From time to time, North Carolina experiences major flooding, particularly during hurricane season. If your home has a water well, you can experience major issues. Flood water can uproot trees and other large debris and loosen the sediment in the affected area. All of these events can damage your water well and contaminate your water.
After a flood, you should test and treat your water to ensure it is safe to consume. If a flood damages parts of the well system, you should have the well repaired as fast as possible to prevent even more damage to your well and your water source. Here are some things you should know.
How Do You Know If the Flood Water Has Infiltrated Your Water Well?
Once a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane happens, North Carolina state departments will monitor the water quality in the affected area and inform its citizens of any possible risks to water sources.
You will need to check with your local waterworks department to obtain this information if they do not put warnings out for public knowledge. You can make a phone call to find out if your water is healthy or just check the department's social media accounts, as they likely contain urgent information.
If your area suffers a significant flood or if the floodwater is over your well cap, make sure to have your water evaluated as soon as possible. Be sure to have bottled water on hand in the meantime. You do not want to ingest contaminated water.
What Should You Do If the Flood Water Infiltrates Your Water Well?
If you discover floodwater in your well, the likelihood of pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants present in your well water is quite high. Your water is not safe to drink. The floodwater is so forceful that it can cause surrounding sediment to erode the pump and flood into the well.
If your well is older or shallower, the risk of contamination is higher. When the flood is major, your well can collapse completely.
When you suspect the well is contaminated, even the slightest chance, you need a professional to inspect the well. The well will need professional disinfection. The process of cleaning the well takes some time because it has to be done correctly.
What Type of Damage Can Occur?
In addition to a flooded water well, the pump itself can also suffer damage. The dirt and sediment from a flood can erode the delicate components of the pump. The gears and valves need a proper cleaning to keep them from burning up. The well pump contains electrical parts, so you should not attempt to repair the well yourself. A professional inspection is necessary.
After the floodwater is gone, leave the electrical connection to the well off until you call a well contractor. The chance the electrical system of the well was submerged in the flood is likely, so you should not do anything with it. Instead, be sure the power to the well is off. You can do this by simply flipping the breaker switch in your home's electrical panel.
Flood damage can be so severe, and your first thought may not be your water well. However, this is one of the most important items to think about once the flood is gone and you begin to reconstruct the damage. Never use your home's water after a flood until you work with a professional well contractor to make sure the water is healthy for you and your household.
If you have any questions about your water well, please contact us at
Action Well & Pump Repair.
