Last Updated on July 16, 2023
As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your submersible well pump. This crucial step will protect your pump from freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions, preventing costly damage and repairs.
You can safeguard your pump and water system during the winter months by taking a few simple steps. The process involves draining the pump, filling it with food-grade Propylene Glycol, and blowing out the water lines with compressed air.
We’ll guide you through the process of winterizing your submersible well pump, from preparing the system to preventing frozen pipes and other potential hazards.
How to Winterize a Submersible Well Pump: Follow These Steps
If you’re looking to winterize your submersible well pump, there are four key steps you need to follow. The steps are:
- Step 1: Find and Release the Drain Plug
- Step 2: Fill the Pump with Food-Grade Propylene Glycol
- Step 3: Use Compressed Air to Blow Out Water Lines
- Step 4: Loosen Clamps on Water Pipes and Hoses
Let’s take a closer look at the steps.
Step 1: Find and Release the Drain Plug
First, let’s locate and remove the drain plug on your submersible well pump. This step is crucial in winterizing your pump, allowing any water to drain completely. You can typically find it on the pump housing or near the bottom of the pump. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the drain plug.
Once you have located the drain plug, it’s time to release it. Be careful when doing this, as the water can be dirty and cold.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is important in protecting your pump from freezing and damage.
Wear gloves and protective eyewear to protect yourself from any debris that may come out of the water. Also, have a bucket or container ready to catch the water from the pump.
Step 2: Fill the Pump with Food-Grade Propylene Glycol
Now that you have successfully removed the drain plug, it’s time to protect your water system from freezing by filling the pump with food-grade Propylene Glycol.
This substance is specifically designed for winterizing water systems and will mix with any remaining water in the pump and water lines, protecting against freezing.
Slowly pour the Propylene Glycol into the pump through the opening where the drain plug was removed, being careful not to overfill it.
To ensure that you are using the right amount of Propylene Glycol, refer to the table below. This will give you an idea of how much you need to use based on the size of your submersible well pump.
Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution and use a little more than what is recommended to ensure complete protection against freezing.
Once you have filled the pump with the required amount of Propylene Glycol, replace the drain plug and move on to the next step to complete the winterization process.
Step 3: Use Compressed Air to Blow Out Water Lines
Let’s blast away any lingering water in the pipes with some compressed air and give Old Man Winter the cold shoulder.
First, connect a compressor or air source to the submersible well pump’s water lines, ensuring that the compressor is set to a safe and appropriate pressure for the system.
Next, open the valves or faucets connected to the pump, starting with the highest points in the system and working your way down. This will allow the compressed air to flow through the water lines and push out any remaining water.
As you blow out the water lines, be sure to allow the compressed air to flow until no more water is being expelled. This is crucial to ensure that all water has been removed from the system and to prevent freezing.
Step 4: Loosen Clamps on Water Pipes and Hoses
To ensure the safety of your water pipes and hoses during temperature changes, loosen the clamps securing them to the system. These clamps may be located at various points along the submersible well pump. Use a screwdriver or appropriate tool to loosen them, but be careful not to remove them completely.
It’s important to make sure they are loose enough to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. This will prevent tearing or ripping of the water pipes and hoses during freezing conditions.
Loosening the clamps is a crucial step in winterizing your submersible well pump. Please do so to avoid costly repairs and even water damage.
When do you need to de-winterize the submersible well pump?
If temperatures aren’t at risk of freezing, de-winterize your submersible well pump right away.
De-winterization is necessary to guarantee that your water supply system is prepared for use. Typically, de-winterizing your submersible well pump is performed in the spring when the weather becomes milder.
Neglecting to de-winterize your pump can damage the unit, which can be expensive to fix.
Can frozen pipes burn up a submersible well pump?
When your pipes freeze, it’s like a ticking time bomb that could destroy your water system and burn a hole in your wallet. And yes, frozen pipes can burn up a submersible well pump.
When water freezes, it expands and generates pressure that can cause the pipes to burst. The burst pipes can then damage the pump and other well components, leading to expensive repairs or replacement.
At what temperature will a submersible well pump freeze?
A submersible well pump will freeze if the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent this freeze, the pump must be kept in an area where the temperature remains above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the pump is in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, it should be housed in an insulated enclosure.
Proper temperature maintenance is also critical to prevent the water pipe from freezing, which can cause damage to the pump and potential water system failures.
Protect Your Submersible Well Pump for Years of Smooth Functioning – Winterize Now
You’ve successfully learned how to winterize your submersible well pump. Following the steps outlined in this article, you’ve taken the necessary precautions to protect your pump from freezing temperatures and potential damage.
Remember, prevention is key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements in the future. Take the time to winterize your pump before the cold weather arrives properly.
Doing so ensures that your well system will continue to function smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Stay safe, stay warm, and happy winterizing.
