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Water—it is one of the most important elements in the universe and a necessity for life. Thus, everyone needs to have access to clean water, especially at home. While dams are the usual providers of fresh water in many communities, more than 43 million Americans (or 15% of the population) harvest their water from privately owned wells. (1)
When you have your own well, you’re likely responsible for its quality and safety. In many states, domestic wells aren’t regulated by local governments or the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. But how do you maintain your well water systems?
This guide will help you care for your private well and ensure it runs smoothly and provides you with fresh, clean water every time.
Understanding Your Well System
In the olden days, wells were simple. People dug deep underground until they reached what’s called the water table. This section of the earth housed water between layers of rocks and dirt, filling the well starting from the bottom.
Nowadays, modern well water systems follow a network of different components to bring fresh groundwater from down below to your taps.
The core parts include:
- Wellhead: A capped pipe or casing marks your well’s entrance—it’s your direct line to the aquifer below.
- Well Casing: This strong, watertight pipelines the wellbore, preventing cave-ins and keeping out contaminants.
- Pump: The pump tirelessly pulls water from deep underground, sending it on its journey to your taps. There are two main types: submersible pumps placed down the wellbore and jet pumps located above ground.
- Pressure Tank: Think of your pressure tank as a mini water tower, keeping your showers and dishwasher steady.
- Pressure Gauge: Mounted on the pressure tank, this gauge indicates the water pressure in your system.
- Water Treatment System: You might have a water treatment sidekick—a softener or filter—tackling any quality issues before the water reaches your glass.
These components work in harmony to provide a reliable source of water for your daily needs. However, sometimes, they need a little help for effective well water harvesting. If you encounter issues like low water yield in the future, there are additional solutions available! These solutions are often user-friendly and come fully automated for easy installation.
Types of Wells
It’s also crucial to know what type of well you’re using to understand how to maintain it.
Dug Well
One type is the dug well. Many homes in rural communities still use this common well water system. Dug wells typically go 10 to 30 feet deep, and people used to harvest their water using buckets or hand pumps. In modern times, water can be harvested easily with an electric pump.
Traditional dug wells usually draw on shallow groundwater and lack well casings, which makes them susceptible to contamination from nearby pipes like septic tanks. Contaminants like manufactured chemicals or ‘forever chemicals’ can have adverse effects on the body when consumed regularly.
According to one study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), researchers found that samples from 269 private wells in urban areas contained these ‘forever chemicals.’ They were also able to estimate that there’s a 75% chance that urban wells will have these contaminants, making water filters and casings extremely vital. (2)
Drilled Well
Drilled wells have a hole bored deep into the ground, and the upper part or whole depth of the well is covered in casings. Rotary drills are the main tools for installing this well type.
Private drilled wells can go down 100 to 500 feet deep, sometimes 1,000 feet. Their seamless casing design makes drilled wells your home’s unsung heroes, shielding your groundwater from unwelcome contaminants. However, if drilled too deep, chemical or mineral additives may seep into the water source. You’ll keep sediment at bay by choosing the right screens and casings.
Driven Well
You may consider driven wells an economical alternative to drilled wells. They’re made by driving a pointed pipe or ‘well point’ straight to the ground—no digging required.
It’s the easiest and cheapest well to install, but it works best in places where water is close to the surface. That’s why cabins or vacation cottages use this type of well to extract groundwater 15 to 30 feet below the surface.
Your well’s type affects its maintenance needs; a valuable resource in this case is your property survey or well log. This document not only details the components of your drinking water system but also provides vital information about your well’s depth and the aquifer it taps into, guiding your well water harvesting practices.
Routine Maintenance Checklist
Regular maintenance is key to preventing problems and ensuring your well water systems work as they should. Here’s a checklist to keep them in top shape:
Wellhead Inspection
Perform a wellhead inspection monthly as much as possible. Regular inspections help you determine the quality of your well and whether you need to repair anything. Look for cracks, rust, or any indication of potential contamination entry points. Also, pay attention to signs of damage, leaks, or anything unusual on your well.
Wells generally have a serviceable lifespan of at least 20 years. If your water well is older, contact a certified water well driller and pump installer to decommission it and construct a new one. (3)
Pressure Tank Maintenance
For your quarterly checks, inspect the pressure gauge to ensure it’s within the recommended range (usually between 40-60 psi). Listen for any hissing sounds that might indicate leaks. If you need references, consult your pressure tank manual for instructions on draining the tank periodically (usually every 6-12 months) to remove sediment buildup.
Pump Maintenance
Luckily, most pumps require minimal maintenance. Just check for leaks and make sure the electrical connections are secure. Refer to your pump manual for specifics, and don’t try anything beyond what the manufacturer recommends, or you’ll risk frequent repairs. Well pump replacements can cost an average of $974 to $2,779. (4)
Water Treatment System Maintenance
If you have a water treatment system, treat it right! Consult your manual for cleaning and replacement schedules for filters or other components. For instance, some water softeners need regular salt pellet refills.
Safety Precautions
Safety is no joke when it comes to maintenance. Always turn off the electrical breaker to your well pump before touching any electrical components. And when in doubt, call in a qualified well service professional.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with regular maintenance, occasional glitches can occur with your well water systems. Here are some common problems and tips to troubleshoot them.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure could be caused by a clogged well, pressure tank issues, or even a pump problem. First, check your wellhead and pressure tank for leaks. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call a well service pro for a closer look.
Sputtering Faucets
Air trapped in your pressure tank is a common culprit if your faucets are spitting and sputtering. Consider turning off the water supply to your house, opening an outside faucet to release pressure, then restarting your pump. If the sputtering continues, there might be a leak letting air into the system.
Cloudy or Discolored Water
Run the tap for a few minutes—sometimes, cloudy water just needs the lines flushed. But if it stays cloudy or discolored, it’s best to consult a well service professional or test your water to pinpoint the cause.
Strong Mineral Taste or Odor
Does your water taste a bit off? Certain minerals like iron bacteria can affect the taste and odor. A water softener can help with hardness, but a strong mineral taste might indicate another contaminant. Regular water testing is key for safe drinking water.
When your well water system still misbehaves after your troubleshooting efforts, it’s time to call in the pros.
Water Testing: Importance and Process
Peace of mind comes from knowing your water supply is safe to drink. Unfortunately, well water can harbor hidden threats you can’t see. Regular water testing is the only way to detect potential contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, and more. These contaminants can lead to a variety of serious health problems if left unchecked. So, proactive testing is crucial; it allows you to catch any issues early and take steps to ensure your well water remains safe for you and your family.
Different types of water tests are available, each targeting specific contaminants. A basic well water test typically checks for bacteria, coliforms, nitrates, and nitrites. Depending on your location and well construction, consider testing for iron or arsenic. In many countries, high levels of arsenic can be found in groundwater. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 140 million people in 70 countries are consuming water with excessive arsenic, making water testing essential. (5)
Local health departments or water quality extension offices can often recommend reputable water testing labs in your area. The testing process usually involves collecting a water sample following specific instructions provided by the lab. Once the lab receives your sample, they’ll analyze it for the requested contaminants and provide a detailed report outlining the results.
Additional Tips for Well Owners
Knowing some additional tips helps keep your well water systems functioning optimally.
Proper Casing and Cap Maintenance
A secure well casing and cap are vital for preventing surface contaminants from entering your well. Ensure the cap is properly sealed and inspect the casing for any cracks or damage that might need repair by a qualified professional.
Keeping the Wellhead Area Clear
Maintain a clear zone around your wellhead, free of debris, grass, or overgrown vegetation. This can help prevent potential contamination sources from accumulating near the wellhead.
Record Keeping
Keeping a record of your maintenance tasks, water test results, and any well service performed is a smart practice. This documentation can be helpful for future reference and can provide valuable insights into your well’s health over time.
Conclusion
Stick to these tips and your well-planned schedule—together, they’ll keep your well water systems flowing with clean, healthy water. Your proactive care today ensures your well runs smoothly tomorrow, next year, and for many more to come. If you need help, feel free to contact the pros for well inspections and repairs or to add water filters for safe-to-drink water every time.
References
- “Domestic (Private) Supply Wells,” Source: https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/domestic-private-supply-wells
- “‘Forever chemicals’ could be in nearly half of U.S. tap water, a federal study finds,” Source: https://www.npr.org/2023/07/06/1186230007/drinking-water-forever-chemicals-pfas-study
- “Well Maintenance,” Source: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/maintenance.html
- “How Much Does a Well Pump Replacement Cost? [2024 Data],” Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-well-pump-replacement-cost.htm
- “Arsenic,” Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic
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