What is an Abyssinian well, pros and cons, installation nuances

Drilling wells in hard-to-reach places

For any owner of a country plot, house or cottage, the lack of water is a big problem, since water supply lines, as a rule, are located at a significant distance. The solution to the problem in this case is to build your own well, which will become a source of drinking water.

Our company LLC NPO Geospetsstroy provides drilling services with a small-sized installation on the site, carrying out work even in limited space. For this purpose, small-sized equipment SBU-80XL is used, which allows the process to be carried out in compliance with all drilling technologies. The customer can have no doubt about the high quality of work to provide a country house with clean water.

Features and advantages of drilling wells with a small-sized installation

The use of compact installations and special lightweight equipment is a progressive and effective method of constructing pits on small plots of land in Moscow and the region.

The equipment is quite maneuverable and capable of carrying out work in cramped conditions. In addition, this is very beneficial for the owner in terms of saving money.

The advantages of this method include the following:

• thanks to its high speed qualities, high-quality drilling is ensured for dachas and country houses;
• it is possible to use impact, screw or rotary methods;
• the entire installation is assembled within 30 minutes;
• design objects and landscape remain untouched;
• you can go deep under technical and residential buildings;
• work takes place regardless of weather conditions;
• servicing the well does not require a large number of specialists.

Design features of MBU

Depending on the characteristics of a particular area, a certain set of equipment is used.

Installation dimensions: length 3 meters, width 1.5 meters, height 1.8 meters (in working condition 5 meters), weight 2.5 tons.

Limitations: drilling depth is up to 90 meters, we recommend that you first check with a specialist about the geology in your area.

Well drilling technology

MDRs are necessarily used with flushing liquid, which allows the soil to be softened, significantly reducing the friction of the equipment when it comes into contact with the soil. Hydrodrilling consists of the following stages:

• preparation (searching for a well location, assembling a small-sized installation, arranging containers for process water in order to supply the solution to the work site);
• drilling water wells until an aquifer is discovered;
• installation of casing in the finished shaft, its fastening;
• procedure for pumping the well with clean water and immersing the deep-well pump.

Service cost

The total cost of well development is affected by:

• carrying out geological surveys, preparing a project and using additional resources;
• excavation depth and its configuration;
• price of consumables.

Algorithm of actions

To order drilling with a small-sized SBU-80XL rig in the Moscow region, the customer needs to go to the official website of the NPO Geospetsstroy company or call 8-495-222-62-62,

8-495-781-62-62. A clear sequence of actions will ensure accurate calculations and avoid possible errors.

Specialists go to a given area to study the area, then a project is created and equipment is prepared, after which drilling work is carried out. The rich experience of the MGBU water drilling staff allows us to timely deliver even the most complex projects on a turnkey basis, ensuring their long-lasting, reliable operation.

Video: the process of drilling an artesian well with a small-sized installation

Types of structures for water supply

A person consumes a fairly large amount of water. It is required for drinking, washing, washing dishes, cleaning, watering, washing, showering and other purposes. It’s good if the country house nearby has communications to which the house can be connected.

However, often this is not possible, and here several water supply options come to the rescue:

1. Ordinary driving well.
2. Mine well.
3. Abyssinian well.

Let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Drive well

Water collected using this method is of high quality. The house can be fully supplied with water even with high consumption. However, when using this option, there are serious disadvantages: high cost, the need to provide regular maintenance. Without electricity, the pump cannot operate.

Mine well

The cost of its creation and maintenance is significantly lower than for a well. The large diameter of the shaft makes it easier to maintain the well. It can work without using electricity.

However, water quality decreases during heavy rainfall and in the spring when snow melts. The volume of water reserves can be depleted with intensive consumption.

Next, we’ll figure out what advantages the Abyssinian well has, what kind of structure it is and how to install it.

Depth of driving and Abyssinian wells Source obustroeno.com

Abyssinian well

The Abyssinian well is an “igla” well. It received this name because of its special design in the form of a pipe with a tip.

This variant was invented during the war between Britain and Ethiopia in 1867-1868. The credit for its creation goes to engineer Norton. Such a well was intended to supply water to British troops while moving in desert conditions. The structure could be easily installed or moved to a new location if necessary.

The process of installing a “needle” well Source unipump.ru

Pros and cons of the Abyssinian well:

• When installing this option, there is no need to use complex equipment. Installation does not require large space. Digging such a well does not require significant costs.
• The disadvantage is the limitation on the depth of the aquifer. This well cannot supply water from great depths. In order to lay a well, it is necessary that the ground at the installation site be relatively soft.

Drilling an Abyssinian well in a garden plot Source unipump.ru
Since in most cases the aquifer is located quite close to the surface, an Abyssinian well can sufficiently provide water supply to a summer house or private house. If water is used intensively, you can put another one on the site.

Comparison of water wells Source yandex.net

Description of the well design

You can understand what an Abyssinian well is if you consider its design features.

Often there is an aquifer underground at a relatively shallow depth (less than 15 m). To create a “needle”, a pipe with a diameter of 2-4 cm and with a filter at the lower end is vertically deepened into the ground. The upper end is located above the ground. Using a column or pump, water is pumped up from the aquifer.

Thus, in particular, it is possible to provide water to a private home. If there is not enough water, then you can make another well.

The Abyssinian well consists of the following parts:

• The lowest part is the cone-shaped tip. It can also be shaped like a pyramid.
• The filter is a piece of pipe whose diameter is smaller than the tip at its widest point. It usually has small holes drilled in a staggered pattern.

Pipe tip Source rmnt.ru

• A coupling is attached to the filter, which connects it to the next section of pipe.
• Further to the surface there are pipe sections 1.5-2 m long, connected by couplings. The topmost pipe goes to the surface of the earth.
• In the upper part there is a pump for the Abyssinian well, which ensures the rise of water from the aquifer to the top. A column can also be used for this purpose.

Usually the upper part is decorated additionally.

Where to install

Before drilling an Abyssinian well, it is necessary to find a suitable place for it. It is important to find a location so that the aquifer is not very deep.

Typically, soil consists of several layers located at different depths. It is important to find where the aquifer will be located closer to the surface. When installing a pipe, it may happen that there will be quicksand on the way - a layer of solid earth that cannot be broken through. In this case, you will need to look for another place.

Soil structure and aquifer Source greendom74.ru

Soils can be divided into the following categories:

1. Bulk . They differ in that they do not hold their shape. If enough moisture accumulates in them, they can float.
2. Plastic . Can be easily passed using the Abyssinian well tip.
3. Hard rocks . These are limestones, sandstones, marls, dolomites and the like. They cannot be drilled without the use of special tools.

An Abyssinian well can only be built where from the surface to the aquifer there are only soils of the first or second type.

It must be taken into account that it is not possible to equip a well everywhere. The following places should be avoided:

• ravines;
• cliffs;
• steep hillsides.

In these cases, there is a higher risk of contamination of underground natural water reservoirs.

It is important to remember that you should not approach potential sources of pollution closer than 15 m. This applies to places where animals are kept (such as a barn or poultry house), compost pits, and sources of industrial pollution.

It is necessary to maintain distances between the well and other buildings Source ad-cd.net

See also: Companies specializing in the installation of heating, water supply, sewerage.

How to determine the depth of water

It is important to understand at what depth the groundwater is located. The simplest way is to obtain information about the depth of water in a neighbor's well. It should be borne in mind that in this way only an approximate estimate can be obtained. The aquifer is not necessarily located at the same level in different places.

When looking for the right layer, you need to take into account that the one that is located next to the surface of the earth is not recommended for drinking. It is usually fed by melted snow, rain, and household waste. Due to the shallow depth, the water is poorly filtered. The level in this surface layer will vary depending on atmospheric conditions. It is recommended to find a deeper groundwater level.

When water is taken from a sandy layer at a depth of 12-15 m, it is well filtered and represents a stable source that can be used throughout the year. In this case, you will need to make a pumping station for the Abyssinian well.

What an aquifer looks like Source ochistkavodi.ru

When searching for a suitable location, you can rely on the following features:

• In the early morning or evening during the warm season, fog can be observed. If you look closely, you will notice that it has unequal density. Where it is thicker, groundwater is closer to the surface.
• Animals, thanks to their natural instincts, know well the places where water is located. They are not able to tell, but if you understand their habits and observe their behavior, you can get the necessary clue. Dogs in the heat tend to find a cool place to escape overheating. If a horse is thirsty, it will put its hoof where it feels the most moisture. Similar features are inherent in other species of animals and birds.

Plants help determine the depth of the aquifer Source stroim-dom.net

• The depth of the aquifer can be judged based on observations of plants. Each species grows best where the conditions are most suitable for it. For example, blackberries, lingonberries and bird cherry grow well where groundwater is closest to the surface.
• You can use the help of neighbors and friends.

If your neighbors use an Abyssinian well, you can ask what its depth is. Source obustroeno.com
To find a suitable location for a well, you can use the following methods:

• You can use several jars of the same size. If you immerse them in the ground with the neck down so that the bottom is clearly visible, then within a day you will be able to see the place where the humidity is highest. To do this, you need to compare the amount of condensation that has formed inside the glassware.
• Salt, crushed red brick and silica gel absorb moisture well. It is necessary to prepare several flower pots, the surface of which is not covered with glaze. An equal amount of the selected material is poured into them and placed for a day in different places on the site. After the appointed period has passed, they must be weighed. The heaviest will be the one that has absorbed more moisture.

Using flower pots to find water Source fermer.blog

• You can determine the presence of underground water using a garden auger. It is important to consider that if the depth of the Abyssinian well is less than 6 meters, then it will not be clean enough for drinking. Therefore, it is necessary to check the presence of the required layer at a greater depth.

How to make your own pump

After completing the construction of the well, a pump is selected. In this case, you need to take into account:

• Casing pipe diameter.
• Well depth and flow rate.
• Distance of the source from the house.

If the well depth is shallow, you can use a self-priming pump produced by industry or a homemade well pump. The main elements that make up the structure of a well pump are:

• Valves. They are needed for the proper operation of the entire system. The bottom valve affects the performance of the device and is responsible for preparing the unit for use. The elements must be made from high-quality materials; if this is not the case, the pump will begin to drain the water back on its own or distill it in two directions.
• Piston. There must be a gap between it and the walls of the housing to ensure its unhindered movement. A small gap will not prevent the movement of a large volume of water in the desired direction. When ensuring a tight fit of the piston, it is necessary to ensure free movement of the piston. The material for the part with the lid is metal, thick plastic or wood, but its service life is limited.
• Frame. To make it, a piece of pipe is taken, cut to size. The optimal length of the element is 60 - 80 centimeters, but other sizes can be taken. The diameter for the part is about eight centimeters or more. For the piston to move freely, the inner surface of the pipe must be cleanly processed on a lathe or with a scraper.

The simplest device for supplying water is a wave pump. To make it you need to purchase:

• Wrenches.
• Sealing tape.
• Grinding machine.
• Log.
• Corrugated pipe.
• Die.
• Bracket.
• Bushings with valves.

Tip: If a brass pipe is used to make a pump, the weight of the log must be more than 60 kg. When using plastic pipes, you can get by with two light logs.

The pipe is closed on both sides with bushings, one end of the element is attached to the log, and the other to the bracket. The vibration of the water activates the pipe. Due to this, the pressure increases and water is pumped. A similar device is suitable for areas with a natural body of water. Before use, the log must be soaked in kerosene and drying oil in equal proportions. The ends and cuts are impregnated six times. What other homemade devices exist, the well pump piping diagram is clearly shown in the video in this article.

Creating a filter

There is a filter at the bottom of the well pipe. It is located immediately after the point with which they pierced the ground. The filter is a tube narrower than the base of the tip cone. Holes with a diameter of 8-10 mm are drilled in it. They are arranged in rows so that they are 5 cm apart from each other. The holes should not be closer than 15 cm to the edge of the pipe.

Making a filter Source stopdacha.ru

You can use another layer of filtration. To do this, stainless steel wire is wound around the filter. The distance between the rings should be 3-5 mm. It is possible to apply another filtration layer. To do this, a section of pipe is wrapped with a stainless steel mesh with a pitch of no more than 10 mm. It is recommended to solder it to the pipe walls. To do this you need to use tin solder. You should absolutely not use lead because it will deteriorate the quality of the water.

It is important that the total thickness of the filter does not exceed the diameter of the tip base. Otherwise, the filter will be damaged during the drilling process.

Materials for making pipes

Plastic pipes for wells are made mainly from the following materials:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). The material has a low coefficient of linear expansion when heated, perfectly retaining its shape.
• Low-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is a popular material for outdoor use, as it retains its qualities even at a temperature of -20 degrees.

Large diameter plastic pipes for wells

Video description

This video shows the entire process from drilling an Abyssinian well to obtaining water, including installation of a pumping station:

Well in the yard Source burenie-m.ru

It must be taken into account that sometimes site owners use a pump not only for lifting, but also for horizontal movement of water.

In this case, the movement of water by 10 m horizontally reduces the maximum suction depth by 1 m. If the water is at a depth of 12-15 m, then a hand pump or airlift can be used for lifting. The operating principle of the last pump is based on the fact that air is pumped under pressure into the lower part of the well, which pushes water upward.

If the water is deep, you can build a pit. In this case, make a wide hole several meters deep and reinforce the edges with concrete rings. The pump is installed at the bottom of the pit. Thus, water has to be pumped from a slightly shallower depth.

Video description

Here's how to set up a well in two hours:
You can install blocks above the pipe to lift the headstock using ropes. This way you can increase the impact force.

Once the pipe is completely installed, it is necessary to pump the water to get rid of the sand and get to clean water. In the future, it is recommended to use a pump to pump water.

It is recommended to place the pump in a lift. To do this, a concrete pad is made from below, and concrete rings are installed as walls. The top is made closed, and the water supply pipe is led out through the lid. With such a device, the likelihood of contamination of the resulting water will be minimal.

Year-round operation

The main problem with water supply to the house is freezing of pipes and pumps. These problems can be solved by proper pipe laying and placement of equipment in the house (read about installing a tap for a drinking water filter here) or a caisson.

A successful option would be to create a well in the basement of the house.

A caisson is a excavation in the soil below the freezing depth or a metal or brick structure lowered to the same depth.

The caisson chamber is additionally finished with waterproof and heat-insulating materials.

Is it necessary to maintain an Abyssinian well?

In order to maintain it in working condition, it is recommended to use water regularly. At the same time, reserves will not decrease over time.

If the use is seasonal, then it will be necessary to prepare for the time when it will be idle. If negative temperatures are expected, then you need to drain the water so that it does not freeze and burst the pipe. The pump must be covered with waterproof material so that it is not damaged by bad weather.

When the well begins to be used again, it is necessary to pump water in the same way as was done at the beginning of operation. This must be done until clean water comes out.

Column casing principle

When drilling a well, it is necessary to equip the mine with casing pipes. This is done in several stages in order to securely fasten the lowered pipes in the barrel of the drilled well. In this case, both uPVC casing elements and HDPE pipes must be lowered into the source shaft exclusively during drilling.

Rules for casing installation

When installing the casing, do not forget to follow the recommendations of professionals, namely:

• The edge of the lower casing pipe made of uPVC, HDPE or steel should not reach the bottom by approximately 50 cm. This will ensure the free flow of water into the mine in all weather conditions.
• You should not reduce the diameter of the casing as you go down. This will help reduce the flow of water.
• Before installing the HDPE or uPVC column, as well as steel, the thread must be checked and treated with silicone sealant.

It is important to remember: the well casing is carried out as the source deepens. At each stage of the drill’s operation, it is necessary to lower PVC-U, HDPE or steel pipes into the shaft, reliably connecting the threads. After installing the column, the annulus should be cemented so that the column stands monolithically and is not affected by the movement of rock layers.

Design and construction of an autonomous water supply and sanitation system is a task that takes a lot of time, physical effort and financial costs. At the stage of mine development, the choice and installation of casing plays a great role. A well without a casing is characterized by a short service life, low quality of produced water, and there is no reinforcement of the walls of the structure, which threatens collapses.

Why is it profitable to install an Abyssinian well?

Peculiarities:

• Relative cheapness of the procedure. If you do it yourself, the cost will be 14-15 thousand rubles. However, in this case, you will not always get a high-quality design. If done turnkey, the cost will not exceed 25 thousand rubles.
• Although the supply of water from one well is limited, in most cases it is sufficient. If necessary, you can install another well.
• To install the structure, professional drilling is not required. In Russia, the depth of suitable aquifers is 15 m or less. If during work a hard layer of soil is encountered, the structure can be easily moved to a more suitable location.

Preparing pipes for creating a well Source vodatyt.ru

• The Abyssinian well is an environmentally friendly device. Through the well made, pollution, melt water, and garbage will not fall underground. The resulting water is well filtered by the earth and will retain its purity even in difficult conditions. For example, by making such a well in a metropolis, you can provide yourself with clean water.
• Long service life. The simple design and use of stainless steel parts leads to the fact that the service life of such a well is 30 years or more.
• The well requires virtually no maintenance. The only situation where preparation is necessary is conservation before the onset of winter.
• It is important to consider that in order to make such a well and use it, the owner does not have to fill out any documents. There is no need to register or purchase licenses.

The Abyssinian well provides water to the entire house Source ural.org

Asbestos cement column

The use of such pipes is gradually disappearing in geology. Since the use of a water-lifting column made of asbestos-cement is only relevant on hard soil layers. In addition, the connection of such pipes to water is carried out using couplings, not threads, which complicates the process of casing the well string. In addition, it is necessary to carefully monitor the tightness of the joints and carry out the work carefully, since asbestos-cement pipes for wells, unlike steel, uPVC and HDPE, are characterized by increased fragility.

Briefly about the main thing

In a country house, with the help of an Abyssinian well, you can establish a high-quality and reliable water supply. There is no need to apply for special permission for this.

The main part of such a well is a pipe with a sharp tip, driven vertically into the ground to the depth at which the aquifer is located.

This water supply option will be beneficial on sandy soils; it is easy to install and transport from place to place.

The process of installing an Abyssinian well is not long, and the benefits will be visible immediately Source unipump.ru Ratings 0

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