Winter Weather Tips for Well Owners

Just like preventing frozen pipes, there are steps to take to prevent a frozen well pump. Deep well pumps are not a concern, as they are already located below ground, where the temperature is above freezing.

But if you have a jet pump located in your house, basement or a well pump house, you need to make sure the area stays above 40 degrees to prevent the water in the pump and the water in the lines from freezing.

Typically, this is not a problem, as most well pumps are kept in an insulated enclosure. But if the door to the pump house won’t close properly, or the power went out, it’s possible for your well pump to freeze.

You can prevent a frozen well pump or frozen supply lines by insulating the pipes with foam insulation sleeves, and keeping the pump in an insulated housing, and not exposed to the elements.

If the above ground well pump or water supply lines are already frozen, you will have no water or just a trickle.  If you can hear the pump coming on, but you have little to no water pressure, you’ll want to turn off the breaker for the pump off (or unplug it if it plugs into a wall socket). This can prevent damage to the pump, the pipes and the pressure tank.

Locate the freeze point. Turn on a faucet to relieve pressure. You can try to thaw the well pump or pipes with a blow dryer or electric heat tape. Stop applying heat once the water starts running again. Keep the water running for a while to melt the remaining ice in the pipes. Once the pipes are thawed, you can turn the power to the well pump back on.

If you have a damaged well pump or pipes, call a plumber. Five Star Plumbing offers immediate assistance. Just call 410-836-0118 for help. We serve well owners throughout Baltimore County, Harford County, Cecil County. and Howard County, 7 days a week with no overtime charges.