What kind of maintenance does a well need?

Wells should be checked and tested ANNUALLY for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of certain contaminants, such as coliform bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and any other contaminants of local concern, (for example, arsenic and radon).

Is well water hard to maintain?

Well Water is Usually Hard

Because water is an incredible solvent, groundwater will dissolve organic matter, including minerals found in the soil and rocks beneath the Earth's surface. The minerals calcium and magnesium are what make well water hard.

Do well pumps require maintenance?

Your well pump should be serviced every 1-3 years for regular maintenance. With regular maintenance, you can expect your well pump to last 15 years or more.

How often should wells be cleaned?

9. As a routine maintenance practice, clean your well at least once a year. If you have an iron or sulfur bacteria problem, clean more often.

Do wells need to be cleaned?

Following are some signs that may indicate a need to clean your well system. The well water is turbid, which means it is cloudy or has suspended matter in it. There has been a decrease in the well's capacity—that is, the gallons of water per minute that the pump can supply to the system.

PRIVATE WELL | WELL MAINTENANCE | BUYING AN ACREAGE

What is the life expectancy of a water well?

A well can last 50 years (I know of one well that did). However, a drop or complete loss of water production from a well can sometimes occur even in relatively young wells due to a lowered water level from persistent drought, nearby development, or over-pumping of the well which can dewater the water-bearing zones.

How do you know if your well is bad?

What is the best way to treat well water?

Yes, boiling is the surest way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the well water. To boil the water so it will be safe, heat it to a full swirling boil. Keep the swirling boil going for at least one minute before you use the water. Store the boiled water in a clean, covered container in the fridge.

How do you flush out a well?

Can a well pump last 40 years?

With proper well maintenance, your well pump can last, on average of 8 to 15 years, though many homeowners report their pumps lasting far longer, often between 20 and 30 years!

Should you buy a house with a well?

Don't let a home with well water be a downside to you buying a property. With proper attention, maintenance and inspection, well water can be cheaper and cleaner than city water. Just know what to look out for and what steps to take to make sure your well water keeps running.

Do you need to filter well water?

Some well water is safe to drink without being filtered, but the percentage of wells where that's the case is dwindling. Before deciding it's OK to drink straight from a well without a filter, you must get the water tested, and continue to test it regularly.

What are the disadvantages of well water?

How often should a well be shocked?

Homeowners with private wells should have their well water tested every 3 to 5 years for some contaminants, including bacteria. If these tests turn up positive for bacteria, chlorinating the well may be a way to resolve the problem.

Can I pour bleach in my well?

Disinfection Procedure. Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one.

Is it safe to drink water from a well?

Yes, as a private well owner, you are responsible for testing your well to ensure the water is safe to drink. EPA is responsible for making sure that the public water supply within the United States is safe. However, EPA does not monitor or treat private well drinking water.

Do well pumps have filters?

Though well pumps and filters are usually not a state-regulated part of the drinking well system, most water systems will have at least one filter. It is advisable to have a filter that collects the sediment in addition to a filter system that will treat the water going into your home.

What are common well issues?

Well issues are centered around lack of water, usually caused by the time of year. Late summer is most common. Overuse is typical in spring and summer, and it can eventually draw down the water table so that it falls below the depth of the pump.

What are the signs of needing a new well?

How do you know you need a new well?

Your private water well may be drying up or be affected by drought conditions if you notice that your tap water is looking murky or muddy, the taste of the water has changed, air comes through the system, and spigots start to sputter.

When should I replace my well water?

How fast does well water replenish?

Well water can replenish at a rate of 5 gallons per minute on average, but it will vary. It depends on the age of your well, how long you've been using it, the well's location or geology, and the aquifer the well taps into to replenish its water level.