Grouting Protects Your Loop, Safeguards Groundwater

Grouting the borehole for many first-time installers is a steep learning curve. At best, it is time consuming; at worst, the borehole can be ruined! Drilling contractors typically spend the majority of their research time on the drilling and assume the grouting will be simple compared to drilling the borehole. While this premise is generally correct, grouting still requires the correct setup with the right equipment, mix and training.

Why do we need to grout the borehole after installing the loop? It is tempting to look at the drill cuttings or drilling mud and just use that in the bore around the loop. Can that be done? In short, NO! Here are some of the reasons. The ground we stand on feels solid and stable, but think of it as a stiff fluid; it moves with time and seasons, and so does the loop pipe due to thermal expansion and contraction. Over time, a pipe can wear against the sides of the bore or sharp drill cuttings and start leaking. So a smooth cover of grout gives the pipe protection. The grout also protects the aquifer from contamination from the surface.