Keeping sand out of well water often requires professional intervention and specific modifications to your well system.
Sand entering a well can cause wear and tear on pumps and plumbing fixtures, as well as affecting water quality. Addressing the source of the sand is key to maintaining clean and reliable well water.
Why Sand Enters Well Water
Sand can enter a well for several reasons, including:
- The well screen being damaged or improperly sized.
- The bottom of the well accumulating sediment.
- The pump being set too low in the well.
- Changes in the underground water flow or geology.
Professional Solutions for Sand in Well Water
According to expert advice, the most effective way to deal with persistent sand in your well water is to consult a professional well contractor. A contractor can diagnose the specific cause and recommend the best course of action for your well.
Based on their assessment, a professional might recommend one or more of the following solutions:
- Adjusting the Pump's Position: Pulling the pump up higher, away from the well base, can be an effective way to prevent it from drawing in sand that has settled at the bottom of the wellbore.
- Installing or Repairing Well Casing: A new casing might be installed, or the existing one repaired, to prevent sand from entering the well through compromised sections.
- Adding a Special Screen: Installing a special screen designed to filter out sand while allowing water to enter can resolve the problem at the wellbore level.
- Considering In-Home Solutions: With some private wells, an in-home solution may be recommended. This could involve installing a sediment filter system at the point of entry to your home or at specific faucets.
Working with a qualified professional ensures that the chosen solution is appropriate for your specific well's construction and the local geological conditions.
While some in-home filtration can help manage sand that makes it into your plumbing, addressing the issue at the well itself is generally the most effective long-term strategy for keeping sand out of your well water.
