What do you need to know about water well casing?
Here’s what you need to know to keep your water well casings in great shape. What Is a Water Well Casing? In order for water to get from the underground aquifer to the surface, it requires a sealed pathway that will allow the water to flow to the top, also known as a water well casing.
When do you need to replace a well pipe casing?
WELL PIPING TAIL PIECE may also need to be installed, repaired, or replaced if the well is a low-flow or poor performing one. Well casings: modern drilled wells for residential use typically include a 6" diameter steel casing which is inserted into the drilled well and down into bedrock.
What are the most common well casing problems?
One of the most common well casing problems property owners can experience is a crack. This can happen when the ground shifts due to an earthquake or nearby construction that includes blasting. Stones or other objects pressing against the casing can also cause leaks.
Should well casing be above or below the ground?
The well casing should extend above the ground surface to limit the risk of water entering the well. If the casing is at or below ground level it should be extended above the ground, making sure there is a watertight connection between the casing and the cap. The cap should seal to the existing well casing.
When should I replace my well casing?
Watch out for these signs that may indicate that the well casing is damaged.A decrease in the water flow (usually gradual)Sand, dirt, sediment, or other contaminants in your water supply.Water filters need frequent replacement.You discover a new contamination problem.
Can a well casing be replaced?
Typically, a well liner is a repair part for a damaged well casing. So, if you have a well casing that leaks, your well experts may simply install a liner in the damaged portion of the casing. If your liner is giving out, your well experts may simply replace it.
What causes a well casing to collapse?
Casing failures can lead to a reduced energy output from the well, render the well inoperative and in worst cases cause unsafe conditions above the surface. Casing failures such as collapse are the result of combined loads and impurities in the casing and/or surrounding concrete.
Can a cracked well casing be repaired?
There are two ways that a well specialist might fix a well casing: First, for above-ground damage, they may suggest repairing the pipe and extending it upwards so that it's easier to see and avoid in the future. The second approach involves placing a liner against the part of the pipe that is damaged.
How long will a metal well casing last?
Most residential well casings are carbon steel and have a life expectancy of about 20 to 35 years, with an average of 25. A casing of High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel or stainless steel lasts longer, but is more expensive.
How do you check a well casing?
Take a piece of string or rope and wrap it all the way around your well casing (not the well cap!) and mark the length. Next, place the string flat with same tension and measure it—this is the circumference of your well casing. Divide this number by 3.14 to get your outside diameter.
How do you know if your well is collapsing?
The 7 warning signs associated with water well problems:The well is pumping air, and well yield is reduced.The well is pumping sand or large amounts of sediment.Water pressure is low (pressure tank symptoms)The power bill has skyrocketed.Water quality has changed.Dissolved gasses or bubbles and air in well water.More items...
How much does it cost to fix a collapsed well?
Drilling the well hole, installing the casing (a tubular lining that prevents the well hole from collapsing) and adding a well cap (a tight-fitting, vermin-proof top seal) typically costs $15-$30 per foot, or $1,500-$3,000 for a 100' deep well, and $6,000-$12,000 for a 400' well.
Can a collapsed well be fixed?
The approach that a water well repair service will take to restore your well depends on the location of the collapse. If the collapsed area of your well is below the casing, a water well repair service can fix your well by developing it.
Can well casing leak?
Leaks in steel water well casings can be caused by a variety of troubles including corrosion, pressure from stones or other objects outside the casing, splits at a welded or defective casing seam, even a lightning strike, and nearby construction that includes blasting.
Do well casings rust?
Rusted Well Casing The inside of your well casing is likely a bit rusted if it's made of steel (rather than plastic) and the well is more than a few years old. This doesn't necessarily mean that the well casing is completely done and needs replacing.
Can you reline a well casing?
Water well casings can be relined. When a well casing has eroded enough to allow sand and silt to be introduced to the pump, it's time to act.
What is casing in a well?
Casing provides support for the wall of the well so that loose rock fragments or unconsolidated sand and gravel through which the well has penetrated do not collapse into the well shaft. The casing protects the electrical wires, pull cable and water tubing/piping that are connected to the submersible pump.
How are wells drilled?
Many wells are drilled through unconsolidated rock materials before reaching solid bedrock. The process of “seating” the casing into bedrock is frequently accomplished with a drive-shoe that is tightly seated before drilling continues at a smaller diameter (without casing) through the bedrock.
Can you seat steel casing into bedrock?
A driller, using proper care and technique, can seat steel or PVC casing satisfactorily into bedrock. Steel casing can withstand the high temperatures generated by curing cement grout. A driller using established cooling methods to maintain a proper temperature for the casing also can grout PVC casing successfully.
Is PVC a good casing for well water?
However, with improvements in strength, durability and corrosion resistance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics over the last two decades, PVC casing has very common as a casing material for drinking water wells. The type of casing that will be used in a well depends on several factors including water chemistry and geology.
What is a water casing?
It also stops contaminants from making their way into your water supply. Water casings are typically made of stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic , depending on the local geology.
Why does my well casing leak?
This can happen when the ground shifts due to an earthquake or nearby construction that includes blasting . Stones or other objects pressing against the casing can also cause leaks.
What is a water well made of?
Water casings are typically made of stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic, depending on the local geology. Well casings can vary in diameter depending on what they’re used for. A residential casing measures about 4 to 6 inches while a commercial water well tends to be a lot wider in diameter. Well casings are topped with a plastic ...
Why do wells have caps?
Well casings are topped with a plastic or aluminum well cap to prevent small animals , insects, and dirt or debris from making it into the well. The cap also has a vent to help control the water pressure during pumping.
Can you drill a well if there is a leak?
Depending on the damage, a professional might suggest to drill a new well. But this is an extreme case. It’s important to consult a professional right away if you suspect there’s a leak. You can keep the water well casing in perfect shape moving forward by scheduling regular inspections.
Do well casings need to be repaired?
Water well casings tend to need repairs over time, which can compromise the drinking water and become really expensive. Here’s what you need to know to keep your water well casings in great shape.
How deep should a well casing be?
Well Casing Depth. Shallow dug wells typically extend no farther than 30 feet. Drilled wells, typically 8 to 10 inches in diameter, require casing to reduce the contamination from the ground's surface or surrounding strata.
How deep do you need to seal a well?
In California, the annular seal must extend below the strata a minimum of 10 feet for shallow wells and no less than 20 feet in wells for home, agricultural or business use.
How deep is a well?
Modern drilled wells reach greater depths, with a foot or two of casing above the well, a minimum of 18 feet of casing below the surface, if the well goes through bedrock, at least 5 feet of casing within bedrock.
Why do people in rural areas have wells drilled?
People living in rural areas often have wells drilled for water because they have no access to public water. Each state's water department, local building jurisdiction or health department sets the minimum standards for water-well construction.
What is the purpose of a well casing?
The well casings are usually topped with a plastic or aluminum cap to keep insects, dirt, dust, small animals, and debris out. The cap has a vent to help control the water pressure during pumping. Some common materials used to make casings include plastic and steel (can be carbon or stainless).
What happens if a well casing splits?
If your well casing has splits due to defective or welded seams, it will be unable to prevent groundwater and contaminants from getting in. If lightning strikes the well during a bad storm, the well casing can get damaged.
Why does a casing leak?
Common Causes of Casing Leaks. Over time, cracks can develop in a casing. Cracking can occur when the ground shifts during a natural calamity such as an earthquake or due to shock waves created by blasts at a nearby construction site. Stones or other objects that press against the casing can also damage it.
What to consider when choosing casing material?
When choosing casing material, some factors to consider are local regulations, the type of equipment used to construct the well, and the cost involved. Your water well contractor will also consider water chemistry and geology. If your well water pH is below 6.5 and its alkalinity is also too low, it may be corrosive.
How to tell if a well is leaking?
Some Common Signs of a Leak. A cracked well casing is a recipe for disaster. If the cover on top of your well casing gets damaged, insects and small animals could crawl inside. If they die and decompose, harmful bacteria may get into your water supply.
Can a well casing be corrosive?
Similarly, if the well water has high levels of dissolved solids, it may be corrosive to steel pipes resulting from the galvanic current. When installing a casing, the contractor must avoid excess bending or vertical movements to prevent casing materials from cracking or deforming. A damaged casing can do more harm than good.
Can a well casing leak?
Many homeowners know the importance of maintaining their casings; however, they fail to notice the signs of a well casing leak. Spotting a leak is not easy, especially if it is below the surface. Watch out for these signs that may indicate ...
Why should a well casing be extended above ground?
The well casing should extend above the ground surface to limit the risk of water entering the well. If the casing is at or below ground level it should be extended above the ground, making sure there is a watertight connection between the casing and the cap. The cap should seal to the existing well casing. A PVC well casing can be sealed by gluing ...
How to seal a well?
The cap should seal to the existing well casing. A PVC well casing can be sealed by gluing a PVC cap to the top of the casing. Some metal casings are sealed by welding a plate metal cap to the top of the casing. Another option is to insert a capped casing into the well casing, with the top of the inside pipe resting on the top of the outer well casing. There are three criteria for capping a well: 1 A cap must fit tightly and be properly sealed to prevent surface pollutants from entering the well. 2 The well cap should support 400 pounds to minimize the risk of a person falling into the well. 3 To protect children and animals, the cap should not be easily removed by hand and it should be heavy enough that it is not easy to lift. If the cap is properly glued or welded there should be no danger of its accidentally being removed.
How far away from a well should you store chemicals?
To prevent groundwater contamination, you should protect the wellhead of a capped well just as you would that of a functioning well. Here are some good steps to take. Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers within 100 feet of the wellhead. Do not store chemicals or animal wastes within 100 feet of the wellhead.
Why do wells need a cap?
Wells that are no longer being used but might be needed in the future can be sealed with a cap that covers the top of the well casing pipe to prevent unauthorized access and contamination of the well. A cap is a temporary groundwater protection solution that allows a well to be used at a later time.
How much weight should a well cap support?
The well cap should support 400 pounds to minimize the risk of a person falling into the well.
What is a non deteriorated well?
A non-deteriorated well is one with a casing and pump in good condition. You can inspect the condition of a well casing at the surface by searching for holes or cracks. Use a light to check the inside of the casing. If you can move the casing around by pushing against it, the casing is probably deteriorating.
Why should soil slope away from a capped well?
The soil should slope away from the capped well in all directions to prevent surface water from reaching the casing and possibly passing into the well . Water flowing across the ground surface should be directed around and away from the well.
