Well access pits
Well access pits
Well access pits provide a hygienic way of turning a well into both a properly sealed drinking water well and part of a heat pump (production wells / swallowing wells) for heating a building. The entire technology is housed inside the well access pit. The panel for the pump and the water meter can be installed here. This makes it easily accessible for installers. The water-tight inspection opening allows for optimal accessibility during maintenance.
Inexpensive and environmentally friendly
PE well access pits are a favourable alternative to concrete well access pits. During construction, concrete rings no longer have to be elaborately sealed and core drillings are no longer necessary. A PE well access pit is fully prepared for installation during production in the factory. Furthermore, the production of concrete is very energy-intensive.
As a result, more pollutants are released into the atmosphere during production when compared to the production of PE well access pits.
Easy installation and maintenance
As the PE well access pit is supplied ready for installation, there is no need for time-consuming work on site.
During installation, only the well pipe needs to be installed and a connection between the well and the house needs to be created. As technology is installed inside the well access pit, the installer can easily carry out both installation and maintenance work from there.
FAQ
A well access pit is an enclosure that is used for drinking water wells as well as for geothermal systems (production wells / absorption wells). It is used to hygienically seal the well and houses all the technology such as the pump control and water meter. Our PE well access pits provide a water-tight inspection opening for optimum accessibility during maintenance work.
PE well access pits are not only more cost-effective, but also more environmentally friendly than concrete solutions. Significantly more pollutants are released during the production of concrete. In addition, there is no need for time-consuming sealing work and core drilling on the construction site, as our PE well access pits are supplied ready for installation. They are corrosion-resistant, durable and considerably simplify installation and maintenance.
The choice depends on the size of your heat pump system and the individual requirements. The GN Mini well access pit is suitable for smaller applications, the GN 1 well shaft for medium-sized systems, while the GN 2 well access pit is designed for more complex and powerful geothermal systems. Our new X series also offers load capacities of up to 40 tons and variable installation depths.
In this groundwater-based geothermal system, the production well extracts groundwater which is then directed to the heat pump. The heat pump harvests thermal energy from the groundwater and subsequently returns the cooled water to the aquifer through the injection well. Our well shafts provide the ideal infrastructure for this environmentally friendly heating method and reliably protect all technical components. This open-loop geothermal system offers excellent coefficient of performance (COP) values while ensuring sustainable utilization of renewable subsurface energy resources.
PE well access pits themselves are virtually maintenance-free. Regular maintenance primarily concerns the installed pump technology, shut-off valves, and control units. Due to the optimal accessibility of our well access pits, installers can perform these maintenance tasks without difficulty. We recommend an annual visual inspection to check for leaks and verify the functionality of the installed components. This proactive approach ensures the longevity and efficient operation of your geothermal well system while minimizing potential downtime and maintenance costs.
PE well access pits by GNV have an extremely long service life of at least 50 years. Unlike concrete access pits, they are resistant to acids, moisture, and other aggressive environmental influences, which further enhances their durability. This long-term reliability makes them an ideal investment for sustainable geothermal energy systems, providing excellent value throughout their operational lifespan.
When installing, it's essential to ensure a stable, compacted foundation. The well access pit should be positioned horizontally and properly connected to both the well pipe and house connection. Since our PE well access pits are delivered ready for installation, extensive preparatory work is eliminated. It's also important to comply with local regulations regarding groundwater usage and any required permits. Proper installation by qualified professionals ensures optimal system performance and maximum thermal efficiency of your geothermal heat pump system.
Yes, utilizing groundwater for geothermal energy typically requires a water rights permit. This must be applied for at the responsible water authority before drilling operations begin. We are happy to advise you on the approval process and the necessary documentation. Environmental regulations vary by location, but most jurisdictions have specific requirements for groundwater extraction and reinjection to protect aquifers and ensure sustainable resource management.
Using groundwater through a production well/injection well system is among the most efficient heat sources for geothermal heat pumps. The seasonal performance factor (SPF) typically ranges between 4.0 and 5.0, meaning that up to 5 kilowatt-hours of heating energy can be generated from one kilowatt-hour of electricity. The initial investment usually pays for itself within a few years through significantly reduced heating costs. Additionally, this renewable energy solution qualifies for various government incentives and contributes to reducing carbon emissions while providing consistent heating performance regardless of outside air temperatures.