There are some seasonal vacation homes or cabins that are serviced by a water well. These types of homes are typically not designed to be used during the winter. The plumbing systems and structures are not adequately insulated to withstand extreme cold. When preparing to close your vacation home for the season and leaving it vacant and unheated, you must winterize the plumbing to protect it from bursting in freezing temperatures. WSC recommends that you contact a licensed plumber to winterize your home. If you must winterize on your own, follow these steps and instructions.
If you are in an area that is apt to reach or has ever experienced freezing temperatures, you should make every effort to prevent your pipes, well, and well components from freezing. When pipes freeze, the flow of water is entirely blocked. Water expands as it turns into ice which could result in bursting pipes, as well as ruining your well pump and other exposed well components. This can be an expensive problem to fix and a disastrous occurrence in the frigid winter months. If your well or pipes freeze, contact your licensed well contractor or plumber as soon as possible.
Your Well System
Help keep your well from freezing with a pitless adapter. A pitless adapter attaches to your well casing to provide a sanitary and frost-proof seal between the casing and the water line running to your home. This device protects the water from freezing and allows convenient access to the well and well components without having to dig around the well. The adapter is connected to the well casing below the frost line – the depth at which the ground does not freeze. Water from the well is diverted horizontally at the adapter to prevent it from freezing. Contact your licensed well contractor to discuss installing a pitless adapter.
You should also protect your wellhead from getting damaged by snow and heavy equipment, like snow blowers and plows. There are existing older wells that are in driveways, close to a driveway, or close to a road. Consider adding a fiberglass driveway marker to aid in locating the well. If your well gets covered by snow, you will be able to easily locate it and cautiously remove the snow from around it.
Incoming Inclement Weather Limiting You from Making Adjustments?
If your wellhead is exposed to outside elements and freezing temperatures are on the way, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent damage to your water well. These include wrapping the well with insulation, blankets, towels, or other insulating materials you can find that will not cause damage to the wellhead.
To learn more about protecting your pipes, pump, tank, and for tips if your pipes or well system are already frozen, download our wellcare® information sheet on Protecting Your Pipes and Well System From Freezing. You can also contact us by calling 888-395-1033 or chat with us live at wellcarehotline.org.