One of the greatest variable costs that a well owner has is the labor paid for the installation and removal of their well pump and motor. To minimize this cost over time, it is important to choose a well pump drop pipe that will last while also considering the ease of installation and removal.

At RC Worst & Company, we offer three different types of water well drop pipe: PVC, Galvanized, and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) — commonly known as Poly Pipe. Below we highlight the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice for your application.

Key Factors to Consider

The main factors to consider are weight limitations, depth limitations, flow restriction, water composition, ease of installation, and ease of removal.

Friction Loss Comparison

Friction loss is the loss of pressure or “head” that occurs in a pipe due to the effect of the fluid’s velocity near the surface of the pipe. For every foot of pipe, the PSI lost in Galvanized or PVC is about twice that of Poly. Here is the friction loss of liquid moving at 25 GPM through 100 feet of each:

• 1" Galvanized: 28 PSI lost (~64’ of head lost)
• 1" Poly: 13 PSI lost (~30’ of head lost)
• 1" PVC: 29 PSI lost (~66’ of head lost)

Depth Limitations

• Galvanized — capable of going to almost any depth; check valves typically limit depth first
• PVC Schedule 120 — limited to 1.5 HP on 1" pipe (max 650’) and 2.0 HP on 1.25" pipe (max 520’)
• Poly Pipe — we do not recommend installing below 100’; hard to install and even harder to service at greater depths

Pressure Ratings

• Galvanized — 1" Schedule 40 rated ~2,100 PSI; 1" Schedule 80 rated ~3,500 PSI
• PVC — 1.25" Schedule 120 rated ~600 PSI
• Poly Pipe — lowest rating at ~250 PSI

Durability & Water Conditions

Galvanized pipe is very durable in normal water conditions and will last on average 15–20 years. It is zinc coated to prevent rust and corrosion, however, highly alkaline or acidic water will corrode it. PVC and Poly pipe hold up very well in harsh water conditions.

Ease of Installation

Galvanized and PVC pipe are simple, predictable, easy to install, and easy to service. PVC is also lightweight. Poly Pipe is not recommended below 100’ — installation and service at greater depths can create a safety risk. At shallower depths it is simple and easy to work with.

Shop Well Pump Installation Supplies

Whatever drop pipe you choose, you’ll also need quality submersible pump cable for your installation:

• #12 AWG 4-Wire THW Twisted Submersible Pump Cable — standard for most residential well installations
• #10 AWG 4-Wire THW Twisted Submersible Pump Cable — for longer runs or higher HP motors
• #4 AWG 4-Wire THW Deep Well Submersible Pump Cable — heavy gauge for deep well applications

Related Guides

• 📖 Using a Safety Line With Submersible Well Pumps
• 📖 Use of Check Valves in Submersible Well Pump Installations
• 📖 Troubleshooting Submersible Well Pumps 101 — Pump Does Not Start
• 📖 30/50 or 40/60 PSI: What Pressure to Set Your System To

Not Sure Which Pipe Is Right for Your System?

Drop pipe selection depends on your well depth, pump HP, water chemistry, and long-term service goals. Our experts can help you choose the right pipe type and size for your specific application — and we offer professional installation services throughout the Inland Northwest.

Talk to an Expert →

You can also watch our video “Water Well Drop Pipe Selection Guide” on the RC Worst YouTube Channel, call 855.329.4519, or visit www.rcworst.com.