How To Maintain Your Summer Home's Well

Summer homes can be a safe, cozy refuge from the harsh winter cold — but not without proper care. Just like with any other residence, summer homes require regular professional inspections, tune-ups, and maintenance, especially those with a well pump system. Unlike water systems in permanent homes, which are continuously used throughout the year, well pumps at summer homes operate much less frequently and are thus less likely to receive attention. Fortunately for homeowners, a few simple precautionary measures and reliable well pump services are all that’s needed to ensure a working water system.

To continue enjoying your summer house without interruptions, follow these simple tips and guidelines from North Florida Water Systems Inc to keep your summer home’s well in working condition, and contact us today to schedule well pump services.

Turn On All Taps

When a well pump is not used for an extended period, such as is typically the case with summer houses, any water remaining inside the well and plumbing could acquire an unpleasant smell and taste over time. This drop in water quality is likely due to a high concentration of minerals in the standing water. The result is contaminated tap water with a metallic-like taste. To remediate this problem, turn on all taps in the property for 5–10 minutes to flush away all the stagnant, polluted water. Doing so can help clear the well, pressure tank, and plumbing from harmful contaminants. If the problem persists, consider scheduling water treatment services.

Test For Bacteria & Pollutants

Polluted water is not always so easy for homeowners to notice. Some water-borne contaminants, such as microbial and organic material from fertilizers, are not perceptible through human taste and smell and may be present even when the tap water runs clear. While some commercial home testing kits may serve well for an initial water quality test, homeowners should consider scheduling a more comprehensive water quality test with a professional. Additionally, installing a whole-house water filter and a water softener can drastically improve water quality in a summer home and help prevent limescale buildup in plumbing.

Schedule Regular Well Maintenance

There is no better way to prevent plumbing and water well issues in a summer house than by scheduling regular well pump maintenance. An experienced well technician can thoroughly inspect the entire system for component malfunctions. Doing so is especially important for summer houses, where water flow and water quality is likely to be impacted by extended downtime. Additionally, without professional guidance and support, homeowners may overestimate their water system’s capacity. Using more water than the pump system is designed to handle could result in damages to the structure of the well and its components.

Close The Well Properly

Once it’s time to leave the summer house, remember to close the well properly. Doing so can help prevent contamination, leaking, and frozen plumbing during the winter. Turn off the main valve and electricity to the water pump. For summer houses located in areas with freezing temperatures, drain all water from the pipes after turning off the main water line by turning all on faucets until water stops coming out. Doing so can prevent pipes from rupturing in the spring. If you’re unsure about how to safely close your well before returning home, contact our well pump technicians right away!