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.

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!

There are several kinds of pumps that may be used for drawing water out of your well and putting it to various uses, and one common such option is known as a jet pump. This is a non-submersible pump type that uses suction and pressure to draw water for your various needs, and knowing how it works and what to expect from it is a must if you want to utilize this type of pump. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to offer Utah’s best selection of water well pumps, drilling services and repair solutions. Here are some basics on how the jet pump works and the two variations used, plus the factors that play the largest role in their expected lifespan and how you can get the most out of them.

Jet Pump Basics

As we alluded to above, a jet pump utilizes suction and pressure to draw water from the well. It has a venturi device, which is what creates the suction effect needed to draw water up the pipe when it’s running. This type of pump also uses a diffuser and impeller to help move the water through it and then up out of the well.

There are two kinds of jet well pumps:

• Shallow well jet pumps: For wells 25 feet or lower, shallow well jet pumps are typically used. These are designed to work best with a suction lift of 25 feet or less, and anything more than that can be risky for these pump types.
• Deep well jet pumps: For wells deeper than 25 feet and often up into the hundreds of feet, you’ll need to utilize a deep well jet pump instead. The same general principles apply, but deep pumps are meant to manage larger volumes of water over larger distances.

Naturally, deep well jet pumps will cost more and require more effort to install, but they’re well worth it if that is the only way you can get water out of your well.

Our next several sections will look at the key factors impacting the lifespan of a jet pump for your water well.

Pump Quality

Not all jet pumps are created equal, and you will want to be sure to find a reliable option that is made with high-quality parts. This can help ensure it can stand up to the demands of daily use and last for many years before needing repair or replacement.

As you’re looking at jet pumps, consider their power ratings, the seal materials used and whether they’re designed to handle submersible water conditions.

Maintenance

As with any other kind of mechanical device, a jet pump requires regular maintenance in order to ensure it can keep doing its job properly. This includes lubricating all moving parts regularly, checking the impellers to make sure they’re free of debris, and checking the pressure gauge for accuracy.

If you don’t stay on top of regular maintenance, then you could find that your jet pump fails more quickly than it should — or worse yet, causes problems if something goes wrong inside the well due to lack of attention.

Use Frequency

As you may have guessed, another key factor to consider when it comes to jet pumps is the amount of use they will receive. If your pump is being used all day, every day, then it may not have time to cool and rest between uses. This can lead to increased wear-and-tear on the pump and decrease its lifespan if it’s not handled properly.

On the other hand, if the pump is only being used occasionally, then you may find that it lasts longer than expected.

Surrounding Elements

Another factor you want to consider is the environment in which your jet pump will be used. If its exposed to harsh elements like strong winds, rain, or snow, then it may not last as long as if it were sheltered from such things.

Another example here is a particularly sandy water environment, where the sand could easily get inside and clog up the pump or cause other issues.

By understanding these key factors for jet pumps, you can make sure that your water well pump is ready to provide you with clean and safe water whenever you need it!

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we specialize in the installation and repair of well pumps. Our team has years of experience dealing with these pumps, and our services are always performed to the highest standard. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get reliable water out of your Utah well!

Spring is considered a transitional season for many areas of a given property in a climate like Utah, and those who operate water wells for any purpose on their property often find these to be great examples of this theme. Spring is a period to assess any minor issues that may have cropped up during the long winter (this one has been especially crazy!), plus often one where well owners consider certain basic projects or upgrades to their wells. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re here to help with all your water well needs around the state of Utah, from well drilling and installation to well pump services and much more. Let’s look at some common examples of spring water well projects or upgrades that you might consider for your well, plus how they should be carried out – either on your own or with help from our professionals wherever needed.

Basic Spring Inspection

First and foremost, before you go ahead with any other project or upgrade for your well, it’s important to have a general spring inspection. This basic check should cover all components of the well – from checking the overall pump and system condition, to doing a pressure test if needed.

For those wells in more rural areas, it may also be useful to inspect piping and even do a basic water quality test to make sure the water is safe. This will help you get a clear picture of how your well has fared through winter – and what, if any, quick fixes may be needed before other projects are attempted.

During spring inspections, one particular area of focus should be on the well pump, as it’s likely this is going to require more attention than other areas – especially if you haven’t looked at it or had a professional inspect it in some time. This inspection should also include checking for any clogs that may have developed over winter – and, if needed, replacing the switch or other parts of the pump to get it back up and running.

Cleaning

Depending on the age of your well, a thorough cleaning may be another great spring project to consider. This is especially true for older wells that may have built up rust or sediment over time – both of which can then lead to clogged pumps and other issues.

Whether or not you can manage this task on your own will depend on the condition of the well – as older wells may require a certain level of professional expertise to get them back up and running. Once completed, however, this can go a long way towards restoring your well’s functionality and efficiency over time.

Running Basic Water Tests

Over the course of the winter, there may not have been many opportunities to check the quality of the water from your well. As such, running some basic tests like a bacteria test or other parameters may be a great project for spring.

It’s important to note that if any issue is discovered in these tests, further action will likely be needed – such as additional cleaning or filtration – but simply doing them can be a great way to stay ahead of any potential issues.

Adding or Upgrading Well Coverings

Another great project for spring is adding or upgrading any well coverings that you may have. This can be anything from a simple wooden board to a more elaborate metal cover – and both are important for keeping debris, animals, and other contaminants out of the well itself.

When selecting the best type of covering for your well, consider both aesthetics (as many covers now come in a variety of colors and designs) as well as materials – looking for something that can withstand the elements and protect your well over time.

Well Insulation

Down related lines, well insulation can also be an important spring project to consider. Insulation can help keep your well – and the pump in particular – warm during winter, while helping to protect against any potential freezing issues that may occur.

In addition, insulation can also help make sure your well is running efficiently all year round – reducing energy costs and making it easier to maintain your well over time.

Pump Upgrade

Finally, for those looking to make some more major upgrades to their well, a pump upgrade may be the best option. This can help ensure that your pump is running efficiently and effectively – meaning less energy usage and better overall performance over time.

When selecting the best type of pump for your well, consider both horsepower as well as features like pressure switches, regulators, and other parts that can help customize the pump to your specific needs.

Ultimately, spring is a great time to inspect and assess your well – as well as consider any minor or major projects that you may want to tackle. From replacing pumps to adding covers, there are plenty of options available – each of which can help ensure the long-term health and efficiency of your well.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we specialize in providing professional advice, repair, and installation for all types of wells across Utah. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get the best out of your well this spring!

While most clients are naturally concerned with a well pump should be properly installed, there are also some situations where removing a submersible pump will be needed. Whether for repairs or possibly to install a different or upgraded pump type, there are several such settings where this may be required. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service, we’re here to help with all your Utah water well pump needs, including any situation where removal might be necessary. What are some of the reasons why this might be the case for your well, and which steps should be followed – either on your own or by our professionals – when carrying this process out? Here are some basics.

Reasons for Submersible Well Pump Removal

Firstly, what are some of the reasons why this might be necessary? Perhaps you are looking to replace your pump entirely due to age, or because of a malfunction that can’t be fixed anymore. Maybe you’re considering an upgrade to a different type of well pump, such as one with more power or efficiency.

In any case, the need for removal usually arises either when repairs or upgrades are needed, or when the pump has become too old to function properly anymore.

Can You Do This Yourself?

In some cases, such as if your well is under 150 feet in depth and uses PVC pipe, it may be acceptable for those without training to perform removal on their own. However, there are a few key risks you should be aware of if you’re going this route:

• Weight: Even smaller submersible pumps can be very heavy, weighing 150 pounds or even more. This makes them difficult to lift out of the well with manual tools, and you should not attempt it without assistance from others if possible.
• Depth: Even when weight is not an issue, deeper wells may be beyond what can be reached by normal ladders or other tools. A professional water well service team will have the right equipment for deeper pulls.
• Safety: The job of removing a submersible pump can be dangerous. Besides the risk of falls, there are also a few other potential issues to consider: electric shock, water damage, and more. Professional technicians can take these precautions into account when lifting out the pump.

In most cases, however, it’s strongly recommended that you call a professional, experienced water well service team like Mike Zimmerman Well Service in order to ensure that the job is done safely and with minimal risk. Our technicians have the right equipment and experience to perform this kind of work quickly and efficiently, while also being mindful of safety protocols.

Our next few sections will go over the simple steps typically followed to carry this job out.

Power Shut-Off

First and foremost, before any work can be done, the power to the well pump must be turned off. This is a critical safety step that should never be ignored. The power shut-off switch or fuse should be located at the main panel and clearly labeled for easy identification.

If you are performing this process on your own and notice that there are no labels on the main panel, you should call a professional water well service team to help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in these cases.

Well Cap Removal, T-Handle Insertion

Once the power has been shut off, the next thing to do is to remove the well cap. For most wells, this involves simply unscrewing it until it can be lifted away. In some other cases, bolts may need to be loosened or a wrench may be required.

Once the cap has been removed, you will typically insert a T-handle into the pipe attached to the well casing. This is necessary for later pulling the pump out from below – without it, the pipe may come off and cause a lot of extra work.

Pulling the Pump Out

Once the T-handle or other tool is in place, the next step is to pull the submersible pump out. This should be done slowly and steadily, with even pressure applied all around. If possible, it’s best to have another person help you out during this process – as mentioned earlier, bigger pumps may be too heavy for one person alone.

Once the pump is out, the last step is to disconnect any wiring and take off any fittings or pipes. After that, you can consider your job finished!

As always, safety should be your top priority while performing this task – no matter if it’s done by yourself or a professional service team like Mike Zimmerman Well Service. Even with proper precautions, there is always a risk of falls or other accidents when removing a pump from the well. As such, we recommend you take all necessary steps to ensure your safety before beginning. If in doubt, call us and let our experienced technicians handle it!

For more on water well services and associated tasks, please do not hesitate to contact us. Mike Zimmerman Well Service is here to help with whatever work you need done on your Utah well or well pump, and we’re standing by to take your call.

There are a few common indicators that often signal an issue in your water well, and one of the most common areas here is that of odors. The “rotten egg” smell is one that some are familiar with, and the most likely culprit if this is the case in your well is an issue related to the presence of sulfur gas. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service, LLC, we provide not only water well drilling, but also well pump services, well rehabilitations and many other forms of service if your well is experiencing issues. Why is sulfur sometimes an issue in wells, what are the risks it poses if it’s present, and what should be done to get rid of it – either on your own or with the help of our professionals? Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Sulfur Is Sometimes a Well Issue

Sulfur gas is one that’s naturally occurring in many forms of bacteria, and there are some cases where this bacteria seeps into well water through the ground, meaning the water you are using is contaminated. This can happen if your well casing is not sealed properly or if the well was otherwise damaged during installation.

Sulfur gas can also collect in stagnant water and bacteria can feed on it and cause an increase in sulfur gas levels. This most commonly happens when a pump stops working, so if your well pump stops working, it’s important to get it back online as soon as possible.

Finally, it may also sometimes come from your plumbing system or pipes that are contaminated by sulfur. This may come from inside your own system, or in other cases it could be due to improper runoff from your local water sources.

Risks of Sulfur in the Water

The presence of sulfur gas in water can lead to a number of issues if not addressed – most notably, a rotten egg odor in your water, but also taste and health concerns. The smell is usually the most noticeable symptom, but it can also cause discoloration of fixtures and laundry. Health risks are higher if ingested in high quantities – leading to an upset stomach, nausea, headaches, and other potential issues.

What Should You Do?

If you experience a strong rotten egg smell in your well water, the first thing you should do is check to confirm that sulfur is indeed the issue. We recommend checking both your hot and cold water sources here, using a hose bib or tap as close to the well as you can get. If the smell is present in both, then sulfur gas could be the issue – if not, it’s more likely that your plumbing system is contaminated, so you’ll need to address that separately.

If testing confirms sulfur gas is the issue, there are a couple things that need to be done:

• Testing: Firstly, you need to test the water – both as a secondary confirmation of the presence of sulfur gas, and to figure out the source. This test will include pH analysis, iron, manganese, hardnesss, and total coliform.
• Removal: We’ll go over your options for removal of sulfur gas in our next section.

Sulfur Removal Options

There are several robust options for removing sulfur gas from your water well, and which is chosen will depend on a few factors – the source of the sulfur gas, the level of contamination, and what you’re comfortable with in terms of maintenance.

• Use a carbon filter: In cases where sulfur odor is found without any iron or manganese issues also present, the best course of action is usually the use of an activated carbon filter. This is a great solution for removing sulfur gas from the water, and it’s relatively affordable and simple to maintain.
• Chlorine shock: In cases where odors are especially pungent, chlorine shock may be a better option. This is a more aggressive form of treatment, and it should only be done with extreme caution – under the guidance of a professional or licensed contractor who has experience in sulfur gas removal.
• Chlorinator: Another form of chlorine usage that’s sometimes used is the chlorinator system. This works by introducing chlorine continuously into the water system, with a control valve regulating how much chlorine is used. This can be effective against sulfur gas but it needs to be monitored closely and adjusted as needed in order to be successful.
• Hydrogen peroxide: In other cases, instead of a chlorinator, hydrogen peroxide can be used in order to treat the water. This is not as common and it needs to be done with proper knowledge of well water treatment.
• Compressor aeration tank: Typically installed along with a backwash carbon or iron filter, a compressor aeration tank is a great way to reduce sulfur gas and other contaminants in your well water. This works by introducing air into the system, which oxidizes the sulfuric acid and reduces odors.
• Ozone gas injection: While this option is quite expensive, it’s especially effective against sulfur gas and other contaminants. Ozone gas is injected into the water, oxidizing the sulfuric acid and reducing unpleasant odors.

The presence of sulfur gas in your well water can be a serious issue, leading to not only an unpleasant odor but also health risks if ingested in high concentrations. It’s important to identify the source of the sulfur gas and to use one of these options for removal. With the right treatment, you can ensure your water is safe and free from odor and other contaminants.

For more here, or to learn about any of our water well installation or service solutions, speak to our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service, LLC today.

There are a few considerations that will always be top of mind when dealing with a water well on your property, and one of these is water pressure. In particular, there are several things you can do to help increase your pressure if you’ve noticed that it’s lower than you’d prefer – some that speak to specific issues taking place within the well, but others that are just general in nature. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to assist with every element of water well service, including comprehensive solutions for water well pumps that play a major role in regulating pressure and similar features. What are some common ways of going about increasing water pressure from your well, either on your own or with the help of our team wherever necessary? Here are some top suggestions.

Upgrade to a Higher-Capacity Pump

One of the simplest and most effective ways of increasing water pressure is to upgrade to a higher-capacity pump. Depending on the specifics of your current well and water system, making the switch could have an immediate effect in terms of water pressure – especially if you’ve noticed a gradual decrease over time due to regular wear and tear.

When changing out your pump, there are several different sizes and models to consider based on the pressure you’re hoping to achieve, but our team can provide assistance in terms of making sure you get the right one for your needs.

Check and Clean the Tank Screens

If it turns out that your problem isn’t a lack of capacity on the pump side, then another potential issue is with the screens located on the water tank. Over time, these screens can become clogged with sediment and small stones, which means they don’t do as effective a job of letting air into the tank – another major factor in pressure regulation.

Taking the time to clean out and inspect your tank screens can make all the difference when it comes to managing pressure, and this is another area where our team can provide assistance if needed.

Adjust Pressure Tank Settings

In other cases, your fix will be relatively simple here: Your pressure tanks have not been turned up to their maximum or ideal settings, which is an easy enough thing to do. It’s also important that the tanks themselves have plenty of air in them, as this will help with keeping the pressure up – otherwise, you might end up with more water than air in there, and this can lead to lower pressure all around. In some cases, you may need to adjust both the tank settings and size, and this is yet another area where our team can provide valuable support.

The key metric here, one some of our clients are already aware of, is psi, or Pounds per Square Inch, which is a related measurement for water pressure. If you’re noticing that your psi is lower than it should be, then taking steps to increase the setting will likely lead to better performance from both your pump and pressure tanks.

Utilize a Constant Pressure System

If your issue is less to do with constant low pressure, and speaks more to water pressure that fluctuates more than you’d prefer during regular use, then a constant pressure system may be just the fix you’re looking for. These systems are designed to keep your water pressure at an even, consistent level no matter how much you’re using or when, and they can help with ensuring that all of your fixtures perform as expected without any issues whatsoever.

In fact, many well installers recommend a constant pressure system for every new well installation. This is because such a system makes it easier to keep your pressure at an ideal level, especially if you have multiple fixtures that need to be serviced. Our team can provide assistance with this as well, and we look forward to helping you out however possible.

Water Pressure Booster Pump Installation

Another possible solution, one that’s a bit more in-depth and involved than some of the others suggested here, is to install a water pressure booster pump. These pumps are designed to increase the available flow rate from your current well setup, leading to better performance overall – and as an added bonus, there will also be less wear and tear on your existing pump.

The installation process will be a bit different here, and you should always check with your local regulations to make sure that such an installation is allowed. However, once it’s done, the results can be dramatic – better flow rate and pressure in addition to improved water quality overall.

Check on Interior Components

Finally, there are some cases where low water well pressure has little or nothing to do with the well itself, and rather speaks to the components located inside your home. In this case, you’ll want to check on your pipes and valves, as well as any other fixtures throughout the house – things like shower heads or faucets might be blocked up or corroded, leading to lower pressure at each spot.

If all else fails, a professional inspection and repair job may be in order, and our team is more than happy to provide assistance here.

For more on how to increase the water pressure coming from your well, or to learn about any of our water well installation or rehabilitation services, speak to our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.