Your Well Pump After a Hurricane: What to Know

Tropical storms and hurricanes are a common occurrence for us here in North Central Florida. If you’re one of many who get your home’s water from a well, you may know what to do to prepare for the storm but wonder if there is anything you can expect or watch out for once it has passed. One of the biggest concerns facing homeowners after a hurricane has to do with bacterial contamination in their home’s potable and bathing water, which carries undeniable health risks. Read on to learn what you can do following a storm to ensure the water you and your family use is as safe as possible.  

After the Storm

As with any natural disaster, be careful when going outside. Ensure there are no electrical lines in your path and do not go out while the storm is passing. Once it is safe to do so, you can assess your well pump’s condition. 

Look for Signs of Compromise

When checking out your well, some signs that it has been compromised include cracks in the well casing or cap or obvious erosion around the well. Take the opportunity to remove any fallen debris near the well casing and then regrade the soil surrounding the well to redirect flowing water away from the well.

Don’t Drink the Water

When your property has been through a hurricane, the most important thing to remember is that you should not drink the well water until a certified technician has inspected it and cleared it as safe for use following testing. That is because a hurricane can introduce bacteria and other contaminants into your well water that may even be invisible to the naked eye. Drinking contaminated water can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or headaches. 

Brown Water

As opposed to the invisible contaminants you may not see, brown water is one of the most obvious signs that your water is not safe to consume. If you notice that your water has a dark tint, contact Perry’s right away for an effective water treatment service, including the following:

• Water softeners or reverse osmosis systems 
• Hard water treatment
• Water purification and filters
• Well water chlorinators
• Water system inspections 

Disinfect It

Until you are able to have your water tested and cleared by a professional, you can use your well water if it has been boiled for at least a minute. If you are unable to boil your water, you can stir â…› of a teaspoon of unscented bleach into a gallon of water for disinfection purposes, letting the water sit for half an hour and repeating the process if necessary. 

Plan Ahead

Getting through one hurricane in Florida does not mean another is not following close behind. So, it is always wise to plan ahead for the next storm to be ready when it comes. One way to help your well be prepared is to allow Perry’s to install straw pumps for you. These hand pumps will enable you to access your water even when there is no power supply running to your well. 

Perry’s Keeps Your Pump Running After a Storm

At Perry’s Pump Repair, our knowledgeable team helps homeowners like you in Gainesville, Florida, be confident in the water you and your family consume and use in your home, during hurricane season and beyond. We are on your side to keep your well pump equipment running smoothly and your water clean. Contact us for all of your well pump needs to ensure it is in the best possible shape to withstand any storm that comes our way.