Water Wells

The most common taste or odor issue with well water is hydrogen sulfide gas which has a distinctive “rotten egg” smell. Non-toxic bacteria present in groundwater use the water’s natural iron and sulfur as energy sources to chemically change the sulfates that produce H25 gas. So much for basic chemistry. First, we test the water for mineral content and hardness. Analysis of test results will identify the best type of water treatment that’s based on your specific water chemistry.

Whether the use is for drinking, livestock watering or chemical spraying – well water should be tested once per year at minimum… and more frequently if susceptible to possible contamination from Coliforms and E. Coli. Our Preventative Maintenance Membership Plan is a valuable tool to ensure that all rural residence or farm plumbing, piping and appliances are receiving proper maintenance.

No two private wells are created equal. Testing will show if the well is being properly protected from contamination and using the appropriate treatment system(s). Educational resource: https://www.epa.gov/privatewells.

If your well pump is short cycling (turning on and off too rapidly) or running continuously, the cause first needs to be identified. Probable causes include pressure tank air charge lost, faulty pump pressure control switch, pump wiring damage, piping blocked or filter clogged. There are several other less common causes of tank or pipe malfunction.

Following a professional inspection and diagnosis, our technicians will discuss repair solutions with you based on the specific correction steps needed.

Submersible well pumps have a typical lifespan of about 10-12 years or less under heavy use. Only inspection of your well system will reveal whether it should be repaired or replaced. If you’re not receiving water, first check your electrical circuit panel to see if the well pump and pressure tank is in the “on” position.

Depending on the cause, correcting the problem could be simple or much more complex. If the problem persists, a service call for inspection and system analysis will provide a professional solution to correct the problem.

A damaged or poorly installed well cap and casing is all too common. It may be covered with soil and at risk of contamination; damage to an older well cap may go unnoticed or lose its watertight seal until contamination becomes obvious; it may be placed too near a potential source of contamination such as livestock or chemical storage among others. Make sure the casing is at least 12” above ground.

The Dept. of Health suggests that your well water be tested at least once per year, preferably during the spring thaw or if there’s a change in water color, taste or smell. If any of these conditions appear, or there’s damage to the well head or casing, arrange for a service call immediately. Educational resource: http://www.jodaviess.org/environmental.

If your well has flooded, do not use the water to cook, drink or bathe – it may contain bacteria or other contamination. If water is needed immediately, boil water for at least 1 minute after it reaches a rolling boil. In the meantime, if possible use bottled water.

The well needs an immediate service call to test the water supply -- even if it looks OK. Don’t try to turn on the pump before the technician arrives to avoid damaging the well and pump. The technician can also suggest steps to ensure protection from future flooding.