What Is a Well Inspection Checklist?
A well provides fresh water for a homeowner and their family, so it’s important to maintain it properly. An annual well inspection helps identify any potential problems with the well or its components.
An inspection includes checking all components, pumping, water levels, and overall quality. You should conduct a well inspection annually. Your local health department or state environmental agency can provide you with a well inspection checklist.
Why You Need a Well Inspection Checklist
Regular well inspections are important to ensure optimum operation and catch any problems early. By using a well inspection checklist, you can keep track of standard items. Having a copy of the report from your well inspection can help if you have any problems with your well in the future.
How To Make Inspections Easier
One way to simplify well inspections is to use an app such as the Homeowner Well Inspection Checklist from the safetyculture.com website. This app allows you to track the condition of your well and creates a report that can be shared with your health department or state environmental agency. The app is easy to use and can help you digitally organize your well inspection data.
What Is on a Water Well Inspection Checklist?
The checklist will include:
- An inventory of all well components
- Water pressure and flow rate
- Water level before and during pumping
- Pump motor performance
- Pressure tank performance
- Well water quality
Well water levels should be monitored regularly to ensure that the well is not running dry and to detect any potential water contamination. Measure water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to an outside faucet and turning on the water.
Flow rate can be measured by filling a bucket with water and timing how long it takes to fill. Water quality should be tested annually for bacteria and other contaminants. Your local health department or state environmental agency can provide you with a well water testing kit.
Bacteria in well water can cause gastrointestinal illness, while chemical contaminants can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer.
How To Maintain Your Water Well Pump
Your water well pump is a key component of your well system and should be regularly maintained to ensure it is in good working order.
Pump maintenance includes:
- Checking the electrical wiring and connections
- Inspecting the pressure tank
- Testing the pressure switch
- Cleaning or replacing the foot valve
Most of these tasks can be done by the homeowner, but it is best to consult with a professional pump installer or well contractor if you have any questions.
It is also important to keep the area around your wellhead clear of debris and vegetation to prevent well pollution.
In conclusion, by regularly inspecting your well, you can ensure that it continues to provide fresh water for your family. Using a well inspection checklist can help you identify any potential problems so you can quickly fix them. Any potential issues with water should not be neglected.
Categorised in: Water Well Systems