It’s that time of the year again! You get to spend more time with your loved ones for the holidays, the weather is cooling down, and you’re able to enjoy more time inside. While you’re getting your home prepped for guests, is your well ready for the winter? In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about preparing your well water for the winter.
Insulate Well Components
The first step into winterization is to insulate your well components. One of the most common issues during the winter with your well is your pipes freezing. To prevent this from happening, insulate your well components such as the wellhead, pipes, and pressure tank. Use insulation materials like foam sleeves, heat tape, or fiberglass wrap to help retain heat and prevent pipes from freezing.
Seal Gaps and Leaks
Gaps and Leaks can cause water to freeze and freeze your pipes. Before it gets too cold, inspect your well for any gaps or leaks. If you do find any, small gaps and leaks can be fixed simply. By using caulk or foam sealant, you can fill in any gaps you might find. This will help keep it airtight. However, if you find any major leaks or cracks, make sure to call the experts.
Maintain a Steady Temperature
The outdoors can be tricky about maintaining a steady temperature. However, your well works best when the temperature is somewhat consistent. Consider building or purchasing a small structure to surround your well. You could also use a well house heater to keep the pipes from freezing. These structures and heaters help maintain a constant temperature around the well and its components, preventing freezing.
Protect the Pressure Tank
Your pressure tank is one of the most important parts of your well. It stores water and provides water under pressure when the pump is not running. It builds up a reserve supply of water so the pump starts and stops less often, prolonging the life of the pump. Pressure tanks are incredibly sensitive to the cold and can be damaged by freezing. To keep it from freezing, make sure it is in a heated place. You could also consider installing a tank heater to ensure it doesn’t freeze.
Create a Backup Power Plan
Power outages can happen during the wintertime. This can be caused by numerous factors including trees, snow, and ice. You and your family can’t go long without heat and water. If your power does go out this winter, what will you do? It’s important to create a backup power plan in case this happens. You can invest in a generator for your home. There are plenty of different kinds of generators that meet your home’s needs. You can also discuss with your local well expert what kind of generator would work for your well needs.
Keep The Water Flowing
The simplest thing you can do to help ensure your pipes don’t freeze this winter is to keep your tap dripping. This will help the water to keep flowing through your pipes. Pipes easily freeze with no water running when it’s below freezing outside. However, if you keep all the faucets on with a small drip or trickle of water, it should help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
While anyone can do as much checking and maintenance as possible, only an expert will be able to provide you will a full inspection. Calling in the experts is a great way to ensure that there aren’t any bigger problems going on with your well. They can check for any issues with your pump or pressure tank. An expert will also be able to fix any issues before it’s too late. The last thing you want is for a major issue to go unresolved and for the outdoor temperatures to make it worse. They can also give you advice on what to do if you have an issue with your well this winter. All in all, calling in your local well experts for a professional inspection is one of the best ways you prepare your well this winter.
Drain and Store Hoses
During the summer and fall months, you might find yourself gardening or watering your plants with your hoses. However, during the winter months, this can cause you some trouble. One of the last things you want to deal with during the busy holiday season is cleaning up a burst hose. Make sure to drain your hoses completely before it gets too cold outside. Storing them in a dry, protected area will keep them from being damaged by the elements.
Monitor Water Quality
Lastly but most importantly, you should monitor your water quality. Look out for any changes in your water. Sometimes those changes can be the water looking cloudy, more sediment in the water, odors, and anything unusual. The temperature changes and this can sometimes affect the quality of your water. If you see, smell, or taste something unusual make sure to call your local well experts. You should also not drink or use the water until deemed suitable by the experts. Contaminated water can be unsafe and cause you to be sick.
Conclusion: Keep Safe This Winter
There are a lot of things you have to worry about this winter. Make sure that your well isn’t one of them by preparing it for the winter months. Insulate any components that could be damaged by being exposed like pipes. Seal any gaps or leaks that could cause water to freeze. Maintain a steady temperature for your well throughout the winter season. Creating a backup power plan will ensure your well services are not interrupted by unexpected power outages. Monitor the quality of your water and take note of any changes. You should also make sure to schedule an appointment with your local well water experts. All of these will have your well ready for the cold season.
If you need help with your well this winter, call the experts at Carolina Well & Pump. We’re here to help with everything you need to winterize your well. Our team will inspect your well ensuring it’s ready for the cold months ahead. Have a well emergency? We’re here to take care of that too. We understand that things happen and more importantly, you need access to your well water. This winter season have peace of mind about your well with Carolina Well & Pump.
