How to Keep Well Water Flowing During Cold Weather Conditions
Having problems with your well water during cold weather? Even though most wells are deep enough to resist freezing even in the coldest temperatures, there may be a problem with the well pipes or the pipes in the home. If you experience cold-weather well problems at your Wewahitchka, FL home, here’s how you can unfreeze well water and prevent a frozen well from occurring in the future.
What happens to well water in cold weather?
When temperatures drop low, you might think the water inside your well will freeze. In reality, water doesn’t freeze inside the well, since all wells are dug below the frost line. However, as water travels through pipes and gets closer to the ground, it can potentially freeze and block the flow of water to your kitchen, bathroom or wherever you need it.
A well needs a functioning water pump to provide water to your home. If temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, your pump can possibly freeze. Although this is rare, it does happen in some cases.
Should I insulate my pipes?
You can prevent a frozen well in Wewahitchka, FL by insulating your pipes. This is usually done by a professional well technician to make sure it’s done right. Insulating your pipes is like putting a warm blanket around them, keeping them from getting plugged up with ice if the temperature above and below ground gets too cold. Your technician will also insulate the pressure switch and the pressure transducer, if your system has one. These are typically the first components to freeze, and they can be fairly costly to replace. By completely enclosing the pressure switch/transducer and the small pipe connecting it to the main water supply, your water will keep flowing even in the coldest of temperatures.
Should I leave my faucets on?
Pay attention to your local weather forecast during the colder months, especially when you notice the temperatures start to plummet. If your area is about to experience a drop in temperature to sub-zero levels, turn on your faucets so the water comes out as a slow drip or drizzle. This simple step brings slightly warmer well water to come up through the pipes to unfreeze well water and prevent a frozen well.
Should I cover my well components?
Absolutely! One of the easiest ways to keep your well components, including the pump, safe from freezing cold temperatures is by covering it up. This can be as simple as draping a cold blanket over your system, but there are also well covers that look like rocks or other natural features. Just place the cover over the system, and you’re done! Not only does this insulate your system, but it also disguises it, helping it blend right into the landscape.
Access to water is crucial for living comfortably in your Wewahitchka, FL home. If your home is equipped with a well, you need to keep it safe from freezing during the colder months. Contact Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair to ensure your water keeps flowing all season long.
Categorised in: Water Well Systems