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Water wells
Water Well Debris Traps
A flexible cone, also called a shale trap, that clamps onto a well liner and blocks the gap around it, so loose rock and sand can’t fall down to the screen and pump intake.
2″ to 6″ casing
5″ to 10″ well
Flexible PVC
Stainless steel clamp
Casing or liner
Coupling
Debris trap
Screen
How it works
Catch it before it reaches the pump
Many wells have a smaller casing or liner set inside a larger drilled hole, which leaves an open gap around the pipe. Loose dirt, rock or shale can fall down that gap and pile up around the screen and pump suction.
- Slide the trap onto the casing, open end up, just below a coupling
- Tighten the stainless steel clamp to 60 in-lb
- Lower the casing into the well. The flexible lip presses against the wall of the hole and conforms to rough, uneven rock
- Debris that falls down the gap lands in the cone instead of reaching the pump
Specifications
| Use | Residential and farm water wells with a casing or liner set inside a larger hole |
| Material | Flexible PVC, 60 durometer (Shore A) |
| Clamp | 300 series stainless steel |
| Clamp torque | 60 in-lb |
| Temperature | -30°F to 140°F |
| Casing sizes | 2″ to 6″ |
| Well sizes | 5″ to 10″ |
| Box quantity | 20 |
| Also called | Shale trap, formation packer, well packer |
Not a sanitary seal. A debris trap doesn’t replace the grout or seal required by your state or local well code. It should be installed by a licensed well contractor.
Common questions
What is a water well debris trap?
It’s a flexible cone, often called a shale trap, that clamps onto a well casing or liner. It blocks the gap between the casing and the wall of the hole so loose rock and sand can’t fall down to the screen and pump.
Where does it go?
On the casing, open end up, just below a coupling and above the screen.
How do I pick a size?
Match both numbers: the casing size and the well (hole) size. For example, use WC600-450 for a 4″ casing in a 6″ hole.
Will it fit a rough or uneven hole?
Yes, within its listed well size. The flexible PVC lip conforms to irregularities in a drilled hole.
Is it a sanitary seal?
No. It keeps debris away from the pump, but it doesn’t replace the grout or seal your well code requires.
Documents and downloads
Dimensional drawings for each size and the catalog page.
Got questions?
Not sure which size fits your well? Our team can help. Reach out, or find your Fernco rep.