Tips For Troubleshooting Low Well Water Supply
If you're new to homes with well water, you may not know how to spot the signs that the well is running dry. Some symptoms are easy to dismiss, and it can leave you in a tight spot if you suddenly run the reservoir completely dry. Here's a look at what you should watch out for as well as some tips for dealing with a well that's drying up.
Dry Well Warning Signs
Understanding what to watch for is the easiest way to catch a well supply problem before it becomes a disaster. Here are a few common symptoms you might spot:
Discoloration in the water: As the water supply runs lower, you'll find more sediment in your water. This sediment is everything from dirt to mineral deposits. This will lead to a brownish or yellowish tint to your water. This discoloration can also be an indication of iron in the water due to rusted pipes, so don't automatically assume that it's because of low water supply. Look for other signs as well. Have the water tested by a testing company to determine the cause for sure.
Air in the lines: If you turn your faucets on and frequently get air sputters, this is often one of the earliest indicators that your water supply is running low in your well. It occurs because the pump isn't able to take in a consistent supply of water, so it starts drawing air as well.
Change in the flavor: If your previously clean-tasting water has started to taste a little off, perhaps a little bit dirty, that's another indication that the well water is low. Just as with the discoloration, that sediment can also cause changes in the way the water tastes.
Steps To Resolve Low Water Wells
There are several options to address a well with a low water supply. It's often best to call your local well drilling contractor to find out which one is best for your situation, but here are some things to consider.
Check the pump: Sometimes the problem isn't so much a low supply as much as it is a poorly placed pump. If the pump was installed just below the water surface and the well wasn't filling fast enough to meet the demand in your house, the water level could have dropped below the top of the pump. In those cases, you can simply lower the pump to resolve the problem.
Fracture the surrounding rock: Sometimes fracturing the rock surrounding the well is enough to open an additional water vein to increase the flow to your well and restore your water supply. This is often a first step before looking at other more significant repairs.
Deepen the well: You may be able to access additional groundwater flow by deepening your well. While this isn't guaranteed, if there's enough water flow below the base of your well, you may be able to restore your supply by adding another ten or fifteen feet to the well depth.
If these steps don't work, you may have to drill a whole new well. Talk with your well drilling contractor today about your concerns.