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 Horizontal Trench Loops
If adequate land is available, horizontal ground loops can be installed. Based on the size of equipment needed, one or more trenches are dug using an excavator or chain trencher. Polyethylene pipes are inserted in the trench at a depth of 4 to 6 feet and then the trenches are backfilled. There are various designs of horizontal loops, using any number of circuits in a trench. Trenches normally range from 100 to 300 feet long depending on the design. A typical home requires ¼ to ¾ of an acre for the trenches.
Costs: Inexpensive Time: 1 Day Disruption: Moderate |
 Horizontal Bore Loops
Where there is adequate space for a horizontal ground loop, but there is a desire to minimize disruption on the surface, the horizontal bore loop would be the preferred solution. This loop type uses directional drilling equipment to bore holes horizontally under the surface. This machine has the capability to start at the surface and drill at an angle down to a depth of roughly 10 feet, then drill back to the surface about 300 feet away. At that point two ends of pipe are attached to the end of the drill bit and are pulled back through the hole to the header. This technique allows the ground loop to be placed underneath homes, septic beds, wooded lots or even swimming pools. The only digging required is for the header trench, where all of the pipes are joined together.
Costs: Minimal Time: 2-4 Days Disruption: Minimal |
 Vertical Bore Loops
Vertical ground loops are used where space is limited or where obstacles permit a horizontal style of loop. Installing vertical loops requires the use of a drilling rig. Multiple holes are bored about 10 feet apart. A double pipe connected with a U-bend is inserted into each hole. The hole is filled with grout to provide good contact around the pipe and to seal the hole. The vertical pipes are then connected to a header system horizontally a few feet below the surface. The depth of the holes is dependent upon soil/rock conditions and the size of the system being installed. The only digging required is for the header trench where all of the pipes are joined together.
Costs: Moderate Time: 2-4 Days Disruption: Minimal |
 Open Loop (Water Well) System
If an abundant supply of quality well water is available, an open loop system can be installed. A proper discharge site, such a stream, a pond or another well from the same aquifer, must also be available. If you already have the proper set up, this installation usually costs less to install and delivers the same high efficiency as a regular ground loop.
Costs: Inexpensive Time: 1 Day (for discharge line) Disruption: Minimal |
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