During the winter, you’re probably not using your pool, sprinklers, or patio. When it comes to your residential water system, though, you don’t have a choice. You need to keep your well functioning properly year-round despite its outdoor location. To prevent your system from freezing over and cutting off your drinking supply, use the following tips if you haven’t taken enough protective measures yet.

How to Prevent a Well From Freezing

1. Insulate the Pipes

Even if your well pump is buried deep underground where it’s warmer, the pipes that extend up to ground level are at risk of freezing and passing on their temperature to those deeper components. Therefore, it’s crucial to insulate them so they can retain their inherent warmth. For the best results, use foam insulation made especially for pipes, which looks similar to pool noodles. If you’re in a pinch, you can always use sweatshirts or towels.

2. Build a Well House

If your well uses a jet pump, it will be located somewhere above the ground, sometimes in your garage or even outside. If this freezes, it won’t be able to pull water up from the depths of your well.

Luckily, you can insulate this crucial component by building a doghouse-like shelter. These well houses can be made from brick, wood, or installed as pre-constructed fiberglass covers. If you can’t accomplish this in time, use a trash can for temporary insulation.

3. Set Up a Heat Lamp

While the well house might trap the little warmth the pump gives off, it may not be enough to keep it from freezing in extreme northern temperatures. In this case, set up an outdoor-approved heat lamp and point it toward the well house—or even put it inside. This tool can also be used to warm pipes that connect your well to your residential water well system, such as in your garage or basement.

For more guidance on well winterization, reach out to Luisier Drilling of the Greater Oconto Falls, WI, region. They’ve been serving customers since 1936, and they drill over 600 wells a year. If your pump or pipes freeze over, you can contact them for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about their residential water system services, visit the website. Call (920) 848-5239 to set up an appointment today.