It's not uncommon for many homes in southeast Missouri to rely on water wells for drinking water. However, winters often come with freezing temperatures, which can be problematic for a water well and its pipes and pump. Before winter arrives, follow these tips to winterize your well and prepare for the cold. 

What Are the Steps to Winterize Your Water Well?

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Water well pipes will likely freeze if the outdoor temperature consistently remains at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. You can prevent pipes from bursting from ice expanding within them in several ways. 

One method is insulation. Consider protecting exposed pipes with insulating tape or foam padding. You could also run water in your house from every valve on freezing days. A steady drip from most of your faucets keeps water moving through the pipeline, which prevents freezing. 

2. Protect Above Ground Pumps

A water well could have a deep well pump located around the well's bottom. That pump type doesn't need winterization because it's deep in the ground and should be below the typical frost line of 32 to 48 inches into the earth. However, an above-ground pump is susceptible to freezing in the winter. 

You can insulate these lines with foam padding or keep them warm by constructing a small shelter the size of a doghouse over the pump. Use a heat lamp to regulate the shelter's temperature and keep it above 32 degrees. 

3. Keep It Covered

Well covers are another way to protect your water well from winter weather. You could purchase a well cover that resembles a large rock if you want to maintain your property's aesthetic or an insulated cover. If you prefer a do-it-yourself option, consider wrapping an old blanket around your outdoor well equipment and placing plastic on top.

If you need assistance with water well winterization, turn to Walles Pump Service LLC in Clever, MO. This Better Business Bureau accredited company is fully licensed and insured. Their specially trained technicians have decades of experience providing water pump installation, water well maintenance, and home water systems installation. This local well drilling contractor commits to paying close attention to all details of every job to ensure its team completes every task on time for a reasonable price. Learn more about their services online, or call (417) 369-3801 to request a consultation.