Private water wells are a vital part of Indiana’s water infrastructure. They provide safe, clean drinking water to thousands of Hoosiers and are an important part of our state’s economy. The first wells were dug by hand and were often the only water source for a family or farm. Today, private wells are still a vital part of Indiana’s water infrastructure, providing safe drinking water to many Hoosiers. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulates private water wells. The DNR sets standards for well construction and water quality and inspects wells to ensure that they comply with these standards.
A private water well is a great resource, but only if you can access the underground aquifer. Homeowners usually gain access by using a well pump, and the most common well pump is submersed within the well. With a conventional well system, your pump sends the water from the well to your house and stores it until needed. If the system components are not working properly, you could be stranded without water.
A water well pump in Indiana typically lasts around 15-20 years before it needs to be replaced. Replacing a water well pump is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. This post will discuss the replacement process and how you can decide if one or more of your well system components need to be replaced.
Diagnose — Do I really need a new well pump system?
If you suspect an issue with your water well system, it is important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. There are a few different ways to go about this, and the most important thing is to make sure that you are working with a qualified professional. A reputable water well contractor diagnosis will help you ascertain your needs.
The best option is to contact a licensed water well contractor. These professionals are trained to diagnose and repair water well systems. They will be able to come out to your property and look at your system. They will also be able to provide you with a list of potential problems that you could be having. This is the easiest way to ensure that there is nothing wrong with your system. The typical well system includes the pump, pressure switch, pressure gauge, and pressure tank. If any part of the system fails, it can prevent you from using your water. The problem can be one or more of these components, and an experienced technician won’t sell or replace things unnecessarily. Once you have had your well system inspected by a qualified professional, they will be able to identify any problems and give you an estimate of the repairs that need to be made.
Determine — What size pump & tank do I need?
Your water well technician will be able to properly size your pump and tank based on a few things. They will consider factors such as the size of your family, water usage, irrigation needs, etc. Obviously, the more people live in your house, the more water you need for baths and showers, laundry, dishes, etc. If you are someone who waters a garden, fills a swimming pool in the summer, or has any other outstanding circumstances, you’ll need to ensure that your pump size can keep up with the demand.
Water Well Pump — The average household needs 100 to 120 gallons per person per day and a flow rate of about 6 to 12 gallons per minute. A toilet will normally use about 2.2 to 5.0 GPM, a shower from 2.5 to 5.0 GPM, a bathtub from 4.0 to 8.0 GPM, a bathroom or kitchen faucet from 2.5 to 3.0 GPM, a dishwasher from 2.0 to 3.0 GPM, and a washing machine from 4.0 to 5.0 GPM.
Also, the deeper the well, the higher the horsepower the well pump needs to be. This is due to Total Dynamic Head—basically, the work done by the pump per unit weight, per unit volume of fluid. Generally, a ½ HP well pump isn’t installed more than 80-100 feet.
Pressure Tank — Water well pressure tanks are an essential part of any home that relies on a well for its water supply. The pressure tank stores a reserve of water that can be used when the pump is not running, and it also helps to regulate the pressure of the water coming into the home. Without a properly functioning pressure tank, the well pump would have to work harder and eventually burn out. The tank is used primarily for water storage in a conventional water well system. If your well is low-producing, you may need a larger tank to keep more water readily available to compensate for the lack of production.
Constant Pressure Pump Systems — C&J Well Co also offers a pump system from Grundfos that gives you city water-like pressure using well system components. It is sometimes referred to as a variable speed pump or a variable frequency drive, and it takes up very little room in your garage, house, or mechanical room. The Grundfos SQE is the only constant pressure pump on the market that is fully equipped with built-in electronic controls, which will allow for advanced computer-controlled performance and state-of-the-art protection features, including sophisticated diagnostics. The motor design is a variable speed drive that electronically changes the pump speed so it will match demand, providing you with the incredible comfort of constant pressure. The Grundfos SQE Constant Pressure System will constantly adapt pump performance to meet the water demand. The system will work even if every household member uses water simultaneously—in the kitchen, shower, car wash, and irrigate the lawn—the Grundfos system ensures that the water pressure remains constant.
Our service technicians have had extensive training with Grundfos pumps and have over 25 years of experience and knowledge in installing and repairing water well pumps. You can feel confident that the job they do will be done right.
Due Diligence — Which well service company should I hire?
Speaking of doing things right, as discussed in a previous post, there are some things you should ask before hiring any contractor. There are many factors to consider when hiring a contractor. Reputation is one of the most important. A reputable contractor will have a good reputation with past clients and be known for quality workmanship. They will also be licensed and insured. Check their reviews and ask friends and neighbors about their reputation. Make sure they are licensed by the state of Indiana—it’s illegal for a contractor to install, replace, or repair a water well system without a license.
Once you’ve found a few potential contractors, you’ll want to meet with them to get a feel for their personalities and see if they’re a good fit for your project. Be sure to ask them plenty of questions about their experience, process, and pricing. You should also get a written estimate from each contractor before making a final decision. Pore over their contract and pricing and confirm what is included in their estimate—this information should be transparent. Also, make sure they are bonded and insured to avoid any potential liability issues down the road.
Decide—When it’s time to get the job done, C&J is there.
Hiring a contractor can be a smooth and stress-free process with little research and planning. By doing your research, you can be confident that you’ve found a reputable contractor who will do a great job on your project. Hiring a reputable contractor will give you peace of mind, knowing that the job will be done right.
C&J Well Co. is here to guide you through the process of installing or replacing your water well system. Our technicians are licensed, our company is insured, and we have a great reputation in Central Indiana. We have been drilling and servicing wells for over 25 years and are confident we can meet your needs—whether large or small. Contact us today!
