Produce a Spear: One End Cap, 1m of PVC that is one size higher than your suction line – preferably slotted or drilled, a reducer to go from slotted PVC to suction line, one non-return valve and associated fittings.

Leave upright and go away for an hour or longer and come back to check level has not changed. This will identify any slow leaks you may not see.

If no loss of level then proceed, if otherwise try again. Drop the Spear down the hole and clamp off at top, if you drop this in its ‘End of Game – Do Not Pass Go’…

Glue and insert next section of suction line PVC pipe.

Repeat the clamping and dropping and adding lengths to the suction line until you hit the bottom.

Fill the pipe with water. Go away for a few hours if you can and come back and make sure level is still the same. If yes, proceed. If not, pull up suction line and locate leak.

Once you are satisfied there are no leaks glue your join onto the pump inlet. For the love of God make sure you put the cap on the well collar prior to fitting to pump – yes, I’ve done that a few times 🤦‍♂️

In the next part of this series I will cover threaded joins on the suction and discharge side.