The winter months come with many challenges for homeowners, from snowed-in driveways to icy roofs. If your home relies on well water year-round, then you’re presented with another cold-weather challenge. The average American household uses 88 gallons of water every day, so if you’re unable to access that water you’re left with a major problem. Know these tips for maintaining wells during the winter and you’ll avoid a call to the well company.
Insulate Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a common problem once the temperature starts to drop. While the major part of your well is underground and this helps to keep the actual water from freezing, the pipes that bring the water into your home are left vulnerable to the cold weather. To prevent them from freezing, wrap them with effective heat tape and an insulated wrapping. If your pipes are within your home, you may still want to add insulation to them or the walls of the home. Insulate any other parts related to the plumbing as well, including the filter, pressure tanks, and any switches that could freeze.
Run The Water Regularly
Another trick to keep your well water and pipes from freezing is to be sure that you’re using your water regularly. When water doesn’t move for an extended period of time, it tends to freeze and leads to bigger issues down the road. If you’re going away for the winter or are going to be gone for a number of weeks, take the steps to properly close down your well. Shut off the control system and any water treatment and filtration systems you have in place. If you need assistance in properly closing down your well, contact a well company as soon as possible.
Check The Air Seal
Before the snow starts to fall it’s important to check the air seal of your well. This is the area where the well house lid meets the ground. Sealing this spot is as simple as using mulch or soil to keep any air from escaping or moisture from getting inside. If you put off this task, the snow may bury the area before you can make sure it’s properly sealed.
Water well maintenance can be tricky, but if you follow useful tips for the winter then you’ll have a well that’s perfectly ready when spring finally arrives. Contact an experienced well company today if you have any concerns, and enjoy a cozy winter indoors.