When drilling or repairing a water well, you’ll need to choose the correct piping to transport water from the source to your house. Homeowners should select piping thicknesses that match with their pump manufacturer suggestions, but there are also several materials available. Below are five options to consider.

5 Pipe Materials to Consider for Water Wells

1. PVC

PVC piping contains polyvinyl chloride and comes in pre-threaded, 20-foot sections. This material works well for installing submersible pipes because it is durable and can withstand chemicals like bleach, which is occasionally used for water well treatment. Since hot water can deteriorate PVC, it is best used for cold water. The pipes are connected by softening the joint and then using glue to adhere the joint and pipe together. 

2. Galvanized Steel

Homes built in the 1970s often feature galvanized steel water well pipes. This zinc-coated piping requires cutting and threading and is time-consuming to install, so it is more frequently used in commercial buildings. Galvanized steel can work for 40 to 50 years, but most homeowners replace faulty fittings with plastic when they notice repair issues.

3. PEX 

PEX or cross-linked polyethylene has a lifespan of around 50 years. This unique material, sometimes referred to as XLPEI, can transport hot or cold liquid, so it works for water wells and radiant floor heating and plumbing. The tubing can be heated and bent to customize plumbing solutions, making it a favorite among plumbers as it doesn’t require as much cutting and joint-fusing.

4. CPVC

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is very similar to PVC, but it can transport water up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This piping can last from 50 to 75 years and requires CPVC-specific glue to create joints.

5. Copper

Homeowners may use copper piping for above or underground water well plumbing. However, this metal can corrode when buried in dirt that is acidic like soil with formaldehyde or cinder. Have your soil tested before using copper pipes and install them with a protective sleeve when used underground. This material often holds up for 50 years, but wears down over time and can cause tiny leaks that increase your water bill. Copper requires intensive installation labor to bend, weld, and crimp the pieces together, so it often takes longer than plastic piping.

Homeowners who need new water wells should contact Evergreen Well Drilling in Kitsap County, WA, to learn about their drilling, site construction, and testing. The experienced team has been in the business for more than 40 years and offers a satisfaction guarantee and a warranty to ensure their work. Call the Bremerton-area company at (360) 830-9005 or visit the website for information on their services from ditching and pump installation to water well repair.