Temperatures are already dropping, and this means winter is right around the corner. If you have a water well on your property, you’re likely wondering if you need to do anything to prepare this system for freezing temperatures. As a well owner, you should take extra steps to prevent the water pump and pipes from freezing.
The good news is that it’s not too tricky winterizing your well. Here is everything you need to know about preparing your water well for the winter season.
Why You Should Winterize Your Water Well
The process of winterizing your water well keeps the pump from freezing. If the water inside the pump froze, it would expand and damage not only the casing of the pump but the entire system. You could be left without an efficient and safe water supply.
If your vacation home has a well, be sure to winterize it before closing up for the season. Otherwise, you could return for the following summer to an inoperable well pump.
Even for a year-round home, a well pump can be susceptible to freezing. A few days of a pump sitting idle could cause the water inside the system to turn to ice. If the well pump has not been properly winterized, you could return home from a holiday weekend trip to expensive damages.
Tips for Getting Your Water Well Ready for Winter
When we say “winterize your water well,” we’re not talking about the well itself, which is not likely to freeze in this area, but the well’s components — the pump and pipes. Here’s how you can protect your well pump and piping system this winter:
Well Pump
Well pumps submerged at the bottom of the well are not likely to freeze. However, if you have a jet pump that is aboveground, you’ll need to take extra precautions to prevent it from freezing. Ensure the water pump is located in a heated part of your property and is not exposed to drafts, such as open basement windows or improperly sealed doors.
Pipes
Insulate your aboveground pipes before it gets extremely cold outside. You can use foam sleeves, a thermal blanket, or even sweaters to prevent freezing. It’s also a good idea to use heat tape along the piping.
Steps for Winterizing Your Water Well When You’ll Be Away
If you’re closing up a seasonal home or getting ready to go on a trip for at least a few days, you’ll need to follow these steps for winterizing the water well so that it doesn’t freeze:
- Turn off the water supply to the house, and then switch off the power to the pump at the breaker panel.
- Open the faucet on the pump to drain residual water. Then, open all the taps in the house until there’s no more running water powering through them.
- Disconnect the draining pipes and wiring from the pump to remove all water and prevent anyone from using the pump after it is winterized.
- Blow out any leftover water from the water using an air compressor.
It should be noted that these steps are standard, but your well pump may require a different process. You should always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper winterization.
What to Do If the Well Pump or Pipes Freeze
As careful as you may be in prepping your water well for winter, it could still freeze. What should you do if this happens?
First, turn on a faucet to relieve some pressure in the water system. This will also help you find the problem spot. Next, use a hairdryer or heat tape to thaw the pipe. Once water runs through the tap, you can remove the heat source.
If these steps do not resolve your issue, you should call on the experts for emergency water well service. They can pinpoint the problem and repair cracked pipes or a damaged well pump to get your system back in business. Even if you are able to thaw a frozen pipe or pump, you should still reach out to a service technician for inspections to ensure your water system didn’t sustain any damage.
Pre-Winter Well Inspections and Maintenance
The best way to get your water well system ready for winter is by performing well inspections and maintenance before the ground freezes and snow falls. Plan your professional inspection for fall so that the service technicians can discover any potential issues that could become worse during the coldest months of the year. When you plan ahead, you’ll be able to receive prompt residential well repairs and not experience any disruptions to your water supply.
For more winterization tips and well maintenance services, reach out to Paramount Well Service. We’ll keep your residential and commercial water well pumps in good working order all winter season. Contact us today for water well assistance!
