Jim,
In the event that your readers are not aware of a well pump protection device known as the Pumptec, this is a very simple device that you cannot afford to be without. The Pumptec senses sudden changes in amperage draw from the well pump and will automatically shut the power off to the well pump in the event the well runs dry or other conditions cause a high or sudden change in current draw. Here is more information on the Pumptec, and some more maker information.
A real nice feature about this device is that it comes equipped with a timer that allows the owner so set the amount of off time once the Pumptec has been tripped to allow the well water level to recover. This way you don’t have to go through the hassle of opening up or uncovering the well or well house to reset the device. It resets itself after the preset off time period has passed.
We have Pumptec’s installed on all of our wells which are low producing wells. They have paid for themselves many times over by automatically shutting down the pump with a preset offtime of 90 minutes which allows the wells to recover and function normally. Aqua Science has the best deal on these that I have found on the internet so far.
If the $161 price tag is too much for the Pumptec, a Square D low pressure well pump switch will protect the well pump from a well running dry for less money but it will not prevent a burn out from pump overload or from an electrical short. It must be manually reset each time it is tripped. I strongly recommend the Pumptec or similar device such as the Coyote.
In Major Dad’s case, none of these devices would have prevented the silt fill in of the well but they would have saved the well pump from burning out. Best wishes for a Constitutionally free, prosperous, and productive 2011! – Night Hawk