Okay, so last winter, I had a real problem with my well freezing up. It was a nightmare, and I definitely don’t want to go through that again. So, this year, I did a bunch of stuff to prepare, and I wanted to share what worked for me.
First Steps: Check Everything Out
First, I inspected the well cap. I was looking for any cracks or gaps. You know, anything that would let cold air seep in. I made sure it was snug and tight. I even considered getting an insulated well cap, but the one I had seemed pretty good, so I stuck with it.
Adding Some Insulation
Next up, I focused on the exposed pipes. These were the most vulnerable, I figured. I wrapped them with heat tape – the kind that automatically turns on when the temperature drops. It was pretty easy to install, just wrapped it around and plugged it in. Make sure to follow instructions on the packaging.
Then, I added another layer of protection over the heat tape. I used foam pipe insulation – the pre-slit kind that you just slip on. It was like giving the pipes a warm, cozy blanket.
Building a Little Shelter(skip if you can’t do this)
This might not be an option for everyone, but I had an old shed that was not of use. I moved it to cover the well as a shelter. I built it up a little bit with some scrap wood, just to give it some extra protection from the wind and snow. Think of it like a little house for the well.
Don’t Forget the Ground!
- I also piled up some extra mulch around the base of the well.
- A thick layer of mulch can act like insulation for the ground, and I am hoping it helped keep the frost line from going too deep.
- I’ve also heard of people using hay bales, which would probably work even better.
Checking In Regularly
Even with all this, I still make a point of checking on the well regularly throughout the winter. I listen for any unusual noises, and I make sure the heat tape is working. If we get a really big snowstorm, I go out and clear the snow away from the well house, just to be safe.
So far, so good! My well hasn’t frozen this year, and I’m feeling pretty good about my preparations. It’s definitely worth taking the time to do this – it’s way better than dealing with a frozen well and no water!
