We had to pull up the piping to replace the footer, and I was wondering can I replace the galvanized piping, for my well, with CPVC/PVC/Etc? When we pulled it out, there was 42' of galvanized, then another "thing" (I'm a woman that knows nothing about wells, so it's a thing) attached, and 20' of PVC attached to that. I have an above ground Goulds pump, 3" well casing, 62 feet deep, the house has been here since 1967, so I'm assuming the well is about that old. I can take pictures of the attachment that was between the galvanized and pvc if needed.

Thanks,

Duskie

 

Welcome to the forums Duskie!

I'm not a well expert, they should be along later but the last well I had [100'+ deep in central fla] had PVC for the drop pipe. I doubt CPVC would be a good idea but PVC should work well [better than the galvanized drop pipe]

Pics might be helpful - http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html

 

You have a two pipe jet pump deep well system. That thing is called an ejector.

 

Thank you, Marksr. Yes, it would be extremely hard for us to put galvanized back in because it's so heavy and we're winging it with makeshift tools. I said CPVC because that's what people have told me to use, but you think PVC is best?

 

I have a single jet pump system, PJmax, but would the "thing' I'm talking about, possibly, still be called an ejector? I will post pictures in a few.

 

I feel like I said I have a single jet pump system with too much confidence. i just know there's one single pipe going into the casing. Here's pictures~

 

I would think PVC would be stronger and it's a little cheaper ..... but I'm a painter, not a plumber. I don't know what that piece is in the 1st pic but you should be able to screw it [or it's replacement] into threaded PVC fittings. It's been 20+ yrs since I had a well.

 

Are you replacing the pump?

 

Thanks, marksr.

Landfillwizard, no, I am not replacing the pump, just the footer and piping.

 

A single pipe shallow well system is usually effective to 25' of depth. I think you have a system that used to be a two pipe that someone converted. In the picture below you'll see your "thing." It's called a packer ejector.

At the present time your pump was drawing from the hole in the ejector as well as from the footvalve. I'm guessing that you couldn't keep the pump primed. If you are staying with a single lift line then you won't be using that piece. Your line will connect directly to a check valve. Hopefully your system will work again at approx 50'

 

I was thinking that the well I had in fla [100' casing, 80' drop pipe] was a single pipe with a jet pump but that was a long time ago and my memory isn't what I wished it was

 

Thank you, PJ! That's very helpful. The reason we had to begin this project is the pump was running 24/7. When we called the local well company to check it out, they said there was blockage. He told me to adjust a screw on top of the pressure switch to make the pump turn off and on, but that only lasted for about 2 weeks. Now we're to this point.

Can the galvanized be replaced with PVC?

Thanks, Mark! You've been helpful, too. I know what you mean about memory. LOL

 

I see no reason not to change the galvanized out to PVC.

 

Symptom described could also be a worn pump--adjusting the pressure switch lower to get in the range of the weakening pump, but that doesn't last long.

Replacing the suction pipe might not fix your problem but after so many years it was needed anyways.

 

PJ, There's 2 reasons I want to change it: 1 because of the price difference; 2 because of the weight and we don't have the proper tools/machinery.

Thanks, Guy, but I hope not.

 

IMO PVC will last longer than the galvanized since it won't rust and is less likely to have anything attach itself to the inside walls of the pipe. As far as I know there is no reason to use galvanized pipe today. The fact that is lighter is just a bonus.

 

I reread my replay. It may be a little unclear. I'm all for removing the metal pipe and replacing with PVC.

 

So, I'm going to buy everything tomorrow to try to get this thing done.

And, I think Misunderstood your last comment, PJ. I was probably doing too many things at once. Thanks for all the help!

 

Be sure to stop back and let us know how everything went.

 

Sure will! Working on it today.

 

We got all of the piping in, which was extremely easy, but we haven't been able to get it to prime.

 

Have you tried pouring any water down the drop pipe?

 

Yes, we have. Any other ideas? Do you think the water level could've dropped and we need to add more piping? Any suggestions would be great!

 

It's possible that the foot valve is above the water. I don't know if there is a way to tell without pulling the pipe.

 

You filled up the drop line to the well and the pump itself. After you filled it, before putting the plug in, was the water level still up there ?

Did you check after you ran the pump if the water level was still up there ?

The only way I know of to check well level is to drop a string and weight.

 

I asked my dad because he is the ONLY one out there that somewhat knows what he's doing, and he said, "Yes, the water level stayed up."

On the pump itself it has an intake and output, pictured above. We left the packer ejector off, so could that possibly be part of the problem, or should it definitely work without it?

Thanks for all the help!

 

How many pipes are you sending down into the well ? You should be technically following this setup.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]32391[/ATTACH]

Re-read my post # 10.

 

Remember mine is a one pipe system.The pipe has an attachment on the top with 2 hole which connect to the pump that has 2 holes. The pictures are above.