Knowing Where Your Well Is Located: What You Need to Know

When it comes to understanding and maintaining your well system, knowing where the well is located is essential. Not only does this knowledge help you to keep an eye on your well to ensure it is sealed and sanitary which ensures its longevity and the water supply, but it will ensure access to the well for future servicing. In this blog, we'll explore where the well is typically located and where the well pump is located within the well.

1. Well Location

Typically, the well is located outside of the home, on the opposite side of the home of any septic tank and leach field. The minimum a well can be from a septic system is 50’ from the septic tank and 100’ from the leach field. The wellhead itself should be noticeable because it is at least a 4” or more commonly a 6-7” diameter pipe, typically steel, that extends above grade at least 12”. The typical distance from the house is less than 100’ but this is not always the case. Some wells are much further from the house due to many factors. If a well is hard to locate it may be because someone did not ensure it is at least 12” above grade, buried it, or installed landscaping around it that covers it up. If a wellhead cannot be found, it may be necessary to bring a private locator out to locate the electric cable going to the well to find its approximate location. From there, it may need to be uncovered by hand until it is found. 

2. Well Accessibility

It is important to ensure that the well remains accessible for maintenance and repairs. Most wells in Colorado are deep enough to require us to use a pump hoist to remove the well pump. This is a small crane mounted to a truck that needs to be able to back up to within 12”-18” of the wellhead itself. Ensuring the wellhead is not covered up by anything and is up to code by being above grade at least 12”, allows easy removal and replacement of the well pump when the time comes. If it is not easily accessible or requires extra work to get to the wellhead and uncover it, the result is an increase in the total cost of the repair. Check to make sure your wellhead is accessible by one of our trucks and that it appears to be sealed up and in good condition.

3. Well Pump Location

I’m sure there have been times when you’ve wondered, where is the well pump located? Most submersible well pump systems are strategically positioned below the ground, inside the well casing. The exact depth at which the pump is set depends on many factors including the depth, water level in the well, and at what depth the well produces the most water. This placement offers several advantages:

Protection: Placing the well pump below the ground provides a frost-proof environment reducing the risk of damage from exposure to the elements, as well as physical damage.

Efficiency: Submersible well water pumps can lift water directly from the well to the surface and also build the needed pressure to the home providing a consistent supply. This is a much more efficient way to pump water than a suction-type pump. Additionally, the well depths and elevations in Colorado typically exceed a suction-type pump’s capabilities. 

Noise Reduction: Submersible well pumps are quieter than above-ground alternatives, thanks to their submerged location.

Maintaining Your Well Pump with Barnhart Pump Co. 

Knowing the location of your well and well pump is the first step in maintaining your well system. Regular inspections, well water testing, and preventive maintenance by a professional well service provider are essential to keep your water supply in excellent condition and to address any potential issues promptly.

For all your well and well pump needs, including maintenance and repairs, trust Barnhart Pump Co., your Colorado water well pump service company to provide expert solutions. Call us today at 719-781-3267 for a thorough evaluation of your well system.