How Does a Well Work for a Home?

If you are buying or thinking about buying a home in the country, then this blog post is a must-read for you. One of the most important components of a home is its services, one of those being the water source. Unlike in-town properties that are connected to water through municipal services, country properties often function on private well systems. But, what is a well water system, how does a well work, and how do you care for one as a homeowner?

This kind of thing can feel very intimidating and unfamiliar, particularly if you have never encountered a private well water system before. However, well water is a safe, reliable and cost-effective method when it is kept properly.

In this blog, we explain how well water works for a home, the pros and cons of well water, and how to care for your well water system. Having a good understanding of all this will help you approach rural living with confidence.

What is a Well Water System?

Well water systems are built to collect groundwater. Groundwater is the water that is stored in the underground layers of the soil called aquifers. Instead of having treated water from the city, which is done through municipal water plants, a well will draw water directly from the earth and then pump it to the home.

There are many different types of wells. However, the most popular in Ontario is a drilled well, which is created with the use of heavy-duty equipment and drilled deep into the ground. These wells are lined with a special kind of casting which protects the water source. Older properties, however, may have what is called a dug well. These are normally much shallower and lined with either stone or concrete.

Is it Safe to Drink Well Water?

Yes. In reality, the only thing that is different about a well water vs city water is the source.

There are three main components of the modern well system: the casting, which is that protective lining that goes all the way down the well, protecting the water source. Then the pump, which is responsible for lifting the water from the well and thirdly, the pressure tank, which stores the water and ensures that it maintains a consistent flow when you go and use it. Together, these three working parts make well water functional and safe to drink.

Looking for more rural real estate resources? Check out these blogs next!

How Does a Well Work?

Wells are not as complex as they may seem. As rural real estate agents, we often educate buyers on how they work.

You may be wondering: where does well water come from? Rain and snowfall will absorb into the ground, which gradually replenishes the aquifers just below the surface. The pump, which is located inside the well’s casting, will begin to gradually pump the water upwards.

There are two kinds of common pumps. One is a subversive pump, which sits deep inside of the ground, pumping the water from the base; and a jet pump, which is closer to the surface, and does the same thing. Once the water has been pumped, it is released into the pressure tank, which is the place where water is then stored until it is ready for immediate use.

In-Home Plumbing With Well Water

How does a well work, when it comes to in-home plumbing? Once the water has left the well, it enters the household plumbing and is then distributed into the faucets, showers and appliances, the exact same way that the city’s municipal water does. The main difference is that with the use of well water, the homeowner is in charge of owning and maintaining the conditions of the well. Instead of relying on the city’s water, this independence is a benefit many country owners/buyers look for.

However, it does mean that regular upkeep is necessary, such as maintenance, cleaning and checks, to ensure that the well is functioning properly and the quality of water is up to standard.

Advantages of Well Water

It’s Cost-Effective

Owning a country home with a well comes with several advantages. The most obvious is the cost-effectiveness. Without the monthly water bill, a well provides a safe and cost-effective way to access clean water.

Fewer Restrictions

Once your well is drilled and clean, it is yours to use! This means that the restrictions that apply to the use and distribution of city water do not apply to you. For instance, if you want to water your flowers on a hot day when the city is under water use restrictions, this will not apply to your well water.

Better Quality & Taste

We often get asked: Is well water better than city water? The fact is that a big bonus of having a well is the overall taste and quality of the water. Many homeowners will say that the water has a more natural and fresh taste. The reason for this comes down to the fact that well water contains more minerals than city water because it comes directly from the soil and is treated in more naturalistic conditions.

We already briefly mentioned the benefits of self-sufficiency, but for those who are seeking an off grid lifestyle, a well can be put in areas far outside of municipal service outreach, allowing for fresh water into secluded areas.

Disadvantages of Well Water

It’s Not Hands Off

While these advantages are plentiful, it’s also key to break down some of the challenges associated with well water. Unlike municipal water, which is ready at one’s disposal, well water is not pre-treated and tested for safety and quality. This means that regular testing is key to maintaining a safe and functional well.

Maintenance Costs

Another important thing to consider is the ongoing cost of maintenance. While they may work now, pumps and tanks will eventually need to be replaced, which is a cost that has to be budgeted for over time. The typical timeframe for replacement is anywhere from 10-15 years of continued use.

Hard Water

Mineral-rich water is fantastic in taste and quality, but is also known as “hard water” and the build up of it in your plumbing can cause streaks on dishes when they go in the dishwasher, and often requires a softener or treatment system in addition to the well. Wellington County, in particular, is known to have hard Water. Hard Water can also be damaging for nail, skin and hair health after long long-term use.

Municipal Water vs Well Water

Let’s step into some of the logistical differences between the two of these

Municipal Water

Requires monthly payments to the city
Monitored and treated by the city
Generally very reliable
Less minerals in the water

Well Water

Self-serving and maintained
No monthly fees (only your costs to maintain)
Generally reliable but dependent on groundwater levels
Can fluctuate depending on environmental conditions
More naturalistic/ dense in minerals (often tastes better)

How to Test Well Water

The next question we are used to getting is: Is it safe to drink well water? Generally speaking, yes. However regular testing is a crucial. Here is what you need to know about water testing and the overarching regulations in Ontario. Water testing is one of the most IMPORTANT if not the MOST important aspects in well ownership.

In Ontario, public health units allow for free bacterial testing to check the common elements of bacteria that build up in the well. It is recommended by health and safety standards that homeowners do their due diligence in checking their home’s well water 3 times a year.

However, checking it is even more important in the spring and summer months, when the changing groundwater conditions can impact the quality of the water. Beyond just the safety of the water, you can also check your water quality and overall minerals. It is common to test for calcium, magnesium, iron and PH balance among many of the nutrients found in water.

For rural buyers, including water testing as a part of a standard home inspection is a smart way to ensure the quality and safety of water before finalizing the purchase of a home.

Hoping to build a custom home in the country? Read these related blogs for more advice.

How Long Will a Well Last?

Now, just as important as understanding what a water well is, and how does a well work, is understanding the maintenance and overall lifespan of a well. Let’s go into that… Like any major utility system, wells require ongoing maintenance to remain safe and reliable with their use.

Additional inspections can be required to check the ongoing status of a well, particularly if it is an older well system. More to that, protecting the well in the span of its life is also essential.

The head of the well is an area that is susceptible to contamination from the outside environment. Depending on where the well is located on the property, chemicals such as fertilizers, contaminants from septic systems and even runoff water can enter the water supply easily if the proper precautions are not taken.

Staying alert to the indicators of trouble with your well system is the most important part of ongoing maintenance. Looking for signs such as clouded water, lack of water movement, sudden drops in water pressure and strange odours and tastes should never be ignored. Having a qualified professional come and check the well in every one of these cases is necessary. With the proper maintenance, a well can be a lasting solution to clean, healthy and safe water.

What to Know When Buying a House With a Well

Next, what do you need to know as a buyer who is purchasing a property with a well? Understanding the well system is essential. Knowing the three main parts of the well will help you know when it is functioning properly and when it is not.

Additionally, one of the first things a new homeowner will want to request is a well record. This is a report which will detail when the well was drilled, its depth and its flow rate. Next, including a water test is a wise move if you are purchasing a home with a well. This will make sure that the well is good to go in “as in condition” and that no further changes or problems will occur before the home closes.

What to Know When Buying a Rural Property

At the end of the day, buying a home with a well is no big deal when it comes down to saying yes or no to your dream property. Well water is safe and sustainable with the right precautions and ongoing maintenance.

Your well will provide you with clean, fresh drinking water, just as good, i the city’s water system. On the other hand, if you are a seller and planning on putting your home on the market this fall, a great precaution to take is obtaining the records for water quality and installing documentation. This will give your buyers good peace of mind and show your overall due diligence.

At Capst o ne REPS, we have specialized in Rural Real Estate since 1988. We understand the difference between residential real estate sold and bought in the city, and the intricacies that go along with country home ownership. If you are looking for a trusted professional in the field who has a team full of knowledge, then consider scheduling a call with us today.