5 Common Mistakes When Installing Pitless Units, and How to Avoid Them
As climate extremes and water safety standards intensify, pitless units have emerged as a cornerstone in modern well infrastructure.
Plus: How Baker Water Systems Solves Them With Innovation and Reliability
As climate extremes and water safety standards intensify, pitless units have emerged as a cornerstone in modern well infrastructure. These units, which eliminate the need for above-ground pump houses or well pits, offer frost-proof, sanitary, and easy-to-maintain access to submersible pump systems.
But even with well-engineered components, installation errors are surprisingly common—and costly. A recent industry study by the Water Systems Council revealed that nearly 40% of well system service calls stem from improper installation of key components like pitless adapters or seals.
Alternate line- Seal failures can, in fact spike up the maintenance costs by 30%
At Baker Water Systems , we’ve developed our Monitor Pitless Units to not only exceed NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 standards, but also to simplify installation and maintenance. Yet, even the best hardware can’t overcome poor installation practices.
Let’s explore the five most frequent installation mistakes—and how Baker’s innovations help prevent them.
1. Ignoring Local Frost Depth Regulations
Why It Matters: Pitless units are designed to discharge below the frost line, keeping your system functional year-round. But not accounting for regional frost depths can lead to system freeze-ups.
Industry Stat: The USDA lists frost depths ranging from 12" in southern states to 60" in northern regions like Minnesota.
Common Mistake: Assuming a standard bury depth is sufficient across all locations.
The Baker Solution: Baker’s PS Series Domestic Pitless Units come in multiple styles and bury depths, ranging from 3 to 9 feet, customizable to your region’s frost line. We even offer Kwikonect style adapters for states with specific code requirements (like Illinois), ensuring both compliance and performance.
2. Skipping the Cable Seal or Using an Improper One
Why It Matters: A non-watertight electrical conduit can let in water, bugs, or debris, potentially contaminating your water source.
Common Mistake: Installers sometimes cut corners by not using a sealed conduit or failing to size it properly to the cable.
The Baker Solution: Our At-The-Well Control Kits include everything you need for a clean, secure install—UL-listed cable seals, weatherproof connections, and even plug-in or screw-in options. Our caps are vermin-resistant and watertight, eliminating contamination risks.
3. Damaging O-Rings During Spool Installation
Why It Matters: O-rings create the critical seal that prevents leaks at the spool interface. Damaged O-rings can lead to water loss, pressure drops, and costly service calls.
Common Mistake: Forcing the spool into position without proper alignment or lubrication can nick or tear the O-ring.
The Baker Solution: Our Monitor Spool Assemblies feature reinforced O-ring lands and smooth, machined contact surfaces. We also use neoprene seals for added resilience. Every spool is designed for easy lift-out service—just hoist and go.
4. Overlooking Code Compliance and Certification Standards
Why It Matters: Many municipalities require pitless units to meet NSF/ANSI or PAS-97 standards. Failing to comply can halt a project or result in fines.
Common Mistake: Using generic parts or skipping the submittal process.
The Baker Solution: All Baker pitless units and well caps are fully certified to NSF/ANSI 61 & 372, and our engineering team provides pre-submittal packages upon request. Our cast iron watertight caps also conform to PAS-97(2017), ensuring approval from state health departments.
5. Not Planning for Future Maintenance
Why It Matters: Every system eventually needs service. Poor planning can make maintenance time-consuming or even dangerous.
Common Mistake: Using cheap fasteners, non-removable caps, or failing to document layout and installation notes.
The Baker Solution: We design with maintenance in mind. Our Turtle® Watertight Caps feature removable tops for fast service access. We use stainless steel hardware and pre-assembled lift-out bails, ensuring that future crews can service the system safely and quickly.
Promotional Spotlight: Bundle & Save With Our Pitless Unit Packages
Baker Water Systems offers turnkey packages for domestic and industrial installations, including pitless units, caps, seals, and fittings, bundled to save you time and money. Ask your distributor about the PS Series Kits, perfect for farm, home, and municipal applications.
Final Thoughts: The difference between a seamless install and a maintenance nightmare often boils down to awareness and execution. At Baker Water Systems, we’ve engineered our products not just for performance, but to simplify installation and reduce long-term costs.
Whether you're a well contractor, municipal planner, or engineer, avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a clean, compliant, and durable water system, one that’s built to last and easy to service.
If you’re planning your next well project, talk to us. Our team can help you select the right components and provide expert insights every step of the way.