Water well

Any person that wants to install their own water-well has my total respect. Because of the lack of equipment, this is one of those projects you should leave to the professionals.

Drilling a well takes very special equipment and a high level of experience so that part of it needs to be done by well drillers.

There are a few areas where a homeowner can do a lot of the labor intensive work to save money. The price of a well depends on how deep they have to drill and how much casing pipe they need to install.

You can usually get a fairly good idea how deep the wells are in your area by asking your neighbors. If it's around 50 feet deep, then you'll pay around $5,000. If you're not so lucky and the wells are around 300 feet deep, the price will be around $20,000.

If they have to go deeper than that, you should look into living someplace else.

You can save between $1,000 and about $5,000 by digging the waterline, pump cable line, and doing the inside electrical and plumbing work.

Here's how to do it.

Homemade Well



Yeah, I know, my drawing is a mess. If you stare at it long enough, you'll see how it goes. A water-well is a little complicated.

When I describe well systems, I like to start at the pump which is really starting backwards. When I describe Electrical systems, I start at the breaker box.

I'll do it right. Let's start at the breaker box. A 30-amp, 240-volt breaker is perfect for most residential pumps. You can use 10-2 Romex from the breaker to the pressure switch. It will need both white and black wires as hot lines. Each carrying 120-volts.

pressure switch wiring



Could this picture be any fuzzier?

Anyway, the pressure switch is usually a 40-60 switch. That means when the pressure drops to around 40 lbs psi, the pump engages, and when the pressure reaches 60 lbs psi, the pumps shuts off.

The pressure tank is what keeps the waterlines pressurized so the pump doesn't run all the time.

You can use 10-2 Romex from the pressure switch to the control box.

well pump control box



From the control box, you will need to use special pump wire. It will need to be buried in the ground clear to the well casing. The pump cable will enter the well casing at the cable opening.

The friendly well drillers can connect the wires to the pump because they have the right equipment. The wires will go to the pump which is submersed all the time. Water-well pumps are very durable.

well casing



Now from the pump is the waterline. it goes up the well casing until it reaches the pitless adaptor. The pitless adaptor is usually at least 6 feet underground. It's just where the waterline exits the well casing and runs deep enough underground to not freeze.

This line runs back to the house and enters the pressure switch/indicator assembly and the pressure tank.

From there it goes to the house water main.

pressure tank
well pressure tank



The pressure tank has a rubber bladder with air that compresses to keep constant pressure in the waterlines all the time.

spigot



It's a good idea to have at least one big spigot that connects directly to the water mainline. This gives a lot of pressure. You can connect directly off the water-well mainline without hurting overall pressure.

Continue reading here: How to install vinyl siding

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Readers' Questions

  • celendine
    How to wire a well pump pressure switch?
    3 months ago
    1. Turn off the power to the well pump at the main circuit breaker.
    2. Locate the pressure switch. It is typically located near the pressure tank or on the water line between the tank and the pump.
    3. Remove the cover of the pressure switch to access the wiring terminals.
    4. Look for the two power supply wires coming from the circuit breaker panel. These wires should be connected to the terminals labeled "Line" or "L1" and "L2".
    5. Connect one power supply wire to each of the Line terminals on the pressure switch. It does not matter which wire goes to which terminal.
    6. Locate the two wires that go to the well pump. These wires should be connected to the terminals labeled "Load", "Pump", or "Motor".
    7. Connect one wire from the well pump to each of the Load terminals on the pressure switch. It does not matter which wire goes to which terminal.
    8. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
    9. Replace the cover of the pressure switch.
    10. Turn on the power to the well pump at the main circuit breaker.
    11. Test the well pump by turning on a faucet or fixture and checking for water pressure.
    12. Note: It is important to follow all local electrical codes and regulations when wiring a well pump pressure switch. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to perform the installation.
    • lidya
      How to build a well house ideas?
      8 months ago
    • Building a well house is a great idea to protect your well pump and equipment from the elements while providing easy access for maintenance and repairs. Here are some ideas to help you build a well house:
      1. Determine the location: Choose a suitable location for the well house that is close to the well but away from any potential hazards or obstructions.
      2. Design and Dimensions: Plan the size and design of your well house based on the specific requirements of your well pump and equipment. Consider factors such as the size of the pump, pressure tank, electrical connections, and space for maintenance.
      3. Materials: Select durable and weather-resistant materials for your well house. Popular choices include wood, metal, or concrete.
      4. Foundation: Lay a solid foundation to provide stability and prevent moisture from seeping into the well house. Consider using a concrete slab or piers.
      5. Walls and Roof: Build sturdy walls using the chosen materials, ensuring proper insulation and ventilation. Install a strong roof to protect the equipment from rain and other environmental factors.
      6. Access door: Include a secure access door that is large enough to allow easy entry for any maintenance or repair work. Ensure it is well-insulated and waterproofed.
      7. Ventilation: Provide proper ventilation within the well house to prevent condensation and ensure air circulation. This can help prevent mold or mildew growth and extend the life of your equipment.
      8. Electrical and plumbing connections: Install electrical outlets and appropriate lighting fixtures to facilitate maintenance and repairs. Also, consider incorporating plumbing connections for any necessary water connections.
      9. Insulation: Proper insulation is essential to maintain a consistent temperature inside the well house. Use insulation materials such as foam boards or spray foam insulation to prevent freezing during colder months.
      10. Safety measures: Include safety features such as fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and adequate lighting both inside and outside the well house.
      11. Finishing touches: Consider painting or staining the exterior to match the surroundings or improve the aesthetic appeal.
      12. Remember to check local building codes and regulations before starting the construction of your well house. It's also a good idea to consult with a professional if you're unsure about any aspects of the construction process.
      • Selam
        How do house wells work?
        9 months ago
      • House wells draw water from underground through a system of pipes and pumps. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how they work:
        1. Drilling: A well driller uses heavy machinery to drill a hole into the ground. The depth and location of the well depend on factors like water availability, geological conditions, and local regulations.
        2. Well Casing: A metal or PVC pipe, known as the well casing, is inserted into the drilled hole. This casing protects the well from collapsing and prevents contamination from soil, rocks, or other debris.
        3. Gravel Pack: A layer of gravel is added around the well casing to allow water to flow freely and prevent sand or silt from entering the pump.
        4. Well Cap: A well cap is installed at the top of the well casing to protect it from external elements and secure the pumping system. It also acts as a vent to balance the pressure inside the well.
        5. Submersible Pump: In most modern house wells, a submersible pump is placed inside the well casing. This electric pump is designed to be submerged underwater. It is connected to the power supply and controlled by a pressure switch.
        6. Pump Control: A pressure switch monitors the water pressure in the pressure tank. When someone opens a faucet or uses water, the pressure drops triggering the switch to turn on the pump. The pump then pushes water up through the pipes.
        7. Pressure Tank: Water from the well is pumped into a pressure tank. This tank acts as a reservoir and provides consistent water pressure throughout the house. The pressure switch turns off the pump once the tank is filled.
        8. Distribution: From the pressure tank, water is distributed through a network of pipes to various fixtures such as faucets, showers, toilets, and appliances in the house. The plumbing system in the house connects to the well water supply.
        9. Hydrostatic Pressure: The water level in the well is maintained by the hydrostatic pressure of the underground aquifer. This pressure pushes the water up to the surface and into the well casing for extraction.
        10. It's important to note that house wells require regular maintenance, including testing the water quality, periodically checking and cleaning the pump, and maintaining the well system components to ensure proper functioning and safe water supply.