If you rely on a water well, you may be confused about how this contraption works. According to the water well drilling team at Stackhouse & Son of Bloomsburg, PA, these water collection sources have many modern-day benefits. The key to making the most of these advantages is learning how water wells operate. Here, this family-owned and -operated company provides a brief overview of how these systems work. 

A Guide to Water Wells

In the simplest terms, wells are holes in the ground that are drilled into aquifers—underground rivers that vary in thickness and shape. The hole is encased by a watertight pipe to prevent contamination from sediment, runoff, and pollutants in the earth’s crust. 

While wells from years past relied on buckets and pulley systems to bring water up from underground, today’s wells use jet and submersible pumps to extract water from aquifers and bring it up to ground level. From there, the water can be used in your plumbing system for drinking, bathing, cooking, and other applications. 

Supporting Cleanliness & Function

Jet pumps rely on suction to lift water from the aquifer, much like a straw in a glass of water. These models are comprised of electric motors which power centrifugal pumps. If the aquifer is more than 25 feet beneath the ground’s surface, submersible pumps may be installed by water well drilling crews. These mechanisms sit under the water so they can push it upwards. Submersible pumps are comprised of sealed motors and rely on an above-ground power source. 

Your water well drilling company will judge the appropriate depth for your well based on how far away the groundwater is located, its quality, and other geological factors specific to the area. They will also consider proximity to other man-made features near your property—including utility lines and buildings—to reduce the risk of accidental contamination. Once the well is installed, the surrounding soil must slope away from the well to facilitate successful drainage.

If you’re looking to install a well on your property, call Stackhouse & Son for their expert guidance. They are proud to service both residential and commercial water supplies, whether you need grouting, hydro fracking, or water well drilling. Call this Columbia County team today at (570) 784-5034, and visit the website for more information about their services.