The Private Well Owner’s Maintenance Manual – Volume I
Before your expectations get too high, please know that this isn’t an official owners’ manual for those of you who own a private well. But, it’s very likely that this is the closest you’ll ever get to one.
It seems that those homeowners who desire the space and fresh air of country living – and who also find themselves being the owners of a private well – are somewhat left on their own when it comes to really knowing what they need to know about wells. It’s easy to feel you have a basic understanding of them but when it comes to knowing your well – how to maintain it, how to recognize it, and when there’s an issue and how to repair it – things start getting a bit vague and confusing.
In “Volume I” and “Volume II”, you’ll be introduced to the basics of private well ownership, so you’ll feel better informed and equipped to maintain and service your private well.
Don’t skimp on basic preemptive maintenance. In other words, an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure when it comes to taking care of your well. Make it important to have your well inspected very so often. If you overlook this critical, precautionary task, a tiny very manageable problem will grow into a bigger, costly, very inconvenient domestic crisis at some point.
Look at it this way: Would you drive your car for 15,000 or more miles without ever having the oil checked? Of course not. Give your well the same priority as you do your automobile for the same reason.
Know the four essentials of a professional well check-up. They are as follows: a flow test; a well equipment inspection; a water test to check for nitrates and coliform bacteria or any other concerning elements along these lines; a professional, easily understood written report that clearly explains the results of the well maintenance check-up.
Well maintenance and service are not DIY. Well owners who think they can tackle maintenance and repairs of their wells are usually very disappointed. Contract a water well system professional with the right expertise, equipment, and level of experience to ensure your well operates safely and your water supply is safe.
Many competent, handy homeowners have totally messed up their wills in their efforts to fix a problem they were having. Even something as basic as removing the well cap runs the risk of introducing some type of contamination into your well. And it’s quite common for well DIYers to drop a tool in the well which can make the pump inoperable; this simple accident can also result in electrocution if the pump is submersible.
Rely on this checklist for maintaining your well.
Hire certified or licensed pump installers and well drillers when constructing your well.
Get an annual maintenance check on your well with a bacterial test.
Make sure all chemicals known to be hazardous are stored far away from your well.
Assess your well cap or cover every so often to make sure it’s in good condition.