Spring is just around the corner with the scorching months of summer hot on its heels. Scheduling a well pump service with your local plumbing contractor should be at the top of your spring-cleaning list. Homeowners that rely on a private well to supply water to their homes are responsible for the maintenance and well-being of their primary water source. Annual well and equipment inspections or service can prevent minor problems from growing into larger, more costly repairs in the future. More importantly, a well pump checkup can identify if there are any contaminates in your water supply that could be harmful to your health.
How to Schedule a Well Pump Checkup
Only a licensed, certified and experienced well or plumbing contractor should perform maintenance, repair and testing of your well pump and related equipment. The National Ground Water Association “NGWA” maintains a list of certified contractors by area through the Contractor Lookup section on their website. In addition, you can ask friends and neighbors for referrals or check the listings in your local phone book under “Well Drilling and Service.”
What to Expect During a Well Pump Checkup
During a well pump checkup, your plumbing contractor should:
- Perform a flow test to verify that system output is adequate
- Verify pump performance including amp load, line voltage and proper grounding
- Visually inspect all well equipment to verify it is up to code and sanitary
- Test your well water for the presence of harmful coliform bacteria and nitrates; other contaminates such as iron, manganese, sulfides; and also its hardness
- Provide you with a clear and concise written report outlying the aforementioned procedures and recommendations, including any and all laboratory test results
Protect Your Well-being
According to the National Ground Water Association, owners of private well systems should adhere to the following.
- Test the quality of your well water annually to identify the presence of contaminates such as coliform bacteria, arsenic, radon, nitrates and other harmful contaminates
- Keep hazardous materials such as paint, paint thinner, gasoline, motor oil and pesticides away from your well
- Have your plumbing contractor verify your well is a safe distance from home and septic systems—both yours and your neighbors.
- Service your well and related equipment annually to prevent premature mechanical problems
- Verify that the well cover and/or cap is intact to prevent outside contamination, such as insects or rodents from entering the well
For answers to your plumbing questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
