Private water wells are a great source of water for many homeowners, but over time, the flow of fresh, high-quality water from private wells can reduce due to several natural, environmental, and external factors. Such an event can result in low water pressure or a complete loss of water. Therefore, it’s important for homeowners who rely on well water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing to know what causes their well to run dry, some of the signs of a dry water well, and what to do to resume water flow to their property. Here’s how you can tell if your well has run dry.

Why Do Wells Run Dry?

When you get your water from the city, that water is stored in large reservoirs before being sent through the city water systems and into your home. Conversely, when you get your water from a well, you’re relying on the water that’s naturally flowing in the ground beneath your property. That groundwater must be pumped into your home by a water pump, types of which include submersible pumps, centrifugal pumps, turbine pumps, and solar pumps. Oftentimes, the placement of such pumps can result in insufficient water supply. For example, submersible pumps are only able to deliver water to your home if they rest below the water level. When the water level gets too low due to drought or other natural occurrences, there is little to no water available to be pumped to the surface.

Signs of a Dry Well

In most cases, clear warning signs that your well is beginning to go dry or is being affected by drought conditions include:

• Discolored water – As your well starts to dry up, the water coming from your faucets may look a little bit muddy or murky in color.
• Distasteful water – A noticeable change in how your water tastes can be a sign of a dry well. 
• Sputtering water – Spraying and sputtering water coming through the pipes when you turn on your faucets can be a strong indicator that air is being sucked into your pump and sufficient water is having difficulty getting to your home.

Your Dry Well Solution

Having a steady supply of fresh water is a necessity, so the best thing to do if you think your water well might be drying up is contact a professional to inspect it. In some cases, your water well pump can simply be moved to a lower position where it has better access to your water supply. Other instances may call for well re-drilling or replacement. After all, wells are designed to last between 20 and 30 years. If your well is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be best to simply have it replaced. 

With over 90 years of well experience and knowledge, the well maintenance and drilling experts at Domer’s can inspect your well and get your water flowing again. For more information about our high-quality and reliable well drilling services, give Domer’s a call today at 863-763-3417.