For many families in North Florida, outdoor wells are a private source of clean drinking water. Free from the tethers of municipal water systems and high water bills, well-owners take a more independent approach to securing clean water. Owning a well comes with plenty of benefits, but it also means acquiring a very niche set of knowledge.

For example, well users should learn what a well screen does, why they might stop working, and when it’s time to hire our experienced team at North Florida Water Systems Inc for a well screen replacement. Continue reading to learn whether repair or replacement is the better course of action for your well screen.

Benefits of Professional Well Maintenance

If you have a well on your property, it’s important to maintain it with professional well maintenance. Routine well maintenance can:

improve water quality
extend well lifespan
reduce sediment buildup
prevent costly repairs
improve water pressure
identify contamination issues early

What Is A Well Screen?

Before diving into the more minute details regarding well screen damage, we’ll cover what exactly a well screen is. For those not entirely acquainted with the components of a well, it’s important to know that well screens play a significant role in keeping water clean and safe to drink.

You can think of a well screen like a colander. This contraption traps contaminants like gravel or sand while allowing clean water to pass through. Without a well screen in good working condition, sediment can travel through your well system and into your water.

Signs Your Well Screen Is Damaged

Gritty texture: If you notice an unpleasant gritty feeling while drinking water, call North Florida Water Systems Inc to inspect the well screen for damage because debris has likely seeped into your water supply.

Strange taste: Well water should taste normal, so unusual flavor is a sign your water is dirty.

Bad odor: Just as clean well water has a normal taste, it should also smell like you expect water to smell. If you catch a whiff of something bad or atypical, refrain from drinking the water and hire a professional to assess your well.

When To Repair A Well Screen

Not every well screen problem requires a total replacement; some issues can be addressed much more quickly, with repairs and/or well maintenance. Sometimes, well screens get clogged with debris like sediment, gravel, and minerals. Iron is another common well water contaminant that turns water brown and even causes it to stain dishes.

To clear materials from a clogged well screen, there are two possible solutions. The first is taking the chemical removal route, which involves using special chemicals to remove debris. Alternatively, you can choose to use wire brushes or high-pressure water jets to mechanically remove sediment.

When To Replace A Well Screen

Sometimes, well screens are so damaged that a simple repair isn’t enough to solve the problem. If your well screen has corroded to the point where cleaning methods don’t help or the screen has holes in it, it’s time to hire North Florida Water Systems Inc to replace your well screen with a new one.

FAQs

How Long Does a Well Screen Last?

A properly installed well screen can last several years, even decades, depending on water quality, material type, and maintenance frequency.

What Causes Well Screen Damage?

Common causes of well screen damage include corrosion, mineral buildup, sediment accumulation, aging materials, and groundwater contaminants.

Can a Clogged Well Screen Be Cleaned?

Yes, many clogged well screens can be cleaned using professional chemical treatments, wire brushing, or high-pressure water jetting.

Is Dirty Well Water Dangerous?

Yes, contaminated well water is dangerous and should not be consumed. Drinking unclean water can make you sick, which is why it’s crucial that your well screen and other well parts are functioning correctly.

Keep Your Well Intact With North Florida Water Systems Inc

Having problems with your well? No need to worry. Just call North Florida Water Systems Inc, and our experienced technicians will diagnose and solve the problem efficiently. We offer an array of well maintenance and water treatment services to get your well back up and running in no time. Give us a call today!