Simple question

[eod4647]

Good Morning,

Just a quick question. I have well (submersible pump) that is used for watering horses. No pressure tank or anything, just turn the switch to get water and the pump operates continuously. It's usually on only for a few minutes to top of their water tank. It had a leak in the pipe and I pulled it yesterday. The leak (small hole/split) in the 1" PE pipe was about 81" from the top. Which was actually a good thing because it allwed the water to drain back down to below the frost level.

The question is, is there some sore of valve I can install about that far down that will do the same thing? If there is, where can I get one online?

It gets rather cold here in ND and I'd rather not have the pipe freeze. I don't recall it frezzing previously before the leak appeared, but I don't recall. I'm pretty sure the check valve on the pump works as I used a hose to fill the pipe and find the leak once it was out of the ground and didin't notice any water coming out the pump.

I guess the other option would be some heat tape on the top eight feet or so. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Masterpumpman]

Yes, there is a rubber drain back valve that is used to drain water back into the well. It screws into a tee insert anywhere into the drop pipe below the the surface. It was designed to drain the water back into the well while allowing air to enter the drop pipe through a schrader valve on the well side of a check valve near the tank.

You may find it by going to www.grainger.com or possibly www.campbellmfg.com.

The valve isn't used much today but would work great in your situation.

ANOTHER OPTION: drill a 1/8" hole in a brass insert fitting and install it where you want the water to drain back. Run a cotter pin in the hole (loosly) and bend it so it can't come out. That way the hole won't plug as the water will jiggle the cotter key keeping the hole open. When the pump runs a small amount of water will spray through the hole while pumping and drain back when the pump isn't running.

Google "Porky's Hole Thoughts"

 

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[eod4647]

Thanks for the info. I'll check those places, but I like your idea. Simple solution and a better option than a just a hole in the PE pipe. Thanks.

 

[NHmaster]

Not saying this is the right way to go about this but it's cheap and works. Just drill an 1/8 hole in the pipe below frost level and leave it open. Sure water will spray out there a little when the pump runs, but so what, it all goes back down the well anyway.