All About Cleaning A Residential Water Well
When you have a private well as a source of water supply, you are fully responsible for maintaining it. It is prudent that you conduct annual water testing and regular checks on the well’s systems to ensure they are in optimal condition.
The term “Cleaning a Water Well,” typically used by people, refers to the bacteria removal process. The process is conducted by removing sediments from manganese and iron particles or chlorination. Here are the various indicators to be on the lookout for, which show that there is a possibility of water contamination in your well, which might need extensive cleaning.
· Foul smell or bad taste
· Cloudy water
· Reduced Water Volumes/Pressure
· Results of the water test turn positive for harmful bacterial activity such as fecal coliform
When you notice the above, you will know it’s about time to seek a professional and qualified water well system expert to check whether your water well requires cleaning and examine if there are other problems with the well and its systems.
Reasons Why Your Water Well Needs To Be Cleaned
You might be wondering, does my well need to be cleaned? Yes, it does, and there are two major reasons for this;
· Bacteria
· Encrustation
The well’s upper part provides a conducive environment for metal oxidation and aerobic bacterial growth. The latter produces significant amounts of slime that harbor oxidized manganese, iron, and other present minerals, and thus, it can cause clogging.
Various activities on the upper part contribute to some debris that often settles and accumulates at the well’s bottom. Bacterial and chemical reactions at the well’s base can deplete the water’s oxygen. This creates a conducive environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive since they do not require oxygen. In addition, the anaerobic bacteria is the source of the bad taste and odor you get in your water.
The chemical and biological processes can also lead to encrustation, which is the formation of a coating or crust in the casing or intake of your water well.
How Much Does It Cost To Operate A Compromised Well?
Operating a comprised well is expensive. It is because the well does not work at optimal efficiency, which can increase the costs of maintaining the well, such as electricity pumping costs, quicker wear out on the pump, etc.
Proper maintenance leads to a longer lifespan of the pump and the well system. It also saves you costs such as high electric bills and reduces the negative effects on your home’s appliances, plumbing equipment, and fixtures.
How The Well System Cleaned
Chlorination is only a temporary solution to your water problems; it results in waste and organic matter accumulation that aids future bacterial growth.
The effective way of cleaning your well involves a combination of two strategies; chemical and mechanical options.
Chemical processes use several alkaloids or acidic solutions to loosen or dissolve the debris that later gets pumped out. On the other hand, mechanical cleaning entails using pressurized water or air, agitation, sonic waves, wire scrapers or brushes, or hydro-fracturing.
The contractor chooses the suitable method by considering the well’s age and extent of corrosion to avoid causing more damage. It might be cheaper to deepen the water well or drill a new one in severe cases.
Give Ries Well Drilling Inc a call to answer any questions you may have about water well drilling, fixing or maintaining your water well water. We can be reached at (586) 784-9516!
We provide Water Well Drilling Services in the following Michigan Counties: