How do I cut off main water supply to house coming from our well?

Question

We are finishing our basement. One of the things we need to do is re-route a small amount of plumbing in one particular corner. In this corner of the basement sits our pump - we have well water. We will have to cut off main supply of water or cut off pump - I'm not sure which. We will be moving the pump slightly, 6-8 inches so that we can frame out walls behind it. We will then build a closet that will house the un-attractive pump, but allow easy access to it. We will also be replacing/rerouting a few feet of pipes beginning with those that come directly out of the pump housing. We are not experienced in plumbing, so would appreciate any available help.

Answer 1

The one question that comes to my mind is, "What type of piping is on your pump?" I have seen answers talking about soldering, turning off the valve, etc., but all this is mute, before knowing what you are working with. To try and read between the lines, or "assume" what someone means, is asking for trouble. You say you don't know much about plumbing, so what makes you think you can learn something useful from this site? General questions are OK, but this is a major issue, whether anyone else agrees or not, because it doesn't matter to them that they give half answers, or are vague in their attempts at seeming to know how to do something. You will be the ones, sitting there with a disconnected pump, and a possible flooded basement, if you do something wrong. Will they come running to your aid, or pay to fix something you broke, that they told you to do, not completely understanding the whole situation? I would suggest calling a local Master plumber, and ask him to come look at your project. Ask if he will walk you through the project as a supervisor, for a fee, and see if he will help you out. I do a lot of consulting work for people, and it lets me be in more places, and helps the customer learn plumbing the correct way, by a quailified Master plumber, who is the only person you should be asking questions about this. He knows the codes, and can alert you of issues you might not know to ask. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Good day. My suggestion to is. Turn the power off to your pump either by your pump switch or the main circuit breaker for the pump. Once the pump is off, turn on your taps to drain your water prior to soldiering any joints. Some times water may sit in a line and wont allow you to solder a joint. If the joint doesn't soldier. Remove your fitting and put some bread in the line at the joint. this will soak up any water and will dissolve once you turn your water back on. This will allow you to soldier that joint. Good luck and have fun with your project.

Answer 3

A lot of complicated answers here. Why don't you just try turning off the valve. And, if your going to box the pump in, better find out if you can. Some areas require the pump to be in the open.

Answer 4

Robuttox is more than likely correct.
I just want to offer this suggestion. Since you are moving pipe make SURE you have all the parts on hand before you start. Dry fit everything together and make sure you have all the elbows, tees, and everything before you start. I would just hate to see you get 99% finished late at night and then have no water until morning for lack of a .29 cent part.

Answer 5

The pump at the well probably has its own circuit breaker. Trip the circuit breaker to turn off the pump. You may have to prime the pump before starting it back up.

Answer 6

Flip the breaker for the well or pump in your main breaker box.

Answer 7

shut pump off at breaker box open faucet in basement let drain do your thing turn breaker back on