Your well system plays a vital role in supplying your home with fresh water. When it works well, you don’t need to think much about its components. However, if something goes wrong, it’s helpful to understand more about each part so you can accurately describe the problem to your water well service provider. Here’s a brief look at the basic anatomy of a well.

5 Basic Parts of a Water Well

1. Well Screen

Screens are placed in wells when there is a chance that excess sediment, such as unstable rock elements or sand particles, can enter the water, damaging the system and contaminating the supply. The screen prevents these fragments from entering. Wells situated in stable bedrock don’t typically require screens.

2. Well Head

Situated above ground, the well head is the only portion of the water well system that you can actually see. It’s designed to prevent pollutants from entering the well, and it also provides water well service technicians with quick access to the system’s other components. This part typically protrudes about eight inches out of the ground but may be higher in areas where flooding is likely.

3. Cap

The uppermost portion of the well is the cap, and it’s designed to prevent water contamination by maintaining a tight seal on the well casing. When properly sealed, they can divert everything from pesticide runoff to pests. You should inspect it occasionally to make sure that it’s tight, and ask your well company about installing a lock if you’re concerned that it’s loose.

4. Casing

Underground well components are situated in the casing, which is designed to push water from the aquifer into the well pump. The latter part is found within the casing and is essentially the lifeblood of the entire system. The majority of casings are made with PVC; if you have an older steel model, ask your water well service about switching to this non-corrosive option.

5. Pump

The well pump pushes water through the system. There are two types: jet and submersible. The former is situated above ground, and the latter is set underground. The pump is designed to pull water from the casing via a series of pipes and direct it to the home.

 

If you’re seeking a water well services company to help you maintain your system, turn to All’s Well. Proudly serving homeowners throughout Fairbanks, AK, for 15 years, this business handles everything from well pump installations to repairs. The company also offers emergency well services. Visit them online for more information, or call (907) 455-4082 to schedule an appointment.