Well Questions

lvshrs · #1 06/09/11, 07:20 PM

I'm not sure where to start with this. I would like to get my well going but not sure if this is something we can do ourselves or if we need to find someone to do this for us.

I don't know if the water is good.Where would I get the water tested?

How to get a sample? Toss a small bottle in with a string attached?

Types of well pumps?

Electric is about 300 feet or more away....other power options? Solar? Windmill?

I'm sure there are questions that I haven't even thought of that need to be asked and answered before we can make a educated decision. Any info would be a help. Pics below if that helps.

Well Questions - Homesteading Questions

agmantoo · #2 06/09/11, 09:35 PM

Hi,
Get a large roll of masonry string/cord, the strong nylon type, from a a big box store. Find some type of weight to affix to the string. Carefully let the weight and string down into the well casing while holding only the roll. When the weight hits bottom cease to let any more string. Tie a small loop in the string at the top of the casing and remove the weight and string that is in the case. When the wet area of the string get to the top of the well casing tie a second loop in the string and remove the rest of the string and the weight. Now measure the distance in feet from the first loop to the second loop and record. Then measure from the second loop to the weight and record the distance in feet. Send me that info and we will go from there.

lvshrs · #3 06/09/11, 10:16 PM

I will do that first thing in the morning! Thanks Agmantoo!

watcher · #4 06/10/11, 12:33 PM

Has it been uncapped or did you remove it to take the pics?

lvshrs · #5 06/10/11, 01:19 PM

Agmantoo--okay from top loop to wet loop is 13.5 feet. From the wet loop to the weight is 76.5 feet. Total is 90 feet from top loop to weight.

My concern now is that the "wet" part of the string and weight looks and feels oily. Doesn't smell too great either.

Watcher--I'm going to say that it was uncapped. We found the well when we moved some rotted plywood and cinder blocks that was piled/collapsed on top of it. Not really capped or anything that looks like a cap in the mess.

oneokie · #6 06/10/11, 02:03 PM

Check with your county health department about places to get your water tested.

agmantoo · #7 06/10/11, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lvshrs

Agmantoo--okay from top loop to wet loop is 13.5 feet. From the wet loop to the weight is 76.5 feet. Total is 90 feet from top loop to weight.

My concern now is that the "wet" part of the string and weight looks and feels oily. Doesn't smell too great either.

Watcher--I'm going to say that it was uncapped. We found the well when we moved some rotted plywood and cinder blocks that was piled/collapsed on top of it. Not really capped or anything that looks like a cap in the mess.

Other than the smell and the possible oil that sounds great.

do you have power near the well? If so, do you have access to any type of pump. At that water depth even a cheap sump pump will pump water. I would like to see you start pumping water off. Before you do any sampling and pumping follow the instructions here
http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/PDF/HACE-858-4.pdf

lvshrs · #8 06/10/11, 03:22 PM

Okay I want to make sure of the order I need to do this. Sorry I'm pretty clueless when it comes to wells. Always had city water growing up.

Shock the well first then pump it out? How long do I need to pump water out?

I will need to get a pump of some sort. I think Harbor Freight has a sale this weekend...I'll see what I can find.

Thanks Agmantoo!

Oneokie- I will check with them. Thanks for the info!

agmantoo · #9 06/10/11, 03:45 PM

[QUOTE=lvshrs;5188946]Okay I want to make sure of the order I need to do this. Sorry I'm pretty clueless when it comes to wells. Always had city water growing up.

Shock the well first then pump it out? How long do I need to pump water out?

Your situation is a little different than most. I would leave the treatment in the well for 24 hours and then I would pump until there is no traces of the chlorine smell

I will need to get a pump of some sort. I think Harbor Freight has a sale this weekend...I'll see what I can find.

When you do start to pump put some type of hose to the pump discharge side and put the water you pump out back into the well to wash down the inside of the casing that is above the water level. You do not need to do this over a few minutes, Then start dumping the pumped water on the ground
Good luck with the project!

Blackbird · #10 06/10/11, 04:06 PM

One thing I would add to agmantoo's excellent advice is to measure the plastic insert at the top of the casing and see if you can find a snug fitting cap where you buy your plumbing supplies.

Once you get your well sanitized you want to keep all debris--and small critters--out until you rig up a permanent solution.

Bearfootfarm · #11 06/10/11, 05:37 PM

Think about where you want to pump the discharge, because the chlorine might kill any vegetation