What process does a well use to provide homes with water?
In this area, some homes are on well water, typically those in rural areas. There isn’t only one type of well system, there are several types of well systems, each providing homes with water in a different process. Homes with well systems in Somerset, Massachusetts may need to rely on a variety of systems and processes to get water into their homes. Our team can be there to help you learn about the system you use for your home.
How many types of well systems are there?
There are four types of well systems used today. The one you choose will define the water quality and water quantity that you’ll receive. With that in mind, you should have a clear understanding of the different types of well systems, including how they are installed and what maintenance is required. Finding a professional service is recommended to have somebody who can answer questions and offer recommendations.
The four types of well systems are:
1. Dug Well Systems
If you’re going to use your well for drinking water, dug well systems are not recommended. They are shallow and pose a high risk of contamination because there the protection from surface water is insufficient. These types of well systems are approximately two feet wide and often dug by hand. They are often lined with corrugated galvanized steel or prefabricated concrete tile.
2. Bored Well Systems
Bored well systems are constructed by using a boring machine to a depth between 50 feet and 100 feet and two feet wide and are commonly made with an earth auger and concrete. This is another example of shallow well systems, making them at risk of water contamination and are quick to go dry in drought conditions.
3. Driven Point Well Systems
The driven-point well systems are constructed with lengths of pipe being assembled and driven less than 50 feet into the ground with a diameter of two inches or less. Loose soil is required for these types of well systems like gravel aquifers and sand. High water pressure is used to drive the pipes into the ground and has a shallow water table with few to no stones.
4. Drilled Well Systems
Drilled well systems are often referred to the other types of wells, including well systems constructed from a driving and jetting combination. Farms that have drilled well systems are typically four to eight inches in diameter and have the lowest risk of contamination. The water that drilled well systems pull from comes from bedrock aquifers and overburden. The overburden well systems are typically composed of gravels and sands found above bedrock.
How long should well systems last?
All well systems have a pump. That is how the water gets from underground up to where it goes into the home. The average lifespan of the pump in most well systems is between 15 and 25 years. The older the pump gets, you’ll notice a decrease in water pressure and an increase in utilities, and problems start becoming more frequent, requiring professional service and then replacement.
How much do pumps for well systems cost?
The cost of well pumps varies based on the well size and the materials used, plus the installation labor. The average cost of pump replacement for well systems can range between $1,000 and $3,000, possibly more.
Will homeowners’ insurance cover the cost of a well pump replacement?
Every homeowner’s insurance policy will have different coverage when it comes to well systems. In most cases, if there is damage or destruction to the well pump due to a fire, storm, or other significant event, a homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the replacement cost. It is important to reiterate that not every policy is the same and not all companies offer coverage to well systems. Also, any well systems that malfunction should be addressed to the warranty aspect.
What are the signs of the pump on well systems going out?
When the pump on the water well systems starts to go out, you’ll notice one or more of the following issues:
- Fluctuating water pressure
- Strange sounds coming from the tank
- Water spits and sputters coming from the faucets
- The pump runs constantly
- The water is discolored and tastes bad
- Increase in the electric bill
What do new well systems cost?
Several factors will contribute to the cost of drilling well systems. The average cost can start around $5,000 and cost as much as $20,000 or more. The geological and technological factors, as well as the depth required to reach water, will be determined by the contractor before the start of the job.
What type of maintenance do well systems require?
A well system should have an annual inspection by a professional. They will test for cleanliness, mechanical problems, and possible contaminants’ presence like arsenic, coliform bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, radon, and more.
Keep The Water Flowing
Once well systems have been installed, the maintenance the homeowner practices, or has done by a professional, can affect the lifespan of water well systems. If you need to learn more about well systems in Somerset, Massachusets reach out to our professionals for more information.