FAQ
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. When it comes to water wells, the technicians at American Pump and Drilling operate on the cutting edge of the industry. We understand the ins and outs of modern wells and pumps, so you can rely on our team to assist with all your installation and repair inquiries. If you would like to gain a surface-level understanding of contemporary water wells, browse the following FAQ section.
Additional questions? Ready to schedule service? Contact us today!
Where’s the best place to drill a well?
Water well regulations are set in place to reduce contamination of the water supply. While 100’ from the septic is required, each project can have additional items or variances depending on the circumstances. A site visit is necessary to establish an understanding for location. Many aspects need to be taken into consideration when determining the well location such as lot size, possible sources of contamination, geography, future building plans, accessibility, and more. We will be happy to meet you on-site to guide you through this process.
What’s the point of a well pump?
A water pump is required to lift water from your well into your plumbing system. The size of the pump is generally determined by well diameter, water levels, and the number of plumbing fixtures found within your residency.
Is well water safe to drink?
The water within private wells isn’t regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so it’s imperative that you perform regular testing on your well. Without the proper tests, it’s impossible to know if your water is safe for drinking.
Should I consider installing a water treatment system?
In most instances, we recommend that you install a water treatment system to improve your water supply. These systems are used to address acid water, iron, manganese, bacteria, odors, corrosion issues, and beyond.
What will your well cost?
Typically, wells are priced based on depth. After initial contact with us, we will meet you on-site to discuss your project needs. This will include well depth(s), placement of the well(s), equipment, and more. Remember, the lowest price often reflects what a contractor can afford to put into their work.
I’m running out of water, what can I do?
The first step is to have your system mechanically evaluated to make sure the equipment is functioning properly. Once it’s established the well itself is having issues, we can work with you on a plan to remedy the situation. Well replacement may be necessary, but they’re occasionally other options.
How much water do I need?
The real question is how much a well can take sustainably. Many variables need to be considered as each application is different, but you can’t take more water than the well can make. The most important factors are the size of the home or building(s), type of use, occupancy, and more.
Well owner tips:
- Always use a licensed or certified water well driller and pump installer when a well is constructed, a pump is installed, or the system is serviced.
- We recommend an annual well maintenance check, including a water test for bacteria. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor, or appearance, or any time a water supply system is serviced.
- Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil, far away from your well and pump house.
- Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing and the casing exposed above ground to ensure it is in good condition. Any open holes can result in contamination and exposure to rodents and insects.
- Take extra care in working or mowing around your well head. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well. Don’t pile snow, leaves, or other materials around your well.
- If applicable: keep your well records in a safe place. These include the well log completed at the time of construction, as well as annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
Where your water comes from
Groundwater is used for drinking water by more than 50% of the people in the United States, including those with private wells and some public water customers. Groundwater is a renewable, reliable resource for cool, pure water.
Groundwater from drilled wells is naturally filtered and less likely to be contaminated than surface water in lakes and rivers. It is also less likely to have shallow well contamination problems, often due to poorly installed septic systems. Drilled wells recharge themselves and can provide a constant, steady supply of water even during bouts of dry weather.
What is Groundwater?
Groundwater, which accounts for 98% of the world’s freshwater, occurs below the ground, where it is filtered and purified naturally as it passes through layers of the earth.
Groundwater is stored in aquifers—layers of soil, sand, and rocks—but can come to the surface naturally through a spring or brought to the surface through a well.
When water falls as rain, hail, or snow, some of it collects as surface water. The rest seeps into the earth to become groundwater. Groundwater flows slowly underground and emerges again as surface water. Evaporation of surface water takes place and the cycle starts again.
Contact us with any Additional Questions
If you’ve got any additional questions, comments, or concerns, be sure to contact one of our certified representatives. Our technicians are always standing by to lend a helping hand. Whether you’re in the market for water well installation or pump installation, you can rely on our team for unmatched assistance!
