If your water well casing is leaking, you’ll need to take quick action to prevent further damage.
Leaks can occur due to corrosion, excess pressure against the casing, defective seams, installation errors or a range of other issues. When a leak is left unrepaired, however, contaminants and pollutants can more easily enter the well.
So, how do you know if your casing has sprung a leak? Only your water well contractor can tell you for sure. However, understanding what causes this problem can help you detect a possible problem before it gets out of hand.
What is a Water Well Casing?
A well casing is a plastic or steel pipe that provides a sealed pathway for water to flow up from the underground aquifer.
The casing securely supports the sides of the drilled well and, just as important, keeps contaminants and sediments from getting in. For most residential wells, casings are between 4 and 6 inches in diameter. Commercial water wells typically need larger casings.
Signs of a Well Casing Leak
Leaks can be difficult to diagnose. However, you might have a problem if you notice any of these warning signs:
- The water flow rate gradually decreases
- Sand, dirt or sediment suddenly appears in your water supply
- The well water develops a new contamination problem
- You have to change your water filters more frequently
How Is a Well Casing Leak Fixed?
If the source of a leak is limited to a single area, the problem can be fixed with a repair sleeve. Also known as a well liner, a repair sleeve is a cylinder that is small enough to fit inside the original casing. Once it’s in place, the contractor will seal the sleeve to prevent further leaks and damage.
If large sections of the casing are badly damaged or corroded, or if the leak is along a seam, installing a repair sleeve is usually not practical. In that case, your contractor may recommend drilling a new well.
If you think you might have a casing leak, contact your local well driller as soon as possible for a repair evaluation. Many professional contractors – including Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC – offer free repair consultations to homeowners and businesses.
If you don’t have a leak problem, you can keep your water well in great shape by remembering to schedule regular professional inspections with the Mike Zimmerman Well Service Z-Team. With more than 30 years of experience providing service to customers throughout Utah and Wyoming, the Z-Team has what it takes to maximize the life and effectiveness of your water well casing, well pump and other well components. For an appointment, contact our Salt Lake City water well experts today.