Well Water Basics

Pressure tanks

A well pump feeds water into a pressure tank, which stores some under pressure so the pump does not start every time you open a tap. A pressure switch turns the pump on when pressure drops to a set point and off when it reaches the upper limit.

Signs of pressure tank trouble include the pump clicking on and off rapidly, pressure that surges and fades during a shower, or a waterlogged tank that sounds full when tapped all the way up. Many tanks have an air bladder with a pre-charge that must be set correctly; checking it involves shutting off the pump and draining the tank.

• Note the cut-in and cut-out pressures on the gauge.
• Listen for short cycling.
• Look for rust or moisture around the tank and fittings.

Water testing

Unlike municipal water, nobody tests a private well for you. Bacteria testing is the most important. Public Health Ontario offers free bacteriological testing for private well owners; sample bottles are available through local pickup locations, and you can find details on the Public Health Ontario or York Region websites.

Test several times a year, and after heavy rain, flooding, or any work on the well. For chemistry such as nitrates, hardness, iron, sodium and other minerals, use an accredited laboratory, which may charge a fee.

Treatment

Treatment should follow test results, not guesses. Common options include:

• Sediment filters for sand and grit.
• Softeners for hardness, often high in rural wells. See hard water.
• Iron and manganese filters for staining and metallic taste.
• UV disinfection to inactivate bacteria, usually after filtration.

Equipment needs maintenance: filter changes, salt, lamp replacements. Keep a log. Our pages on filtration systems and water softeners explain how we fit treatment into the line.

Seasonal care

In spring, check the well cap is intact and secure, and that surface water drains away from the wellhead. Test for bacteria after the snowmelt. In fall, protect any exposed piping or pump houses from freezing. Keep fuel, fertilizer and chemicals well away from the well.

Well drilling and pump replacement in the well itself are licensed specialities. A plumber can look after everything from the pressure tank into the house. If you also have septic, read our septic care guide, and plan ahead with renovation planning if you are adding a bathroom.

Store test results alongside your equipment manuals. Trends over a few years tell you more than any single sample, and they help whoever services the system later.

Questions about your setup are always welcome; we would rather explain a valve than replace one.