Private wells offer a new level of independence, allowing you and your family to live off the municipal grid and enjoy great-tasting, natural water straight from its purest source—underground aquifers. However, wells have several critical components installed on water well drilling day that homeowners should be familiar with. Here are three well components you should know about and why. 

Water Well Components

1. Borehole

During water well drilling, a borehole is created that moves far down into the earth until it hits the underground aquifer. Boreholes can be anywhere from 2 inches to 10 inches in diameter, depending on your individual property’s water needs. After the borehole is dug with an automated drilling system, a long pipe shaft is lowered into the space to hold the pump and other well components to move water up toward your home. 

2. Well Cap 

The well cap is one of the only well components you will see from the outside. Well caps are designed to fit across the water well opening snugly, so pests, animals, dirt, and dust don’t fall into the borehole. Well caps are typically made from a tamper-proof, vented steel plate and fitted with a watertight gasket. Valves on the vents allow the pressure inside the borehole to equalize while keeping water runoff and pests out of the well.

3. Well Pump

Your well pump is charged with the task of using pressure to move water from the aquifer upward to your home. Well pumps are either installed at ground level or submerged within the aquifer, and designed to pull water into the inlet pipe. One popular type of well pump is the centrifugal pump, which uses a spinning impeller to create a centrifugal force that creates a vacuum and drives water into the line. The well pump is triggered whenever water levels in your home’s storage tank fall below a set level. 

If you are thinking about having water well drilling conducted on your property, turn to Holler Drilling & Plumbing in La Crosse, WI. For more than 40 years, this trusted team of professionals has been assessing well locations, boring wells, creating a steady stream of clean water, and even managing indoor plumbing issues. Learn more about how they can streamline your home with water well drilling by visiting their website or giving their office a call at (608) 781-2342.