Private wells provide a steady supply of clean water to your home. However, when outdoor temperatures begin falling, the pipes and well pump may freeze and prevent water from reaching the home. Below are a few ways to prevent this inconvenient interruption during the colder months. 

How to Ensure a Well Doesn’t Freeze

1. Add Insulation

Any exposed pipes leading to your well system are vulnerable to freezing, so wrap them with polyethylene or thermal blankets. Double-wrap them to lock in heat, and secure them with watertight tape. If the temperatures are falling dramatically, you may need to invest in electronic heat tape. For this, wrap it around the entirety of the pipe and plug the end into a nearby outlet. However, you should only use this for interior pipes, as outside moisture can damage your home’s electrical system.

2. Use Heat Lamps

If your pump resides in an outdoor well house, consider investing in a heat lamp to regulate the temperature inside. These lamps require either electricity or gas to operate, so if there’s no outlet in the area, run a weather-proof extension cord from your home to the shed. If your model uses fuel, make sure to keep plenty of extra nearby so that the lamp runs continuously. This will ensure the well pump and casing are warm enough to prevent freezing and cracking. 

3. Let Faucets Drip

On particularly cold nights, turn on your faucets slightly so that there is a slow, steady drip of water. This keeps a stream of water flowing through the intake pipes from your well, which creates friction and heat. This movement makes the pipes more resistant to freezing, as the water in the pipes is constantly being replaced.

4. Cover It

Depending on the location of your well components, you may need to ensure they have an insulated cover. For the pipes inside the home, the ambient heating will usually keep the well from freezing. However, outside well pumps should have a covering, even if you have a shed or barn to store it in. This is because these structures do not usually have adequate insulation to prevent the cold from penetrating the well. 

If your well freezes or you need regular maintenance before winter arrives, contact Ace Drilling in Polson, MT. The brothers Dave and Jay Bick have over 30 years of experience providing well pump repairs and maintenance to local residents. Call (406) 883-3300 to get a quote on well pump services. Visit the website to learn more about how they can keep your system in the best condition.