How do I know if my well is dry or if my pump is bad?

• <div><p>Signs that your well is dry include a decrease in water pressure, strange odors coming from faucets, cloudy, bubbly, or discolored water, and water that’s warmer than normal. Signs that your well pump is bad are similar, but you may also notice higher-than-average electric bills, strange clicking sounds, and faucets that spit or sputter.</p></div>

How deep should a well be for drinking water?

• <div><p>Wells should be at least <b>100 feet deep</b> for drinking water, but they may need to be deeper depending on the local geology, water quality, and your household’s water usage. Work with a qualified well drilling professional who can assess the appropriate depth for your well and test the water before drinking it. </p></div>

Is aerobic or anaerobic septic better?

• <div><p>Neither system is necessarily better or worse than the other, but one of the two might be better for your needs. For example, anaerobic systems are less expensive than aerobic ones and don’t use power to run. On the other hand, aerobic septic systems don’t take up as much space and are typically more efficient than their anaerobic counterparts.</p></div>

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Q: What is the best bacteria to add to a septic tank?

• <div><p>The best bacteria to add to a septic tank is anaerobic bacteria, which doesn't use oxygen to break down solid waste. Because there is less oxygen in a septic tank, anaerobic bacteria can decompose sludge in a sealed environment. On the other hand, aerobic bacteria need oxygen and are prevalent in the leach or drain field of a septic system.</p></div>

Q: Is a deep well better than a shallow well?

• <div><p>Depending on local conditions, a deep well may be a better choice than a shallow well. Deeper well depth accesses groundwater that has been naturally filtered through many layers of soil and rock. This reduces surface contaminants and may offer cleaner water, but deep wells cost more money to build and maintain. The water may be harder and have higher radioactivity, too. </p></div>

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Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

Signs that your well is dry include a decrease in water pressure, strange odors coming from faucets, cloudy, bubbly, or discolored water, and water that’s warmer than normal. Signs that your well pump is bad are similar, but you may also notice higher-than-average electric bills, strange clicking sounds, and faucets that spit or sputter.

The best bacteria to add to a septic tank is anaerobic bacteria, which doesn't use oxygen to break down solid waste. Because there is less oxygen in a septic tank, anaerobic bacteria can decompose sludge in a sealed environment. On the other hand, aerobic bacteria need oxygen and are prevalent in the leach or drain field of a septic system.

Wells should be at least 100 feet deep for drinking water, but they may need to be deeper depending on the local geology, water quality, and your household’s water usage. Work with a qualified well drilling professional who can assess the appropriate depth for your well and test the water before drinking it.

Neither system is necessarily better or worse than the other, but one of the two might be better for your needs. For example, anaerobic systems are less expensive than aerobic ones and don’t use power to run. On the other hand, aerobic septic systems don’t take up as much space and are typically more efficient than their anaerobic counterparts.

Depending on local conditions, a deep well may be a better choice than a shallow well. Deeper well depth accesses groundwater that has been naturally filtered through many layers of soil and rock. This reduces surface contaminants and may offer cleaner water, but deep wells cost more money to build and maintain. The water may be harder and have higher radioactivity, too.

The Marshall, MO homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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