One of the most important things a homeowner with a residential water pump should complete annually is a water well inspection. Although well systems have been used in the Phoenix valley for more than two hundred years, the reality exists that these systems and the water you drink are prone to damage such as, exposure to harmful bacteria or chemicals. This is why most residential water repair companies recommend homeowners to have them inspect their water well system inspected at least once per year. In order to understand the reasons why and what you should consider for this inspection, we’ve put together this Phoenix residential water well inspection checklist.
Preparing For a Water Well Inspection
Noted below are a few of the important items to verify anytime you are looking to hire a Phoenix area well inspection company:
- Always have a certified and licensed residential water well inspector in Arizona complete this annual inspection. As with any other major household appliance residential water wells should be inspected or serviced by someone that is registered and certified by the state to complete this vital check-up. By all means, never risk your family’s health by allowing a non-certified or non-licensed contractor to complete this important inspection.
- Verify that the water well inspection company will complete chemical and bacteria testing of your water well supply. Although most water wells are well maintained, they are exposed to elements that can contaminate the water supply. Items ranging from agricultural pesticides to naturally occurring bacteria, arsenic, and other harmful chemicals can damage your water well and cause potentially fatal medical conditions if consumed. Always make sure that any licensed company inspecting your residential water well completes this vital step.
- Be sure that your water well inspection company does a flow test to record output and a water level check before and after pumping (if possible). They should also check the performance of the pump motor, pressure tank, pressure switch contact, and the water quality in general.
- Your contractor should inspect your well equipment to ensure that it is sanitary and up to local code.
- A clear, easy-to-read written report should be provided after inspection, which should include test results as well as any recommendations.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Water Well Running at Its Peak
Between visits from a professional, here are some tips to help you maintain the integrity and safety of your drinking water and well system components.
Ensure well access. Some property owners unintentionally block access to their wells, not realizing that it may need to be accessed in the future for repair or replacement. Be sure to keep your well easy to access for well inspection professionals.
Protect well components. Keep the well and electrical controls protected from vandals, unauthorized access, and the elements (including rain and direct sun).
Record your observations. Observe and record the working condition of your well and its components regularly, noting any changes in performance. Consider having a well flow meter installed to record the amount of water that is pumped on a monthly basis. A significant change may point to a leak.
Be proactive about protecting your water well. The best way to reduce the potential for accidental exposure of harmful fertilizers, chemicals, oils, paints or pesticides from entering your drinking well is to keep them in a controlled environment and away from the well. This reduces the chance of chemicals used on most residential properties from contaminating the water supply.
Check your well cover. A common item that can cause water wells to become contaminated is a well cover that is damaged. Although most of them are made of high-quality materials, olderย well covers and capsย can develop small leaks. A monthly inspection of the well cover is simple and can save you a tremendous amount of money having to dig or tap into a new water source. If you notice any problems with the well cover, contact a professional water well inspection company immediately.
Be cautious about back siphoning. When you use hoses, donโt mix them directly with chemicals. In some cases, when you shut the hose water supply off, chemicals will back flow into the storage tank and can eventually end up in the well itself, which will contaminate your entire water supply. To avoid having contaminants flow back into your water supply, equip faucets with hose connections with backflow prevention devices (for example, check valves).
Avoid servicing your own well. If you detect an issue that needs to be resolved, it’s best to leave servicing to a qualified residential water well contractor. Keep in mind that each time you remove a well cap to service your well, there is a risk of bacterial or other contamination into the well. Also, property owners have been known to drop tools into the well or get the pump stuck while trying to service or replace it. Not to mention the risk of electrocution present with a submersible pump.
Keep Records & Reports
In general, the best way to be prepared to have a successful well inspection is to be prepared. Always keep your inspection records and know where they are located for quick access. Professional water well inspection companies use older well inspection records to expedite their testing. Itโs very important that you have construction reports, water quality testing records and all annual inspection records available for the contractor to review while completing their inspection.
Save Money with Regular Well Inspections
Remember, preventative maintenance will cost you less in the long run. We all want to save money whenever possible, but when it comes to your well function and the quality of your water, putting off regular inspections by a qualified, highly rated water well professional can be costly or even dangerous.
Small, easy-to-fix issues can turn into far more involved and expensive ones over time, so you can save money (and headaches) by keeping up with your well maintenance.
If you follow this Phoenixย residential water well inspection checklist, you will likely protect your water supply, save money on unnecessary repairs and protect the quality and integrity of the water you and your family consumes each day.
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Do you need to have your residential water well inspected? Call Pump It Up Pump Services, Inc. and let one of ourย professionals answerย yourย water well questions.ย Call 623-582-5069 now!