Water well maintenance isn’t just about professional inspections and preventing contamination from cleaning chemicals, motor oil, gasoline, fertilizers, and other contaminants. It’s also about preparing your system for power failures. A well pump won’t work if the power goes out. Here are several steps you can take to ensure your family’s access to fresh water before, during, and after a storm.

Is a Storm Coming? Use These Tips to Maintain Access to Your Water Supply

Before

Prepare for upcoming storms by purchasing plenty of bottled water, or invest in a backup generator if you seek a permanent solution. A backup generator should operate on gas or battery power when you lose electricity. Discuss generator size with your water well maintenance team and how to hook up your well pump to it.

If you expect to power your refrigerator, furnace, lights, and stove with a generator in addition to your pump, you may need a larger appliance. If you’re using a gas- or diesel-powered generator, keep it outside, not in an attached garage or basement, to prevent fumes.

Other before-storm steps you can take include installing a water tank as a secondary supply. You should also fill tubs and sinks for bathing and washing dishes.

During

A generator will keep your pump operational if you lose power. If you don’t have one, use a hand pump to expel water manually from your well during a power outage.

You can continue to use your toilet during a power outage by adding melted snow or rainwater to the tank.

After

After electricity has been restored, run your faucets for a few minutes to check for discoloration and odors, which may indicate contamination. If your pump doesn’t start working immediately after power restoration, reset the pressure switch. Move the switch level to an upright position with a pair of insulated pliers to avoid electric shock. Hold the lever until the pressure gauge hits 30 or higher.

Schedule water well maintenance with Elberta Pump Repair & Well Drilling Inc if you have concerns after a power outage or any time your system needs professional servicing. This well drilling company has served Baldwin and Mobile counties in Alabama for nearly 20 years. Call (251) 986-3055 today to make an appointment, or learn more about their services online.