Monthly Archives: October 2023

Water Heater Considerations for Homes With Wells

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There are a few key home components you may think about regularly if your home utilizes a water well for all its water supply needs, and one of these is your water heater. Well water can be different from public water sources in a few important ways, and ensuring that any water heater you utilize is able to accommodate for these differences is vital.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to offer quality well solutions for clients around Utah, from well drilling and installation to pump services, well inspections and more. Here are some of the top factors to consider when it comes to your water heater and its management of well water.

water heater considerations wells

Capacity

One key water heater factor that’s identical to any other water supply system is capacity. You need to make sure your heater is large enough to handle the water needs of all residents in the home, as well as occasional guests or any other unique situations that may arise. If you’re unsure of your exact needs here, our pros are happy to assist you.

Typically, the key factors that determine water heater size are the number of people in the home and how often they use hot water. If you’re a larger family or have guests over frequently, expect a higher capacity need.

Hard Water Considerations

One factor to keep in mind when it comes to well water is that it tends to be “harder” than other sources like municipal water. This means that it has a higher mineral content, which can have an impact on the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater.

For instance, you should be looking for a water heater that’s designed to resist corrosion. This is because minerals in the water are likely to corrode certain types of plumbing materials, so you want to make sure your heater is built with this in mind.

You also might think about installing a water softener as part of your well system. This will help remove certain minerals and other impurities from the water before it enters your heater, extending its lifespan significantly.

Energy Source Compatibility

Make sure your chosen water heater is compatible with the energy source available in your home. In many cases, well homes use propane or natural gas rather than electricity for their heating needs, so be sure you’re choosing a heater that can accommodate this.

Similarly, if you have a solar power system set up on your property and wish to use this energy for your water heater, make sure the unit you choose is designed to work with solar power.

Water Quality Testing

If you’re in the process of selecting a new water heater for your home that utilizes a water well, one strong recommendation from our team is conducting a comprehensive water quality test before making your choice. This will help you determine any potential issues with the well water that may affect your heater, and allow you to make an informed decision.

For example, a test may reveal high levels of iron or sulfur in the water, which could lead you to choose a heater with strong corrosion resistance properties. Our pros can help guide you through this process and ensure your new heater is properly equipped for your unique well water needs.

Maintenance

Be sure to keep up on regular maintenance for any water heater, particularly when it comes from a well system. Our pros can help with everything from flushing the tank to checking for leaks or other issues.

These are especially important because mineral buildup from well water can cause efficiency or lifespan issues over time. We’re here to help you avoid these issues entirely. So, don’t hesitate to contact us today for any of your well water needs and questions! Let us help you keep your home running efficiently and smoothly by ensuring your water heater is optimized for well water. Happy heating!

Warranty Considerations

Finally, be aware that some water heaters may not come with complete warranties if they are being used in a well water system. Some manufacturers may specify that their warranty is only valid if the heater is installed in a municipal water system. Make sure you read through the warranty information carefully before making your purchase and only purchase a model that’s fully covered for use with water wells.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to help with any and all water well-related needs for our clients around Utah. Contact us today to learn more about any of our services or for assistance with your water heater and other well system components. We’re dedicated to providing quality, efficient well solutions for all our clients!

Landscaping Approaches Around Your Water Well

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There are a few areas of a given property that may be considered somewhat differently than usual if you have a water well located on the property, and the concept of landscaping in this area is a good example. While you typically won’t need to completely revamp your entire landscape to account for a water well, there are a few approaches you should be considering to ensure that both the well and your landscaping features are in great shape at all times. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to offer comprehensive well services to clients around Utah, including water well drilling, well pump services and more. And while we are not landscaping professionals, we have extensive experience with water wells and the impact they can have on surrounding vegetation and other components of a landscape. Here are some simple tips on what to do and not to do with regard to landscaping around your well. 

water well pump types maintenance

Ensure Wellhead Visibility

When we talk about the wellhead, we’re referring to the top of the pump that is visible above ground. It’s important to ensure that this wellhead is both visible and accessible at all times, so it can be checked on regularly and serviced when needed. 

Generally speaking, there should be at least 12 inches of clearance between the wellhead and any surrounding vegetation or other landscaping features. This helps to provide access for service if needed, as well as a better view of the area around the wellhead so it can be monitored more effectively.

Drainage and Slope Around Wellhead

Another vital consideration for landscaping around your well is the slope of the land in and around it. The ground should be slightly higher near the wellhead to ensure proper drainage away from the well, as water that pools close by can put it at risk. 

It’s also important not to construct any type of retaining wall or other feature near your wellhead that could cause water accumulation and damage the well itself. If a retaining wall is needed, it should be constructed further away with proper sloping to direct any runoff away from your wellhead area.

Keep Plantings a Reasonable Distance Away

As you’re planning the landscaping around your well, be sure to keep any plantings a reasonable distance away. Trees and other vegetation can actually cause damage to wells, as their roots can grow large enough to interfere with pipes and even potentially disrupt the integrity of the well itself. 

As a general rule, you should try to keep all trees or other significant plantings at least four feet away from the wellhead. This will help to ensure that any roots won’t interfere with your well while still providing some visual landscaping and shade in the area. And if you have any plants or trees that you know have particularly long root systems, it’s a good idea to keep these even further away. 

Keep Fertilizers and Pesticides Far Away

One group of substances that you’ll want to keep far away from your well is fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can seep into the ground around the wellhead, potentially compromising both its integrity and the quality of the water it produces by introducing contaminants. 

If you do need to use any type of fertilizer or pesticide on your lawn, make sure that you keep these products at least 100 feet from your wellhead. This will help ensure that any runoff or seepage is far away from the well and doesn’t compromise its quality in any way. 

Use Caution When Working in the Wellhead Area

If you regularly make updates or improvements to your landscaping, be sure to use caution when working near the wellhead area. You should never excavate or otherwise disturb the ground within 25 feet of your wellhead without first consulting with a professional in the field, as this could cause unintended damage to the well itself. 

Confirm Local Restrictions or Requirements

Finally, it’s always a good idea to confirm any local restrictions related to working around your wellhead before making any changes. Each area can have different requirements, so make sure you understand what is expected and allowed in terms of well maintenance and landscaping in your region before doing anything more involved than regular mowing or basic pruning. 

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to maintain a landscape that looks great while also keeping your well in the best possible condition. If you have any questions or concerns about landscaping near your water well or any of our other well services for clients around Utah, don’t hesitate to contact Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.