Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What type of well do I have?” You’re not alone. Many homeowners are tasked with this question, especially when faced with maintenance issues or when first moving into a new property. Understanding what kind of well you have is crucial for managing your property and ensuring the quality and safety of your water supply.
Understanding Well Basics
Before diving into the specifics of different well types, it helps to understand what a well is. Essentially, a well is a structure created by digging, driving, boring, or drilling into the ground to access groundwater. Wells are crucial for accessing water for homes, farming, and various other uses, especially in areas without a municipal water supply.
Why Knowing Your Well Type Is Important
Knowing your well type enables you to manage and maintain it effectively. Different wells may need distinct maintenance routines, have varying longevity, and impact the quality of water differently. Furthermore, if you ever plan to sell your property, potential buyers will likely want to know details about their water source.
Types of Wells
Wells come in various types, each with unique characteristics and methods of construction. Here, we will discuss the most common types: dug wells, driven wells, drilled wells, and artesian wells. Understanding each can shed light on what might be present on your property.
Dug Wells
Dug wells are one of the oldest types of wells. They are traditionally crafted by manually digging into the ground with a shovel or backhoe. These can be several feet deep, depending on the water table level in the area.
- Depth: Typically less than 30 feet
- Construction Material: Concrete, stone, or brick lined
- Risks: More susceptible to contamination due to shallowness
- Particular Uses: Often used in rural or historic properties
These wells are considered shallow, and because of their susceptibility to contamination, they may not be the best source of potable water without additional treatment.
Driven Wells
Driven wells are assembled by driving a small diameter pipe into sandy or gravelly ground. These wells are often more reliable than dug wells but require certain ground conditions to be feasible.
- Depth: 30 to 50 feet
- Construction Material: Steel or plastic pipe
- Risks: Less prone to contamination than dug wells but still shallow
- Particular Uses: Suitable for sand and gravel areas
If your well is placed in an area with loose soils, there’s a decent chance it could be a driven well. These are usually quick to install and are relatively inexpensive.
Drilled Wells
Drilled wells are the most modern and reliable type of well, installed by a professional drilling rig. These wells can access much deeper water sources than the previous types.
- Depth: More than 100 feet, can go several hundred to over a thousand feet
- Construction Material: Often involves casing with a steel or plastic pipe
- Risks: Generally less contamination risk due to depth
- Particular Uses: Suitable for any area, best for reliable, clean water
Drilled wells can provide an ample supply of water and are less likely to dry up as they access aquifers much deeper below the earth’s surface.
Artesian Wells
Artesian wells are unique because they take advantage of pressure from confined aquifers. These natural pressures can push water to the surface naturally, without the need for pumps.
- Depth: Varies; connected to confined aquifers
- Construction Material: Similar to drilled wells, using steel or plastic casing
- Risks: Similar to drilled wells in terms of contamination risks
- Particular Uses: Excellent option if conditions allow, providing natural water flow
These wells are highly valued for their ability to provide water without pumping, thanks to the natural pressure in the aquifer.
Identifying Your Well Type
Now that you have a grasp of the different types of wells, it’s time to identify which type exists on your property. There are specific aspects to consider when determining your well type.
Visual Inspection
A simple inspection of your well can provide initial clues about what type you have.
- Inspect the Well Cap: A metal or plastic cap on the ground usually indicates a drilled or driven well. Older-style masonry or large stones could suggest a dug well.
- Depth Information: If your property comes with records, check for documented well depth. Wells over 100 feet are likely drilled.
- Casing Visibility: A visible pipe extending from the ground could hint at a driven or drilled well.
Consultation with Previous Owners or Local Experts
If possible, talking to previous property owners can offer valuable insight as they may have direct experience with the well. Local well drillers or water authorities may also have records or the expertise to help you diagnose your well type.
Review of Property Records
Review any documents you might have received when purchasing the property. It’s common for well details to be included in these. Water testing reports can also indicate the type of well by mentioning the depth and characteristics of the water source.
Professional Inspection
For the most accurate identification, consider hiring a professional well driller or hydrogeologist. They possess specialized equipment and knowledge to determine the type of well without guesswork.
Maintenance Considerations Based on Well Type
Now that you’ve identified your well type, understanding its maintenance needs is essential for safe and continuous water supply. Each type of well has specific maintenance requirements.
Dug Well Maintenance
For dug wells, you’ll want to regularly inspect the well cover to ensure it’s secure to prevent contaminants from entering. Additionally, water quality should be tested often since they are more prone to contamination.
- Inspection Frequency: Monthly visual checks, annual professional inspections
- Water Testing: Every three to six months
Driven Well Maintenance
Driven wells require some level of vigilance as they are shallower and can be influenced by surface activity. Regular checks to ensure the integrity of the pipes and cap should be performed.
- Inspection Frequency: Semi-annual inspections
- Water Testing: Twice a year
Drilled Well Maintenance
While drilled wells are the most secure, they still necessitate periodic check-ups. Focus on testing pressure and ensuring that the pump system is operational.
- Inspection Frequency: Once a year professional inspection
- Water Testing: Annually or when changes in water quality are noticed
Artesian Well Maintenance
Artesian wells, while generally low-maintenance due to natural pressure, still require attention to ensure that faucets and connections remain in good condition to handle water pressure.
- Inspection Frequency: Annual check-ups
- Water Testing: Annually
Common Problems and Solutions by Well Type
Each well type can face unique problems. Understanding these can help you troubleshoot issues more efficiently.
Problems with Dug Wells
Contamination: Due to proximity to the surface
Solution: Regular disinfection and sealing any surface run-off entry points
Low Water Yield: Common during dry spells
Solution: Conservation during low yield periods, possibly deepening the well if feasible
Problems with Driven Wells
Sediment Ingress: Sand and silt can sometimes be drawn into the well
Solution: Installing a filter can mitigate sediment issues
Pump Issues: Shallow depth may lead to pump inefficiency
Solution: Regular pump maintenance and possible upgrades
Problems with Drilled Wells
Pump Failure: Depth places strain on pumping systems
Solution: High-quality pumps and regular maintenance schedules
Scaling: Mineral deposits from hard water
Solution: Install water softeners or filters if scaling becomes an issue
Problems with Artesian Wells
Uncontrolled Flow: Occasionally flows may become difficult to manage
Solution: Install appropriate flow control devices or pressure regulators
Pressure Loss: Can occur if there is excessive draw or structural issues
Solution: Consult with professionals to assess aquifer pressure and structural integrity
Conclusion
Understanding the type of well on your property isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a step towards maintaining a healthy and reliable water supply. By identifying your well type, you can ensure proper maintenance, troubleshoot effectively, and manage resources wisely. A well is more than a hole in the ground; it’s a lifeline that when understood and cared for correctly, can provide years of reliable service. Always remember, investing time and effort in understanding and maintaining your well is an investment in your property’s future and your own peace of mind.