Keeping The Water Flowing: 4 Tips Newbies Need For Managing A Private Water Well
Private water wells are common throughout rural and unincorporated areas of the United States and have been since homesteaders and settlers began to populate these areas. The ability to access groundwater by digging wells allowed homes and towns to spring up in areas where the lack of access to rivers, springs, and lakes had previously prevented people from living.
Yet, even this rich history in private water well usage may not be enough to bolster the confidence of someone who has just been handed the keys to a home equipped with a water well. If you are embarking on your maiden voyage as the manager of your home's water well, these tips will help you manage your duties like an experienced pro.
Determine what coverage your home insurance provides
Most home insurance policies provide some level of coverage for water well pumps and components, but the amounts and causes of damage that are covered can vary widely from company to company. Since well pump repairs and replacement can be expensive, homeowners will want to work with their home insurance provider to clarify the coverage they actually have and determine if they should purchase a rider to provide any additional coverage.
Protect the well and its components
Failure to protect the well pump and components from damage can mean experiencing water outages and expensive repair bills. Homeowners who want to avoid these issues should make sure that all components are housed or protected from the elements. Some ways to do this include:
- providing an insulated, heated well house to protect the above-ground components from freezing
- turning off power to the well at the electrical panel during a severe storm that includes lightning
- taking care to fix water leaks and broken pipes that can place extra wear on the pump and electrical components
Have the well pump regularly inspected and serviced
In addition to the well pump inspection process you probably had done during the process of purchasing your home, it is a good idea to continue to have your well pump and the components checked and serviced on an annual basis. During these checkup, the well pump technician can make sure the pump is functioning properly and check for wear or issues with the control box, pressure tank, and electrical switches.
To learn more about your well pump and how to manage and protect it, take time to discuss your situation and concerns with reputable well pump services like Hull Well & Pump Service.