I got this question from a reader the other day, asking if well water freezes in winter. Living out in the country, I’ve dealt with this myself, so I figured I’d share my experience.
When I first moved here, I was worried about the well freezing up when the temperature dropped. I mean, it gets seriously cold here in the winter. So, the first thing I did was to take a look at the well setup. The well itself is pretty deep underground, which is good because it’s less likely to freeze down there where the earth’s temperature is more stable. But the pipes, that’s a different story.
Check the Pipes
I started by inspecting all the pipes that were above ground. Some of them were already insulated, which was a good start. But I noticed a few spots where the insulation was worn out or missing altogether. So, I got some foam pipe insulation from the hardware store and wrapped those exposed sections up real good. I made sure to cover every inch, especially around the joints and connections, because those are the weak points where the cold can really sneak in.
Let It Flow
Next, I remembered reading somewhere that keeping a little bit of water flowing through the pipes can help prevent freezing. It makes sense if you think about it – moving water is less likely to freeze than still water. So, during those really cold snaps, I would leave a faucet dripping just a tiny bit overnight. Nothing crazy, just a slow, steady drip. I figured it was better to waste a little water than to deal with frozen pipes and no water at all.
Keep an Eye on the Pump
Another thing I did was to pay attention to the well pump. It’s in a little shed outside, so it’s more exposed to the elements. I made sure the shed was well-sealed and insulated to keep the pump from getting too cold. I also checked the pump regularly to make sure it was running smoothly. If it starts making strange noises or acting up, that could be a sign of trouble, maybe even ice forming somewhere in the system.
The Result
- Inspect and insulate exposed pipes.
- Keep a trickle of water flowing during cold spells.
- Monitor the well pump and its housing.
So far, I haven’t had any major issues with the well freezing in winter. I mean, we’ve had some seriously cold weather, but by taking these steps, I’ve managed to keep the water flowing. It’s not rocket science or anything, just some common-sense stuff that anyone can do. I’m no expert, just a guy who’s learned a few things from living out here in the country. I hope this helps anyone who’s wondering about keeping their well water from freezing up when it gets cold. Stay warm, folks!
