How do I Extend the Well Casing?
Well owners may wish to raise the casing elevation of a water well that is at or below grade. Above-ground wells are more likely to avoid contamination through runoff, are easier to maintain, and do not become overgrown with grass or hidden under ground covers.
Rather than installing a new well, you can extend the well casing by adding a new section of pipe. Most well materials are either stainless steel or PVC. Because well extensions are common, the necessary well materials are readily available at home improvement or well-drilling supply stores.
Things You Will Need
- Coupling
- Casing section
- Welding equipment, for cut steel
Tip
Many states require that a well casing extension be completed by a certified well driller. Contact your state environmental department of details.
Warning
Do not weld stainless steel casings by yourself unless you are a professional welder.
Stainless Steel Casing
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Select either a screw coupling or welded joint method to join the two pieces of casing. If the existing and new casing diameters are the same and the open end of the well is threaded, you can use a watertight screw coupling. Check that the coupling is the correct diameter for both the existing well and the new casing section. If the diameters are different or the casing is not threaded you will need to weld the two pieces together.
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Screw the coupling onto the existing threaded well casing. Ensure that the seal between the casing and the coupling are watertight. If not, you may weld this joint.
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Place the new casing section onto the coupling and screw it into place. You may weld this joint if it is not watertight. For non-threaded stainless steel casings, weld the new casing section to the existing well directly.
PVC Casing
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Select either a screw coupling or slip coupling to join the two pieces of casing. If the existing well has threaded casing you can use a screw coupling, if not, choose a slip coupling. Check that the coupling is the correct diameter for both the existing well and the new casing section.
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Screw the coupling onto the existing threaded well casing. If the casing is not threaded, put the slip coupling in place. Ensure that the seal between the casing and the coupling is tight and the pipe sits properly in the coupling. Do not use adhesives or tape to join the PVC pieces.
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Place the new casing section onto the coupling and screw or slip it into place. Ensure that the seal is tight and the pipe sits properly in the coupling.
The Drip Cap
- Well owners may wish to raise the casing elevation of a water well that is at or below grade.
- If the existing and new casing diameters are the same and the open end of the well is threaded, you can use a watertight screw coupling.
- Screw the coupling onto the existing threaded well casing.
- Select either a screw coupling or slip coupling to join the two pieces of casing.
- Ensure that the seal between the casing and the coupling is tight and the pipe sits properly in the coupling.
References
Writer Bio
Tracy Barnhart is an earth science expert. A professional geologist with over 16 years of technical writing experience, she has expanded her writing skills to include instructional articles on business, parenting, finance and science. She has Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in geology from Furman University and the University of South Carolina.
Photo Credits
- Pipes and more pipes image by rider from Fotolia.com
- Pipes and more pipes image by rider from Fotolia.com
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