Abstract: Methods for performing a wellbore maintenance operation on a system of wellbores used for improved oil recovery are disclosed. A plurality of wellbores are drilled and perforated to receive production fluids from a reservoir. The wellbores are fluidly connected to a production well that is drilled to a depth below the perforations of the wellbores. The production fluids drain and collect in the production well for delivery to the surface. A pump can be used for delivering the production fluids from the production well. During repair and maintenance operations, a fluid is injected into the production well for safely removing the pump components. The fluid is counterbalanced by the pressures in the connected wellbores such that the fluid does not rise above the perforations in the connected wellbores.