When it comes to your homes water supply, there’s really only two options that you’ve got: municipal water supply and private water supply. A municipal supply means that you’re hooked up to the plumbing system and that the city controls your water. A private water supply most likely will mean that your home has its own well system. If you are on your own private well system, you need to know a lot more about your water and your well, and be much more proactive when it comes to your water supply than those who are a part of the municipal system. But what exactly should you know about well water?
Well Water Requires Care
When we’re talking well basics, the most important difference between municipal and private water supplies, is that your private well is going to require a lot more care than anyone would put into their municipal system. Regular well checks are recommended, along with yearly or biyearly water testing.
Within well care, is also water filter care. If you’re a private well owner you need to be filtering your water in one way or another before you can drink it. And no matter which method of filtration you choose your filtration system is going to require its own care.
Contaminants
If your care does falter, or if some kind of accident occurs, well water is much more prone to harboring contaminants than a closed municipal water system. Wells are a closed system, and any time an opening or a leak occurs in your well, is an opportunity for bacteria and contaminants to find their way into your water. Checking all parts of your well regularly ensures that nothing will be able to find its way into your water and contaminate the system.
The easiest way to spot a problem with your well water is by noticing changes. If your water looks, smells, or tastes different, there’s probably something wrong. But sometimes, some contaminants will go unnoticed until someone gets sick, your water is tested, or someone notices a physical issue with the well- which is why it’s so important to regularly inspect your wells components.
Construction
If you’re building a well fresh from scratch, there’s a lot of factors to consider. Your well needs to be at a certain slope, and specific distances away from your house and from hazards. You’ll also need to consider how much water you and your family average every day in order to pick the right depth and size for your well. If your family dynamic may change, such as a new baby, or in-laws coming to stay, you’ll need to account for that as well, which requires a lot of future thought.
Faulstick Plumbing
Having a water system through a private well may definitely require more thought and more work than being a part of the municipal system, but you’ll find that it also can be more rewarding. It isn’t for everyone, but it’s a great option for those who want to take ownership of their water supply!
At Faulstick Plumbing, we specialize in installs, repairs, and inspections for all of your well, water, and plumbing needs. Our family-owned and operated business has built a reputation as the best-doing things the right way with the customer in mind, every time. Give us a call at 570-992-0447 to discuss your needs today!
