Nearly half the population in the United States depends on ground water for drinking water. In order to get such water, the use of a well water system is essential. This simply refers to a system of devices that enable one to get the water from the ground and into the home. Of course, you don’t need to understand the minute details of how such a system works for you to benefit from it. However, having a clear understanding of the various components that make up the system can make it easier to make decisions when you are interested in installing such a system. Some of the basic components of any such system include:
The casing
This is the outer part of the well water system, which is placed in contact with the walls of the drilled well. The function of the casing is to ensure that the wall does not collapse, which can happen when the ground in which the well is drilled is too soft. In addition to that, it also prevents contaminants from the surrounding from accessing the water, which has the potential of making it more dangerous to use. In most parts of the world, there are legal requirements that determine how long such a casing should be. They are usually made of carbon, steel, or plastic.
The cap
The cap is the part that is fitted on top of the well casing. Most people think that any material can work as a well cap, but this is not the case at all. The device used for the cap needs to fit snugly on top of the casing. They are usually made of materials such as aluminum or thermoplastic. The role of the cap is to ensure that the water within the well is protected from any contamination by debris, small animals and even insects that might drop into the casing. In most cases, the casing and the cap should be at least 6 inches off the ground.
Well screens
These are devices that are used to filter water that is entering the well. This way, any excess sediment is prevented from clogging the well. The screens are usually attached at the bottom of the casing. It is important that each well has one of these, since they drastically reduce the maintenance requirements of any well. They also reduce how much you would need to filter the water in order to make it useable. Some of the most popular types of screens include slotted and perforated pipes.
The next time you are interested in installing a well, you should keep in mind that the above are some of the components that are absolutely crucial to the proper functioning of the well. When buying them, you might need to consider the local regulations, since there may be some minimum recommendations you are required to follow in order for the well to be satisfactory. You also need to make sure you use high quality materials, and that the installation be done by a party that has experience in the field.