During the winter, you’ll have to think about how your plumbing will handle the cold. If left unprotected, your water well equipment could freeze over, preventing water from reaching your home. If you want to avoid an emergency call to a well contractor, consult the following guide.

3 Ways to Prevent Your Well’s Plumbing From Freezing

1. Build a Well House

If your water well pump is installed aboveground—which is typically the case with shallow residential wells—it will be especially vulnerable to the winter weather.

Luckily, you can prevent it from freezing by constructing a simple shelter around it. Use lumber or cardboard to build a hut that protects the pump. For further warmth, you can add a floor lamp inside. 

2. Insulate Pipes

If your water well pump sits underground below the frost line, it might not be at risk of freezing. However, as the pipes carry water from the well to your home’s plumbing, they may rise aboveground. Piping around the perimeter of your house may freeze, preventing water flow.

To avoid this, insulate outdoor pipes with insulating tubes or heat tape. Do the same for exposed piping in the basement, crawlspaces, or exterior-facing walls.

3. Use a Backup Generator

If you’re using flood lamps or other electrically powered equipment to prevent your well and plumbing system from freezing, a sudden power outage could wreck your efforts.

Luckily, you can avoid this issue by setting up a backup generator. It will turn on in the event you lose power, so you can continue receiving drinking water, taking showers, and flushing the toilet.

If you need pump service, reach out to a well contractor at Dalmik Well Drilling of Putnam, CT. Since 1987, this fully licensed, bonded, and insured company has been catering to residents east of the Connecticut River. They provide 24/7 emergency repair services, so you’ll never be without water for long. Visit their website to learn more about their work, or call (800) 922-6220 to request a free estimate from a trusted well contractor.