HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR WATER WELL PUMP TO PREVENT SYSTEM DAMAGE

OCTOBER 11, 2018

As the temperatures start to dip below freezing at night, as a water well owner your should plan to winterize your water well pumps.


Winterizing your water well pump prevents the pump from freezing. When water freezes it expands. As the ice looks for more room to expand it cracks the casing of your pump and damages the system.


If you have a deep well, there is less threat for the water pump to freeze. However, shallow wells, ponds, and fountains must be protected through winterization processes. You do not under any circumstances want to let your surface water pumps freeze.


Winterizing seasonal or vacation homes becomes crucial for the longevity of your water system. Always be sure to winterize your water well pumps before closing up your home for the season.


Even for year-round homes, a water pump can freeze if it’s left idle for long enough. In some areas, particularly here in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it really doesn’t take long for water pumps to freeze. Providing frequent heat to the system (hot showers, baths, laundry on warm, and leaving the water running at a slow drip when you’re gone for long periods) can usually fend off the freeze. However, if you go away for a weekend without winterizing the water well pump and system, it is still possible you could come home to an expensive and inconvenient disaster.


The idea is to prepare your water well pump before the water inside the well freezes. To keep the idle pump from freezing during winter, the pump needs to be drained and stored in a spot safe from freezing.

How To Winterize Your Water Well Pump

  1. Turn off the power to the pump
  2. Open a faucet to drain the residual water in the pump. This will also relieve pressure within the system.
  3. Disconnect draining pipes and other units from the pump so you can be sure all water drains from the pump properly. If any water is left in the pump, it could freeze and damage the inside of the pump.
  4. Use an air compressor to blow out any additional water.
  5. If you have a pump that makes it difficult or impossible to unscrew these pipes, use 99.9% pure USP Food Grade Propylene Glycol. This is the ONLY type of antifreeze you can use in the pump. If you use any other type of antifreeze (like auto antifreeze) it will contaminate and poison your water.


This procedure is for standard water well pumps, and it should be noted that your water well pump could be different. If you have any questions about winterizing your water pump, or you you would like our professional water well contractors to winterize for you, give us a call!

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