Most homes with well water rely on their wells daily, but
there are several reasons why a well may go unused. Long-term renovation, such
as after a fire or other serious disaster, can lead to a well remaining idle
for months or longer. Or, if you purchase a home that was left sitting on the
market for years, then you may be inheriting a well that's been out of use for
quite some time.
As with any piece of old home equipment, your well requires
some special considerations before you can bring it back online. This article
will outline the essential steps to take before you start pumping water from an
old, unused well.
Assess the Wellhead's Physical Condition
Before beginning, assess the physical condition of the
wellhead. If you are purchasing a home, then it is crucial to perform this
evaluation before closing the sale. The reason the well was left idle can also
provide some clues to its current state. Was the well abandoned? Has the home
been unoccupied? How long has the well been out of operation?
From the surface, it can be challenging to perform an
in-depth assessment. Focus on the overall condition of the exposed casing, cap,
and any nearby piping or electrical conduit. You should consider excessive
corrosion on either the casing or conduits a sign of trouble. Likewise, the
casing should extend above the ground by at least one foot.
A well that has gone unmaintained for some time may have
issues with the cap no longer sealing correctly or with dirt or vegetation
build-up. The well cap provides a crucial barrier against surface-level
contaminants entering the well, so note any issues with the seal before
bringing the well back into service.
Address any physical issues with the wellhead before moving
on with service restoration.
Perform a Water Quality Inspection
After checking and restoring your wellhead, it's time to
test your water. Your well's casing and cap provide a seal that prevents
surface-level contaminants from entering the groundwater. If a well has been
unmaintained for some time, then pollutants may have penetrated this barrier.
Testing the water quality of any unused well is essential to ensure that it is
safe and healthy.
If there are signs of contamination despite an intact
wellhead seal, then it may be necessary to conduct a downhole inspection. This
detailed inspection uses a camera with a flexible wire to inspect the interior
condition of the casing. Depending on how long the well has been inactive, it
may be advisable to conduct a downhole inspection even if the water quality
tests do not show any issues.
Inspect and Test All Equipment
Finally, it's time to run your pump and ensure that
everything is in working order. If you have disabled power at the breaker (or
fuse) box, then it's a good idea to inspect all connections before restoring
electricity. If present, check the above-ground pump for visible signs of
damage. Inspect the pressure tank for corrosion and other issues.
Note that the procedure for thoroughly checking a pressure
tank can be complicated. If you decide to perform this work yourself, always
shut off power first and drain the tank. If you are unsure of the age or
condition of the tank, then it is highly advisable to have a professional
perform this service. A faulty pressure tank or pressure switch can prevent the
entire system from operating.
No matter the reason that your well has been
left idle, Action Well and Pump can bring it back into service. We can help you
to assess, test, and repair your well equipment as needed.
Contact us todayto restore clean and fresh water to your
home.
