The winter months come with many challenges for homeowners. This is especially true if your home relies on well water year-round. As a well owner, you have extra maintenance to think about during the cold-weather season. The average American household uses 88 gallons of water every day, so if you’re unable to access that water you’re left with a major problem.
We have some tips for maintaining your well during the winter so you’re not left with an "Out of Water" emergency.
Remember - if you find yourself without water, you can call us 24/7 at our emergency line: 928-237-4372, where our Alcorn Pump and Filtration team will be there to help get you up and running!
1. NEVER SERVICE YOUR OWN WELL.
If you suspect something’s wrong, the worst thing you can do is to try and service it yourself. There’s a good chance you’ll make the issue worse, creating a more costly fix in the long run. We are here to help you. We will be diligent, yet timely in the process of fixing your water problems. We know how important water access is to rural households.
2. GET GENERAL MAINTENANCE DONE BEFORE WINTER.
As a well owner, get into the habit of scheduling annual maintenance checks. These checks ensure you have a properly running system before the winter.
We will perform the following services:
- A flow test: this determines system output, as well as the water levels before and after pumping.
- Pump motor performance: this measures the amp load and line voltage
- Pressure tank contact.
- Water quality: this checks if there are any odors or problems with your water clarity. The water will also be tested for bacteria that are harmful to your family.
3. MONITOR YOUR GENERATOR USAGE.
If you are using a generator to keep your well running, it's important to understand that you shouldn't plug too many things into it at once. The type of generator you use and how it’s set up is crucial to the safety of your well and home. Please use all appropriate fire caution, and if you have any concerns about your generator and well, we are happy to check you are using the correct set-up.
4. INSULATE YOUR PLUMBING.
Frozen pipes are a common problem once the temperature starts to drop. While the majority of your well is underground, the pipes that bring the water into your home are left vulnerable to the cold weather. We recommend you wrap them with effective heat tape and an insulated wrapping, such as foam or rubber insulation tape.
These materials help keep the cold from penetrating the pipes and will make your system more resilient against cold temperatures. If the pipes are within your home, you may still want to add extra insulation to them or to the walls of your home surrounding the pipes. It could also be wise to insulate any other parts related to your plumbing including the filter, pressure tanks, and any switches that could freeze.
** In case your pipes DO freeze, DO NOT defrost them with warm water or power tools such as a torch. Call us immediately, as we have the necessary tools to defrost pipes without compromising your water!!
5. RUN THE WATER REGULARLY.
If your well is properly housed and protected from the elements, you shouldn’t face problems of standing water freezing in your pipes. However, another trick to keep your well water and pipes from freezing is to be sure that you’re using your water regularly. Leave an inside faucet open to a trickle. When water doesn’t move for an extended period of time, it tends to freeze and leads to bigger issues down the road.
If you’re planning to be gone for several weeks this winter, take the right steps to properly close down your well. Shut off the control system and any water treatment and filtration systems you have in place. If you need assistance in properly closing down your well, contact us as soon as possible.
6. COVER THE WELL.
Before winter weather fully hits, it’s important to check the air seal of your well. This is the area where the well house lid meets the ground. Sealing this spot is as simple as using mulch or soil to keep any air from escaping or moisture from getting inside. If you put off this task, mud and potential snow may bury the area before you can make sure it’s properly sealed.
Water well maintenance can be tricky, but if you’ve ensured all of these crucial steps are taken to protect your water source this winter, you’ll have a well that’s perfectly ready when spring arrives. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us today if you have any questions. We’ll get back to you with a helpful answer as soon as possible so you and your family can enjoy a cozy winter indoors!
- Alcorn Pump & Water Filtration
"No matter what, do what's right."
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