How to Install an Industrial Pitless Unit for a Water Well

Installing an industrial pitless unit is an important part of building a reliable water well system. A properly installed pitless unit allows water to leave the well below the frost line while keeping the wellhead protected at the surface. When the installation is planned carefully and the correct procedures are followed, the system can provide dependable service with relatively low maintenance.

A pitless unit installation involves several important stages, including preparing the well casing, positioning the unit, connecting the discharge line, installing the submersible pump, protecting electrical wiring, and completing the final connections. Because the work involves excavation, welding, electrical components, and well equipment, safety and compliance with local requirements should always be considered.

Preparing the Well Site

Before beginning the installation, first establish the finished ground level around the well. This reference point is important because the upper section of the pitless unit needs to be positioned correctly in relation to the ground surface.

The exact installation depth should be determined according to applicable state and local well regulations. Requirements can vary depending on the location and type of well, so the installation should be planned using the appropriate codes and equipment instructions.

Once the ground level has been established, carefully excavate around the existing well casing. The excavation needs to provide enough access to determine where the casing should be cut. In many installations, the casing is exposed several feet below the planned burial depth so that the pitless unit can be properly positioned.

Excavation safety is especially important during this stage. Soil conditions should be evaluated before anyone enters the excavation. Depending on the depth and conditions, an appropriate protective system, such as a trench box, may be necessary to reduce the risk of a cave-in.

Checking the Well Casing

After exposing the casing, check whether it is perfectly vertical or has some deviation from plumb. This can be done using a level or other suitable measuring equipment.

Mark the casing at the locations where the alignment will be referenced later. These marks are useful when positioning the pitless unit because the unit needs to follow the existing alignment of the well casing.

Next, measure and mark the location where the casing will be cut. A chalk line can be used to create a clear cutting reference around the casing.

The casing must be properly supported before cutting. The cut should be made as accurately as possible and perpendicular to the centerline of the casing. A clean and properly aligned cut makes the next stage of the installation easier and helps the pitless unit sit correctly on the casing.

Positioning the Pitless Unit

Before positioning the unit, remove the pitless unit cap and loosen the hold-down hooks. The spool assembly should also be removed temporarily so that the pitless unit can be positioned over the prepared casing.

Well tabs or similar alignment supports can be positioned on the existing casing to help guide the unit. Carefully lower or position the pitless unit over the cut casing.

The discharge body should then be rotated so that the outlet lines up with the existing lateral waterline. Correct orientation is important because the discharge connection needs to connect naturally with the distribution system without creating unnecessary stress on the piping.

Once the unit is in the correct position, check the alignment again. The pitless unit should be adjusted to match the existing casing deviation.

Why Proper Alignment Matters

Proper alignment is one of the most important parts of the installation. The spool assembly must seat correctly inside the discharge body to create a reliable seal.

If the pitless unit is installed without accounting for the existing casing alignment, the drop pipe can become bent or placed under unnecessary stress. This can make the spool assembly difficult to install and may prevent the sealing surfaces from working correctly.

Once the position has been confirmed, the pitless unit can be secured to the well casing. Welding or other approved attachment methods should be performed by qualified personnel using procedures appropriate for the materials and installation.

After securing the unit, inspect the connection and perform the required pressure testing. Pressure testing helps identify leaks before the excavation is completely backfilled.

Connecting the Distribution Line