Backyard wells can be a great source of clean water for your family, but they do require some regular maintenance and attention to detail in order to keep them working smoothly and safely. This spring, complete this simple well maintenance checklist, so you can identify and treat any problems before they become larger issues.
Check the Well Casing
Snow plows, shovels, and rapid changes in temperature can all lead to cracked or damaged well casings. Thus, you'll want to look over the casing for any signs of cracks or damage. Also make sure that it is fitting tightly around the well. If it is loose, debris and dirt could work its way between the casing and the well and fall into the well. Typically, repairing or replacing a well casing is a big project that requires specialized equipment, so if you spot an issue with a casing, have a well care professional handle it rather than attempting to fix it yourself.
Make Sure the Cap Is Level
Is the well cap sitting evenly on top of the casing? If it has been pushed to one side, then it might be pinching the wires that connect to the well pump. This could cause a surprise pump failure. Thus, you'll want to move the well cap back into place (if possible) or call a professional to do this for you if it has been bent and you cannot get it back into place.
Chlorinate Your Well
Chlorinating your well is a good way to keep bacterial levels under control. Even if you have never had an issue with contamination in the past, taking this preventative measure will ensure you don't in the future. To chlorinate your well, begin by shutting off power to the pump. Remove the well cap and move the pump wires to the side of the well. Then, run a water hose into the expansion tank. With the water running, turn the power back on, and then pour in the required amount of chlorine.
How much chlorine do you need? When you purchase a well chlorination solution for your well, the package should contain instructions for figuring out how much chlorine you need. In a standard, 6-in diameter well, you will need to add 20–40 ounces of chlorine solution for every 100 feet of depth.
After letting the hose run for 15 minutes, turn on every tap in the house and let the water run until you detect a chlorine smell. Then, let the system sit overnight. The chlorine will evaporate, and your water will be safe to use once again.
If you chlorinate your well, check the casing, and check the cap each spring, you can look forward to many months of safe water. Click here for more information.
Share6 November 2015
How safe is your industrial workplace? Do your employees have all of the safety equipment they need to safely do their jobs every day? Are dangerous areas clearly labeled? Are the emergency exits visible from different areas of the workplace? There are many elements that go into keeping an industrial workplace safe, so it can be difficult to know if you have every element covered. Visit our site to find a checklist that can help you walk through your building and check for every possible safety measure that could be put in place. It is my hope that the information provided will help you and your employees avoid serious injuries.
