Pennsylvania is a hub for privately owned well water systems, with more than one million private well systems in state. For many in our rural wooded areas, the perks that come with owning a private well water system just seem to add up.
Every year thousands of new wells are being drilled in our state, which is why for both well owners new and old, we’ve assembled what we call our FAWQ’s: Frequently Asked Well Water Questions.
Q: How does Temperature affect my Well?
Since PA has such a full range of intense seasons, a common question in regard to wells is- how does that shift in temperature affect the well? Unfortunately, it’s completely possible for your well to dry up. It’s important to look for the warning signs before it’s completely dry to ensure that you’ll still have running water! If your water is dirty or is unsteady in flow, you’re gonna want to check things out. It’s also possible for the cold to affect your well. While it’s unlikely for the water itself to freeze because of its depth, it’s entirely possible for your pipes to freeze. For Pennsylvania well owners its incredibly important to install high quality, well insulated pipes to avoid many of the problems that winter weather can bring.
Q: How Often Should I test my Well Water?
Testing your well water is one of the most important aspects of owning a private well to ensure the safety of your water. In a general, it’s recommended that you schedule a test for your well water once a year. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that there’s other situations that can happen over the course of a year that may prompt you to want to get things checked out earlier. If you notice any changes to your water, be that smell, taste, look, you should get it looked at. Any time a part is replaced or fixed it’s also best to air on the side of caution and get it tested again. Or, if someone in your household is pregnant, nursing, or has a compromised immune system due to a new illness, get it tested.
Q: Should I Invest in a Water Filtration System?
Short answer- Absolutely! Long answer- A water filtration system is an essential and incredibly necessary part of owning your own private water source. It’s very common and very easy for well water to become contaminated, be that through runoff, or ground water, or any other number of things. The only way to be sure of the quality of your water is through a good filtration system!
Owning a private well comes with its ups and downs, but many Pennsylvanians see more perks than downsides with this system. These questions are just the tip of the iceberg on your well water journey, but in general, our best advice would be, be vigilant with your well and your water, and be sure to air on the side of caution. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it’s something as important as your drinking water.
Faulstick Plumbing
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!
