Five Key Steps When Installing a New Water System
When it comes to home ownership, installing a well is perhaps the most crucial and fundamental element – in terms of securing both your home value as well as protecting your family’s health. Here are five criteria to keep in mind when having your well installed successfully.
1. Determine your water needs
Take a few moments to consider what the demand on your new water system will be. Things like an irrigation system or showers that have multiple heads may change how your system will need to be set up. Take into consideration any potential changes that may require more pressure or volume. Location is also an important factor. Your well contractor will be able to help you with local and state regulations on setbacks so that your new well can be located in an area that is accessible and doesn’t hinder the landscaping plans.
2. Make all the necessary contacts
Contact your local health department and well contractor in the very beginning of your new project. The permitting process may take some time and allows for any questions, grading or additional preparations. Having your well drilled first will allow you to provide water to your contractors (masons, painters, etc.) The flow and quality of the water in your new well may slightly change building plans and can easily be addressed before the building actually takes place.
3. Do your research
This step is key. Well contractors must hold a special license either through the state or other national sanctions in order to install and service wells and water systems. Check with your local health department for licensing details. Each contractor may hold different license or accreditations depending on what kind of work they are equipped to do. A well-equipped company should be able to offer any kind of service along with the initial installations. Talk to your neighbors, they may be able to provide some insight into what kind of system you will have. Some areas vary greatly in depths so other wells that are in close proximity are good indicators of what depths to expect.
4. Don’t skimp on quality for this type of investment
Avoid the temptation to cut quality and workmanship for cheaper products. Always compare apples to apples when your different quotes contain different prices. The options are endless for your new system so make sure to ask what is included in your pricing and what brands or grade of equipment is being quoted. When your water system fails, living conditions can change fast. Use of toilets, showers, sinks, hot water and sometimes heat are luxuries that are normally taken for granted. Quality of your products adds life to the system and cuts out constant problems and failure.
5. Keep an open line of communication
When in doubt, call your contractor! A good well contracting company should have plenty of experience with the design and installation of multiple types of water systems. Write down any questions that may come up so you can further discuss the plans and installation. Ask your contractor for details about the design of your system. They should be able to offer any upgrades or suggestions to custom suit your water needs ahead of time.
Millions of people depend on groundwater for their drinking water. Installing a well and water system is key to ensuring your family’s wellbeing and your home’s value. By following these five steps, you can rest assured that you will have a solid, dependable system that will last for years to come. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for additional information.
