If you’re part of the population that has a private well, then you know the importance of keeping it in good condition. A well that’s not properly maintained can easily become contaminated, and that could mean big trouble for your family.
That’s why it’s important to perform some basic maintenance tasks every fall, before the cold weather sets in. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to clean the well cap and screens, check the water level and pressure, make sure the pump is working properly, test for contaminants and bacteria, and winterize your well.
Clean the Well Cap and Screens
Fall is a great time to clean the well cap and screens on your private well. This can help to ensure that the water flow remains strong and that no debris or insects will enter the well casing.
To clean the well cap, you’ll need a screwdriver and some vinegar. Unscrew the cap and soak it in a bowl of vinegar for a few hours. Then use a brush to scrub off any built-up grime or residue. Rinse the cap off with water and replace it on the well head.
To clean the screens, you can use a garden hose to spray them down. Be sure to remove any large debris like sticks or leaves before doing so. If there is any dirt or mud caked on the screens, you can scrub it off with a brush.
Check the Water Level and Pressure
It’s important to check the water level and pressure in your well periodically, especially in the fall. You can do this by checking the water gauge on the pump. If the water level is low, you may need to add some water to the well. If the pressure is too low, you may need to increase it by adjusting the pressure switch on the pump.
Make Sure the Pump is Working Properly
If the pump isn’t working properly, it may need to be repaired or replaced. You can test the pump by turning it on and seeing if it produces water. If the pump is leaking, making strange noises, or doesn’t seem to be working at all, you should have it checked out by a professional. Hague Quality Water of Maryland specializes in well pump service and repair- contact us today and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Test for Contaminants and Bacteria
Fall is also a good time to test the water for contaminants and bacteria. You can do this by using a water testing kit, or by sending a water sample to a lab. This will help you to identify any problems with the water and take necessary steps to address them.
Winterize Your Well
If you live in an area where the winters are cold, it’s important to winterize your well properly. This will help to prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to the well pump or other components.
To winterize your well, you’ll need to add some antifreeze to the water. You can do this by pouring it into the wellhead or by using a hose to inject it into the water line. Be sure to use a non-toxic antifreeze, like propylene glycol.
You may also want to insulate the well casing and pump housing to help keep them warm. You can do this by wrapping them in insulation material like fiberglass batting or foam rubber.
Finally, make sure that all of the valves on the well are turned off and that there is no water flowing into or out of the well. This will help to ensure that the antifreeze stays in the well and doesn’t get flushed out during a thaw.
Conclusion
Maintaining your private well this fall season is important in order to ensure that it functions properly all winter long. By cleaning the well cap and screens, checking the water level and pressure, and making sure the pump is working properly, you can avoid common problems that can occur during cold weather. Additionally, testing the water for contaminants and bacteria is a good way to ensure that your drinking water is safe and healthy. Finally, winterizing your well will help keep it in good condition until next spring. By following these simple tips, you can keep your private well functioning properly all year round. For more information on maintaining your private well, contact Hague Quality Water of Maryland at 410-757-2992.
