Last Updated on September 21, 2022 by Ossian Muscad
If you’re responsible for well inspection, it’s important to have a well inspection checklist. Inspecting a well may seem like a simple undertaking, but many well components need to be checked to assess the Well’s overall condition. In addition, the Well being inspected will also dictate what needs to be checked.
A well inspection is an important part of well maintenance—it helps ensure that your well is in good condition and functioning properly. This guide will help you create your own Well inspection checklist specific to the type of Well and components you need to check.
What is a Well-Inspection Checklist?
A Well inspection checklist is a list of well components and functions that need to be inspected to assess the overall condition of a well. The checklist should also take into consideration the type of Well and what needs to be inspected for that particular Well.
A Well inspection includes checking all the well components, water pressure flow rate, water level before and during pumping, pump motor performance, pressure tank performance, and well water quality. Some of these components may not be present depending on the type of well. For example, a well that uses only gravity to bring water to the surface will not have a pump.
3 Types of Well
As mentioned earlier, the Well type will also dictate what needs to be checked during an inspection. The three main types of well are as follows:
Driven Wells
These Wells use a driver (pump) to bring water to the surface. The Well components that need to be checked include the Well screen, well casing, drive pipe, and pitless adapter (if present).
Dug or Hand-Dug Wells
These are wells that are dug by hand or with a machine. The Well components that need to be checked include the Well screen, well casing, and drive pipe (if present). In addition, check the Well for proper ventilation.
Drilled Wells
Drilled wells are wells that are drilled using a machine. This type of well is built using rotary-drilling machines that break the bedrock and remove the debris. The Well components that need to be checked include the Well screen, well casing, submersible pump (if present), and well cap.
How To Choose the Right Well for Your Site
The type of well you choose for your site will be dictated by several factors, including the water needs of your home or business, the terrain of your property, and water availability.
If you’re unsure what type of well is right for your needs, consult a Well driller or water treatment specialist. They will be able to help you choose the right Well for your needs and provide you with a Well inspection checklist specific to that type of well.
3 Important Well Components to Check
While every component on a Well system is essential for proper functionality, three well components are essential in terms of overall safety:
Well Cover
The well cover is the first line of defense against contaminants entering the Well. This component sits on top of the Well and should be checked for cracks, gaps, or other damage that could allow contaminants to enter the Well. It’s important to ensure that the well cover is in good condition and installed properly.
For a dug well:
- Is the well cover attached to the casing?
- Is the Well cover vent screened?
- Is the well cover facing the ground?
- Are there any debris or objects on top of the well cover?
For a drilled well:
- Is the Well cap shut tight and in good condition?
- Are the bolts and screws secure and in good condition?
- Is the Well seal in place and in good condition?
Well Casing
The Well casing is the second line of defense against contaminants entering the Well. The Well casing is a pipe that extends from the well surface to the water table. So inspect for cracks, gaps, or other damage that could allow contaminants to enter the Well. In addition, the Well casing should be properly vented to prevent excessive pressure from building up in the Well.
For a dug well:
- Remove the lid to inspect the interior of the Well casing
- Inspect for damages or rust on the outside of the Well casing.
For a drilled well:
- Don’t remove the lid to inspect the inside of the Well casing
- Inspect the exterior of the Well casing for any damage or rust.
Annular Seal
The annular seal is a component that sits between the Well casing and the Well screen. Also, its purpose is to prevent contaminants from entering the Well through the Well screen. Check the annular seal regularly for cracks, gaps, or other damage that could allow contaminants to enter the Well.
- Check if the annular seal has collapsed or shrunk
- Fill gaps around the annular seal using bentonite.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, other Well components that you should check include the following:
- Electrical wires
- Capacitors
- Torque arrestors
- Check valves
- Pump pressure switch
- Pipe fittings
- Pitless adapter
Why Use a Well-Inspection Checklist?
A Well inspection checklist is important for ensuring that your well is in good working condition. By using a Well inspection checklist, you can identify potential problems before they become serious. Additionally, a Well inspection checklist can help you keep track of well maintenance and repair needs.
When Should You Inspect Your Well?
You should inspect your Well at least once a year. So if you notice any problems with your Well, you should contact a Well driller or water treatment specialist to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.
Creating Your Own Well Inspection Checklist
Now that you know what a Well inspection checklist is and the importance of using one, you’re probably wondering how to create your Well inspection checklist. Creating a Well inspection will involve the following steps:
- Determine the type of well you have.
- Identify the well components that need to be inspected.
- Make a list of the inspection tasks that need to be performed
- Assigning a frequency to each Well inspection task.
When determining the Well components that need to be inspected, you should refer to the Well driller’s log. The Well driller’s log will list the Well components installed during the Well drilling process. In addition, you should consult your Well owner’s manual. The Well owner’s manual will provide information on the Well components and their location.
Once you have determined the Well components that need to be inspected, you will need to create a list of well inspection tasks. The list of well inspection tasks should include all the necessary steps to inspect each well component.
For example, if you are inspecting the Well casing, you will need to remove the Well lid and inspect the interior of the well casing for cracks or gaps. Inspecting the Well screen will require removing the Well lid and inspecting the Well screen for damage.
After creating a list of well inspection tasks, you will also need to assign a frequency to each Well inspection task. Additionally, the frequency will depend on the Well type and components that need to be inspected.
For example, if you have a dug well, you should inspect the Well casing monthly. On the other hand, if you have a drilled well, you should inspect the Well casing annually.
Create a Well Inspection Checklist Using DATAMYTE
If you want to create a Well inspection checklist but don’t want to go through the hassle of creating a paper-based version, you can go digital with DATAMYTE and its Digital Clipboard. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software that features a checklist builder.
This checklist builder will help you quickly and easily create a Well inspection checklist. Using our drag-and-drop interface, you can also add well inspection tasks and assign a frequency to each task. In addition, you can add photos, videos, and notes to each Well inspection task.
Once you’ve created your Well inspection checklist, you can share it with other members of your Well drilling team. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard also allows you to customize well inspection checklists to fit your specific needs. With it, you have an all-in-one solution to your Well inspection needs.
If you’re looking for an easier way to create a Well inspection checklist, look no further than DataMyte’s Digital Clipboard. Book a demo with us to get started.
Conclusion
Performing a well inspection is an important part of Well maintenance. By using a Well inspection checklist, you can ensure that your well is in good working condition. Additionally, a Well inspection checklist can help you keep track of well maintenance and repair needs. Use this article as a guide to creating your Well inspection checklist.
