Cleaning a sand point well primarily involves dislodging sand and silt that accumulate around the well screen, improving water flow. This is achieved by reversing the water flow through the well point.
Steps to Clean a Sand Point Well
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a water source (e.g., another well, municipal water supply), a pump capable of forcing water down the well, and appropriate hoses and fittings to connect the pump to the well.
- Connect the Pump: Attach the hose from the pump to the top of your sand point well. Ensure the connection is secure to prevent leaks.
- Backwash the Well: Begin pumping water down into the well. The goal is to pump the water back down and through the screens, which will hopefully dislodge the sand and silt that's clogging the screen, as stated in the provided reference.
- Monitor the Water: Observe the water that comes back out of the well. Initially, it will likely be murky with sand and silt. Continue pumping until the water runs clearer.
- Repeat if Necessary: Depending on the severity of the clogging, you may need to repeat the backwashing process several times.
- Test the Well: After backwashing, test the well's water flow to see if the cleaning improved its performance.
Troubleshooting
- Persistent Clogging: If backwashing doesn't solve the problem, the well screen might be damaged or the surrounding soil may be too fine, causing continuous clogging. In such cases, professional well servicing may be required.
- Pump Issues: Ensure your pump is functioning correctly and can deliver sufficient pressure for effective backwashing.
