Monthly Archives: January 2021

Water Well Casings: Leak Issues and Repair Solutions

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on your water well casing. One of the single most important components in a water well, the casing helps not only support the well itself, but also prevent contaminants from making their way into your drinking supply.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to explain any details of water well casings to you during well drilling and installation, well rehabilitation or any of the other water well services we provide. It’s important to protect well casings and keep an eye out for any potential signs of damage or resulting leaks, which can lead to significant issues if they aren’t prevented – today’s part two of our series will go over how to understand and spot these signs, plus how damaged well casing will be repaired.

water well casings leak repair

Causes of Water Well Casing Leaks

There are several potential causes of cracks or leaks in water well casings:

  • Time: Over a long period of time, whether due to ground shifting, a natural disaster like an earthquake or nearby blasts from a construction site, cracks may develop in water well casing.
  • Object damage: In other cases, stones or other objects that press up against the casing may also damage it, leading to defective seams that will allow groundwater and contaminants into your water supply.
  • Lightning strike: Rarer, but can cause well casing damage.
  • Corrosion: For those with steel casing installed, corrosion over time may lead to wear-down and even damage of the casing itself.

Be sure to inspect casing regularly, especially the section that sticks up above the ground – this part is exposed to the elements and has especially high cracking risks.

Signs to Look For

There are a few common signs of potential casing leaks to look out for:

  • Sand, dirt, sediment or other contaminants in your water supply with no other explanation.
  • A gradual decrease in water flow over time, also with no other explanation.
  • Water filters suddenly need replacement much more often than previously.

Repair Process

If you notice any of the above signs, call our water well professionals right away. We’ll perform a process where we lower a camera into the well to thoroughly inspect the casing and other areas. If we determine there is indeed a casing leak or similar issue in your well, how we proceed will depend on whether it’s a single minor leak or multiple major ones – the former situation generally allows a simple repair sleeve or well liner for repair, but the latter may require more significant repairs.

For more on water well casing issues and repairs, or to learn about any of our water well drilling or rehabilitation services, speak to the staff at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.

Water Well Casings: Basics and Material Choice

There are several important components that make up a water well on a private property, and one of these is the well casing. Vital for protecting and maintaining the well opening, the well casing will be present for virtually any well you see – and needs to be protected itself from risks like cracking or other damage.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to offer numerous water well installation and rehabilitation services, including for wells where casing damage or related issues are becoming a problem. What exactly is the well casing, and which areas within its operation should you be keeping an eye on? Here are some basics to be aware of.

water well casings basics material

Water Well Casing Definition

The water well casing refers to a tube-shaped structure that largely defines the shape of the well itself. It provides a sealed pathway allowing water to flow to the top of the well without any risks of contamination or sediment formation. It also supports the wall of the well, stopping any loose rock fragments or gravel from collapsing.

In most cases, residential well casing will measure between four and six inches in width. For commercial wells, on the other hand, casing will generally be significantly wider depending on the well requirements. Well casings will typically be topped with a plastic or aluminum cap that keeps various contaminants and pests out, plus will help control the water pressure during the pumping phase.

Local Regulations

In certain states or even distinct local areas, there are government regulations for water well casings. These will typically feature areas like minimum lengths and recommended materials, or may dig into a few other details as well. Speak with our pros to be sure you’re compliant with any casing regulations in your area.

Choosing Casing Material

There are several materials available that are often used for water well casings, the most common of which will be steel (carbon or stainless) or plastic, particularly PVC casings in this latter area. The latter, in fact, has been growing significantly in popularity over recent years due to its durability and corrosion resistance.

When choosing the ideal material for your water well casing, there will be several important variables to keep in mind. First and foremost, you must consider the local regulations we went over above if they apply here. Secondly, consider the type of equipment being used and the cost. Your water well installer will also advise you on several important areas of chemistry and geology, such as whether water pH levels indicate corrosion risks – in which case you would want to go with PVC casing, which resists multiple forms of corrosion.

For more on your water well casing, or to learn about any of our water well drilling or rehabilitation services, speak to the staff at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.