Get matched with top well and pump technicians in Shiprock, NM

The disadvantages of having a well include more maintenance, like annual testing and inspections, and high up-front costs to drill a well. Well water is also vulnerable to contamination, which is why keeping up with testing is important if you own a well. When it comes to well water versus city water, well water does offer more independence and is a reliable water source.

If your well pump gets stuck in its casing, you may be able to free it loose by gently wiggling the line or by vibrations from tapping the line with a hammer. However, if your pump is stuck in a buildup of minerals around the casing, you’ll probably have to call in a well pump contractor to get it out. They’ll likely use a muriatic acid solution—a strong, corrosive acid—to break down the minerals and free the pump loose. 

To avoid a stuck pump in the future, experts recommend a professional well cleaning once every 10 years. 

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.

How do you set your well’s pressure tank? All you need to do is first drain the tank of water and find the pressure switch. Remove the switch cover and adjust the switch with a wrench—clockwise to increase water pressure, and counter-clockwise to reduce it. Each complete turn of the nut on the switch should equal 2.5 psi. Once this is done, replace the switch cover. All that’s left is to adjust the pressure of the tank itself using an air compressor and a tire gauge to support the new setting.