DIY CSV Install Questions

[Gunny65]

My well is 250' deep with a static level of 45'. I get 60GPM out of the well. I have no idea what type of pump is in the well. The well head is about 100 yards from my home and at a lower elevation. Say about 50' lower than the house. I have my two-story house, four hydrants and my mother's small home on this system. I have a 60 gallon pressure tank and my pressure switch is a 40/60. Tank is in great shape, no issues there. I can turn on two hydrants at the same time and water gushes out with no issue so pump is working great. However; in the house, when I have a bathtub, or shower, or washing machine going, the faucet pressure anywhere else in the house is Very, Very low. Not dripping but a 1/4" slow stream. After reading a lot of information, I was thinking about installing a CSV. The 1-1/2 inch water main (underground) is about 6 to 8 feet down in the ground all the way to the houses. At the houses the water line goes to a 1" line into the house and to the pressure tank. I had to replace a hydrant and tap into the main to tee off a line to my mother's house. (My house was built first, hers was put in a few years ago). I have decided that based on forum information, it looks like I need to put the CSV in the well to fix the wide variations in water pressure. My problem, I have no idea where the water line comes out of the well. It gets very cold here so frost levels are deep. Probably why my main line is so deep. Anyway, I do not know how to access the water line at the well to install a CSV. I know there are variables here as you can't see my well but was hoping someone could provide some basic advice on how to intall a CSV in the well or right outside the well or whatever would work best. Also, what type of CVS should I look at purchasing for this system? Thank you and sorry for the long read.

 

[Valveman]

If the pressure tank is at the house, 40/60 should be good pressure, but you would like 50/70 better. But when the tank is on the low end of pressure before the pump comes on the pressure upstairs will be trickling. A strong constant 65 PSI from a CSV (because of large tank with 50/70 switch) would be extremely better shower pressure.

The highest pressure CSVS125 we have that will fit in the well is a 60 PSI. Installed 10' below the surface it will only give about 56 PSI at the surface, which is 36 PSI at the house, and maybe 30 upstairs. It would be best if you can install a CSV1A before the tee to the other house. The CSV1A installed at this location would deliver strong constant 65 to the house, which would still be about 60 upstairs. But with an 8' frost level it is hard to install a CSV1A underground in a valve box. I have seen people use a small 8' culvert pipe above the CSV and adjust it with a 9' rod with a socket on the end.

 

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[Gunny65]

Thank you for the illustrations and the answer. It helps a lot. I have two hydrants installed before the T that goes off to the other house. There is approximately 20' of rise between the wellhead and the first hydrant. Based on what you have said, I should try to find somewhere between the well head and the first hydrant and put in a CSV1A? And, I need access to the CSV1A from above via a rod and socket to fit the adjustment valve?

I live in a very rocky area. It is not fun digging in this soil but if the CVA can give us better constant pressure, I will have to dig. Joy....

 

[Valveman]

That is pretty deep digging in your area. But you are correct the CSV1A needs to go before the first hydrant. The hole will be big. Might as well put in a large enough culvert someone could drop down in there if needed.

The hydrants are 50' lower in elevation and they will have 20 PSI more pressure than the first story and 25 PSI or so more the the upper floor. I really think you are going to want a 60/80 pressure switch setting. The CSV will need to be set 20-25 PSI higher like at 90 PSI. After making up the 20 PSI extra for the elevation the CSV will give you 70 PSI at the house, which is in the middle of the 60/80 switch as it should be.

I wish I have a 90 PSI CSV that would fit in the well, but that is a tough one to make. Sorry.

 

[Reach4]

I can turn on two hydrants at the same time and water gushes out with no issue so pump is working great. However; in the house, when I have a bathtub, or shower, or washing machine going, the faucet pressure anywhere else in the house is Very, Very low. Not dripping but a 1/4" slow stream.

You have a restriction. I hope it is a clogged cartridge filter or a partially closed valve, rather than a clogged pipe.

Does the water pressure drop occur in you Mother's house when you get your low-flow symptom?

Where is the pressure tank-- in your house? What does the pressure gauge at the pressure tank indicate during the symptom?