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What You Should Know About Living on Well Water

What You Should Know About Living on Well Water

Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Wells

Is your home’s water supplied by a well? If so, there are a few things you should know. From getting your well checked yearly to recognizing the signs of a problem, the more you know about your well water system, the better able you are to keep your water flowing smoothly.

Quality Home Services offers a wide range of well services to residents across Fresno, Bakersfield, Castroville, the Bay Area, and beyond. We believe that education is the first line of defense against well problems. We also know how empowering it is to understand how something works and what to do when you spot an issue.

Below we answer some common questions about living on well water and some helpful tips for ensuring your system runs efficiently. Keep reading to learn more.

How Does a Well Water System Work?

To create a well, you first drill down until you reach the groundwater aquifer. This can be incredibly deep, even up to 1,000 feet. A pipe casing is installed in the drill hole, and a submersible pump is installed at the bottom of the hole in the groundwater. This pump then moves water up the well casing into a pressure tank. The water then enters your home through this pressure tank.

Generally, before well water is pumped through your home, it is run through a filtration system to remove any 1contaminants and possibly through a water softening system to help reduce the hardness.

Why Do I Have to Have My Well Checked Yearly?

Regular testing is recommended because well water may contain contaminants (such as iron, sulfur gas, nitrates, and even arsenic). These yearly water quality checks of your well system are vital to ensuring that the water in your well is clean and safe. Testing should be done by a licensed professional, like Quality Home Services, or by a certified laboratory. Samples should be tested within 30 hours of collection to ensure that the rest results are accurate.

If you don’t know the last time your well water was tested, or if you’ve just moved into a new home that relies on well water, you should schedule water testing now. Additionally, if you notice any change in the quality of your water, such as the clarity, smell, or taste, you should schedule testing, even if it’s not time yet for your annual test. Changes in your water may indicate a contamination problem, and you want to make sure that it is taken care of as quickly as possible.

How Long Will My Well Last?

Determining how long your well will last can be tricky. Some wells will last for 100 years, while others may only last for 25 or 30 years. Factors that affect how long your well will last include the location of the well, your local geography, groundwater conditions, and the type of well you have. To estimate how long your well will last, speak with a professional.

How Do I Combat Hard Water?

Depending on where you live, the water supplied from your well may be hard. In fact, well water is more likely to be hard than water from other sources. Hard water is safe to drink, but it may cause scale buildup in your pipes, appliances, and on your dishes and clothes. Additionally, you may not like the taste. However, there are several things you can do to combat the hard water coming from your well.

The best way to permanently solve a hard water problem is to install a water softener at your home. A water softener removes many of the minerals (like calcium and magnesium) from your water, and you will notice a difference almost instantly. You may also wish to install a water filtration system. This will help ensure that your water is safe to drink, improving the flavor as well.

To schedule well water testing or for more information about installing a water softener or water filtration system at your home, reach out to Quality Home Services. We offer free estimates.

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