Temperatures have started dropping, which means winter is fast approaching. While you may be looking forward to the cold weather and cozy nights at home, the winter can damage your home water system if you don't make the proper preparations. Avoid the costly repercussions of burst pipes and a lack of water by learning more about water wells in the winter.

What Happens to a Water Well During Freezing Temperatures?

If you depend on a private well for your home water system, know that it won't freeze, no matter how low the temperatures go, since even shallow water wells typically lie below the frost line. However, there are other components susceptible to the winter chill. Water well pumps, supply pipes, and storage tanks may freeze overnight once outside temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Do You Ready Your Pipes and Tanks for Winter?

Routine maintenance of your home water system is the key to preventing headaches down the road, especially during the winter. Whether you have a deep well or jet pump, have it inspected and serviced to ensure its efficiency. If you have a jet pump, keep it in an area where temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, such as insulated housing.

Similarly, you have to keep the water supply lines from freezing with adequate insulation. Wrap insulation sleeves or tubes made with polyethylene or fiberglass around the pipes in unheated areas of your home. If you want to add another layer of protection, apply heat-tape. Also, assess the areas of your home where pipes could be exposed to cold air, and seal them off against the weather to reduce the likelihood of your water lines freezing.

Additionally, consider insulating the water tank. If you live somewhere with prolonged cold spells, wrap the storage in insulation materials to minimize freezing. However, don't stop there—keep the tank's housing sealed off from the cold with weatherstripping and caulking.

Finally, during nights when temperatures are expected to fall, keep the faucets running on a steady drip, as moving water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water.

Before winter arrives, make sure your home water system can take on the cold with proper winterization. If you need help with this process, turn to Branton Bros Well Drilling, Inc. in Dothan, AL. They provide a range of services to clients throughout Dale, Henry, Geneva, and Houston counties, including well pump repair, water drilling, and irrigation installation. Call (334) 677-5489 to get a free quote or visit their website to learn more about their offerings.