How Do I Winterize My Santa Fe Water Well?
With the Santa Fe weather already cooler, winter is just ahead. Those with a water well may be thinking about whether your system needs any preparation for freezing temperatures. If you own a well, take additional precautions to ensure the water pump and pipes do not freeze by scheduling well service.
The good news is that winterizing your well isn’t too complicated. This is everything you need to know to winterize your water well.
Why You Should Winterize Your Water Well
Water well winterization prevents the pump from freezing. Should the water inside the pump freeze, it will expand and break not only the pipe casing of the pump, but the entire system. You might be left without a reliable and safe source of water.
If your vacation home is serviced by a well, make sure to properly winterize it before your home is closed up for the winter season. Or you may come back the next summer to find the well pump is broken.
A well pump is vulnerable to freezing even when the home is occupied year-round. The water in the system could freeze if the pump sat idle for a couple of days. A winterized well system ensures that you don’t come home from a weekend vacation to costly repairs.
Tips for Getting Your Water Well Ready for Winter
When we say to “winterize your water well” we don’t mean the well itself, which probably won’t freeze in this area, but the components of the well — the pump and pipes. Follow these tips to safeguard your well pump and piping system this winter:
Water Well Pump
Submersible Water Well pumps located submerged in the well are not easily frozen. If you have an aboveground jet pump, you must take other precautions to prevent freezing. Keep the water pump out of cold areas of the property and away from drafts, such as open basement windows or unsealed doors.
Pipes
Be sure to insulate your aboveground pipes before it becomes too chilly outside. Foam sleeves, a thermal blanket, even sweaters can be used to prevent freeze. Applying heat tape along the piping is also a good idea.
Steps for Winterizing Your Water Well When You’ll Be Away
If you are shutting down a seasonal residence, or preparing to leave for vacation for a few days or more, this is how to winterize the water well to prevent freezing:
- Shut off the main water line to the house and shut off the pump electricity at the breaker panel.
- Turn on the faucet of the pump to let the remaining water out. Then run all the taps in the house until the water stops running through them.
- Disconnect the draining hoses and wires from the pump to ensure the remaining water is removed and that no one accidentally uses the pump post winterizing.
- Use an air compressor to blow out any residual water from the water.
These steps are typical, but note your well pump may differ in process. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to winterize accordingly.
What to Do If the Well Pump or Pipes Freeze
Despite being cautious and properly winterizing your water well, it may still freeze. If this happens, what can you do?
Open a faucet, this will help depressurize the system. This will also help you in locating the problem spot. Then thaw the pipe with a hairdryer or heat tape. After the water is coming out of the tap, the heat source can be turned off.
Should none of these fix the problem, it’s time to enlist the specialists in emergency water well service. They know how to identify the issue and can fix cracked pipes or a faulty water well pump so that your system is back up and running.
Even if you are able to thaw a frozen pipe or pump, it is wise to call a service technician to inspect and make sure your water system has not been damaged.
Pre-Winter Well Inspections and Maintenance
Preparing your water well system for winter is best accomplished when the ground is still unfrozen and before snow begins to accumulate. Schedule your annual inspection in the fall to help ensure the technicians can find any problems that may potentially worsen in the coldest months. With planning, residential well repairs can be done quickly and your water won’t ever be disrupted.
Final Thoughts
Contact Boylan Water Well Service and Supply in Santa Fe, NM to schedule a fall well inspection or well service so your Santa Fe well is prepared for winter!
Visit our website for more winterization tips and general well services. We will maintain your home and business water well pumps during the winter season. Get in touch for help with your Santa Fe water well!