Imagine having free access to water right in your backyard.
That’s what a sandpoint well offers and the best part is that you can install it yourself.
In just a day, using basic tools like a sledgehammer, you can set up a well that taps into groundwater.
This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from the necessary components to the final steps of installation.
To start, let’s look at what you’ll need. The main component is the well point, made of cast iron with a galvanized pipe and a stainless steel mesh.
This piece will filter water as it enters the well.
You’ll also need pipes, typically 1.25 inches in diameter with threaded ends.
These are connected with a special well coupling designed to withstand the hammering required to drive the pipes into the ground.
A smash cap, or hammer cap, is essential to protect the pipe’s end during installation.
Preparation is key to a successful well installation. First, clean the inside of the pipes and the well point with soapy water to remove any residues.
It’s crucial to choose a suitable location, ideally on lower ground and near a structure like a shed for potential future upgrades.
Cleaning ensures no contaminants affect the water quality, making the well safe for various uses.
With your site prepared, you can start the installation.
Dig a hole using a post hole digger to remove any roots or rocks.
This initial hole should be about four feet deep to help with the initial driving of the well point.
Next, apply pipe dope, rated for drinking water, to the threaded pipes.
This creates a secure and watertight connection between the pipe sections.
Screw the well coupling tightly onto the first section of pipe using pipe wrenches.
This secure connection is vital as you’ll be driving the pipes into the ground with considerable force.
Attach the smash cap to protect the pipe as you hammer it.
Begin driving the pipe into the ground with a sledgehammer, periodically stopping to tighten the connections as the pipes tend to loosen during the process.
Continue adding pipe sections as needed. Check for water when you reach about 12 feet deep.
If water is found, add additional pipe sections to ensure the well point is deep enough to maintain a steady water supply.
This step is crucial because hitting water isn’t guaranteed at shallow depths.
Once you’ve driven the pipe to the desired depth and reached the water, it’s time to install the pump.
A manual pitcher pump can draw water from up to 20 feet deep and is a great starting point.
Soak the pump in water to prepare the leather gaskets, ensuring a good seal.
Attach the pump to the pipe using Teflon tape to prevent leaks, then prime the pump by pouring water into it.
The first water you pump out may be dirty, but don’t be discouraged.
Keep pumping until the water runs clear.
The time this takes varies depending on your soil type and location.
Consistent pumping will eventually yield clean water, making all your hard work worthwhile.
Before using the water for drinking, always test it to ensure safety.
While sandpoint wells are often exempt from local regulations, it’s wise to check with local authorities before installation.
For those needing more water, electric pumps and multiple sandpoint wells can be combined to increase output.
Installing a sandpoint well is labor-intensive but rewarding once you have a reliable source of clean water in your backyard.
See how simple it is to tap a well in the video below!
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