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4 Common Causes of Well and Well Water Problems

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 04:11:00 GMT

If you have a drinking well, you must keep it maintained to prevent issues. With good care, a drinking well can provide lots of clean water for a long time. If you would like to know more about causes of well and well water problems, keep reading.

1. Direct Damage

Direct damage may come from natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. If a tree is too close to the well, the roots may damage it as they try to reach the water. In some cases, the regular wear and tear or improper installation can lead to cracks or problems with seals.

Direct damage to the well can cause major problems including:

These may lead to strange odors and murky water. Some contaminants like bacteria and arsenic can make your family sick. Other contaminates like silt may not cause harm, but they can impact the quality of your drinking water.

2. Hard Water

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals. Hard water is not usually considered dangerous, but it can affect the taste and quality of well water. Because hard water usually contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, hard water often leaves a residue on you or your dishes. On clear glasses, you can spot it by looking for a powdery coating.

Other signs of hard water include:

According to the World Health Organization, hard water may actually be beneficial because it ensures you get plenty of calcium and magnesium in your body. However, if you want to fix your hard water issues, you can with a water softener filtration system.

3. Low pH Levels

The pH level refers to how acidic or base a substance is, including water. Acidic substances like battery acid have the lowest pH at 0, and liquid drain cleaners have the highest pH at 14. A pH of 7 is usually considered neutral, but your drinking water's pH can sit a little above or below pH 7.

If the water is too acidic, however, it can lead to some issues. As acidic water runs through the pipes, it leeches metals and chemicals into the water, which can lead to contamination. Luckily, you can correct low pH levels with a neutralizer.

4. Low Water Level

Low water levels can lead to two main problems. First, low water levels may prevent any water from reaching your faucets. Second, if the well can pump water, it may pull up a lot of silt and soil. Other signs of low water level include sputtering faucets and low water pressure.

Water levels may drop during a drought or on the hottest days in summer. Typically, this problem will correct itself after the temperature drops or it rains. You may need to reduce your water usage during this time.

In some cases, the water level may drop because the filtration system that filters out contaminates becomes clogged. In this case, you'll need to have the system cleaned or repaired. In rare cases, the water drops because the groundwater runs out.

Drinking wells are a great way to reduce or eliminate your city water bill. They do require more maintenance on your part, but with good care, your well can provide clean, fresh, healthy water. If you've noticed something wrong with your well, or you want a good inspection, contact us at Brown and Cox today.

Is My Well Water Contaminated? Signs to Look Out For

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:08:00 GMT

Clean water is essential not only at home but also on the farm. Contaminated water can cause dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, or Hepatitis A. Therefore, if you have a well for either irrigation or home use, ensure that the water from the well is safe for use.
Potential well water contaminants such as microorganisms, heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products, and pharmaceuticals can find their way into your well through surface water runoff, spills, or leakage of underground waste disposal.
So, how do you know that your well water is contaminated? Below are some signs to look out for.
Cloudy Appearance Cloudiness in well water has several explanations, but the most alarming possibilities are surface water seepage or excess manganese or iron content. While the sediments from surface water seepage and the excess natural minerals are no cause for alarm, the water may have an unpleasant taste and smell, making it unfit for consumption.
Also, since surface water seepages could bring pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and pathogens into your well, test your cloudy well water before use.
Visible Sediments Since well water comes from the ground, sediment issues are obvious. However, excess sediments can render water unsafe for human consumption. Therefore, if the sediment issue persists, check your filtration system and do the required maintenance, like replacing filter cartridges and removing the collected sediment.
Also, unless the sediments are identifiable, like sand and dirt, testing is essential to verify the safety of your well water. A test will help you check if your well water has contaminants like bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals, or excess minerals.
Oily Film on Standing Water A thin oily film above your well water indicates that it contains petroleum contaminants like oil and grease. Potential sources of oil contamination in well water include a leaking underground storage tank, contaminated water runoff, and oil spills.
Sulfur Smell The two primary causes of sulfur smell in well water are sulfur bacteria and hydrogen sulfide. The possible lack of oxygen in a deep well provides the perfect environment for the sulfur bacteria that happens when rocks in the soil decay.
In addition to harming your well water's quality, sulfur bacteria release hydrogen sulfide, which can cause health problems like headaches, nausea, respiratory tract irritation, and tremors.
Metallic Taste A high concentration of iron is the main cause of a metallic taste in well water, but you should also not rule out other metals like zinc, lead, copper, and manganese. If the water has a high concentration of iron, it should also have a rusty appearance or leave reddish-brown stains on your faucets.
Though most minerals that cause the metallic taste are harmless, some can cause health issues. For example, if you ingest lead-contaminated water for a long time, you may develop health issues like convulsions, anemia, and hypertension. Likewise, consuming too much copper can cause kidney disease and liver damage.
Detergent Smell A detergent smell in well water indicates contamination by sewage. The sewage could be from a leaking septic tank nearby or surface drainage flowing into your well. Such water is not safe for use, as it could contain harmful bacteria and chemicals.
Therefore, if your well water smells like detergent, take a sample to a lab for testing to determine the real cause.
Whether from pathogens or chemicals and heavy metals, contaminated well water can cause serious health issues if ingested. Contaminants such as oil, grease, and chemicals will also harm your plants if you use your well water for agriculture. Therefore, if your well water shows any of the above signs of contamination, test the water to determine the real culprit.
At Brown & Cox, we are dedicated to providing quality workmanship in all our services. Contact us today to make your first steps toward a reliable supply of clean water.

Why Is Your Residential Well Water Cloudy?

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 15:58:00 GMT

When you turn on the tap, you expect to see clear, fresh water come out. If your well water is instead cloudy, you might be a little concerned. Cloudy well water is not usually an emergency, but it can be a sign that something's not quite right. Take a look at three common causes of cloudy well water and some advice for addressing each one.

Sediment

One possibility is that the cloudiness you see is actually tiny pieces of solids, or sediment, in the water. To tell whether sediment is making your well water cloudy, leave a glass of water on the counter overnight. If in the morning you see some solids at the bottom of the glass, then you know sediment has found its way into your well water.

Sediment can end up in well water through a few ways. Your well pump might be set too low, causing it to pick up sand from the bottom of the well. This is a common problem in older wells. A well repair company can move the pump up, which should clear up your water.

Sediment can also mean that your well screen has broken down. The well screen, also known as the casing, should keep sand and grit away from the pump. If it deteriorates or develops holes, it may stop doing its job. A well repair company can generally replace a worn casing.

Dissolved Gases

If your water is clear after sitting out all night but no sediment is in the bottom of the glass, then the cloudiness was probably from dissolved gasses. Three gases can make well water look cloudy.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide may appear in your well water after a change in temperature. It is not an immediate cause for concern. However, it does make your water more acidic and more likely to corrode your plumbing over time.

Sulfur

Sulfur is present in the groundwater in some areas. Not only does it make water cloudy, but it also has a distinct, rotten eggs smell. It's generally harmless, but this could mean certain bacteria are present in your well. If you suspect sulfur has made your well water cloudy, test the water.

Methane

Methane is a gas in well water from wells near landfills, wetlands, and natural gas sources. If your water is cloudy due to methane, you'll often hear a fizzing or bubbling noise as the gas dissipates. At low levels, methane is not a cause for concern, but at higher levels, it makes the water flammable. Have your well repair company come take a look if you suspect methane is in your water.

Manganese and Iron

Manganese and iron are two minerals that sometimes appear in water from deep wells. These minerals usually occur together, and they can make well water look cloudy. Other signs of high manganese and iron concentrations in well water include:

Manganese and iron are not threats to your health, but the staining they cause can be bothersome. The easiest way to remove manganese and iron from well water is often with a water softener. If your water has a high enough pH, you may be able to remove the minerals with a filter.

If your well water is cloudy, call a professional well company. They can take a look and determine the likely cause of the cloudiness, saving you a lot of headaches and concern. If you need a well company in the Atlanta Metro Area, contact Brown & Cox . We have more than 30 years of experience in the industry, and our expert technicians are just a call away.

Costly Municipal Water Bills? Here's a Cheaper Alternative

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 12:48:00 GMT

If you use a community water system, the municipality or local authority is responsible for the supply and routine tests for the water while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors the water. In a nutshell, you pay an entity to supply and maintain your water needs.

Your water utility's common units to measure water bills are the gallon and centum cubic feet (CFC). An average American uses approximately 88 gallons of water in a day. Note that the amount differs greatly in different parts of the country, especially because of the different weather patterns. Your water bills explain your trends and charges.

The How and Where of Your Water Charges

Below is the breakdown of how your water bill is calculated and where the money is used.

How?

Water utilities use a rate structure to bill you for their workers' services and the infrastructure. The rate types determine how they charge you, and there are various dimensions as follows:

Where?

Many utilities have a meter that charges the volume of water that gets into your house. However, you don't pay for the variable water charges only. You also pay a fixed payment for other services. The total costs also depend on the price of water in your area as the price varies based on location.

The Cheaper Alternative

Over 42 million Americans depend on wells for home water needs. You get a certain level of freedom and independence if you walk away from municipal water.

Well water is almost free, so you don't have to stress over monthly water bills. Further, you don't need to worry about hidden or pumped-up charges. You need enough to cover the initial construction cost and some annual maintenance fees, which are significantly lower than the municipality cost.

Initial cost varies based on the contractor but is approximately $15 to $30 for every foot of depth. The maintenance fee mainly involves inspection of the water condition and well parts such as case, pump, and vents. The examination may range from around $300 to $500 annually.

The greatest con of municipal water is the high cost. You don't pay for usage for a well, just inspection and maintenance. If you think a well construction will work for your home, you will need to hire a licensed well systems professional to drill and maintain it. Contact us at Brown & Cox for professional services you can depend on.

Drought Concerns and Water Conservation Tips for Well Owners

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 15:35:00 GMT

Wells are a necessity for rural homeowners, but many private well owners may worry about the risk of a water shortage in their home when their area suffers a drought. Modern designs for private wells and some changes to personal habits can reduce the risk of a well going dry. Here is what all homeowners not using municipal water should know.
Fortify Against Drought Dry conditions do not always mean the drought is unavoidable, but it should encourage caution about water usage at home. Some websites monitor droughts throughout North America and update them regularly. Everyone can easily stay aware of the conditions around their region so they have time to take action in case a drought does occur.
Prepare for Trouble Prepare a plan before a drought strikes if experts suggest the possibility of dry conditions becoming more severe. Homeowners with deep drilled wells will have fewer problems than those with shallower versions. In Georgia, the deepest dug wells are typically only 30 feet deep. A drilled well in the same area will go as far as 400 feet in depth.
Anyone with a dug or shallow well may want to upgrade to a deeper drilled well. Another possible solution for drilled well owners that have shallow water supply systems is to have a well drilling company lower the pump currently in their well. Lowering the water pump will enable it to reach the water when the level drops lower than normal due to dry conditions.
Inline water storage tanks make it possible for homeowners to have a water reserve if their wells go dry. The tanks attach to the existing water supply system and rotate the water coming through, so it stays fresh. The use of an inline tank will not affect water quality or water pressure.
Reduce Water Waste People that learn to use their water cautiously can make it through a drought with less of a struggle. Families can reduce the amount of water they need to take from their well if they turn off the tap when brushing their teeth, wear clothes twice before laundering, and save the water used to drain pasta or leftover water in a teakettle to water plants or flush toilets.
A small plumbing leak wastes a lot more water than people may expect, and can easily contribute to a dry well when a drought has already lowered its volume of water. A leaky kitchen faucet can waste 3,000 gallons of water a year if a single drop falls every second. Repaired leaks allow people to reduce waste without any restrictions or changes in their routine.
Recycle Your Water A greywater recycling system is an option for homeowners who use water regularly for their gardens or lawn. The systems divert greywater into a collection tank from areas of the home like sinks, washing machines, and showers. The water flows through underground plumbing lines to water the soil underneath the plants and the lawn. The water from greywater systems must remain underground to avoid the buildup on the surface of puddles due to the concern of bacterial spread from the used water. The risk of bacteria also means it is unsafe to spray the water on the above-ground edible parts of plants or to use for farm animals or pets.
Rainfall does not automatically refill wells. The water in a private well is part of the overall water table and it can take time for the well supply to return once a drought is over. Homeowners who have spent too long without adequate water need to contact us, Brown & Cox. Our experienced technicians can find the right solution for your family. Call us today.

4 Winter Well Maintenance Practices Worth Adopting

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 21:20:00 GMT

As the weather turns colder, you may wonder whether your well system can perform up to its usual standard. Thankfully, the submerged nature of well design helps to insulate the water against the cold so it won't freeze. However, you still need to care for your well properly this winter.
A basic understanding of what kinds of challenges winter weather poses for well systems, combined with a smart preventative maintenance routine, can help you enjoy ready access to water all winter long. Give serious thought to adopting the following four smart winter well maintenance practices.
1. Insulate Your Pipes and Above-Ground Pump Even if the well itself enjoys natural insulation thanks to its position nestled beneath ground level, you must still think of other parts of your well system that may not receive the same protection against the cold. For instance, if the pipes carrying water from your well to your home freeze up, the change in pressure may burst them.
You can use a variety of materials to wrap your above-ground pipes and insulate them against freezing temperatures this winter, from towels and thermal blankets to more professional solutions such as foam sleeves. Your underground pipes should remain safe as long as they sit below the frost line.
Your well's above-ground jet pump might also freeze in winter weather unless it sports the appropriate insulation or occupies a part of your property that enjoys artificial heating. Your well system installer can add an insulated housing to your jet pump if it currently lacks one or replace a damaged housing if necessary.
2. Check the Well Cover's Air Seal Your well needs a reliable cover to keep debris, floodwater, and other unwanted materials from entering. While this feature can prove valuable all year round, it can also protect your well water against contaminants in snow and ice that might otherwise invade the well once the frozen precipitation melts.
Have a professional check your well cap or cover to make sure that it still provides a tight air seal against the surface elements. You'll want to schedule this inspection before a big winter storm gets a chance to cover the assembly in ice or snow.
3. Install a Backup Generator for Your Well Pump The submersible pump in your well relies on an electrically powered motor to function. Unfortunately, winter storms that wreck power lines and challenge local power grids can leave you without electricity and potentially without running water. If you want to stand ready against this threat, invest in a portable backup generator.
Bear in mind that your well pump will require considerably more power to actually get the motor going than the motor's specifications may suggest. If your system includes multiple pumps, you must also consider the power demands and limits of each pump. Consult an electrician or water well expert before buying.
4. Schedule Your Annual Inspection Before Winter Hits Your well faces plenty of challenges over the course of a year, with tiny problems increasing the odds of a major freeze, leak, or other crisis during extreme seasonal weather conditions. If you wait until a winter storm brings your well system to a breaking point, you may need to pay more for extensive repairs.
For this reason, you may want to schedule your annual well system inspection toward the end of the year but before the meteorologists start forecasting severe weather on a regular basis. This timely inspection allows your well repair technicians to make recommendations and fixes as needed before the weather complicates things. When you choose Brown & Cox as your well services provider, you can feel confident about installing your well at any time of year while also resting assured of top-quality repairs and customer service. Contact us today to request our assistance or ask any questions.

4 Signs Your Well Pump Components Needs Your Attention

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:50:00 GMT

If you live in a rural area, there is a chance your water comes from a private well located on your property. The various components of your well pump are instrumental in producing water from this deep hole in your ground. Your well, or your well pump, does not usually command much of your attention until you all of a sudden do not have water.

Fortunately, there are a few signs that your well pump components may need attention before you reach this dire point. Here are a few signs.

1. Low Water Pressure

Have you ever replaced your showerheads because you suspected limescale buildup had caused the flow to slow? Does the water pressure change when you shower, and someone turns on the water in another part of the house? Unfortunately, it may not be the fault of your inside components but may be the fault of low water pressure coming from your well pump.

Water pressure is the force of the water pushed through your home's plumbing system. It is measured in pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI). The ideal rating should be between 40 to 60 PSI in most homes, with 50 being optimal. A wide variety of reasons can cause low water pressure. Some of these include:

You may think adjusting the pressure switch on your pressure tank to increase your water pressure will fix this, it may not be a good idea. Ignoring the low water pressure source can lead to future system failures, and ultimately you may find yourself without water.

2. Spitting Faucets

Turning on your faucets or showers and seeing them spit water before they start freely flowing is a sign of air in your water lines. You may also hear noise in your pipes when your water is in use. Although hearing the noise in your walls can be scary, it is not as bad as you think.

Bleeding air out of your lines may be an easy way to fix spitting or sputtering faucets, but if it continues, you need to identify where the air is entering your system. The problem may indicate the failure of your water's pressure tank caused by a failed water bladder within your well.

If you have an older system, your well may not have a water bladder but may have a wafer or float separating the air from the water. A professional will be able to determine this for you.

3. No Water

Turning on your water and getting no water at all is a sign that something is wrong with your well or well pump. Fortunate people will find a breaker flipped in their breaker box that allows the water to flow when reversed back. An unflipped breaker, or one when flipped back on, but does not cause the water to flow, could indicate a problem with your pump although other things could cause this.

4. Cloudy or Muddy water

Have you noticed that your water is muddy or cloudy? Discolored water could be an indicator that your well pump is no longer filtering out the well's sand and silt before pumping it into your home. Unfortunately, if not quickly fixed, the abrasiveness of the sand and silt will wear your pump out even more rapidly.

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms in your home, contact Brown & Cox . We will come out and perform a thorough inspection of your well and all of its' components. We will get to the source of your problems, allowing you to have water in your home you and your family will feel safe using. Give us a call today.

3 Effective Ways to Protect Your Well From Contamination

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:27:00 GMT

Although a well is an invaluable asset for any home and business, it is vulnerable to contamination. Potential contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and microbiological and organic chemicals, can have numerous long-term health risks.

High levels of heavy metals, for instance, can cause cancer and kidney problems, while excess fluoride in well water can lead to dental fluorosis, characterized by tooth discoloration and enamel damage. Luckily, well owners can take measures to protect their wells from contamination and ensure their water is safe and healthy.

1. Proper Maintenance

Proper well maintenance ensures your well functions optimally and produces safe and healthy water. It involves managing the activities around your well, keeping contaminants away, and caring for the well. What are some ways to maintain your well effectively?

2. Periodic Water Testing

Among the best ways to protect your well is through regular testing to identify and treat any contaminants. Test it promptly if you note a drastic change in your water quality, including its taste, smell, and color.

Also, consider testing when you perform repairs on the well, live in an area with contamination issues, and notice the conditions in your well's vicinity have changed, such as land disturbances and mining activities.

Typically, test your well for pH levels, coliform bacteria, and total dissolved solids every year. Also, test for additional contaminants such as those unique in your region. For instance, if you live in an area with gas drilling operations, consider testing your well for sodium, strontium, and chloride. Similarly, test your well for pesticides, nitrate, and coliform bacteria if you live in agricultural regions.

You may wonder where to test your well water. The best place is accredited laboratories in your state that perform drinking water testing. The tests establish the level of the tested contaminant in relation to the national health standards.

The treatment process depends on the identified contaminant, levels, and well conditions. While some pollutants are easily treatable through disinfection, filtration, and distillation, others require a new well or an alternative water source.

3. Appropriate Disaster Response

Disasters such as earthquakes, flooding, and landslides can affect well water quality by allowing contaminants and pollutants into the well. Floods, for instance, are notorious for contaminating wells with chemicals, debris, pesticides, and spillage. As such, after a flood, take the following precautions to keep you and your well safe.

First, do not use the well water until you are sure it is free from contaminants. You can use bottled water or any other safe water supply. Remember that boiling the contaminated water does not remove toxins and is thus not safe for drinking.

Second, contact a licensed well professional for help inspecting and disinfecting the well. They can identify any contaminants and advise accordingly.

Contact Brown & Cox for well drilling, pump installation, and well repair in Metro Atlanta. We pride ourselves on three decades of experience, quality workmanship, and exceptional customer service. We are proud to meet all your residential and commercial well needs.

Signs That You Direly Need Water Well Repair

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:08:00 GMT

A private well is a valuable asset for millions of households in the United States. Residents use water well for drinking and washing. But even if you haven't used your water well for a while, don't worry. Take proactive action and hire an expert who can inspect various components in your well. Learn about the signs that alert you to seek professional well repair services.

Constantly Cycling Pump

A functional pump helps in extracting water from the well. If the pump runs continuously, its lifespan might be coming to an end. Also, it could be damaged, leading to non-stop functioning. In other circumstances, leaks in the water line cause a short cycle in the well pump. An expert will inspect the components for quality repairs or replacement if the pump is old.

Discolored Water

Your well should provide clean water, which is safe for use and consumption. When you open your faucet and discover discolored water, you often need water well repair. The root cause of the problem is contaminants in the water source. Also, if the well hasn't been in use for quite some time, you will often draw dirty water.

Avoid using discolored water as it poses safety and health risks. Sometimes, discolored water also comes with an unpleasant taste and smell, indicating massive corrosion.

What contaminants will you often find in an unused well?

Harmful Bacteria

Hazardous bacteria, such as E. coli, enter the well due to their proximity to a flooded septic system or livestock manure. The bacterium is dangerous to human beings of all ages. People who are older in age can especially suffer adverse effects when they drink water infested with E. coli.

Arsenic

Arsenic stems from fertilizers and pesticides. The chemical finds its way to the well if the cap doesn't properly fit. Arsenic is toxic and can cause cancers of the lungs, bladder, and skin. The element can accumulate in the body when you consume contaminated water for an extended period.

Nitrates

Nitrates originate from herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and livestock manure. Usually, nitrates infiltrate your well as groundwater contaminants. In high quantities, nitrates harm young animals and children. A water pump inspection can detect nitrates levels in your well.

Strange Noises

Vibrations often indicate a malfunctioned pump that causes pipes to shake. On the flip side, banging or groaning sounds are often signs of faulty bearings in the well pump. Grinding noises emanate from issues within the pump motor. Look out for the peculiar sounds, and call a well expert for immediate action.

Low Water Pressure

When water pressure reduces, the pump could have issues, or the well could be running dry. In addition, a stuck valve is another reason why water pressure has become low. An inspection can determine the precise problem for the right service. If the pump doesn't work correctly, a specialist can repair or replace it.

Frequent Air From the Pipes

When you turn your tap on and air comes through first, there is usually a mishap in the connection. Usually, a defective valve or misplaced well pump leads to air emission when you open the faucet. First, a well driller diagnoses the exact spot where the air has entered the waterline. The next step is to fix the connection system for a smooth flow.

High Power Bills

A surge in energy consumption often points to an underlying problem in the pump. The primary cause is old or clogged pumps that cycle without a halt to maintain the water pressure. Consequently, the strain often results in high power costs at the end of the month. The ultimate solution is to fix equipment failure to reduce utility bills.

Your well needs proper care to offer you clean and safe water all year long. If your well exhibits the signs above, contact us for quality repairs.

5 Signs That Your Water Well Is Running Dry

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 19:37:00 GMT

A faulty well pump is usually the main culprit behind water well issues. But did you know that a dry well can also cause water supply issues in your home? The results of a dry well can be devastating, mainly if you depend on the well for your residential water needs.
But how do you know that your water well is about to run dry? This article highlights the five main signs to watch out for.
1. When the Water Is Muddy or Sandy
Mud or sand in your well water could be an apparent indication that your well is almost dry. Usually, the lowest part of a well contains mud or sand. When the water level in the well goes down, the water pumps suck the mud every time you turn them on because there's no water. Initially, you may not notice the presence of mud or sand in the water if your pump has a filtration system. But with time, the mud may build up on the pump filters and reduce the amount of water you get. When you notice mud in your water or the filters block up, schedule a well inspection to check the water level in the well.
2. When the Water Taste Changes
You should not ignore any slight taste in your well water. A change in taste could mean that the level of water in the well is shallow. As the water level goes down, your pump sucks the sediments at the bottom, and that's why you might notice a change in the usual taste of your water.
At times, the water can be characterized by a change in color too. Unless you have excellent filtration systems, you should not use the well water with weird tastes and colors. You should first find out the cause of the water taste change and fix the issue.
3. When the Pump's Performance Changes
The performance of water pumps depends on their brand, type, location, and even the pump motor size. Since you know your water pump's overall performance, you should quickly realize a change in its performance. Change in sound is the most unmistakable change that you can notice when the pump is about to run dry.
Also, your water pump may start to go off shortly after you turn the pump on. Similarly, your pump might become more active than before by pumping water for an extended period. Prolonged pumping hours indicate that the water pump is struggling to get water from the well, which means that your well water could have fallen below the required level.
4. When the Faucets Are Dry or Blow Air
Dry faucets could mean that your well is dry or the level of water is shallow. However, dry faucets could also mean that there is an issue with your plumbing system. If the faucets are in excellent condition and there's no problem with your plumbing systems, then you should check the level of water in your well.
5. When Your Neighbors Experience the Same Issue
You should consult your neighbors whenever you experience low water pressure or any other issue related to well water. If you all share the well water, your neighbors should also notice the same issues as you. You can then conclude that the well water is running dry if your neighbors have the same sentiments.

Most of the signs above could also imply another problem with the well or the pump systems. To clear the doubts, seek expert help to know the cause of the water supply issue. Brown & Cox offers well drilling and inspection services. Contact us anytime if you notice the above signs or any other well water supply issues.

Causes and Treatment fora Hydrogen Sulfide Contamination

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:49:00 GMT

Have you noticed a rotten egg smell from all your home's faucets? Your well may have a hydrogen sulfide problem. Hydrogen sulfide can eventually make your home's water smell and stain so that it becomes unusable. Therefore, take steps to isolate and control the problem.

Discover information about how to track down the source of hydrogen sulfide, how your well got contaminated, and what solutions to the problem are.

Causes of Hydrogen Sulfide Contamination

Rotten egg smells in plumbing generally have two causes. How you treat them depends on the source.

Plumbing Issues

Bacteria in your pipes and drains and a broken anode in your water heater can create that smell and increase hydrogen sulfide. With the former, the odor only comes from a few faucets and goes away when you run the water for a while. With water heaters, the smell mostly happens when you run the hot water. If you remove or replace the rod, the smell goes away.

Bacterial Issues

Bacteria at the water source, such as your well, can also be the culprit for a rotten egg smell. Certain types of rock are more likely to have these bacteria than others. As these bacteria in the soil break down sulfur, they create hydrogen sulfide. The bacteria itself usually aren't of the harmful type. However, too much hydrogen sulfide gas in an enclosed area could be a potential health hazard.

Solutions to Hydrogen Sulfide Contamination

Fortunately, many solutions are available to reduce or eliminate bad bacteria or hydrogen sulfide. Some of these solutions are harsher and less permanent than others. Consult with a professional before you attempt any of them.

Shock Chlorination

Shock chlorination involves a direct infusing of a chlorine solution into your well. This technique is a common treatment for any time your well might have contamination. However, shock chlorination is not permanent. Plus, it often leaves residual chemicals in the water that need additional treatment. Because of the potential health risks, only a professional should attempt this method.

Aeration

Aeration is one of the most environmentally friendly and safe ways to rid your water of gases. It involves the use of a device to bubble or move around the water and allow the gas to escape into the atmosphere. However, aeration best works with low hydrogen sulfide levels. You may also still need to further treat the water to make it potable.

Filtration

Various filtration methods are available to specifically reduce hydrogen sulfide in your water. These filters remove the gas, and some also remove small bits of sulfur and bacteria. Many of these filters are designed for use with other treatments and work best for low to moderate hydrogen sulfide levels. The equipment also needs regular maintenance.

Ionization

Ionization works similarly to water softeners. The water is ionized and removes the hydrogen sulfide. Chloride remains in place of the hydrogen sulfide. Specific units handle ionization for this purpose. One of the drawbacks is you may need to pre-filter your water for iron and other molecules that could clog the unit. Plus, keep an eye on your chloride levels. Provide a second filter or treatment to keep them in check.

If your situation is so severe that it can't be remedied through conventional means, then you may need to change your water supply. Sometimes, drilling a new well in a different area or at different depths solves this problem.

Strange smells in your well water are reminders of the importance of regular water testing and system examination. That way, you can catch bacterial and corrosion-causing issues before they become a health hazard. If you experience a strange smell or unusual corrosion, contact us at Brown & Cox first. We will come out, check things over, and help you find a suitable solution for your household.

4 Questions to Ask Your Well-Drilling Professionals

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 18:24:00 GMT

Any time you need a service performed, you want to make sure you're hiring the best people for the job. Your water well should be no exception: you'll be drinking this water, washing in it, cleaning your dishes and clothes with it, and using it in a variety of other ways. If you want to know more about your well-drilling professionals, ask them these four questions.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Most places require some certificates, licenses, and other paperwork to operate as a contractor, but nothing speaks for the merit of a company more than experience. Usually, the more time someone spends on a task, the better they'll learn to do it, and the more you can trust that they'll give you quality work.

Asking for references from other clients can also help you determine the work that the contractor will provide. Many people don't need to ask for referrals, as they often find the company through friends or neighbors who have the same work done. If you didn't make use of other people's opinions to find your water well team, be sure to do so before making a decision.

2. What Quality Tests Do You Perform?

When you drill water from your own property, it won't go through the same treatments and purification processes that municipal water does. That keeps your water free of chlorine, fluoride, or other additives they might use to cleanse the water, but it also means that the chemicals present in your soil may get into your supply.

The CDC recommends several water quality tests for any privately-owned wells to test the levels of germs, bacteria, microbes, and pH in your aquifer. Your water well pros should look for a safe place to drill, but they should be able to test the water in your source before finishing the project. Ask about the quality checks they perform and the purification measures you can take if any contaminants are present.

3. What Type of Pump Should We Use?

You have two components to consider for your pump: what kind will work best for your property and what the contractors prefer to work with. Each variety of pump comes with a set of pros and cons that you'll need to consider, and your professionals should be able to help you determine the correct one based on the depth of your well and your personal preferences.

Your drilling company may prefer to work with a type of pump that doesn't work well for your environment or might not often use the kind of pump you think would work best. You might want to consider another company that uses the pump that will be appropriate for your well. Still, if you like the company and believe they'll do quality work, you may be able to entrust the project to them if you talk about the details beforehand.

4. What Maintenance Will I Need?

After the drilling process is complete, you shouldn't need too much upkeep for your pump or well. Preventative pump maintenance and periodic water testing will usually be enough to keep everything running smoothly. Your drilling professionals should have a reasonable idea of how often you'll need to perform either function, and many companies will be happy to come back and complete the tasks for you.

For professional service you know you can trust, contact Brown & Cox today. The local company with over 30 years of experience supplies a wide variety of water well assistance to a broad range of industries. For drilling a new well, pump installation, or various water well repairs, we're the experts you can trust with your water. Get in touch today to see how Brown & Cox can help you with your water supply.

Water Well Diameter: Why Bigger Isn't Always Better

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 04:19:00 GMT

If your home or farm is not connected to municipal water supplies, or you need more water than municipal services can provide economically, a new water well can be extremely useful. However, designing, drilling, and constructing a water well takes a lot of careful planning, and choosing a suitable diameter for a new well can be a challenge.

Defining Water Well Diameters

All residential water wells contain well casings, large metal cylinders which function as the walls of the finished well. These casings prevent the well from collapsing under its own weight, and also stop soil-borne contaminants from leaching into your water supply.

All well casings must be surrounded by several inches of concrete to prevent the casing itself from collapsing. Consequently, the drilled hole used to create a well is significantly wider than the well casing. When well industry professionals refer to well diameter , they are almost always referring to the diameter of the well casing, rather than the well itself.

Excluding large, industrial water wells used to supply mines and factories, most water wells contain casings between four and eight inches in diameter. Four to six-inch casings tend to be the most popular for residential and agricultural users. While a 2-inch difference in diameter may seem trivial, those extra inches can have a dramatic influence on the finished well's overall performance.

Benefits of Choosing a Narrower Well

A water well with an eight-inch diameter will be able to provide more water in a shorter period of time (usually measured in gallons-per-minute or GPM) than a six-inch well. However, you might assume that an eight-inch well provides 25 percent more water than a six-inch well, and a 12-inch well would provide twice as much water as a six-inch well. This is a common misconception.

While a wider well can obviously accommodate more water, it also requires a more powerful pump to draw all that useful water to the surface. On average, doubling the diameter of a water well's casing increases its overall yield by just 10 percent , and has little or no effect on the well's water pressure and gallons-per-minute.

With that in mind, a narrow well is frequently the best choice for residential homeowners, small mixed-crop farms, and other users with relatively modest water needs. A well-constructed six-inch water well is capable of providing more than enough water for a family or for a few acres, and costs significantly less to run and maintain.

Since narrow wells require less raw materials and smaller pumps, they are also much cheaper to drill and construct. If you are constructing a water well to avoid crippling municipal water bills, drilling a narrow well will put less strain on your finances in both the short- and long-term.

Benefits of Choosing a Wider Well

Drilling wider may only provide slight improvements in water yield, but wider casings can provide significantly more static head volume.

Static head volume refers to how much water the well can store at ground level, where it can be used immediately. The higher the well's static head volume, the more water it can provide before the wellhead runs dry and the pump has to draw more water from underground.

Wider wells with higher static head volumes are very useful if you want your well to provide water on an as-and-when basis. This usually isn't a priority if you intend to use well water for cleaning or small-scale irrigation since you can always wait a few minutes for more water to reach the wellhead.

However, if you want to connect your water well directly to your home or farm buildings so that faucets and appliances can use the water, a wider well may be worth the extra investment. If you attach a narrower well to this type of system, you may suffer frequent water interruptions as the well's static head volume is quickly depleted and replenished; more head volume equals fewer interruptions and less inconvenience.

Of course, the best way to determine which well diameter is right for you is by consulting with experienced well drilling professionals. Don't hesitate to contact Brown & Cox for expert advice on well diameter and design.

How to Make Your Water Well More Energy-Efficient

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 18:27:00 GMT

Most homeowners who rely on water wells know that they should use the water your well provides as efficiently as possible, especially during the summer months. However, making sure your well uses energy efficiently is equally important, and many homeowners rely on water wells that use far more electrical power than necessary.

A water well that isn't energy-efficient isn't just bad for the environment but also bad for your bank account. An inefficient well can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year by inflating your energy utility bills. Fortunately, well owners can take a number of simple steps to make their wells more energy-efficient.

1. Check Your Home for Leaks

Many residential well pumps use too much power because of plumbing problems inside the home. If well water leaks out of your home's plumbing system before it can be used, your well pump has to work harder to maintain sufficient water pressure. This can significantly increase pump power usage and also shorten the life of your pump.

Check all of the pipes, pressure tanks, faucets, showers, and hose pipes in and around your property for leaks. Even small leaks can cause thousands of gallons of water to be wasted in a single day. A few small, inexpensive fixes to your home plumbing system can make a surprisingly big difference to your well's energy usage.

2. Have Your Well Professionally Inspected

If plumbing problems inside your home haven't caused the increased energy usage, the problem may be inside the well itself.

Sediment buildup is one of the most common causes of increased well energy usage. If excessive amounts of silt, sand, and other solid deposits make their way into your well water, the well pump will have to use significantly more energy to filter them out of your water supply.

Sediment problems can severely damage well pumps and may contaminate your home's water supply if not taken care of. Sediment buildup is commonly from damage to well screens (the interior walls that prevent your well from collapsing) but can be caused by a variety of other problems, as well as natural environmental changes.

However, other common problems may cause excessive well energy usage. Important components inside your well pump, such as the check valve or the pressure sensor, can cause significantly increased power and water usage if they malfunction. Your well's pressure tank may be waterlogged (if it has one), or the pump itself may leak water.

If your well uses too much energy and you have ruled out home plumbing problems as the culprit, you should inspect your well with a professional well inspection and repair service as soon as possible. These services will be able to diagnose and repair any malfunctions that increase your well's energy needs and safely remove any excessive sediment buildup.

3. Consider a New Well Pump

Modern well pumps are very robust and reliable pieces of equipment, but they are not invincible. Surface-mounted jet pumps tend to last about a decade, while submersible pumps usually last longer, but eventually wear and tear will cause any well pump to become less efficient.
Your well might simply not be fitted with a suitable pump, especially if the well was created before you moved in. Many homeowners assume that bigger is better with well pumps and fit massively overpowered pumps that use far more energy than necessary. Other wells have jet pumps because they are easier to install, when a submersible pump would be more efficient and cheaper to run.
If you picked a reputable well inspection service, they will be able to tell you if your well has a suitable pump. If your pump is not fit for purpose or has simply become too old, you should seriously consider replacing it with a more efficient model. If you have any more questions about how to make your well more energy-efficient, contact the well and well pump experts at Brown & Cox .

The Pros and Cons of Different Well Pumps

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 23:25:00 GMT

When it comes to choosing the correct pump for your well, you should know the pros and cons of different types of pumps to make an informed decision.

Submersible Pump

A submersible pump is one that is sent down the well shaft and stays in the water below ground. Because the entire mechanism is completely submerged in the water, it is encased in metal to keep water away from the motor. 

Additionally, because they are below the water, the engine stays cool, which prolongs the pumps life. This placement also avoids cavitation problems that can happen with above-ground well pumps. 

Advantages to using a submersible pump are many. They can be used at many depths, even up to 400 feet deep in mountainous or dry climates. They are self-priming, which speeds up the priming process. They don't use as much energy because they use gravitational forces to send water to your home.

Submersible pumps can also last for years with little to no maintenance; up to 25 years if your water has a low level of sediment. If you have higher sediment levels with no protection, your pump may only last five or six years.

The disadvantages are few, but you should definitely consider them. Submersibles are the most expensive water pumps, which can be a deterrent. If your pump does begin to fail, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what the problem may be until it's too late, and the pump needs to be replaced. If the pump is too strong for your well, it may cause the well to run dry.

Jet Pumps

Jet pumps can be used for many applications on your property besides pumping water to your home. You can use them for gardening and irrigation, as well as to remove unwanted water from ponds or to control water in an area prone to flooding.

There are different types of jet pumps: shallow well, deep well, and submersible jet pumps. While your project will determine which type of jet pump might be best, jump pumps, in general, have some pros and cons.

The shallow and deep well jet pumps can be offset from the well site, which gives you easier access to the pump when necessary. They can also be simply adjusted for the different yields of your well. Shallow jet pumps are generally used at depths of 18 to 25 feet deep, while deep well jet pumps can go as much as 110 feet.

A submersible jet pump is very efficient and has a depth limit similar to a deep well jet pump. They also have a high capacity.

All three types of jet pumps are normally the least expensive option, and they normally require the smallest amount of maintenance. 

One of the problems faced by all jet pumps is that they are easily damaged by sand and grit. A second problem all jet pumps have are cavitation issues, causing the pump to become gas locked, which will require maintenance.

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are very simple machines, where a motor's kinetic energy is used to move liquids from one end of the pump to the other. Because of this simplicity, there are many benefits to them. 

Water or liquid is kept completely separate from the motor, so there are no concerns about water getting where it doesn't belong. Centrifugal pumps don't have drive seals, which means no concerns about a possibly costly repair. Their outputs are very consistent, and they are smaller than other types of pumps with similar outputs.

One of the major disadvantages of a centrifugal pump is that because it uses rotational power instead of suction, it has almost no suction power at all. So to fully function, the pump has to be installed and stay underwater. They can also have issues with cavitation. And lastly, these pumps are best for thinner liquids. If you need to move something highly viscous, a centrifugal pump may not be the best option.

Depending on your individual needs, either a submersible, jet, or centrifugal pump might be the ideal choice. Let our experts at Brown & Cox help you make the right choice for your well needs. 

Steps to Update an Unused Water Well

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:07:00 GMT

If you recently purchased or acquired a new property, it may come with a well for water supply. Chances are the well was not used for a little while and may need repairs done. Here are some things you will need to know to update your well.

Disinfection

The first step to any well repair is disinfection. You will need to hire a professional, licensed well contractor for this. Bacteria and viruses can get into the water and need to be treated. If you disinfect the water after several attempts and the contaminant still is present, you will need to double check that the equipment isn't defective. If the well equipment is fine, then you may need to locate the source of the bacteria and remove it.

The most common way to disinfect a well is to use chlorine bleach with no additives. This can be run through the entire well system and disinfect as it is run through. This is not a permanent solution for issues with bad construction or faulty equipment within the well (like a septic tank that does not work properly).

Test

Throughout your repair process, you will want to test your water to make sure that no harmful products have gotten into your water. Prominent contaminants include coliform bacteria, which should be tested for once a year, and nitrate, which should be tested for every two to three years.

Should your well ever test positive for nitrate, then you will need to continue to test for it every year. If you notice a change in the taste or smell of your water, you will want to test for these two immediately.

Other products that may contaminate your well water include lead, arsenic, pesticides, or household chemicals.

You should test your water at least once a year, and possibly more often if you have a shallow well.

Tests can be done with the county health department or through private labs. If you test positive for any contaminants, you can choose from a number of treatment plans which depend on the specific contaminant. A licensed well contractor can help you determine which treatment will be best for your particular well issue.

Repairs and Maintenance

Wells are an intricate construction of parts that work together to bring you safe water, and any number of things can go wrong with various parts. If you find, or think you may have, faulty equipment in your system, hire a licensed well technician to help you fix faulty parts of the well system.

Make sure to keep records of any work done on the well or any new concerns you have in order to better help any well professionals that come to help.

If you have older equipment that runs your well, you may want to think about if you should replace parts before you use it. You can test your water first to see how many contaminants you have currently in your water and decide if replacement of parts is necessary.

If your well is in a dangerous location, such as near a septic tank or other potential contaminants, you should consider the need to construct a new well entirely. You do not want to constantly battle bad water that results in these locations.

Well updates can be a challenge for anyone, and in many cases you will need professional help. For any of your well, pump, or repair needs, please visit our website ! Brown & Cox is happy to help you have the highest quality well for your family or business, and help you with any questions that surround your well.

Waterborne Arsenic and Your Residential Well

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 09:36:00 GMT

A reliable source of water is essential for all residential properties. Some homes rely on a municipal water delivery system, but many draw their water from a private well. Private wells are not monitored by the government and require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the water they provide remains clean and pure. All residential wells are at risk of being compromised by contaminants from the surrounding environment. Contaminants that find their way into well water pose a serious health risk for those who rely on residential wells. One dangerous contaminant you need to monitor for if you have a well on your property is waterborne arsenic. Waterborne arsenic has the potential to wreak havoc on the health and well-being of your family, so address this type of contamination quickly and efficiently.

What Is Arsenic Contamination?

Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally in many rocks and soils. When arsenic combines with other elements to form an inorganic compound, the arsenic becomes dangerous. One method by which private wells are contaminated with arsenic is through leaching. Leaching occurs when surface water from rain or snow passes through an arsenic-rich soil deposit before draining into the well. Another way that your well could become contaminated with arsenic is through accidental exposure. Some paints, drugs, soaps, and agricultural products contain trace levels of arsenic. If these products accumulate in high enough volumes inside your well, waterborne arsenic levels will rise.

What Are the Dangers of Arsenic Exposure?

Waterborne arsenic could seriously affect your family's health. Arsenic exposure can lead to neurological and behavioral issues in children. Long-term exposure could cause irreparable damage to your kidneys, bladder, and skin cells. Your lungs could also be at risk if your well contains arsenic. You are at risk of developing lung damage when you inhale the steam in your shower if your well has waterborne arsenic. Extreme cases of contamination can even result in blood disturbances and death. Monitor your water supply constantly for arsenic contamination to prevent your well from making your family sick.

How Can You Identify, Treat, and Prevent an Arsenic-Contaminated Well?

Regular water quality testing is the easiest way to identify the presence of waterborne arsenic in your well water. An experienced technician can gather a sample of the water in your well and test for the presence of contaminants in a laboratory. If you do discover that your well is contaminated, you can do some things to help make your water supply safe once again. You can invest in a filtration system that can remove the waterborne arsenic from your water supply as it enters your home. You can also choose to drill a new well if soil samples from your property do not show evidence of arsenic contamination. You should work closely with your well maintenance technician to detect contamination levels and identify the appropriate methods to prevent waterborne arsenic from becoming a serious problem in your home in the future. When you understand how waterborne arsenic enters your well and how it can negatively affect your family, you can more effectively monitor your water supply for this dangerous contaminant in the future. You will need the services of a reliable well technician to help you identify and treat any waterborne arsenic that finds its way into your private well. At Brown & Cox, we have the knowledge and expertise needed to restore the safety and reliability of your water supply. Contact us today if you suspect that your well water has been compromised. We want to help with any well-related issue or concern you may have. Let us know if you have any questions.

How Can You Benefit From the Installation of an Irrigation Well?

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 20:56:00 GMT

Most homeowners pride themselves on having a well-groomed landscape. Your yard is a visible reflection of the care and effort you put into maintaining your home each day. Water is an essential element in any healthy landscape.

A variety of water delivery systems can give your lawn, shrubs, trees, and flowers access to the moisture they need to grow properly. One of the water delivery systems that residential property owners often overlook is an irrigation well.

Are you the type of homeowner who can benefit from the installation of an irrigation well? Read on to find out.

You Want a Healthier Lawn

Lush, green grass is one of the most recognizable signs of a well-maintained landscape. The type of water delivery system that you use can have a direct impact on the overall health of your lawn.

Sprinklers and hoses can leave water droplets on the surface of each blade of grass. These droplets have the potential to invite disease and decay. An irrigation well delivers water directly to the root system of your lawn through a series of in-ground pipes.

By watering directly at the root of the grass, an irrigation well can improve soil absorption and help prevent wasteful water runoff. The result is a healthier and more vibrant lawn that you can be proud of.

You Want to Protect the Environment

More and more homeowners have taken note of how their daily activities affect the environment. The way that you water your landscape could be detrimental to the environment as a whole.

An irrigation well gives you the ability to gain greater control over your water use. Since the in-ground irrigation approach waters directly at the root of the lawn, the soil is able to retain a proper saturation level for a longer period of time.

The water that you apply to your landscape using an irrigation well is used by plants more efficiently, which can significantly reduce your overall water usage. You can even choose to equip your irrigation well with a moisture sensor that will automatically detect soil moisture levels and adjust water delivery volumes accordingly.

Irrigation wells also have the ability to self-replenish. The well draws water from the ground beneath your property. As your landscape receives the water, it seeps back into the ground and helps to replenish the original groundwater levels. An irrigation well is a sustainable source of water for your landscape.

You Want to Reduce Household Expenses

Saving money is a top priority for many households across the country. Adding an irrigation well to your property can be a great way to help reduce your monthly water expenses. An irrigation well draws water directly from groundwater resources. This means that the water you access is not metered or regulated by your local municipal government.

The water that you utilize to keep your landscape looking healthy and vibrant will come at no cost to you. You only have to pay for the initial installation of the well and any maintenance necessary to keep the well pump functioning properly.

Eliminating outdoor water costs from your monthly expenses can significantly reduce the amount of money your family spends on utilities each month. An irrigation well allows you to keep costs low without compromising the lush landscape that you have worked hard to create.

An irrigation well can be a great addition to any residential property. Anyone who wants to improve the health of their landscape, minimize environmental damage, and reduce household expenses should consider installing an irrigation well to meet their outdoor water needs.

Contact Brown & Cox today to learn more about the ways you can benefit from an irrigation well.

Issues With Your Water Well

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 20:46:00 GMT

A well and pump can be a great addition to your home. If you have municipal water services, a well can be used to save money. It can also help if there is ever a problem with the city's system. When no municipal water is available for your home, a well and pump may be the only way to have access to reliable water.

Of course, a well and pump are not without their own problems, and these problems will be your responsibility to notice and fix. No one from the city water department is going to come to make things right. You must either take care of it yourself or contact a professional well company to do the work for you.

When no water comes out of any of your faucets, there is definitely a problem. However, it does not always mean the well has run dry, Luckily, a number of issues may keep the water from getting from the well to the tank and into the house. Here are a few things to check if you aren't getting any water.

Breaker

The first thing to check is the breaker. If the breaker has tripped, it can keep the pump from working. If the breaker hasn't tripped, you should still make sure that the breaker is working. You can use a multimeter to make sure the correct voltage is going through the breaker. If not, either replace the breaker yourself if you are comfortable doing so or contact an electrician to make the repair.

Pressure Switch

Next, go out to the pump house and feel the tank. The tank should feel full of water. It will also be cold. If you do not feel any water in the tank, try moving it or smacking it. This may trigger the pump to kick on. When this happens, it is often a faulty pressure switch.

Locate the pressure switch and inspect it for any rust or loose connections. You can buy a new pressure switch from a local hardware or plumbing supply store and install it yourself. Follow the directions on the new switch to install it, but be sure to flip the breaker off before doing any work on it. You should also take notes on how the wires are connected to the old switch.

Air Pressure

Almost all well tanks use air pressure to alert the pump switch to kick on and fill the tank. There is a bladder inside the tank that holds the water. As water is used in the house, the bladder deflates due to the air pressure surrounding it. When the bladder is full, the air pressure is released through the air pressure valve and the pump shuts off.

Some pressure valves have an inline gauge that tells you what the air pressure is at inside the tank. Check with the owner's manual for the tank to see what the correct pressure should be when the tank is full and empty.

When the pressure is not right, it is best to contact a professional to determine the cause. If you try to release air pressure when the reading is too high, you can depressurize the system so that it does not operate properly. It is also possible to over pressurize the tank and cause internal damage.

When the breaker and pressure switch are working properly and the air pressure is correct and you still have no water, it is time to call in a professional. While it still does not necessarily mean the well is running dry, the problem is most likely more than what the average homeowner wants to deal with. It could be a leaking bladder or it could be a broken pump.

Contact us at Brown & Cox if you aren't receiving water to your home and cannot fix the problem yourself. We can take care of any pump issues, replace the bladder tank, or even drill the well deeper if need be.

3 Undeniable Signs of a Failing Well Pressure Tank

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 19:45:00 GMT

A well pressure tank is an important part of your well system. First the well pump transfers water from your well and into your home. Then a well pressure tank stores and pressurizes that water for household use. Over time, a pressure tank can experience problems that manifest in your well system. Here are three undeniable signs of a failing well pressure tank.

1. Water Hammer

You can recognize when a water hammer or hydraulic shock occurs by the sudden, loud bang in your water pipes. Water hammer happens when water flow suddenly stops or changes direction. This abrupt change causes water pipes to knock together. You may hear a water hammer when a water appliance accesses water or when you turn a water faucet off somewhere in your home. Frequent water hammers can stress water pipes and weaken old joints. Over time, your pipes may break. Water hammers can occur when a well pressure tank is no longer able to maintain a constant, optimal water pressure in your home. Instead, water flow is more apt to experience fluctuations that result in water hammers.

2. High Electrical Usage

Over time, you are able to establish a rough average for the electrical cost to run a well pump. Well depth, water pressure, and other factors determine how much energy your well pump uses. A sudden jump in electrical utility charges can mean something is wrong with your well system. There are several reasons why your electrical use may increase dramatically. A bad well pump eats up more energy, as does an undersized well pump that must run continually. However, your well pressure tank is capable of forcing a perfectly fine well pump to run constantly. The check valve on a well pressure tank prevents water from returning to the well. This valve can break or get stuck in one position, upsetting the balance of pressure inside the tank. As a result, the well pump turns on to pump more water into the pressure tank. Repeated cycles of water leaving the tank and the well pump turning on makes the pump run nearly nonstop.

3. Worn Well Pumps

Your well pump is the work horse of your well system because it must deliver water to your home. Most well pumps last 25 years under normal wear and tear, but some conditions shorten the life of a pump dramatically. High levels of well sediment, failure to maintain internal bearings and valves, and higher pump demands are among the most common. If you continue to experience a succession of worn well pumps, your well pressure tank may be to blame. Each time you turn the water on in your home, the well pressure tank sends pressurized water instantly to your tap. A failing tank allows water pressure to drop below a preset threshold that activates the well pump. Next time you need water, your well pump must turn on in order to deliver the water that the pressure tank cannot. In the absence of a properly functioning well pressure tank, your well pump must turn on and off each time you need water. Over time, your well pump wears out more quickly than it should. You can check your well pressure tank and make sure the air pressure is at the right psi. Additionally, you can make sure your tank is not waterlogged, or too full of water, to function. However, it's best to let a professional tackle the complexities of well water tank air pressure and water levels. Contact Brown & Cox if you suspect your well water tank shows any of these signs of failure. We can inspect all components of your well system and make the necessary repairs.

3 Things to Know About Well Maintenance

Thu, 30 May 2019 20:47:00 GMT

A private well on your property offers many advantages that municipal water users simply don't have. However, regular maintenance and care is necessary to keep it operating properly to prolong well life, safeguard your investment, and help protect precious water quality for your family. Read on to discover three things you should know about well maintenance.

1. Beware of Floods

The historic flood in 2009 brings to light the damage heavy rain and floodwater cause. Since then, technology is more able to accurately predict and warn of future flood potential. However, abundant rainfall and local flooding are inevitable and can have a real impact on property, including your well. After a flood, your well needs special attention to make sure water is clean and your family stays safe. Flooding introduces bacteria, chemicals, and various pollutants into your well water. Also, water can reach the electrical system or pump and pose a risk for shock. After a flood, avoid a nasty electrical shock and do not go near the well pump. Assume the water is dirty, and don't drink it or wash with it. Instead, tap into your emergency water supply or use bottled water. If you must use your well water follow safety protocol and boil it first. Then have a qualified well contractor clean and turn on the pump, flush and disinfect the well, and approve its overall safety before you use it.

2. Don't Ignore the Well Cap

The well cap has an important job and should not be ignored. Because the well cap is responsible for guarding against accidental water contamination, you need make sure it can continue to do so.

Regularly check the well cap and look for signs of wear or tampering. Bugs and animals can enter your well via cracks and holes and dirty the water.
Avoid planting trees, shrubs, and plants near the well cap, and aggressively trim back nearby plant life to protect the well cap.
To help keep pollutants via rainwater from entering through the well cap, grade the soil around the well cap to speed draining and avoid puddles.

You can add another level of protection with the addition of grout seal. This seal surrounds the drilled hole and casing directly below the well cap to further prevent contamination. Ask your well contractor whether your well has a grout seal.

3. Think Before You Upgrade Your Property

Property upgrades like a detached garage or horse pen may be good for the value of your home and land, but it might end up harming your well. Certain physical objects and structures may threaten a well's integrity and compromise your water safety if they are too close to your well. Structures that house motor vehicles and other machines like a garage have the potential to leak motor oil, gasoline, fuels, and other pollutants into your well water. Horse pastures, barns, dog runs, and other animal enclosures can contaminate the area near a well with manure and dangerous bacteria. Finally, increased human and motor vehicle activity near a well might result in someone hitting it. Increase the visibility of the well with bollards or bump posts to avoid damage from a crash. Despite regular maintenance, your well can still experience problems with weather, contamination, and damage. You might need a qualified well expert to visit your well to help in the event of a flood, check the well cap, or discuss your options regarding a grout seal. We at Brown & Cox want your well to produce the best water possible for your family and property. Give us a call and ask how we can increase your well quality and safety.

Water Pumps: How They Work, What the Failure Signs Are, and How to Prevent This

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 03:43:00 GMT

When you set up your well, you probably expect it to give you years of trouble-free use. However, parts, such as the well pump, can and do wear down and break. When you have problems once you turn on the tap, then that could be a sign that your well pump is about to break. Here is more about the way your well works, signs that your pump is failing, and tips on preventing well pump failure.

How Your Pump Works

If your well pump setup is typical, then the well pump is likely submerged deep in your well with pipes that run up to a pressure tank and then into your home. The pressure tank is on top of the well and helps maintain a consistent water supply when needed. The pump only runs when the sensor sends a signal that the pressure is low. Another type of pump is the jet pump which is also at the top of the well and draws water up through a pipe. Like the submerged pump, a jet pump works with a pressure tank and otherwise runs in a similar way as a submerged tank.

How Your Pump Shows Signs of Failure

The most obvious sign that your pump is about to fail is that nothing comes out when you turn on the tap. Another sign is when the water comes out after a period of sputters and hisses. Dirty or strange-smelling water is another sign of an imminent pump failure. You may also notice higher electrical bills because failing pumps tend to run constantly rather than only when the pressure is low. However, many of these signs could signify that other well components have failed. A leak in the pressure tank can cause your pump to run more often. Also, sand or dirt in the water may indicate a problem with your water table or the location of your pump. The best way to determine that your pump is the problem is to have a professional remove and examine it.

How to Prevent Pump Failure

Do these things to help keep your pump in good shape and ward off problems before they cause damage. Service Your Well Regularly You should already have a regular maintenance schedule for your well pump and check it at least once a year. Some pumps have a lubrication schedule and require regular bearing and seal replacement. Do a Visual Inspection Frequently Check your pipes, lines, pressure tank, and jet pump frequently. Take note of any water pooling or potential problems with tree roots. You should also check your exterior well components each time you do yard work or maintenance in the area. Make sure your pressure switch is clear of debris. Install a Low Water Cutoff A low-water cutoff switch ensures that your pump will shut off during times of high usage or water fluctuations. Shutting off the pump in low-water situations helps keep it from overheating and burning out prematurely. Install a Sediment Filter A sediment filter may help protect your pressure tank so that it is less likely to burst or have problems. Generally, the filter goes between the pump and your pressure tank, though some configurations may differ. Reducing problems with the pressure tank means less chance that your pump will cycle unnecessarily. If you have an old system, and your pump shows signs of imminent failure, then you may need to replace it. However, if your pump is new, then you have a chance of repairing. If you think that your well pump is failing, or you aren't sure of the cause of the problem, then contact Brown & Cox and have us come and check it out. We will repair, replace, and maintain your well components so that you will have an uninterrupted supply of water.

Does Your Well Water Contain These 2 Minerals?

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 09:11:00 GMT

If you live in a rural area, you enjoy the freedom and self-sufficiency the country provides. When you own your own well, you are free to control the purity and quality of the well water on your property. Depending on the location of your well, the water contains naturally occurring minerals. However, high levels of some minerals can be harmful. Does your well water contain these two minerals?

1. Iron

Iron may be present in your well water as it filters through iron-bearing rock or soil. Corroded iron and steel from well casings and pipes also leach into well water. Iron and the Human Body Iron is a necessary mineral that can be difficult for the body to absorb. Women especially often take iron supplements to make up for a lack due to menstruation. Your body needs iron to enable red blood cells to deliver crucial oxygen throughout the body. Without sufficient iron, you feel tired, dizzy, and anemic. However, too much iron in your diet can give you gastrointestinal problems. Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea are most likely to occur. Extremely high iron levels result in iron toxicity, which can lead to organ damage, coma, and death. How to Tell If Iron Is Present Public water should not have more than 0.3 mg/L, or milliliters per liter of water, of iron. However, the level of iron present in a well is not regulated. Determine if your water contains high levels of iron with these signs:

Water tastes metallic, especially coffee and tea made with iron water.
Some foods cooked in iron water darken in color.
Visible brown, red, or yellow stains remain in tubs and sinks.
Clogs occur in appliance lines and other water-related systems.

One good way to detect iron in water is to let a glass of water sit undisturbed. Water that turns brown, yellow, or red contains iron.

2. Copper

Copper occurs naturally in water but also enters ground and well water from nearby farm and mine activities or industrial wastewater. Surprisingly, copper is more likely to enter your water supply via copper plumbing pipes and fittings. Water can contaminate if it sits for long periods in:

Very new copper pipes that have not yet formed a protective mineral film inside
Older copper pipes that begin to corrode

Acidic well water tends to corrode copper pipes more quickly. Copper and the Human Body Copper aids the body in producing red blood cells and helps maintain nerves, bones, and blood vessels. Copper also assists the body to form collagen, necessary for skin, bones, and connective tissue that hold the body together. You might mistake over-absorption of copper in your body for flu symptoms such as stomach cramps and diarrhea. However, extremely high levels have been linked to headaches, mood swings, eating disorders, and low blood pressure. Infants and those with Wilson's disease are especially susceptible to high amounts of copper. How to Tell If Copper Is Present Sometimes water high in copper tastes metallic or bitter. You might notice blue or green mineral stains in the bathtub, shower, or sink. The addition of chlorine to well water that already contains copper and magnesium can make your hair turn green. Also, your hair can feel dry and dull and experience more split ends if washed in water with high levels of copper. Iron and copper occur naturally in well water, but high levels can be harmful. If you are concerned about the mineral content of your well water, test your well water for contaminants. Then visit Brown & Cox to find out more about all your options for removing minerals.

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