Wells can provide you clean water for many long years. However, it is also your responsibility as a homeowner to know how to maintain it. Over time, sediments can accumulate on your well pump and block the water flow. It can also change the composition of your well water. That’s why aside from the annual checkups, it’s important for you to know when your well needs cleaning.
Why Does Your Well Need Cleaning?
You might need well cleaning for a variety of reasons. One of them is the growth of bacteria that can cause your well water to develop an unpleasant smell or taste. The abundance of oxygen in the upper portion of your well encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen). It also encourages the oxidation of metals. The aerobic bacteria then traps the oxidized iron, manganese, and other minerals and produces large amounts of slime. Together, these can all cause clogging.
In addition to that, debris from the bacterial activity in the upper portion of the well accumulates at the bottom. This depletes the oxygen of the water at the bottom of the well due to chemical reactions and bacterial activity. And it creates the perfect environment for anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that don’t need oxygen) to thrive. This bacteria is often responsible for methane gas and a fishy taste in your water. It’s also responsible for hydrogen sulfide which causes that distinctive rotten egg odor and other various odors in your well water.
A well that’s due for cleaning is also more costly to operate. This is because of encrustation, a process where crust or coating forms on the well intake or casing. This can clog the well screen and reduce the flow of water to the well. And in turn, it’ll make your pump work harder which results in skyrocketing electric bills and wear on your pump.
How To Tell If You’re Due For Well Cleaning?
Fortunately, there are plenty of signs for you to watch out before your well takes a turn for the worse. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for you to call for well-cleaning services.
1. Cloudy or Colored Water
One of the more obvious clues to your well’s health is the color of your water. Clear water means you’re in the safe zone. But, if your water comes out of the faucet cloudy or turbid, your well may be the source of contamination. You may also be dealing with a buildup of sediments or a corroded pipe.
2. Bad Odor or Taste
Even if your water is clear, a peculiar odor or taste is a sign that something’s wrong. It may be contaminated or your well may have algae or bacteria growing in it.
3. Low Water Pressure
Decreased water pressure or availability is a telltale sign that something may be wrong with your well or your pump. The causes can range from blockage due to encrustation or bacteria or something wrong with your pump.
4. High Electric Bill
If you noticed a spike in your electric bill, it might be because of your pump. Once encrustation or a build-up of sediments block the flow of water from your well, your pump has to work twice as hard to get the water to you. And thus, it needs more electricity which drives up the bills.
5. Water Tests Positive For Bacterial Activity
Annual checkups are very important to know if your well water is safe. Once your water tests positive for harmful bacteria like fecal coliform, it’s time you immediately call for some well cleaning services.