Should I tie into my existing pitless or pump out of the well cap?

Should you tie into the pitless adapter or pump out of the well cap? It depends on your location, needs, and budget. Exiting through the well cap is easier, while a pitless adapter requires more work but offers more flexibility.

Simple Pump Team
9/18/2025
3 min read

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

ConfigurationDIY Difficulty
Well cap, bucket fillEasy
Well cap, hose to tankModerate
Well cap, buried to tankModerate-Hard
Pitless tie-inHard (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

Tags

backup-pump

Need More Help?

Our technical support team is here to help with any questions about your Simple Pump system.