Hurricanes are a very real danger, and they can cause significant damage to your property. One of the most important elements of hurricane preparation is ensuring that your water well is properly protected. In this blog post, we'll discuss what steps you can take to prepare your water well for a hurricane.
Clean the Pump and Pressure Tank
Before a hurricane hits, it's important to make sure that your pump and pressure tank are both clean and in good working order. This will ensure that they are able to function properly during a power outage or if the water supply is disrupted due to flooding or other storm damage. To clean the pump and pressure tank, you should first shut off the power to the well system and disconnect any hoses or pipes connected to them. Once they have been disconnected, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment to thoroughly rinse out any dirt or debris from inside the pump and pressure tank.
Check All Valves
It's also important to check all valves on your water well system before a hurricane arrives. Make sure that all valves are in good working condition and open so that excess water can flow away from the well if flooding occurs during the storm. Additionally, be sure that any backflow prevention devices such as check valves or foot valves are functioning correctly so that contaminated floodwater does not enter into your home’s drinking water supply.
Secure Your Wellhead
If you have an above-ground wellhead, it’s important to secure it before a hurricane arrives. This involves securing all bolts and nuts on the casing with steel straps or wire ties in order to prevent them from becoming dislodged by high winds or debris being thrown around by strong gusts of wind during a storm. You should also make sure that any electrical wires connected to your pump system are securely fastened so they do not become damaged during high winds. Finally, be sure that all pipes connected to your wellhead are free from obstructions such as leaves or other debris so they remain unobstructed during heavy rainstorms associated with hurricanes.
Protect Electrical Components
Protect your pump from the potentially damaging effects of power surges and outages - turn it off at the circuit breaker before a storm hits. Don't forget to add an appropriate surge suppressor if you don't already have one, so that even when other areas lose and regain power, yours is safe against any spikes or irregularities in electricity flow.
In conclusion preparation is key when it comes to protecting your water well from damage caused by hurricanes or other natural disasters. By cleaning out your pump and pressure tank before a storm hits, checking all valves on your system for proper functioning, and securing any above-ground components of your wellhead, you can reduce the risk of costly repairs after a storm passes through your area. Taking these simple steps now can save you time and money later on down the line!