Well/Holding tank loosing pressure.

[DKAudio]

Ok, I have an update. I pulled the pump out with some help from friends. The pipe is all steel in 21' sections. The total length was 117'. I used a bobber and hit water at 91'. There were some holes in the downpipe and multiple chips, there was also an "air maker system". I will get rid of all that and install a new bladder tank. I am ready to drop the pump back in but have some questions. Should I use polyethylene or Sch 80 PVC for the downpipe? I am concerned with the barb fittings holding up a 50lb pump. If I use PE, do they have barb to NPT fittings? There is a check valve on top of the pump that is threaded NPT for 1" ID pipe. If I use Sch 80, what type of fittings do I use, solvent to threaded? Would I use anything on the threads?

The 1 reason I don't really want to use PE is because it is sold in 100' lengths and I need to drop it 117'. I would have to buy 200' just to do it.

Thanks

[HayZee518]

use the black polyethylene chloride well pipe - it is flexible to take up any pulsations the pump has to offer. the barb end into the pump with a couple of stainless steel radiator clamps will hold the weight of the pump and follower pipe [tubing]

[Gary Slusser]

PE pipe has been used to 500' with up to 2 hp pumps for 50 years, on insert fittings with hose clamps. And you're worried... Use 160 psi rated 1" PE and buy a 200' roll (it is less expensive than 120' of PVC, glue, cleaner, fittings, tape or dope) at a pump, plumbing supply house or Ace Hardware and double oppose clamp it with SS marine grade clamps and buy the T handle torque wrench for the clamps and quit worrying. Don't over tighten the clamps or heat the pipe more than room temp and do it inside and outside evenly.

Man it's only 117'... Use extended insert fittings if yer scared.

[DKAudio]

Wow, that makes me feel better. I will buy all brass barb fittings if I can find them. Thanks

[mrcaptainbob]

Additionally, there usually is an eye on the top of the pump housing. Use that to attach a 1/2" poly or nylon rope to and tie the other end off to the well head top at the pitless adapter end. This is good insurance for the future people who may have to pull it...

[DKAudio]

I just got my fishing pole and measured depths and was shocked...

I verified that I indeed hit water at 92'. I then used a weight and started sinking it, I ran out of line at 218'!!! Why would they drill so deep if they hit water so shallow? I'm just going to drop the pump to 120 and call it good. That would give a little under 30' of water depth.

I went to a big Menards and got (2) 100' spools of 1" 160PSI PE, (2) brass barb to 1" NPT fittings, and (1) brass barb coupler. Finally, I got some SS hose clamps.

Gary, you are saying use two hose clamps per barb and have them tighten in oposite directions?

I also got a new galvanized 1" coupler to rest on top of the well seal, brass to galvanized is ok, right?

I am going to drop it this Saturday and will plan on 120'

[HandymanTrainer]

so where abouts in the country are you dealing with this shallow well? Out here in S. AZ I have a well....its only 325' deep. They also license anyone to do well work, so you never know what you'll find under the cap. Sounds like the folks on this forum are giving some really sound advice, so I consider myself lucky to have learned something from all of you and from your well problem, thanks.

Handyman Trainer

[DKAudio]

I live in MN, just outside of Minneapolis.

[Gary Slusser]

I don't like the idea of a coupler, you should have bought a 200' roll from a pump or plumbing supply house. And put the pump deeper so you could use more water out of the well.

Rope is not a good idea, usually when needed 15 years from now, it will break, fall down the well, bunch up on top the pump and you'll have one hell of a time getting the pump out.

I wouldn't use any galvanized anything, the stuff should be outlawed for potable water use. Only brass or SS. Galvanized rusts and adds rust and iron to the water.

[DKAudio]

Have you ever used the brass barbs with that PE pipe? I have no worries about those connections, they are extremely strong. Also, this is only supplying 1 outdoor spigot for watering my lawn. I don't care if 1' of galvanized pipe induces a little iron oxide. My well water is already heavy in iron.

The pump is back in the well at 120'. I am going to order a new 1 gallon bladder tank with a CPV (cycle prevention valve).

What kind of pipe should I run to the spigot?