Winterizing your Well
Taking care of our wells and water systems during winter is super important. In our part of British Columbia, the weather is usually not too extreme, but things are changing. Summers are getting warmer and drier, and winters might have freezing temperatures. So, we need to get our water systems ready for these changes.
In winter, it’s crucial to protect our water pumps and pipes from freezing. If they freeze, they could break and cause flooding when they thaw. Pipes freeze because the air around them gets really cold, and the warmth inside the pipes escapes to the cold air outside. Smaller pipes freeze faster because they have more surface area compared to the amount of water inside.
We can keep above-ground pumps safe by building a well-insulated pump house and using a heat source like a heat lamp or heat tape. If your equipment is in a garage, make sure it’s heated and well-insulated too. Covering pipes with thick insulation is a good idea; it helps keep them from freezing even if there’s a power cut.
If it gets very, very cold, letting a small amount of water drip from a tap or outside faucet can usually prevent freezing. Also, it’s essential to clear the area around the well and pump house to make sure everything stays accessible and clean.
Regularly checking and cleaning your well and equipment helps ensure water keeps flowing smoothly no matter the season or weather.
Taking steps to protect your well in winter is a smart move. It’s way less trouble and cheaper than fixing a broken pump or system. Get help from pros to make sure everything’s set up right. For more info or assistance, contact EDS Pumps and Water Treatment.
