Water wells are a vital part of many homes, especially in rural areas around Hamburg. If you’re a homeowner with a water well or planning to purchase a property with one, understanding the basics can save you time and money. At Ackerson Pump Company, we specialize in water well services and are here to answer three of the most common questions we receive.
1. How Do Wells Work?
A water well taps into an underground layer of water-bearing rock called an aquifer. These aquifers are natural storage systems where water is held in tiny spaces within rock and soil. When it rains, water percolates through the soil and rock to these aquifers, replenishing them.
Wells are drilled down to reach the aquifer. A pump is then used to bring water from the aquifer to the surface for household use. Basically, a well is your very own access point to the underground water.
2. Are There Different Types of Wells?
Did you know that just under 12% of people in New Jersey receive their drinking water from a private well? Two popular well types are:
Drilled Wells
Drilled wells, created with a drilling machine, are most common in New Jersey. These wells can reach several hundred feet and are lined with casing to prevent collapse and contamination. Drilled wells are considered highly reliable and safe.
Driven Wells
Driven wells, also known as sand-point wells, are made by driving a small diameter pipe into shallow water-bearing sand or gravel. These are typically less deep than drilled wells and are usually found in areas with a high water table. While they’re easier and cheaper to install, they may not be as durable or provide as much water as drilled wells.
3. What Are the Main Parts of a Well?
At Ackerson Pump Company, we specialize in water well treatment, repair, and inspection services, so we know the ins and outs of how they are constructed. Here are a few of the main components of a water well:
- Casing: This is the tube-shaped structure placed in the well to maintain its opening and prevent collapse.
- Well Screen: Attached to the casing, the well screen filters out sediment and allows water to enter the well.
- Gravel Pack: Placed around the well screen, it further filters water entering the well.
- Pump: The essential part that draws water from the well to your home. Submersible pumps or jet pumps are typically used based on well depth.
- Cap: A secure, sanitary covering used to prevent contaminants from entering the well.
Now that you understand more about the inner workings of water wells, trust the pros at Ackerson Pump Company to handle the rest. We offer water well services for homeowners in Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren County.
So, what are you waiting for? For water well service for your Hamburg area home, contact Ackerson Pump online or at (973) 827-6088 today!
“Ground Water and Private Wells,” New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Nov. 21, 2024, https://dep.nj.gov/privatewells/.