If you are one of the lucky homeowners with private water well, you know the importance of properly maintaining it. A poorly maintained well can result in decreased water pressure, contaminated water, and even system failure. This blog post will discuss some tips on maintaining your private water well so you can enjoy clean, safe water for years to come!
An Overview of Well Water Maintenance
Maintaining your private water well is vital to ensure access to fresh water. The National Ground Water Association provides information and guidance on well water maintenance. In addition, homeowners should have their water tested annually by a certified well professional and more frequently if taste changes occur. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your well.
Ensure That Your Well is Inspected Annually
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your private water well is to ensure that it is inspected annually. A certified well-professional can check for potential problems and ensure that your well is functioning correctly. During the inspection, they will check for coliform bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and other contaminants in your locality.
Have Your Well Tested Once a Year
Inspection of your well and well testing are not the same things. Your well should be tested annually to ensure it is free of harmful bacteria and contaminants. A certified well-professional can take a water sample and send it to a lab for analysis. Based on the results of the water test, you may need to take steps to correct any problems that are found. You’ll want to perform this more often if you or your family have consistent gastrointestinal issues.
Make Sure the Well is Clean Before Testing
Homeowners should know that testing a dirty well can lead to false positives. If your well isn’t clean, it’s best to have it cleaned before being tested. A certified well-professional can wash your well and take a water sample for testing. Water Well cleaning may require the removal of solid material and disinfection using chlorine. If you notice cloudy or low water, a foul odor or taste, or rusty water, your well may need to be cleaned.
Be Aware of Hazardous Chemicals on Your Property
Using hazardous chemicals on your property, such as pesticides or fertilizers, can contaminate your well water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and keep these chemicals away from your well. If you must use them near your well, be sure to have your water tested more frequently. In addition, materials such as paint and motor oil should be kept away from your well and stored in sealed and sturdy containers.
Check Your Well Cap and Cover Regularly
Your well cap and cover protect your well from contaminants and debris. Check these regularly to ensure they are securely in place and free of cracks or gaps. If you notice any damage, replace them immediately. The top of the well should be at least one foot above the ground.
Keep an Emergency Supply of Water on Hand
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency water supply on hand, just in case your well needs to be repaired or is contaminated. A good rule of thumb is to have enough water to last each family member for three days. Then, keep the water in a cool, dark place, and rotate it every six months.
Have Your Septic System Inspected Regularly
Your septic system is another potential source of contamination for your well water. A certified professional inspect your septic system every three to five years. They will check for leaks, blockages, and other potential problems. In addition, a professional should ensure the proper separation between your well, your septic system, and any sources of contamination like chemical storage facilities or farms.
Monitor the Pressure Gauge/Inspect the Well Pump
It’s essential to keep an eye on your well’s pressure gauge and have the well pump inspected regularly. If the pressure drops suddenly, it could signal that your well is running low on water. A certified professional can inspect your good pump and ensure it functions properly. Likewise, if you notice grit or sand in your water, it’s a sign that your well pump needs to be replaced.
Don’t Try to Service Your Well Water
Let’s say you notice an issue with your well water, like a strange taste or discoloration. You may be tempted to service your well water independently; however, leaving servicing and repairs to a certified professional is essential. They have the training and experience necessary to service your well water properly. In addition, trying to service your well water could worsen the problem, contaminate your water supply, and even impact your neighbor’s water supply.
Don’t Allow Back-Siphonage
Back-siphonage is when contaminated water flows back into your well; to prevent back-siphonage, you should install a check valve in your well. If you’re mixing chemicals for any reason, don’t put the water hose inside the water tank or container.
Check the Property For Old, Abandoned Water Wells
If there are old, abandoned water wells on your property, they could contaminate your water supply. Be sure to have these wells sealed by a certified professional. They will fill the well with concrete or grout to prevent contamination. Animals or insects can get inside and contaminate the well. Physical, hand-dug wells also pose an issue because of their fall hazard. Ensure these wells are filled in, and the area around them fenced off to prevent accidents.
Ensure That You Understand the Issue With Your Water Well
If there is a problem with your water well, make sure you understand the issue. A certified professional can explain the situation and how to fix it. Discuss your options and ask detailed questions. It’s better to understand why the problem occurred and what it takes to fix it.
Remember, Leave it to The Professionals
You should always leave servicing and repairs to a certified professional. American Mechanical & Plumbing can help you with all your well water needs, from maintenance to repairs. We’re here to help you keep your water well functioning correctly.
Our firm, which has been in operation for more than 10 years, specializes in service-based businesses such as sewage pumps and water filtering, softening, and reverse osmosis systems. We are the most trusted water filtration company in Maine and use high-quality equipment for installations and repairs. We also provide plumbing, commercial water filtration, installation services, and maintenance. To book a consultation, please contact us now.
