Proper well maintenance impacts your health and well-being – physically, mentally, and financially.
Your well is a vital source of clean and fresh water for your household. It's easy to take it for granted, assuming it will always provide a steady water supply without any issues. However, regular well maintenance and inspection are essential to ensure your water remains safe and plentiful. We’ve been working with wells and water systems for over 20 years. We've seen the positive outcomes when wells are properly maintained. Unfortunately, we've also seen what happens when wells are not given the care they need.
Important Tip: Learn from others' mistakes
We recently completed a well rehabilitation or “brush and bail” process for a water system. This picture to the left shows the built-up residue we pulled from the water well. Pretty gross, right?!
After we flush out these pipes, we let the system rest before cleaning it and installing a new well pump and reservoir for this customer.
Now, let’s take a closer look at this pipe (pictured right) from this customer. The pipe on this is not only gunked up but was melting due to "heat" damage. This is another reason why pumping systems must be installed and designed correctly. This drop pipe had been reused from the last pump replacement when it did not have enough "life" left.
This is why proper installation, high-quality products, and frequent well maintenance matter.
Things like this melted drop pipe can restrict water flow and put more wear and tear on a well pump, and the pipe's integrity being weakened could have caused the well pump to drop down to the bottom of the water well. In short, this is not okay.
If these photos aren’t enough to convince you that well maintenance is vital, then let's try a different approach. Let’s dive in and explore five compelling reasons why you should get your well frequently checked.
Five Reasons Why Well Maintenance is a Top Priority
1) Water Quality Assurance
One of the primary reasons to regularly check your well is to ensure the quality of the water you and your family consume. Remember that picture of residue? Yuck! You want your well system to be clean. Contaminants can seep into your well over time, jeopardizing the safety of your drinking water. Regular inspections can identify any potential issues, such as bacterial contamination or the presence of harmful minerals like arsenic or lead. Testing can also reveal changes in water chemistry, pH levels, and other factors affecting water quality.
2) Preventing Health Risks
Consuming water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or harmful chemicals can pose serious health risks. Regular well checks and water quality testing can help identify potential health hazards and enable you to take appropriate action. Whether it's treating the water, repairing the well system, or implementing additional safety measures, early detection can help prevent health problems for you and your family.
3) Extending Well Life
Wells are not invincible; they have a finite lifespan. Regular maintenance and inspections can help extend your well's life by catching issues before they become major problems. Neglecting your well can lead to costly repairs or even the need to drill a new well, which can be a significant financial burden. By investing in routine check-ups, you'll save money in the long run and ensure your well continues to serve your household for years to come.
4) Consistent Water Supply
Imagine the inconvenience of suddenly losing access to water due to a well malfunction. Regular well checks can help prevent such situations by identifying and addressing problems early. Issues like pump malfunctions, well casing damage, or blockages can disrupt your water supply unexpectedly. By addressing these problems promptly, you can ensure a consistent and reliable water source for your daily needs.
5) Environmental Protection
Unchecked well problems can also have environmental consequences. Leaking well systems can contaminate groundwater, potentially affecting the surrounding ecosystem and nearby bodies of water. Responsible well ownership includes safeguarding not only your health but also the environment. Routine inspections and maintenance can help prevent leaks, spills, and contamination incidents, contributing to preserving your local environment.
Here's the bottom line...
Getting your well frequently checked is not just a matter of convenience but a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your drinking water, protecting your health, and preserving your well's longevity. By regularly inspecting your well, you can catch potential issues early, maintain water quality, and prevent unexpected disruptions to your water supply. Moreover, you'll be doing your part in safeguarding the environment by preventing well-related contamination incidents. Make it a priority to schedule routine well inspections and water quality tests to enjoy peace of mind with a safe and reliable water source for your household. At Alcorn Pump, we use state-of-the-art NSF© approved products to ensure that your water, you, and your family are our priority. Call today at (928) 237-4372 to schedule an appointment.