What should be the pipe for a well pump? How to properly connect a borehole pump

Correctly installing a borehole pump for water intake is the most important part of the work when installing pumping equipment. Violation of the instructions attached to the electric pump, or elementary mistakes can lead to the fall or loss of the electric pump. If from a well with a large diameter of concrete rings it can be removed manually, in extreme cases, to pump out water with a powerful pump, then from a narrow deep well, like an artesian one, it is almost impossible to remove the electric pump. The situation is aggravated by the fact that when it falls, it can partially block the water-suction diaphragm holes in the side, thereby reducing the water pressure in the source. Damage to the housing or corrosion will eventually lead to oil leakage from the electric pump and deterioration of the drinking water quality.

Figure: 1 Installation diagram of a borehole pump

Usually the installation diagram and necessary materials specified in the equipment instructions. Installation may require purchasing the following items:

Well head


Fig. 2 Standard downhole head - appearance

The most important element, not only protecting the well from the ingress of foreign objects and atmospheric precipitation, but also providing fastening to the cover of the cable, electric cable and HDPE pipe, extending from the electric pump. A carabiner is installed to suspend the cable at the bottom of the head, and there is a hole of a suitable diameter for attaching a section of the pressure pipe in the center of the cover.


Figure: 3 Plastic pipes of low pressure HDPE

Usually, plastic pipes with a diameter of 1 or 11/4 inches (25 and 32 mm, respectively) are connected to the pump. They have the lowest hydraulic resistance and, accordingly, losses in the line, due to the larger section, to reduce losses, it is more efficient to use 32 mm. pipes.

Metal rope


Fig. 4 Metal cables for suspension of electric pumps

Before lowering the pump into the well, choose a cable for suspending the pump, based on the total weight of the equipment being installed. Popular 3 mm. models with plastic sheath to prevent corrosion.

When attaching the cable to the lugs, pay attention to the quality of their manufacture. Low-quality Russian or Chinese models may have sharpened edges, which during operation will damage plastic protection - the metal in this place will rust and the pump will fall into the well or well.

Many homeowners hang their borehole pumps with stainless steel cables, placing them in a plastic tube where they contact the surface of the lugs to prevent chafing.

Fasteners for cable


Fig. 5 Lock mount for fixing the cable

The end of the metal cable threaded through the ears must be fixed on its main part; for this, special locks with grooves and bolts are used to compress the fastener parts. Usually, at least two locks are used - the first is installed at a distance of about 100 mm. from the outlet pipe of the pump, the second - at the very end of the cable in order to prevent it from picking up during installation and removal.

Sleeves, transition fittings, sleeves


Fig. 6 Plumbing fittings - fitting, sleeve, sleeve

Outlets of submersible pumps can have internal or external threads of different diameters. To connect a non-return valve or a plastic pipe of a selected diameter to it, it is necessary to use transition fittings from one size to another, to which a pipe or a non-return valve can be attached. Sometimes simple threaded adapters are used - sleeves, for reliable installation plastic pipes metal sleeves are inserted into them.


Figure: 7 Non-return valve

Low-cost electric pumps are not always equipped with a mandatory check valverequired for the operation of the water intake system. In this case, before lowering the pump into the well, you will need to purchase it and install it at the pump outlet using transition fittings.

Power cable

Many submersible pumps with great height hoists do not have a long built-in cable, so a store-bought electrical cord must be connected to the 1-meter section. To obtain ideal tightness when connecting wires, special heat-shrinkable sleeves with glue or more expensive types of the filling principle of action are used.

Insulating tape, plastic ties

Electrical cable, plastic pipe and cable are tied together with cable ties or electrical tape to facilitate installation and removal from the water intake. The protruding ends of the ties interfere with installation, so they are used much less frequently than duct tape, which can fall off over time. therefore the best option is the use of high-quality electrical tape with high degree gluing, not cheap Chinese or domestic counterparts.


Fig. 8 Power cable, quality electrical tape and plastic ties

Installation of a submersible electric pump in a well

Installation and installation of a submersible borehole pump should be carried out in the following order:

  1. We attach transition fittings and, if necessary, a non-return valve to the outlet.
  2. We insert an HDPE pipe with a sleeve inside into the hole of the transition fitting and fix it with a pressure ring.
  3. We pass the cable through the eyes and fasten it with locks.
  4. We connect the ends of the cable using a heat shrink sleeve.
  5. We connect the electrical cable, cable and HDPE pipe with electrical tape at intervals of 1 meter.
  6. We pass the pipe through the head and bring it to the surface, hang the cable on the carabiner, thread the power cord through the hole in the head cover. Usually, the plastic pipe is cut at the level of the head and the PDN fitting is screwed to its end.

Fig. 9 Installation of the pump for installation in a well

Installation of a submersible pump in a well must be started after purchasing all the necessary components, the main tool for carrying out work is a set wrenches different diameters, preferably one or two adjustable wrenches.

It is quite easy to do the installation of components on the pump and lower it into the well yourself - it will not take much time if you follow all the recommendations and the order of work.

Artesian well is the ideal source for systems autonomous water supply and is very popular with many owners country houses and cottages. There is a significant demand for drilling services for these structures, given their sufficient high cost explained simply.

First, an artesian woman, unlike shallow wells in sand, can last for several decades, requiring only minimal maintenance. Secondly, it is a source of water with excellent organoleptic properties, it saves on filtering equipment. You will hardly be able to do without it completely, but you can reduce costs by purchasing less expensive devices without any problems.

To obtain high-quality water from an artesian well, installation into it will be required submersible pump... The choice of this device depends on several factors, the main ones being the required power and pressure. Installation of equipment is relatively simple, so you can cope with it on your own, without involving specialists. To do this, you just need to follow our recommendations.

Surface and submersible well pumps

In the case of drilling the aforementioned well on sand, it is also possible to install a surface pump, which can raise water from a depth of 8-10 meters. Devices of this type produced today work quite reliably, but, as already mentioned, sand wells by themselves are short-lived. In addition, they require the use of expensive filtering equipment.

An exceptional submersible pump can be installed in an artesian well. In its capacity, you can use both imported equipment and domestic products of the ETsV or Aquarius brands. These devices are popular in the market due to affordable price, as well as constantly improving manufacturing technologies, expanding functionality.

How to properly install the product in the well? Carefully study our instructions, watch the video, and you will definitely be able to cope with this task.

The process of installing a pump in a well

In order to perform the installation as efficiently as possible, you will need the following:

  • hDPE pipes, through which water will be supplied to the water supply system;
  • connecting elements - fittings;
  • a complete set of the head to be installed on the well;
  • hoses and cables in a metal sheath used to increase the strength of the structure;
  • ball valve for water pressure regulation;
  • voltage stabilizer, which will ensure uninterrupted operation of pumping equipment and extend its service life.

In the presence of necessary equipment, materials and tools, the installation of the water pump is quick and easy:

  • dismantling the head, as well as installing a flange and a sealing ring on the well (or rather, on its casing);
  • connecting the pump to the HDPE pipe. The transition from the latter to the device must necessarily be made of corrosion-resistant steel. In addition, it will be necessary to use a drive bushing to prevent the pipe diameter from decreasing during compression;
  • cable connection. Many models of pumping equipment are sold already with connected electrical wires to greatly facilitate installation;
  • submersion of the pump into the well. On this stage it is necessary to act very carefully in order to exclude any blows to the equipment, twisting of the HDPE pipe, cable and electric cable;
  • piping of pipes using low pressure polyethylene fittings, steel elbows, ball valve;
  • connecting the pump to the network and checking its performance;
  • mounting the head on the well, fixing the cover flange on the casing with specially selected bolts.

Recommendations for the trouble-free use of a submersible pump

If you want to avoid unwanted emergencies, all of the following requirements should be taken into account during the installation of pumping equipment:

  • availability of grounding, excluding accidents in the electrical network;
  • increasing the length of the cable, lowered into the well, should be carried out by soldering. After the completion of the process, the wire must be protected from moisture by special hydro-coupling insulation;
  • starting the pumping equipment should be performed only if you are completely sure of the presence of water in the well;
  • be sure to use a stabilizer, as it will make it possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunctions of the pumping equipment due to voltage surges in the electrical network.

When choosing a submersible pump for a well, its diameter is of fundamental importance. Not every body will fit into a narrow casing. If the water intake is not deeper than 7-9 m, then surface equipment can be installed. This is very convenient because you do not have to install the device itself into the service pipe; it is enough to lower the water inlet hose. For deeper hydraulic structures, a submersible pump is required, since surface equipment is not able to create the necessary pressure in the pipe to push water to the surface. What are the diameters of submersible pumps for wells? How to choose cables for fastening them?

Submersible pump installation diagram

How to choose the diameter of the production pipe

The ability to install this or that equipment is calculated even at the planning stage of a hydraulic structure. If the depth of the aquifer is more than 9 m, then only submersible pumps or surface pumps, additionally equipped with an injector, can be installed. Based on the plans for the equipment, it is necessary to decide which pipe diameter is suitable for a particular well. Drilling costs depend on this. The narrower the pipe, the cheaper the construction of the source will be.

Which wells are the most common

Most often, wells are built with a diameter of 60, 90, 108 or 125 mm. The smallest possible is 50 mm. However, it is suitable for the installation of surface pumps with an external ejector. The pipe diameter is believed to affect the performance of the source. This is not entirely true. It is not the size of the structure itself that directly affects, but the presence of a filter. Over time, the filter becomes clogged, needs to be repaired and can limit the performance of the water intake.

Filters under construction large diameter are necessary because the pipe is not firmly installed in the ground, because the diameter of the drill is larger. After drilling, the space behind the production casing is filled up, but it is impossible to compact the soil to the full depth and, in order to protect the water from pollution and quicksand, a filter has to be installed. This is especially true for water intakes with plastic columns.

Pump performance graph

What to consider when choosing pipes

To accurately determine the desired pipe diameter, first you need to choose the material from which it should be made, because this can affect the choice of the design of the source itself. Three types of pipes are commonly used:

  • steel;
  • asbestos-cement;
  • plastic.

The final decision can be made after an objective assessment of the reservoir depth, construction technology, and soil structure. The main criterion for choosing a material is price. No matter how much the advantages and disadvantages of different pipes are discussed, we are still talking about the cost - purchase, operation, repair, etc.

Steel remains one of the most reliable and demanded materials

Features of wells with different columns

The most reliable pipes are still black steel. They do not emit harmful substances into the water, like galvanized ones; do not burst like plastic; not as thick as asbestos-cement. In this case, steel serves up to 50 years, and ferric iron, which can appear in water over time, is easily removed by filters and settling.

However, steel is getting more expensive every year, and people are looking for other options. The cheapest of them seems to be plastic. Plastic piping is really convenient, lightweight, tight, but does not tolerate ground shifts. Therefore, if plastic is chosen, it is advisable to build a well from two strings: a plastic production string and a steel casing string. Having decided, you can calculate the required pipe diameter and, accordingly, the pump housing.

Small diameter - savings or costs

By reducing the cost of well construction, the exact opposite effect can be achieved. The smaller the pipe diameter, the more difficult it is to choose a pump for it. In addition, a narrow well is more expensive to maintain and its potential life is reduced. Experts do not recommend building structures with a diameter of less than 4 inches, the best option is 110 mm or more.

When choosing submersible equipment, it is easy to make sure that 3-inch pumps are more expensive than 4-inch pumps, and their performance is usually lower. Of the three-inch devices, Grundfos are considered the best. The assortment of four-inch models from reliable manufacturers is much wider. And a comparison of prices for drilling 90 and 110 mm wells shows that the difference is not so great that it creates problems for oneself with the choice of a pump and the future maintenance of a hydraulic structure.

Borehole pump cables

When choosing a model of water-lifting equipment, pay attention to the diameter of the cable for the well pump. You should focus on the strength of the material, because the weight of a pipe filled with water can reach 80 kg or more. The greatest demand is for nylon, nylon and PVC cables. They are durable, not subject to corrosion, unlike steel counterparts. The disadvantage of synthetic materials is that they gradually stretch. Many well owners are reinsured and when installing the pump, fold the cable in half or three times.

Replacement, as well as the initial installation of a deep-well pump, is a responsible job requiring certain knowledge. Despite the existing typical procedure, there are a number of nuances that make changes to this algorithm. These include both the parameters of the finished well and the characteristics of the water pump suitable for it. Everything can be done with your own hands, saving the monetary budget, for which we recommend not only to familiarize yourself with the documentation for the equipment, but also to carefully watch the training video lessons. Professional installation will be faster and save you time for other important tasks.

The choice of a pump is influenced by 2 types of parameters: human needs and physico-chemical characteristics. Of course, the latter have the greatest influence. Depending on them, the range of suitable characteristics of the equipment is determined. Already from a limited range, taking into account the wishes of users, the optimal pump is selected for transporting water from the well to the surface.

Technical characteristics by which the pump for the well is selected:

What questions should the future user of an autonomous water supply system answer:

  • The purpose of the operation. For irregular watering suburban area you can buy a cheap pump with low quality water purification and lower performance. For domestic water use, including drinking and cooking, the requirements are much more stringent.
  • Frequency and frequency of operation. It is important to know if the water supply should work in the winter.
  • Estimated amount of water consumed per day. The calculation is influenced by the square of the house, the number of users, bathrooms, washbasins, the presence of a bath or shower, washing machine, dishwasher and other sanitary appliances.

Thus, 2 important criteria for choosing a water pump are formed:


To prevent the pump from working at the limit of its capabilities, a 20% margin should be added to the sufficient (calculated) power. The performance of the water supply system depends not only on the pressure-flow characteristics of the unit, but also on the method of its installation.

Pump types:

Superficial. They are used at shallow depths not exceeding 9 m. They are connected above the water table.

Submersible (deep):

Screw (auger). More resistant to mechanical damage by water with a high sand content. They differ in the stability of the pressure, but lower efficiency in comparison with centrifugal ones.

Screw pump
(1-screw / auger, 2-motorized shaft, 3-cavity specially shaped stator)

Vibrating. Cheaper, but their vibration can cause premature destruction of casing pipes and turbidity of the supplied water, which makes these models unsuitable for domestic plumbing, but very popular among summer residents for irrigation.

Downhole - a type of submersible units with improved characteristics. High power and strength of the structure guarantee many years of trouble-free operation at depths of more than 100 m.

Over time, you may need to replace an existing pump. So that replacing a pump in a well does not cause problems, you need to think in advance about a way to conveniently remove an unnecessary device and make the correct initial installation of a downhole pump.

To combine the important nodes of the water supply system, after the drilling of a well or well is completed, a pipe for a well pump is used, connecting it to the head. Thus, the liquid can freely flow from the ground to the surface, and then move into the water supply system and enter the tap.

But in this system can be used and additional types pipes. These are casing options that are applied at the moment the well is created. They fulfill the role protective system, that is, they become a frame.

Both types differ significantly both in functionality and in the material of manufacture. Internal pipes have many more options, although in any case they must be of high quality and moisture resistant.

The cost of the pipe, its service life and ease of installation largely depend on such a parameter as the material of manufacture. There are several options for how the connection may look, that is, the element through which water rises from the well to the surface.

One of the most popular materials from which the pipeline was made for many years in a row was steel. The advantage of these pipes is that they are very durable. Steel is well suited even for installation in a well where there is significant soil mobility.

But this option also has a significant drawback. The point is that the metal does not tolerate high humidity, and as a result, after a short period of time, rust begins to appear in the pipe. She penetrates drinking water and makes it unusable. Nevertheless, those homeowners who receive water from the well through steel pipes solved their problem by installing additional filters.

Rust is not the only problem with steel pipes. They are the most expensive options available on modern market... Considering how many more worthy and cheaper analogs are offered by manufacturers in our time, steel products are gradually fading away. Now they cannot be called popular, but some still opt for just this option.

Steel pipes can fail very quickly. Over time, rust begins not only to spoil the water, but also to let it through. Thus, there is an urgent need for replacement. This process is not simple and quite costly. Therefore, steel pipes are always expensive. The only option to save money is to replace only the most worn out elements.

Long time most popular alternative material pipes for the pump in the well was asbestos cement. Such designs have been used for over 50 years. Asbestos cement provides a guarantee of reliability and excellent strength. But at the same time, these pipes have many disadvantages.

First of all, it is worth noting that asbestos-cement products, when in contact with water, emit harmful chemical substances... As a result, the liquid becomes hazardous to use. Scientists have proven that long-term use of water from a pump made of such material can cause the development of malignant neoplasms. Moreover, asbestos-cement pipes are quite bulky, so they are difficult to install. All the difficulties and negative qualities of this material make it not very popular in our time. Like steel, asbestos cement is gradually becoming a thing of the past.

More modern version considered plastic. Polyvinyl chloride pipes are very lightweight, easy to install and transport as convenient as possible. Moreover, they are safe for humans and reliable, as they do not deteriorate from water. For a long time, the liquid can move along the plastic pipes, but no changes should occur. There are few disadvantages of such products. Basically, they only concern use at great depths. If the well is more than 3 m, you will have to find another option.

If necessary, an ordinary plastic pipe can be replaced with metal-plastic or polypropylene. In the first case, it is very convenient to use the material if it is necessary to lay somewhat curved passages for water. Polypropylene pipes are considered as simple as possible for installation. Therefore, they are chosen by many home owners who are engaged in arranging the water supply on their own.

What to look for when choosing a riser pipe?

There are certain criteria by which the selection of elements for lifting fluid from a well or well is made. And the material plays a very important, but not the main role here.

Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to such a moment as the diameter and depth of the hole from which the water will be supplied. The power of the pump and its type are taken into account without fail. In addition, experts recommend paying attention to the level of water pressure and the depth from which it will rise. For many buyers, the cost of the product plays an important role. Here, the leader will be plastic pipes, which are not only easy to install, but also relatively inexpensive.

The diameter of the pipe for the pump is selected based on the characteristics of the well itself. If it is small, that is, it is intended exclusively for household use in the country or in the house small area, then a pipe with a hole up to 5 cm in diameter will be enough. It is not worth considering less than 3 cm, as this will not be enough for normal water supply at home.

It is advisable to choose lightweight pipes, since they are easier to install and do not overload the well. However, there must be a balance between weight and rigidity. The pipe should not be too soft. Otherwise, it will simply burst even with a small pressure. Highly important characteristic when choosing a pipe for a well, the type and quality of the pump is. For standard version and a medium-sized well, ordinary plastic pipes are enough, the hole in which is 5 cm in diameter. Concerning polyethylene pipe, then it must be at least 32 mm. The connection of this element is carried out using a coupling.

Pump types

The requirements for the pipes depend on which pump will be used to raise the liquid and move it through the water supply. Therefore, before opting for one or another option, it is necessary to clarify which pump is used or will only be installed on the site. There are 2 main types of well pump. It can be manual either mechanical version... Each type can be further subclassed.

Hand pumps are available with a piston or hose system. The latter option, as a rule, is used when it is necessary to raise water from a depth of more than 7 m. Piston - it is more convenient to use in shallow wells.

The hose pump contains a pump cylinder, which must be fixed at the very bottom of the plumbing system. The kit includes hoses equipped with a piston and a hand-operated mechanism. It must be placed on top of the well.

Piston pumps differ slightly from hose pumps. But there are still installation features. Such a device must be fixed at the end of the riser pipe. It is for this reason that piston pumps are not recommended for use where the depth of the well exceeds 7 m.

Mechanical devices are more complex, but easy to use. This group is also divided into several types. Mechanical pumps can be gear, centrifugal and electromagnetic.

Centrifugals are considered the best option for simple summer cottages or small houses. Water-lifting pipes are connected to them. small size, but this is quite enough for domestic use. Such devices are considered relatively inexpensive. They are resistant to rust as they are made of stainless steel. In addition, centrifugal pumps can be equipped with several useful additions... For example, they often use a protection system against switching on in the absence of water. This protects the device from damage and premature wear.

A feature of electromagnetic borehole pumps is that they serve for a very long time. There are no rubbing parts that can wear out over time. During installation, such a pump can be immersed directly in water.

Hydraulic pumps are powerful enough to be used to supply large quantities of water. But for its uninterrupted operation, electricity is needed. If there is no light in the house, then, accordingly, the water will turn off. This is not always convenient, as power outages are not uncommon in some localities, especially in rural areas.

How is the installation of water pipes

It should be noted right away that it is most convenient to immediately install both the pump and pipes. In this case, all the necessary calculations should be done in advance, otherwise you can face a lot of difficulties. The pump should run smoothly into the well. Moreover, if the preliminary preparation is incorrect, then you can get an insufficient amount of water, which is required to provide a house. The lack of pressure will affect the comfort of the residents. As a result, they will have to choose between washing, showering, or watering their garden. Simultaneous side procedures will become impossible.

Modern pumps are most often equipped with a flanged or threaded option for connecting a pipe. Although sometimes a sleeve type of connection is used. Experts recommend first attaching the water-lifting element on one side, and only after that proceed with the installation of the second part of the pipe. It is strongly not recommended to lower the structure to the ground. This can damage critical components or displace certain parts.

Installation

The installation features of pipes and a pump largely depend on the type of well. In some cases, the installation of conventional devices will be very difficult. In such situations, the use of flexible hoses is allowed, which can replace the riser pipes. The main thing is that these elements are strong enough and safe for humans. In no case should they release harmful substances into the water. chemical compounds... In addition, it is worth making sure that the pipes are reliable enough, and all the fasteners are of high quality. Otherwise, the plumbing will have to be repaired immediately after its first use.

Experts strongly recommend using only those options that have been developed and manufactured for these purposes as water-lifting pipes. Do not take nylon hoses or fire pipes, as they will quickly fail and may even ruin the pump. As a result, you will have to spend money on purchasing a new set of expensive equipment.