Maintaining a Well System
Well casings sometimes lie pretty low in the ground and may get unnoticed in overgrown grass.
While municipal water systems are heavily maintained and filtered to ensure tap water passes all quality standards, well water relies on natural filtering systems in the soil. However, without proper maintenance, well systems can suffer from various issues that can negatively affect water quality or cause health hazards.
Here are some tips for maintaining a well water system:
Water testing
The CDC recommends testing all residential and commercial well systems at least once per year. The most frequent tests include those for bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, and any geographically-relevant pollutants—like natural gasses.
Water quality should be the first suspect if the household has experienced multiple bouts of gastrointestinal illness or a distinct change in the water’s odor, taste, or appearance. In these cases, test the water multiple times a year.
A carbon filter or UV disinfection treatment system can effectively remove most pollutants. However, these require a professional installation and more regular maintenance.
Monitor the system
The pressure tank allows well water to flow from the ground into the house. A malfunctioning tank can lead to water pressure instability, reduced efficiency, and a shorter lifespan for the system. Regular inspections should prevent significant wear and tear from going unnoticed, giving property owners enough of a heads-up to remedy minor issues.
Additionally, perform regular flow and system testing. A malfunctioning pump can lead to negative pressure in a part of the system, which can lead to water backflow and, in turn, have devastating consequences on the water quality.
Freeze protection
Well water won’t freeze under normal conditions underground, but exposed pipes and casings may experience freezing temperatures during the winter. Keep any exposed parts properly insulated to prevent flow issues or pipe bursts. Check the pump to see whether its housing is properly insulated if it lies above ground level.
Watch out while mowing
Well casings sometimes lie pretty low in the ground and may get unnoticed in overgrown grass. A larger mower can significantly damage the casing and incur costly repairs. Trim the grass around well parts manually. While it will take longer, the benefits heavily outweigh the time spent.
Shut the system for a time
If the house is used only for a part of the year, shut off the system after you leave. Drain all the water from the pump to prevent pooling and bacterial growth. However, it might be worth checking up on the well after winter to flush the system and have the water tested before regular use.
Get regular servicing
A well water system is specialized with many components and should be treated as such. Contact a local professional well service and schedule an annual checkup to get peace of mind and prevent minor issues from going out of control.
If you use the residence sparingly, schedule a service when the system needs to be turned on.
Fussell Well Drilling is a family-owned top-quality well drilling and water treatment company for residential and commercial properties in Polk County. Call us today (863) 984-3144
