For millions of homeowners with private wells, the responsibility to maintain, monitor, treat, and service falls on them. Unlike municipal water systems that are managed by the city, private wells require homeowner attention to stay functional. Neglecting issues and regular maintenance can cause all kinds of problems and can lead to poor water quality and costly repairs. Proper well maintenance will keep your water clean and your pipes functional for decades.
Here’s what you need to know.
- Well water can damage your pipes
Anytime you have water flowing through pipes there’s a possibility for corrosion, scale, and buildup. The result is stifled flow. This risk is even greater when the well water is unfiltered. Even in industrial settings proactive well management is critical. But flow problems aren’t the only issue. Corrosion can eat through pipes and do serious damage to plumbing.
It’s critical to have the right type of filtration system installed that can handle the water quality as well as the volume of water. In most cases, a water softener system is also required to eliminate the hard minerals that damage pipes and create undesirable contaminants.
- Regular well inspections are non-negotiable
Routine inspections are important for maintaining a safe well. Inspections catch issues before they become major problems like contamination or total failure. Yearly inspections are typical and that includes checking mechanical components, seals, and the rest of the system to ensure everything is functional.
A typical inspection will check to make sure the well cap is in place to block insects, small animals, and contaminants. The well inspector will check the casing for cracks and corrosion and look for standing water around the wellhead to ensure proper drainage. They’ll listen to the pump and pressure system to identify any unusual noises or pressure fluctuations and test the pump cycling. When you catch issues early it can save you from an unexpected failure.
- Water testing is critical
Having flowing water is great but it needs to be tested regularly. Just because your water is clear doesn’t mean it’s safe. Pathogens and chemicals are invisible. That’s why it’s critical to test for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, dissolved solids, and pH levels at least once a year. If you have a well, there’s a good chance you also have a septic system and you need to make sure your well hasn’t been contaminated.
Testing your well water is also a good idea after heavy storms, flooding, or even nearby construction. These situations can affect your water quality. Just be sure to use a DIY kit made by an accredited lab to get accurate results.
- Mechanical maintenance is required
In addition to water quality, you need to maintain the mechanical system. Pumps can wear out, seals break, and sediment can build up in your pipes. If you notice rapid cycling, there’s likely a pressure problem. If there’s no pressure at all, the bladder in your pressure tank might be broken. Most importantly, you’ll need to replace your filters regularly and flush the system where it collects sediment. It’s wise to have your entire system professionally serviced every few years.
- Water treatment options
If you test your water and it shows a problem, you’ll need to implement the appropriate solution. For instance, chlorine treatments and UV light can disinfect bacterial contamination and adding additional filters can remove sand and silt. A reverse osmosis system can remove certain dissolved contaminants and a water softener can remove the hard water that makes it difficult to rinse soap off your body in the shower.
- Keep good records
Keeping detailed records is a good idea because you might need to call in a professional who hasn’t serviced your home and won’t have any access to past records. Keep a log of every test, problem, and service call so you can notice patterns before they become a crisis.
- Plan for big expenses
Owning a well comes with big expenses so plan ahead and budget for those big-ticket items like a pump, pressure tank, and other components. Set aside funds just for this purpose.
- Install a hand pump
When your electric well pump fails (and it will at some point), you’ll be completely out of water without a hand pump. That means you won’t even be able to flush your toilet without buying water from the store. And lugging around 5-gallon jugs of water just to wash dishes is cumbersome. When you install a hand pump, you can get water without leaving your property while you wait for the problem to be fixed.
Stay ahead of problems
Keeping your well water clean and safe requires regular inspections, routine testing, mechanical care, and sometimes treatment. A proactive approach means you’ll enjoy safe, dependable well water for decades to come.
