Essential Water Well Components for Every Homeowner

If you’re one of the millions relying on a private well for your drinking water, you might not often think about how that water makes its way from the ground into your glass. It involves various water well components working together. Understanding these components is essential for maintaining a reliable water supply.

Many homeowners might not realize how their well functions. Understanding how these water well components work can help you troubleshoot issues. Knowing the various parts allows you to perform maintenance, preventing unexpected breakdowns.

Breaking Down the Key Water Well Components

The different parts involved in a water well are more elaborate than you think. Water wells have been used to supply villages for the past 8,000 years. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into making a water well work:

Well Casing

Think of the well casing as the backbone of your well. This large tube, typically made of PVC pipe, safeguards the water source from contamination. Well casings are designed to keep dirt, sediment, and debris out of your water supply.

Casings today are commonly made of PVC plastic because of its resistance to corrosion. Depending on water quality, carbon steel and stainless steel can also be used. The casing extends from above ground level down to the aquifer, forming a protective barrier.

Well Cap

You’ll see the well cap above the ground sitting atop the well casing. This often-overlooked component is surprisingly important. It functions as a protective lid for your well.

Made of aluminum or thermoplastic, the well cap has a screened vent to keep debris out. This prevents bugs and small animals from entering, protecting your water from contamination. This screened area allows air out of the well.

Well Screen

At the bottom of the casing, you will find the well screen. It acts as a filter for your drinking water, preventing large particles from entering. It’s designed to allow water to pass, but blocks debris, sediment, or other big particles.

These screens are typically made of stainless steel. The screens have carefully sized slots or openings. The National Ground Water Association states, “The most common well screens are continuous slot, slotted pipe, and perforated pipe.”

Submersible Well Pump

The submersible pump, the workhorse of your water system, resides within the well casing, submerged underwater. It draws water up and delivers water to the pressure tank. The pump delivers water to the water pressure tank where it is stored until you turn a water fixture on in the house.

In wells deeper than 25 feet, submersible pumps are typically used. Because submersible pumps can move large volumes of water quickly, a flow restrictor or constant pressure valve may be installed. This limits the water output per minute.

Submersible pumps have become incredibly advanced. If water flow stops, try this. Turn off the pump, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on as sometimes the components of a well can stop running, but with a switch flip, will automatically return to service.

Jet Pumps

For shallow wells (less than 25 feet deep), a jet pump is often used. Jet pumps provide an alternative for homeowners who cannot reach sufficient water within their property lines. It applies additional water pressure to help draw the water upward.

Unlike a submersible pump, a jet pump sits above ground and uses suction to lift the water. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that water level and depth significantly influence well design. Owners of jet pumps should be familiar with the components that could need maintenance or replacement.

Pressure Tank

The pressure tank, often located in the basement or utility area, regulates water pressure. It acts as the control center for maintaining consistent water pressure throughout your home. The pressure tank stores water for use throughout your home.

If water pressure exceeds a set level, the pump remains off. The pump draws water up from the ground into the house when pressure decreases. It maintains the pressure that has been pre-set by the pump pressure switch.

Here’s how the pressure tank and switch work together:

This balance ensures consistent water flow, preventing fluctuations. Proper maintenance prevents interruptions in water service. Pressure tanks are often called “Bladder Tanks” because of their internal components.

Pressure Switch

The pump’s on/off operation is controlled by the pressure switch. The pressure switch monitors the pressure tank’s PSI and sends an electrical signal to the pump, turning it on or off.

As you use water, the pressure switch detects the change in pressure. Then it sends a signal to the pressure tank. This impacts when the pump turns on and off.

Water Treatment Systems

Many owners install water treatment systems like water filters, water softeners, or water filtration systems. Reverse osmosis systems are popular. Water filtration and treatment are sometimes necessary for water well owners to achieve optimal water quality and to obtain potable water.

For low-yield wells, an additional storage tank may be added to provide extra water capacity. If the water well goes dry, a large storage tank could provide water to your home until your well has a chance to replenish itself. When the tank reaches a specific low level the pump will automatically come back on and bring more time water is stored to prevent contaminants from building up.

Sediment filters can remove particles. Water softeners help with hard water which is water containing a large amount of minerals calcium and magnesium. Some systems might include additional filtration or even reverse osmosis systems. A service contractor or your local health department will have more guidance for water testing.

Conclusion

With routine checks, water well components provide a steady water supply and peace of mind, supplying safe drinking water. The components work together efficiently, delivering clean water from the water table to your home. The way these systems get it from its source under the water table to a sink is quite impressive.

Regular inspection and servicing help to ensure that clean water will continue to flow reliably for years. These water systems are truly a modern marvel.