Unless you’re actively trying to reenact Little House on the Prairie, chances are you’d prefer not to haul buckets of water from a well every day. Thankfully, your water well pump does that job for you—but only if it’s properly maintained.

To avoid falling back into the 1800s, here’s what you need to know about caring for your water well pump the smart (and safe) way.

Leave It to the Pros

When it comes to maintaining your water well pump, resist the urge to DIY.

While it may seem like a quick fix, even removing the lid can introduce harmful bacteria into your water supply—or worse, put you at risk of electrocution if you’re dealing with a submersible pump. Many homeowners try to solve “simple” issues, only to cause bigger (and costlier) problems.

Bottom line: Save yourself the stress. Call a licensed professional.

Who to Call—and When

Set a recurring reminder: Your water well pump should get a check-up once a year from a professional certified by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).

This annual inspection should include:

  • A written, itemized contract for the job
  • A full flow test
  • An equipment inspection
  • A water quality test (for bacteria, nitrates, or other local risks)
  • A final report with test results and recommendations

If anything in the report isn’t clear, ask questions. After all, this is your home’s water supply—understanding the results is part of protecting your health.

Also schedule a bacterial test any time your water changes in taste, smell, or appearance—or if your system is serviced for any reason.

What You Can Do Yourself

Even though deep maintenance is best left to the experts, there are still a few things you can do to keep your pump running smoothly:

  • Make sure the well cap is sealed tightly, with no visible leaks.
  • Keep the well cap free of snow, leaves, and debris.
  • Avoid damaging the cap with lawn tools or landscaping equipment.
  • Keep fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals far away.
  • Ensure the top of your well sits at least one foot above ground level.

When your system reaches the end of its serviceable life (typically after 20+ years), have it professionally decommissioned to prevent contamination or accidents.

Keep One Foot in the Present

Your water well pump is one of the most important parts of your home’s infrastructure. With a little yearly maintenance and some simple precautions, it can continue to serve you well for decades—no wooden bucket required.

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