7 Water Well Maintenance Tips
Many Americans rely on well water for their drinking water supply. Well water comes with several benefits. For starters, you get water from your own water source and no monthly water bills, and well water often tastes much better than treated municipal water. Well water is also mineral-rich and gentle on the skin when bathing.
That notwithstanding, you must keep the well in good shape to continue enjoying these amazing benefits. Discover water well maintenance tips for a consistent and high-quality water well.
1. Keep Up with Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is a crucial element of overall water well maintenance. Unfortunately, most people ignore minor well issues, and these issues can become big and cost more in repairs.
Preventive maintenance keeps the well functional and reduces the chances of water contamination. Usually, inspecting the well and pump every couple years is enough to ensure all is well.
2. Keep Hazardous Chemicals Away From the Well
Ensure that no gasoline, cleaning supplies, waste chemicals, and other hazardous chemicals get near the water well. Ideally, the well location should be uphill away from fuel storage facilities and septic tanks, as they can compromise the well water quality.
Also, exercise utmost caution as you use fertilizers and pesticides around the well. Motor oil and paints should also not be within the well’s proximity.
3. Always Pay Attention to Water Differences
You might notice changes in odor, color, and taste of your well water when you turn on the faucet. Such issues often indicate problems with the filter or the well water and call for a thorough inspection by a professional.
Some contaminants, such as radon and arsenic, are colorless and not detectable with just our eyes. Most wells also develop bacteria and nitrates. Enlist professional water treatment services to eliminate such contaminants from your water well.
4. Check the Water Level
During a maintenance routine, always check the water level to know how much water you use and how long the well is likely to last. Although tool kits are available that you can use to measure the water level, hire a well professional to do the job for you.
5. Be Cautious When Mowing Around the Well
Be extra careful when mowing around the well to avoid damaging the well covers. Habitually check the well casing for damage to avoid insects, pests, and debris from ending up in the well. Also, ensure no leaves, snow, or other materials pile around the well.
Also, be extra vigilant when landscaping. Since wells can be susceptible to flooding, check the well’s drainage regularly. Always keep the well’s top above the ground to leave enough room for drainage.
6. Inspect the Well Cover Regularly
Periodically check the well cap or the well cover to ensure it’s in good shape. The well cap must always be tightly sealed and have no cracks. Since most wells have either plastic or metal caps, bolt or weld them. Routine assessment and cap repair will keep your water well in the best condition.
7. Engage Qualified Personnel
The well-maintenance process is not always easy, especially when servicing the well or testing the water for the first time. For this reason, choose a contractor wisely. Only deal with a licensed or certified professional for your water well repair and servicing needs.
The company you entrust to maintain or service the well should also keep well logs that show records of your well. The contractors should also possess modern equipment for their operations. Never settle for a contractor with a bad reputation or who lacks the right skills for the job.
Follow these maintenance tips to keep your well in perfect shape and enjoy a good supply of clean water. Contact Bruce MacKay Pump & Well Service for water well installation or service.