Proper Use and Daily Maintenance of a New Well After Initial Operation

Proper Use and Daily Maintenance of a New Well After Initial Operation

After a new well is drilled, proper use and daily maintenance are crucial to ensuring a long-term stable water supply and extending its lifespan. Below are the basic knowledge and operational points you need to know.

I. Initial Operation of a New Well: The Key is "Slow" and "Clean" After a new well is completed, it cannot be used continuously at high loads immediately; a proper operation process is required.

Pump water slowly and gradually clear it: When pumping water for the first time, use a smaller pump or reduce the pumping rate to pump intermittently. For example, pump for 15-30 minutes, then stop for 1-2 hours. The purpose of this is to allow the aquifer and filter media layer around the well to slowly and steadily form a natural filtration structure, preventing fine sand from rushing in and clogging the filter pipes due to forceful pumping. This process may last a day or longer until the pumped water is completely clear.

Water Quality Testing: After the water has completely cleared, it is recommended to collect water samples and send them to a professional institution for a full water quality analysis to determine whether it is suitable for drinking or irrigation and to understand its basic information such as mineral content. This is the first step in ensuring safe water use.

Installing Suitable Equipment: Based on the well depth, static water level, and water demand, select a submersible pump or deep well pump with matching head and flow rate. During installation, ensure the pump body is positioned sufficiently above the bottom of the well (generally, 1-2 meters or more is recommended) to prevent the intake of sediment.

II. Correct Habits in Daily Use

Avoid Frequent Start-up and Over-Pumping: Repeated starting and stopping of the water pump in a short period will accelerate wear. Use water in concentrated periods, avoiding "using it for a few minutes and then turning it off." More importantly, each time you pump water, avoid lowering the water level to near or below the pump inlet (i.e., "draining" the pump), as this will accelerate pump damage and may cause sand to flow into the well.

Installing Protective Devices: Install overload and phase loss protectors for the water pump power supply to prevent voltage instability or motor overheating and burnout. Install a check valve to prevent water backflow and impeller impact when the pump stops.

Maintain a sealed and clean wellhead: Ensure the well cover or platform is tightly sealed to prevent surface sewage, debris, insects, etc., from falling directly into the well. This is the most basic measure to protect water sources. Keep the area around the wellhead clean and ensure unobstructed drainage.

III. Key Points for Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Record water usage and water level changes: Develop the habit of simple record-keeping, paying attention to whether the well water level recovery rate slows significantly under normal water usage intensity. If the water level drops abnormally quickly or recovers very slowly, it may be a sign of insufficient supply or blockage of the filter layer around the well.

Regularly check water quality and sand discharge: Observe the water clarity every few months. If fine sand begins to appear continuously in the water, it may mean there is a problem with the filter layer or well pipe. If the water suddenly becomes cloudy, discolored, or has an unusual odor, stop drinking it immediately and investigate the cause.

Maintenance of water pumps and pipelines: Perform regular maintenance according to the water pump instruction manual, such as checking cables and measuring insulation resistance. When not in use for a long time, it is recommended to remove the water pump from the well, clean it, and store it in a dry place.

Annual Deep Inspection: It is recommended to measure the well's static water level and depth at least once a year with the help of a professional to check for siltation at the bottom. If the siltation is severe (e.g., exceeding 1-1.5 meters), timely dredging should be arranged to restore the well's capacity.

Summary: The key to using a well effectively lies in "treating it well." Consider the well as a living system. Proper initial use lays a "healthy foundation"; reasonable daily use is like a "regular schedule"; and regular inspections are like an "annual checkup." Avoiding misuse (such as excessive pumping) and taking precautions (maintaining a hygienic seal) will ensure the well becomes a reliable and long-lasting water source for your home. Any abnormalities (such as cloudy water or a sharp decrease in water flow) should be addressed promptly; delays often allow small problems to escalate into major issues.