Well not used in 20 years, worth setting up again?

patsyrockem

Hi all, I am renovating the old home house and have just realised there was a well sunk there years ago. But 20yrs ago the folks switched to the mains because the pump was giving trouble and when there was a powercut they had no water at all. Powercuts were probably more frequent then I'd imagine and water was badly needed with lots of kids in the house.
Anyway the pump is still in place but probably not working anymore and the connection to the house is only feet away. With water rates on the way I am wondering is it worth my while setting up the well again. Is their a way of finding out if it is viable to change from the mains? What kind of problems can I expect? Anyone who can advise or has had similar experiences? Thanks

jimjimt

How deep is it ?

What you have to do is pump out a lot of water a half a day if possible and some where to pump it to. Maybe do this twice.
get the water tested by a professional lab.

You can rent a pump from most company's who sell and install. But it could cost half the price of new pump for this service pending on depth. So might be better to buy the pump.

If the well was good 20 years ago should be still good if it was sealed and protected.

Their use to be a simple way of disinfecting a well but not allowed anymore.

aujopimur

My daughter recommisioned a well after many years, even the pump worked.
We dropped a weighted container into the well for a for a testing sample.
With regard to water charges, you will still have to pay, as the DOE says, it's everybodies water.

puzzle factory

jimjimt wrote: »

How deep is it ?

What you have to do is pump out a lot of water a half a day if possible and some where to pump it to. Maybe do this twice.
get the water tested by a professional lab.

You can rent a pump from most company's who sell and install. But it could cost half the price of new pump for this service pending on depth. So might be better to buy the pump.

If the well was good 20 years ago should be still good if it was sealed and protected.

Their use to be a simple way of disinfecting a well but not allowed anymore.

what was the simple way?

jimjimt

This is a public form so cannot say.

Regardless you still have to get a pump into action.

As that other gentleman says.... the old pump just may work.

If it is a overhead/surface pump. Unplug it and take the back of it, give the fan a twist and see is it free.

patsyrockem

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at the pump to see what state its in. I doubt the well was sealed but i do know they had to go very deep to find water.