While winter is the time of beautiful snowfalls and family trips to the mountains, it’s also the time for peculiar plumbing issues. If you’ve ever turned on the faucet for a much-needed hot shower on a cold day and only got a trickle of water, you likely know the struggle of having frozen pipes. While you can take steps to winterize your water well and prevent freezing pipes, sometimes winter well issues are inescapable. When this is the case, you need to know how to identify the cause of the water flow problem and how to unfreeze frozen pipes or well pumps.
The Problem Lies With the Pipes and Pumps
When you’re having water pressure issues in the winter, it’s not because your well itself has frozen. In fact, wells are dug far enough below the surface of the Earth that the water will not freeze even when the weather drops below freezing.
If you’re experiencing issues with your well during the winter, it’s likely because the pipes running from your well to your home (which are close to the surface of the Earth) are frozen. Alternatively, your jet pump could be malfunctioning due to the extreme cold. The jet pump is located somewhere in your home and brings water from the well to your plumbing. If the temperature around this well pump drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the pump can freeze, preventing water from being distributed throughout the home.
How to Unfreeze Frozen Pipes and Well Pumps
If you suspect you have a frozen well, you’ll need to resolve the problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may experience a burst pipe that could lead to expensive water damage.
The first thing you need to do is search for the culprit of the water pressure issues. Most likely, you have a frozen pipe or two on your hands, so it’s best to inspect your home’s plumbing first. Look at the pipes in your basement, crawlspace, or near the walls of your home. If they are covered in ice or frost or have expanded, you know they are frozen.
At this point, you need to thaw the pipe. You can do this with a heating pad or hairdryer. Once the pipe is defrosted, you should be able to turn on your faucets and experience strong water flow once again.
If you couldn’t find any frozen pipes on your property, this may mean you have a frozen or broken jet pump. You may be able to resolve the issue by placing it in a new insulated housing unit that prevents it from reaching a temperature below 40 degrees. However, if this doesn’t fix the problem, you will need to replace the damaged pump.
Paramount Well Service Can Help You Thaw Out
Because frozen well pipes and pumps can lead to significant damage, you need to take extra precautions during the winter. Fortunately, you do not have to handle the maintenance of your water well alone. Our team offers quality residential well service throughout Hunterdon County, NJ. We’ll help you keep your well in top working condition all year long. And if your jet pump starts acting up, you can trust us for reliable residential pump service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
