Tag Archives: well repairs

Common Issues With Ground Water

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The most common issues with ground water may be hardness. Tips from NUCO Pump and Well Services

Hard Water

Hard water has not been shown to cause health problems, but can be a nuisance as it may cause soap curds and deposits to form on pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Over time this can reduce the diameter of the pipes.

Calcium and magnesium are found in ground water that has come in contact with certain rocks and minerals, especially limestone and gypsum. When these materials are dissolved, they release calcium and magnesium. Hard water is considered bad for your plumbing, but people with heart or circulatory problems may want to consult their physician about drinking softened water, because the softening process removes calcium and magnesium, and adds sodium to the water.

Iron and Manganese

A “rusty” or metallic taste in water is a result of iron, and sometimes manganese, in ground water. They not only create a bad taste, but they also can stain pipes and clothing.

Iron and manganese are naturally occurring, and most ground water has some amount of dissolved iron and manganese in it. It comes from contact with minerals that contain iron, such as pyrite.

There are several treatment methods. Installing a water softener may help if iron and manganese are present in low quantities and the softener is designed for their removal. Aeration (the addition of oxygen to the water), chlorination, and feeding ozone or hydrogen peroxide can aid in the precipitation of iron, which is removed from the water by filtration. Potassium permanganate feed with manganese greensand filters, and some recently designed synthetic media, will remove iron and manganese, as well.

Nitrogen

Most nitrogen in ground water comes from the atmosphere. Some plants can “attach” nitrogen from the atmosphere onto their roots. The nitrogen not used by the plants is then released into the soil.

Nitrogen compounds also can work their way into ground water through fertilizers, manure, and urine from farm animals, sewage, and landfills.

The most common forms in groundwater are ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. Nitrates can be especially toxic to children under six months of age. Exposure to ammonia also presents a health risk. It is toxic to aquatic life such as fish, and it interferes with water treatment.

There are a variety of treatment methods to correct this problem, including reverse osmosis systems with water softeners to remove nitrates and nitrites, and oxidation to remove small amounts of ammonia. However, treatment should be a last resort. Removing the source of contamination is the first priority. You should also be sure to protect the area around the wellhead from contamination by animals or fertilizers.

Source: WellOwner.org

Annual Water Well Checkup

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Wells tapping ground water resources can provide the highest quality drinking water.

Water well checkup is a great way to keep your well operating properly.

Having a water well allows homeowners to control their own water supply. Ownership also comes with the responsibility of keeping the water well in good working order. When was the last time your water well equipment was inspected or your water tested for quality?
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends routine annual well water maintenance checks to ensure the proper operation. This prolongs the years of service and monitors the water quality.

Some of the things that a licensed well contractor should inspect in their water well checkup include:

• An inspection of the well equipment to make sure that it’s sanitary and meets local code requirements.
• A test of your water for bacteria and nitrates or if water appears cloudy or oily, which can mean that the equipment is not properly functioning.
• A flow test to determine system output, along with a check of the water level before and during pumping (if possible), pump motor performance (check amp load, grounding, and line voltage), and pressure tank and pressure switch contact.
• A concise, clear, written report should be provided to you following the checkup that explains results and recommendations, and includes all laboratory and other test results.
Be sure to keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well and periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing to ensure it is in good working order and securely attached.
Always use a licensed and/or certified water well contractor or pump repair company to conduct your routine well checkup. Working with a licensed professional provides protection for your investment both in the short and long maintenance care of your water well. Read More…

NUCO Pump & Well Services (863) 425-NUCO

Well Owner Tips in Case of Flooding

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After a flood, the owners of household wells should take certain precautions to
make sure their water is safe and their well is in good operating condition.

An obvious concern is that flood water loaded with bacteria, chemicals or other pollutants may have gotten into the well. A less obvious concern is electrical shock if a non-submersible pump or any part of the well electrical system is flooded.

Well owner tips after a flood:

  • Stay away from the well pump while it is flooded to avoid electrical shock
  • Do not drink the water from the well or use it for washing to avoid becoming sick

Get help from a qualified water well contractor or pump installer to:

  • Clean and turn on the pump
  • Flush the well
  • Disinfect the well
  • Perform any other necessary maintenance.
  • Water wells are specialized systems that require knowledge and expertise to repair and disinfect. If your well has been flooded, use bottled water or boil your water until a qualified water well system contractor can check out your well system.