For first time well owners, getting a grip on how everything works can be hard. Learning anything new is difficult, and when it’s something specialized, like plumbing, oftentimes people struggle even more to understand it. Even for long-term well owners, there’s sometimes little things that they’re yet to know. So how well do you know your well?
Let’s get down to the basics.
Well Construction
A good place to start in well basics is looking at how your well is constructed. Now there’s many different types of wells, like drilled wells, driven wells, and dug wells. However, the general construction is pretty much the same. Your well is dug far into the ground and looks very different than the image that “well” may bring to mind. The placement of your well is very important, and should be kept a safe distance away from any contaminants or hazards. A submersible pump works with a pressure tank to bring water up to the surface when your tap is turned on.
Well Maintenance
One of the most important parts of well ownership is well maintenance. Yearly or biyearly water testing is the key to having safe and clean water to use. In addition to water testing, your well should also have a yearly maintenance check done by a pro to ensure that everything is working as it should. On a regular basis you should also be checking on your well top and cap. The top of your well should be at least a foot above ground, and your well cap should always be snug on top and free of cracks or breaks.
Water Filters
A great and almost necessary add on to your well, is a water filter. You can choose between a whole house water filter, or an under the sink water filter, but either way, the point is to keep your water safe. A water filter helps to improve the look, taste, and smell of your water, and helps to filter out contaminants if they find their way into your well.
Bottom Line
Wells, like a lot of things, can be complicated. But they don’t need to be! The important things to keep in mind are safety, cleanliness, and maintenance. Take care of your well and it will take care of you, and provide you and your family with fresh water for life- or for the life of your well.
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!
