Monthly Archives: July 2019

Debunking Common Well Water Testing Myths

When it comes to the proper maintenance and upkeep of water wells, contaminant testing is at or near the top of any list. Ensuring your water supply is safe to drink and clear of any possible contaminants or health risks is vital, and should be a regular part of your maintenance plan.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, our water well drilling and treatment services include everything you need to know about testing your well water correctly. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered a number of damaging myths out there that lead some well owners toward incorrect testing principles and application. With that in mind, let’s debunk several of the largest misconceptions regarding well water testing.

debunking water well testing myths

Myth #1: It Smells Fine, So There’s No Problem

There are several distinct reasons for well water testing, and one of the top ones is this: Most of the contaminants that might be present cannot be smelled, tasted or seen by humans. Your water might smell and taste completely normal, along with appearing totally clear and healthy – but it could still contain contaminants that are not traceable using your senses.

Even if water appears great, standard testing should be done at least once a year. You might be shocked at what a test discovers, even if you were sure your water supply was clean.

Myth #2: The First Test Was Safe, So I’m Good

When your well is installed, it will be given a first test during your initial inspection. In most cases, this inspection will not turn up any contaminants.

This does not mean, however, that your well is simply good to go for the rest of your life without further inspections. Water is affected by several factors over a long period of time, and conditions may change in or around the well that lead to contaminant risks. Wells can absolutely become contaminated even if they were previously marked safe, which is why regular testing is so vital.

Myth #3: No One Is Sick, Therefore No Issue

Down similar lines, the simple lack of sickness due to your water doesn’t mean no one will ever get sick in the future. Many water contaminants are slow-acting, poisoning your body over a long period of time before eventually making you sick. Again, annual water testing will prevent these contaminants from regularly entering your body.

Myth #4: Testing is Too Expensive

Some people avoid water well testing believing it’s a prohibitive cost, but this simply isn’t true. Well testing is simple and affordable, far less than the cost of a single water bill – and proper testing will also save you large sums in the future if it prevents the need for an expensive system overhaul due to contamination.

For more debunked myths on well water testing, or to learn more about any of our well pumps or well treatment services, speak to the staff at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.

Factors Impacting Well Water Pump Lifespan

There are a few vital components involved in any water well system, and the well pump is chief among them. Used to extract water and bring it into the home for a variety of purposes, well pumps come in several different formats, most of which are submersible into the water itself.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to offer a wide range of services for your water well pump. We carry several new pumps, from Franklin Electric and Grundfos to STA-RITE and other great models. One of the single most common questions we’re asked when our clients are considering a new well pump: How long will my pump last once it’s installed? The answer will range between nine and 15 years in most cases, and will depend on a few factors, which we’ll examine in this blog.

Pump Type

Firstly, the type of pump you choose will play a large role in how long it will last. Submersible pumps, the most common format, are installed in the well itself – these pumps tend to last around eight to 10 years in most cases, depending on how well you maintain them. Pumps for home use, on the other hand, which are not submerged into the water, may last up to 15 years in some cases.

Rate of Use

Another big factor: How often is the well and pump system used? When used, how long are typical use periods? Ideally, you’ll want your pump to only run for a few hours per day, a format that will generally keep pumps in great shape and lasting toward the longer end of their range.

If pumps are being used for 10-plus hours per day and pumping large volume, however, it’s a simple reality that they’ll wear down faster. More frequent maintenance may also be required to counteract the heat and friction applications caused during the pumping process.

Motor Quality

One major component of the pump is the motor, which is primarily responsible for the hard work that moves water from one place to another. The better the motor, the longer the pump will generally last – a low-quality motor will not only have a shorter lifespan, but will create more problems during regular use.

Wire System

There are two different wire systems your pump may use: Two-wire or three-wire. In the two-wire system, the electrical control panel is situated as such that the system can self-start itself. In a three-wire system, the panel is outside the pump. Three-wire systems allow for repairs or replacements if the control panel has issues, while the two-wire system requires full pump replacement in these cases – for this reason, three-wire systems are associated with longer pump lifespans.

Sediment Buildup

Finally, sediment plus sand, gravel and other small contaminants may build up in the pump over time. This water can wear down internal components of the pump, making it more likely to break down or function inefficiently. Ask our pros about tips for reducing sediment buildup in your pump or any area of your well.

For more on how long your well pump will last, or to learn about any of our well pumps, well drilling or well treatment services, speak to the staff at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.