Fall and winter maintenance of the domestic water well

The condition of the well and its water quality should be monitored all year round. This way, in the fall, it is good to prepare for the winter and check at least a few things regarding the condition of the well.

The manhole cover must be tight and in good condition, and the ventilation pipe must be long enough. In winter, the ventilation can be adjusted to a lower level so that the well does not freeze during severe frosts.

For autumn floods and heavy rains, it is good to make sure that the land next to the well drains sufficiently away from the well. The tightness of the pipe penetrations at the top of the well should also be checked.

Before the frost season, it is also necessary to ensure the frost protection of the well, as frost can move the well rings. Small rodents, e.g. mice and moles can get into the well through even a small opening. If the well water starts to smell or taste bad, check the condition of the well immediately.

In winter, it is ensured that the well remains safe under the snow

The well should not be forgotten in winter either. Even before the snow comes, you should mark the edges of the well, for example, with plowing sticks, so that no damage can occur. A large snow plow can easily damage the well!

There is no need to remove snow from the top and around the well, because the snow insulates and protects the well and water pipes, e.g. from freezing. A well that is in continuous use usually stays thawed even in severe frosts, if its frost insulation is in order. A well that is only in use from time to time, such as the water system of a summer cottage, may require special measures and other maintenance in autumn and in case of winter.

More information about well maintenance  vesi.fi 

For more information:
environmental engineer Armi Kainulainen
armi.kainulainenimatra.fi (armi[dot]kainulainen[at]imatra[dot]fi)