The complexity in a domestic water well system begins with the myriad parts needed to integrate the well, pump, water storage tank, all the pipes and fittings, and the water distribution line to where it will be used. Adding to the challenge in the US, are the various codes and design options required to meet tougher federal, state, and municipal regulations.
Increasingly, the “standard” list of core stock items is no longer enough to meet such demands. As a consequence, having the right parts and accessories for the job requires a source that offers a wide range of options and code-compliant choices.
Now a growing number of contractors are insisting that suppliers offer a more comprehensive list of parts and accessories that enable the streamlining of installations and maintenance.
Danny Ahrens, owner of Florida-based Water Products Marketing, a supplier of water well equipment to distributors and contractors said: “As proactive contractors look beyond the usual parts and accessories, they are finding attractive options they never knew existed. Innovation is helping them to install water well equipment more efficiently and cost-effectively while at the same time improving quality; and that gives them an edge in the market.
Gaining an edge
While some contractors tend to use the same standard parts and accessories that they always have done, too often this approach can limit their efficiency. A willingness to find and try out more effective non-standard parts could dramatically cut their installation times.
For example, as opposed to installing a traditional control box and pressure switch, running wires between them, and fitting all the connections in an undersized case, contractors could be using a Control Switch. This device combines a 3-wire control box with start capacitor, relay, run capacitor, and a wire terminal strip with a pressure switch into one, easier to install, device. The design eliminates the added time to install and connect a pressure switch and a separate control box.
The Control Switch combines a 3-wire control box (with start capacitor, relay, run capacitor, and a wire terminal strip) and a pressure switch into one easier to install device.
The device, by Merrill Manufacturing, offers a heavy-duty pressure switch for longer life, an extra large case for easy wiring, and heavy brass wire connections that can hold phase 4 wire.
“Instead of a standard pressure switch and control box, installers are finding that Merrill’s control switch can act like a junction box,” says Danny Ahrens. “The design reduces the amount of required connections – including conduit, fittings, washers, and lock washers – by half.”
Because the control switch works universally with all brands of motors, it also reduces the number of replacement parts that contractors must bring to the site. “Traditional control boxes are motor specific, so have to be matched to run properly. With the control switch, however, contractors can travel light because it works with any domestic or foreign motor.”
Meeting the code
Another key area where many contractors require a full range of equipment options is in hydrant selection, due to significant variations in local climate, code and other factors. Improvements in domestic water well devices are occurring here as well.
“To meet current Michigan code, we needed state-approved hydrants that do not drain back because these are no longer accepted,” says Chuck Garvie, a project manager at Brad Malley Well Drilling, a Michigan-based well drilling contractor and pump installer.
Non-drain back hydrants help to meet municipal water codes and protect the underground well water supply.
In this category of non-drain back hydrants, which help to meet municipal water codes and protect the underground well water supply, are devices with other useful features.
Garvie, for instance, selected a removable sanitary yard hydrant called the Hide-Drant by Merrill. The company has one of the industry’s largest, most complete line of products to meet state or local well codes, with 24 series of yard hydrants, eight series of pitless products in all types, as well as splice kits, insert fittings, tank tees, and a full range of other water system accessories.
The Hide-Drant meets tough municipal and residential codes and its insides are removable allowing users to easily connect to the closest installed base for safe, convenient placement.
“The Hide-Drant meets Michigan state, municipal, and residential code,” says Chuck Garvie. “It is easy to install with no need for a double check backflow preventer or secondary line to be run with it. The riser is made of steel and has a stainless steel connection and we have had virtually no callbacks.”
Since the sanitary yard hydrant’s insides are removable, users can easily connect one to the closest installed base for safe, convenient placement, particularly in vacation properties. For colder climates where all-year access to well water is required, additional new products are available.
Nick Nawcewicz, a plumber at D&D Mechanical in North Dakota, for instance, uses the Any Temp Heated Hydrant. The device provides a frost proof water service with a self-regulating heating cable that keeps water flowing, and drains itself below the frost line when shut off. It is often installed in mobile and manufactured homes.
While some electrically powered heating cables in the industry are submerged below the water line and not grounded, the device’s heating cables are grounded and not placed under the water line.
The Any Temp Heated Hydrant provides frost proof water service with a self-regulating heating cable that keeps water flowing, and drains itself below the frost line when shut off.
“We have found that the Any Temp Heated Hydrant succeeds anywhere heated well water is needed year-round,” says Nick Nawcewicz. “The heated cables are kept dry outside of the pipe, so they are easy to install, replace, and do not have to be dug up. They are grounded and essentially trouble free. I have never had one trip out from ground faults.”
A few more additional pieces of equipment which may pay off for contractors include: pitless adaptors and easy to install pitless kits; extra-long, electrical heat shrink tubing with a sealant and adhesive inside; stainless steel connectors at a price lower than no-lead brass; self-lubricating hydrant plungers that last over one million cycles; and variable speed pumps that vary depending on water demand.
For contractors needing to meet well codes and stay competitive, having access to a wider range of well equipment and accessories can streamline their installation process. Paying attention to some of the smaller details in system design and product selection can help to optimize quality as well.
