piece if I can find one or PVC if the parts don't add up too high. I'll pump up the tank and see if it works. If not, I'll get another one. I just don't know what size since it's only for watering the yard and always will be.