If you rely on a private well for your home's water supply, conducting regular inspections and maintenance is essential for protecting your health, home, and investment. Well water can easily become contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, sediment and other impurities if your well components fail or malfunction. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to illness, property damage, and costly repairs down the road.
Fortunately, there are some basic well inspection steps Tampa Bay homeowners can follow to detect problems early. Read on for a DIY guide to inspecting your well system and recognizing common signs of trouble.
Inspect the Well Cap and Casing
Your well cap sits on top of the casing (lining) and prevents contaminants from entering the well system from the surface. Make sure the cap is tightly secured and the vent is screened to filter out insects and dirt. Examine the well casing pipes above ground for cracks, dents or other damage that could allow contaminants to seep in. Rust spots or wet areas on the casing can indicate holes or loose joints underground.
Check the Well Pump and Pressure Tank
The well pump pushes water from the underground aquifer into the pressure tank, where it is stored under pressure for household use. Listen for any unusual noises when the pump runs, such as banging or squealing, which can signal issues.
Check that the electrical wire connections to the pump are intact and watertight. Make sure the pressure gauge reads 30-50 psi when the pump shuts off, indicating adequate pressure. If pressure drops below 30 psi, the tank or pump may need servicing.
Inspect Well Water Flow and Clarity
Turn on several faucets around your home and check the water flow at each one. Low flow or reduced pressure can mean sediment, mineral deposits or corrosion are blocking pipes or the well screen.
Examine the water clarity and color at each faucet. Cloudiness, black flecks or stains point to potential contamination or equipment problems. Rusty brown or orange water indicates high iron levels that should be treated with our AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter.
Test for Bacteria and Nitrates
Bacteria like E. coli and total coliform can enter wells through openings in the cap or casing. Nitrates from fertilizer and septic systems can seep into groundwater. Use certified home test kits or contact a testing lab to check your water annually for bacteria and nitrates. Our AquaGuard UV SYSTEM and Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection System can help prevent bacterial growth.
Monitor Changes in Taste, Odor and Staining
Foul tastes, odors or stains in water, sinks and fixtures can signal contamination. Hydrogen sulfide produces a distinct "rotten egg" smell. Staining or bluish-green water may be caused by excessive copper or iron. Keep track of any new smells, tastes or stains that appear, and consider testing your well water if problems persist. A HydroClear Ozone Generator can help control rotten egg odor issues.
Check for Surface Contamination Risks
Inspect the area around your well to ensure potential contaminants aren’t entering the system. Make sure surface runoff from roofs, patios or driveways isn’t pooling around the well. Check that septic tanks and leach fields are located at least 50 feet from the well. Identify cracks in concrete well covers or casings that could allow surface water intrusion. Resolve any risks you find to prevent bacterial, chemical or sediment contamination.
Know the Warning Signs of Well Problems
While well systems generally operate trouble-free for years, any of the following signs indicate your well may be impaired and in need of maintenance:
Reduced water flow from faucets
Drop in water pressure
Pump running frequently or continuously
Pump turning on and off more often
Strange tastes, odors or stains in water
Cloudy, sandy or gritty water at taps
Sale water softener is unable to fully soften water
Leaks, moisture or cracks in well cap/casing
Don’t ignore these warning signs or assume the problem will go away. Even intermittent issues often indicate an underlying problem that will worsen over time. Contact a certified well contractor immediately if you notice any signs of trouble.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Along with routine inspections, having your well system serviced annually helps keep it operating efficiently for years to come. Professional maintenance includes:
Testing water for bacteria and nitrates
Chlorinating and flushing the well to sanitize
Checking and replacing old pipes or joints
Cleaning or replacing clogged well screens
Servicing the pump, pressure tank and controls -Treating mineral buildup with our AquaLux Water Softener
Preventative maintenance provides peace of mind and can prevent small issues from escalating into major repairs. Be sure to keep records of all well work and water tests.
Invest in a Treatment System
If water testing reveals contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, iron, sulfur, manganese or arsenic, the best solution is installing a whole-house treatment system tailored to your issues. Our WellFusion Well Water Treatment Systems combine filtration, disinfection and other technologies to remove health hazards and nuisance contaminants for safe, clean water from every tap.
Systems with features like the AquaBlue Whole House Filter, AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis and HydroTech Pro address specific issues identified in your water test results. With full-service installation and support from our Tampa team, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your water is protected.
Partner With a Well Expert
For homeowners in the Tampa Bay area, Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions is here to help inspect and maintain your well system. Our certified technicians have the expertise to pinpoint issues, recommend solutions, and properly install treatment equipment tailored for your water. Protect the health of your family and your biggest investment by partnering with a well water professional.
Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today: 727-236-7161
Maintaining your private well system involves specialized knowledge and equipment. Don't take risks with your family's water quality - partner with the experts at Aqua-Wise to keep your well operating safely and efficiently. We offer Tampa Bay homeowners complete well services including water testing, treatment system installation, repairs, maintenance plans, and 24/7 emergency service. Schedule your free water test today and trust Tampa's #1 Rated Well Water Specialist to handle all your well water needs.
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