Three Private Well Maintenance Tips
Posted on: 23 April 2020
A properly maintained private well suffers fewer repair problems and provides better quality water than a well that is ignored and in disrepair. The following tips can help you ensure that your well continues to function as it should for many years.
1. Schedule Regular Water Quality Tests
Although not typically required for private wells, annual water testing lets you catch potential issues with the well early. A water test can let you know if there are any hazardous chemicals seeping into your water supply, such as from a nearby septic system, so that you can remedy the problem before the water source is irrevocably tainted. Water quality tests also catch bacterial growth in its early stages so that it can be treated before the water causes illness. There are home test kits, which are good for spot checks — particularly if you notice a water flavor or color change. For more in-depth testing, opt for a professional test once a year.
2. Inspect Pressure Control Systems
Your well pump can't move water into your plumbing if there isn't proper pressure within the system. The two components that manage well pressure are the pressure switches and the pressure control switches. Pressure control switches are designed to regulate the water pressure coming from the well, providing a boost when pressure is low and lowering pressure if it is too high (such as in spring when fresh water is entering the well reservoir). The pressure tank has a bladder, which fills with air to provide the pressure to help push the water out of the well and into your pipes. If the switch or the bladder in the tanks fail, your pressure may drop and your pump may have to work harder, which could burn out the pump. A full inspection during an annual well tuneup ensures the pressure control system stays in good repair.
3. Service the Well Pump
The well pump itself consists of multiple moving parts. Scheduling a tuneup once a year is necessary to make sure everything in the pump is working as it should. The service technician will also lubricate the moving parts and replace any worn components, such as valves and seals in the pump. The service tech will also check the electrical systems, both within the pump and those that deliver power. For example, a pump with battery backup will also need to have the batteries tested and serviced to make sure they will continue to work properly in the event of a power outage.
Contact a well maintenance service for more help.
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