Water Well Connections - Best Methods

Beltzington · Feb 6, 2015

After getting prepared to build a well cover it occurred to me I still need to run at least a couple underground waterlines for a future house and a yard spigot. Seems simple enough for the simple minded but I am cursed with over thinking everything. Currently my well pump has a 1.25" PVC ball valve not connected to anything. Assuming this will become my main shutoff valve how do I split this for multiple underground runs and how do you allow some flexibility for adding additional lines in the future without having to dig up everything and basically reconnect everything. I searched for a water manifold on the net but everything I found was for commercial construction. I have power lines and many trees around my well so I am limited on where the water lines can connect. Anyone have an ingenious solution? Here is the pump.

SandburRanch · Feb 6, 2015

For future access, every above ground ell you consider install a T and plug the unused opening to possibly be used in the future. Build your own manifold if parts are available. A word of caution using female screw fittings. Avoid if possible. Choose them carefully if they are absolutely necessary. They will crack because of the swaging force.

turnkey4099 · Feb 6, 2015

SandburRanch said:
For future access, every above ground ell you consider install a T and plug the unused opening to possibly be used in the future. Build your own manifold if parts are available. A word of caution using female screw fittings. Avoid if possible. Choose them carefully if they are absolutely necessary. They will crack because of the swaging force.

Amen to not using female plastic to iron adapters. I wound up with a major leak in the middle of January due to using one. Yup, split right on the casting seam.

Harry K

SandburRanch · Feb 6, 2015

turnkey4099 said:
Amen to not using female plastic to iron adapters. I wound up with a major leak in the middle of January due to using one. Yup, split right on the casting seam.

Harry K

I was fortunate to have better hearing 30 years ago and heard the coupling crack after hand tightening down in the trench and 2 short strokes with a pipe wrench. No guarantees with the hearing today.

C4Ranch · Feb 6, 2015

I have 4 line manifold made from T fittings with independent ball valves for each run.

If I need more will just splice on and continue. PVC is easy to work with.

Beltzington · Feb 6, 2015

C4Ranch said:
I have 4 line manifold made from T fittings with independent ball valves for each run.

If I need more will just splice on and continue. PVC is easy to work with.

I assume everyone is using flexible PVC for underground water supply lines?

Ford850 · Feb 6, 2015

I recently noticed a plumber using gray fittings when replacing some PVC around a well's tank. He said he only uses schedule 80 fittings, since they are less likely to crack.