Any recommendations on water Temp gauges/meters I can attach to the feed and return lines to the Geothermal unit so I can measure water EWT and LWT? I would perfer to have something installed to get an accurate reading anytime I want, rather then something I just do once. (for example someone suggested drilling a hole in a pipe, get a reading and put tape over the small hole). Digital or spring meter, doesn't matter so long as it works.

Ideally something compatable with PVC pipe. I've saw an automotive water gauge, but that requires having a rubber hose of the correct size, cutting the line and use screw clamp connectors to tighten the lines onto the meter.

If you want to watch things you might want to check into this type of system http://www.welserver.com/ There are a number of online sources for temp gauges if that is what you want. Here is one example http://www.mckenziecorp.com/boiler_temperature_gauges.htm Hope you find what you want. Regards, Eric D

I use an Ashcroft 3" face 30-120 deg F range thermometer to monitor LWT. It threads into 1/2" female NPT, so I included a Tee in the water line sized so the tip of the Ashcroft would be in moving water

I have had good results using electronic thermometers with a probe. I tape the probe to each pipe and insulate it well. They don't respond instantly to changes due to the plastic pipe but I think they are as accurate as any spring type and can be mounted on the wall where they're easy to read.

That works, too. Key is insulation around the probe so it 'sees' only the pipe wall temperature rather than being influenced by ambient air.

TG, do you have P/T ports?

Speaking of P/T (Pete's ports) I'm on the prowl for thermometer with a significantly thinner probe than the typical cheapies that are 1/8" or so - insertion force is way too high - hard on the ports, me, and the thermometer.

Anything better out there, Dewayne?

I use these.

They are still kind of hard to push in and if you aren't careful,  the end pulls off when you pull it out.  The first time this happened,  I thought I had ruined it,  but it slides back on fine.

A little duck butter works great also.

Available here

Thanks!

Another option for you.  I found a needle probe tip temp sensor or a reduced tip pocket thermometer on the Cole Palmer web site that might work.  Maybe something like this.  I'm not sure how much you were wanting to spend but i am sure it is competitive with the WEL unit.  That thing is high!  I was considering getting it myself as my GSHP woes continue as well and I am fairly sure it has to do with my ground loop.  I own one of those little cheap temp probes you usually see the hvac repairman has stuck in his van ac vent.  It looked like it was way too large to be forced into the port.  Is it?  Anyway good luck.

Joe,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with your system. Why not start a new topic and give the details of your systems issues. We might be able to give you some ideas on how to correct it.
Regards,

Dean (or anyone) what do you use for pressure? Any digital gauge similar to the temp one above?

Hey there Brock,  No offense or anything but to anyone reading this, I would highly recommend doing a search for a few keywords.  Like "pressure" or "instruments" or "gage".  It has helped me a ton!  :)  Anyway check this out.  I was not able to find a pressure probe that would be suitable for a p/t port.  It is a really clever way to measure pressure in your ground loop if you can get passed the "engineering " to make it.  Also let us know what parameter your wanting to measure...  ie, loop psi, high side, low side ect.  Good luck and keep us posted.  On a side note My cheap%#$ has finally called a pro to come out and troubleshoot my outfit and see if we can get my system going.    :)   My issue is certainly enough to start a whole new thread and it also creating a whole bunch of other Theory questions that pop up in my head.  The biggest problem is that I am a "hunt and peck" type and it kills me to type!!  Over and out allready.

Digital gauges are too pricey for  me.

That appears to be a needle fitting normally used fo athletic ball inflation - probably about as good as it gets for pressure measurement through a Pete port - narrow and with a rounded tip. I just wish there was something as narrow and rounded for temperature.

These come in two diameters.  One is about the same as a ball inflator 1/16", the  other is larger, 1/8".  We prefer the larger for the sturdiness factor.

I use a Fluke Digital Temp meter and probe.

The probe you want to use is the 80PK-25 (Piercing), and not the 80PK-22 (Immersion).  While the Immersion probe is slightly smaller in diameter (1/8" vs 0.316"), it requires about a 2.5" immersion, which is not available in 1" or 1.5" HDPE loop pipe. 

I don't have any problem with the diameter of the Piercing probe going through P/T plugs.

Best regards,

Bill

Several people have asked about GSC.  It is Geothermal Supply Company .

They are good people with great service.