Well Water Systems
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      1. Boshart Knowledge Base
      2. Well Water Systems

      What is the function of drain, ball, and pressure relief valves in a well water system?

      Drain Valve:

      A drain valve, also known as a sediment faucet and boiler drain valve, is installed in the second outward facing accessory port. This drain valve has multiple functions. It works to take water samples, acquire water from the system, and to provide a means to drain the tank and water system if a pressure tank must be replaced.

      Boshart drain valves are available in many styles and configurations and in various materials to match the tank tee construction. Normally, all drain valves are supplied with a standard ¾” garden hose connection on the outlet. This will carry water that is being drained away from the area. However, in some areas plumbing code does not allow a threaded outlet and a sampling faucet must be used. A sampling faucet is similar but does not have the garden hose connection.

      Ball Valve:

      A Boshart ball valve should be installed on the discharge side of the pressure tank, to provide a means of isolating the plumbing system from the water well pressure system. This provides a means to shut off the water supply to the house in the event of a component failure in the in-house plumbing system. It also enables the installer to isolate the water system and prevents the entire in-house plumbing system from draining back when the water system requires repairs. Boshart’s ball valves are available in brass or stainless steel.

       

      Pressure Relief Valve:

      Boshart relief valves provide the plumbing system with protection from excessive pressure. Excessive pressures could result in catastrophic failure of plumping pipes and components in the in-house plumbing, potentially resulting in water damage. The relief valve is a spring-loaded valve that will open only if the system pressure exceeds the pre-set blow-off setting. A maximum pressure relief setting of 100 PSI is recommended to protect the tank and plumbing from damage. This eliminates the possibility of the system building pressures beyond that setting, ensuring that the plumbing system is not subjected to extreme pressures. It is important that a relief valve be properly plumbed to a suitable drain that can handle the discharged water flow to ensure that there is no property damage due to flooding in the event the relief valve does blow off. Drain valves are available in various materials. 

       

      ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

      https://support.boshart.com/what-is-the-function-of-each-well-water-pressure-system-component

      https://support.boshart.com/how-do-i-properly-install-a-threaded-ball-valve

      https://support.boshart.com/how-do-i-install-a-solder-ball-valve

      https://support.boshart.com/do-the-terms-schedule-40-and-schedule-80-apply-to-pvc-ball-valves

      https://support.boshart.com/are-relief-valves-suitable-for-hot-water-applications

      https://support.boshart.com/how-do-i-adjust-a-relief-valve