When connecting Simple Pump to your home's water system, you have two main options. Each has advantages depending on your situation.
Option 1: Tie Into Existing Pitless Adapter
How It Works
- Simple Pump connects to your existing pitless adapter
- Shares underground piping with your submersible
- Water flows through existing buried line to house
- Enters same pressure tank system
Advantages
✅ Uses existing underground plumbing ✅ No new buried pipe needed ✅ Water delivered below frost line ✅ Automatic freeze protection ✅ Connects to existing pressure system ✅ Professional, integrated appearance
Disadvantages
❌ More complex installation ❌ May require professional help ❌ Shares line with submersible ❌ Limited by pitless adapter design ❌ Higher initial setup effort
Best For
- Primary whole-house backup
- Year-round use in cold climates
- Integration with existing pressure system
- Professional appearance priority
Option 2: Pump Through Well Cap
How It Works
- Simple Pump delivers water through outlet in well cap
- Above-ground or shallow-buried plumbing
- Can connect to pressure system or use directly
- Separate from submersible line
Advantages
✅ Simpler installation ✅ Independent of submersible plumbing ✅ Easier DIY installation ✅ Flexible delivery options ✅ Lower initial complexity
Disadvantages
❌ Above-ground plumbing may freeze ❌ Requires freeze protection in cold climates ❌ Less integrated appearance ❌ Separate water path from submersible
Best For
- Emergency backup use
- Warm climate installations
- DIY installation preference
- Seasonal or occasional use
- Portable/removable needs
Climate Considerations
Cold Climates (Freezing Winters)
Pitless connection recommended:
- Water stays below frost line
- No freeze risk
- Year-round capability
If using well cap in cold climates:
- Drain after each use
- Weep hole in top drop pipe helps
- Not ideal for automated systems
Warm Climates (No Freeze Risk)
Either option works:
- Well cap connection is simpler
- Pitless still offers advantages
- Choose based on use case
Pressure System Connection
Via Pitless
- Direct connection to existing plumbing
- Enters pressure tank automatically
- Whole-house pressurization
- Check valve required
Via Well Cap
- Requires additional plumbing to pressure tank
- Can be surface or buried
- May need isolation valve
- More routing flexibility
Installation Complexity
DIY Capability
| Configuration | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Well cap, bucket fill | Easy |
| Well cap, hose to tank | Moderate |
| Well cap, buried to tank | Moderate-Hard |
| Pitless tie-in | Hard (consider professional) |
Making the Decision
Choose Pitless When:
- Cold climate
- Whole-house pressure needed
- Professional installation available
- Long-term integrated solution wanted
Choose Well Cap When:
- Warm climate
- Occasional/emergency use
- DIY installation planned
- Simplicity preferred
- Bucket/container filling acceptable
Simple Pump Components
For Pitless Connection
- Pitless Adaptor Assembly
- Check valve
- Appropriate fittings
For Well Cap Delivery
- Well cap with outlet
- Hose or pipe fittings
- Optional check valve