Winter is upon is and so are the sub-zero temperatures! Whether you're new to owning a water well or just need a refresher - below are some tips to keep in mind when ensuring your well is equipped for the winter months.
Insulation is your best friend when building and maintaining your water well. Both your pipes AND your pump should be well insulated to fight against frozen pipes or water. If your pipes are not well insulated, the water from the pump can get trapped in them on the way to your residence or business. Water expands when frozen, which can lead to your pipes bursting. This is an extremely costly situation and often leaves you without water for a period of time. To avoid this, insulate properly from the start and make sure your insulation remains in good condition.
As an added layer of protection, many homeowners drip their faucets when temperatures drop to extreme cold. Dripping your faucets throughout the day and night can lessen the chance that your water pipes will freeze
Winter can also bring powerful storms. Unless you have a solar-powered pump, you will want to be prepared for any power outages that could leave you without water. The best way to do this is to ensure you have a gas-powered generator on hand that is able to run your well pump for short periods of time if needed. It is also important to have bottled or gallon water in your residence or business in the event of a power outage emergency. If your area experiences a bad winter storm, always make sure your well is inspected after to catch any possible damage.
Well inspection is important at any time of year, but particularly right before winter begins. You should have your well inspected before snow starts to pile up, as once there is a significant amount of snow on the ground your well becomes much more difficult to access. This will allow the technicians to diagnose any issues before the winter weather has a chance to make them worse. You should have your well inspected again in the spring when the ground thaws.