Winter on the East Coast can be tough on your home’s well water system. You might be concerned about your well freezing or contamination from melting snow. If you’re like many families who depend on well water, knowing what to watch for during cold weather can save you from unexpected problems and costly fixes.
Common Winter Well Problems
Are Frozen Pipes a Risk?
Since your well water sits below the frost line, it is unlikely that the water will freeze. However, when temperatures plummet, the exposed pipes that carry water away from the well do face the risk of freezing.
These pipes may sit in unheated spaces above ground. During a very cold winter, these water pipes sometimes burst because the water inside them turns to ice and expands. A burst pipe doesn’t just cut off your water supply— it can cause expensive water damage to your home and require an emergency repair.
Does Well Water Freeze in Winter?
Your well is deep underground, so well water in winter will not freeze. However, cold temperatures above the frost line can still cause plenty of headaches for homeowners.
For example, if you have a jet pump that sits above ground, it is susceptible to freezing. Power outages during winter storms can also cause pump failures, leaving you without water when you need it most.
Low Water Pressure for Wells in Cold Weather
Have you noticed weaker water flow during the winter months? Cold weather can affect your well’s water pressure in different ways.
Partially frozen water lines can restrict flow. A frozen well pump that sits aboveground will also cease to work, leaving you without any running water. Additionally, while an underground well pump won’t freeze, it may struggle to operate due to sustained cold well water temperatures.
Water Contamination
Winter weather ushers in another sneaky problem: contamination. Water in your well can become contaminated due to heavy precipitation and winter storm runoff. Unfortunately, new contaminants can do more than harm the operation of your well— they can harm your health. If you suspect your water quality has been affected this winter, contact us at H2O Care for prompt testing and treatment services.
Preventing Damage to Your Well This Winter
Don’t let winter catch you off-guard. Here’s how to protect your well system when temperatures drop:
- Insulate exposed pipes using heat tape or pipe sleeves to prevent freezing
- Keep your well house, basement, garage, or other location sheltering your pressure tank heated and properly sealed
- Clear debris from around your well head before winter sets in
- Install a temperature monitoring system to alert you to potential freezing conditions
- Schedule pre-winter maintenance to identify and fix potential issues
- Keep an emergency generator ready for power outages
- Know where your main water shut-off valve is located in case a pipe bursts
Call on H2O Care for Well Water Treatment
While well construction and repair requires a well contractor, water quality issues often increase during winter months. When you notice changes in your water quality— whether it’s unusual taste, odor, or appearance, H2O Care is here to help.
We have over 30 years of experience treating water quality issues across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire. We specialize in restoring clean, clear water to private wells using advanced treatment solutions. We also offer comprehensive well pump services, including repairs, maintenance, and replacement 365 days a year!
What Sets Us Apart
- Our trained professionals perform all types of water treatment installations and services
- We use cutting-edge testing methods and filtration equipment to identify and solve water quality problems
- We always follow industry best practices and use only the highest-quality treatment systems
- We prioritize excellent customer service above all else
This winter, protect your family’s water and their health. Whether you need laboratory testing, a new well pump, or a whole-house treatment system, our team can deliver!
Contact Us Today
Do you want to keep your well water clean and healthy all winter long? Contact H2O Care for comprehensive water testing and treatment options. Our experienced technicians will test your water and recommend the most effective water quality solutions.