Living in the Permian Basin, we’re no strangers to the unpredictable Texas weather. While we enjoy plenty of sunshine, winter can bring sudden, bone-chilling freezes that put your property’s infrastructure at risk. For those who have made the smart move to a private water well, protecting that investment from the cold is essential.
At Aquatech Solutions, we help residents and businesses in Odessa and Midland achieve water independence. But with that independence comes the responsibility of maintenance. A single hard freeze can cause pipes to burst and pumps to fail, leading to expensive repairs and unwanted downtime.
Here is our guide to ensuring your well pump and piping stay protected throughout the winter.
1. Insulate Exposed Piping
The most common cause of winter well failure is frozen pipes. Any piping above the frost line or exposed to the open air is a target for freezing temperatures.
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Use Pipe Sleeves: High-quality foam or rubber pipe insulation is an inexpensive way to keep the cold at bay. Ensure every inch of exposed pipe—especially at joints and elbows—is covered.
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Heat Tape: For extra protection during extreme drops, consider electric heat tape. This specialized cable wraps around your pipes and provides just enough warmth to prevent ice from forming inside.
2. Protect the Well House or Enclosure
If your well pump and pressure tank are housed in a small shed or well house, that structure needs to be your first line of defense.
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Seal Gaps: Inspect your well house for cracks, holes, or drafty windows. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings and keep the warm air in.
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Add a Heat Source: During a deep freeze, a small, thermostatically controlled space heater or even a heavy-duty incandescent light bulb can provide enough ambient heat to keep the internal temperature above freezing.
3. Don’t Forget the Well Head
The well head itself is where the water begins its journey into your home. If the water freezes at the top of the casing, it can cause a pressure backup that damages the pump.
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Insulated Covers: You can purchase specialized insulated “fake rocks” or insulated bags designed specifically to fit over well heads. These provide a clean look while offering a significant thermal barrier.
4. Keep Water Moving
If an extreme freeze is forecasted and you’re worried about your system, one of the simplest tricks is to keep the water moving.
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The Slow Drip: Allowing a single faucet inside your home to drip slowly can prevent the water in your pipes from sitting still and reaching the freezing point. While well water is essentially free once your system is running, this small “waste” of water is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of a burst pipe.
5. Schedule a Pre-Winter Inspection
The best way to handle a freeze is to be prepared before it happens. At Aquatech Solutions, we provide comprehensive well repair and maintenance services across the Permian Basin. A quick inspection of your pump’s electrical connections, pressure switch, and insulation can save you from a middle-of-the-night emergency.
Invest in Peace of Mind
Your private well is a valuable asset that provides clean, chemical-free water and freedom from rising city utility bills. By taking these simple steps for well pump protection, you ensure that your system continues to serve you reliably, no matter how low the Texas thermometer drops.
Ready to ensure your well is winter-ready? Contact Aquatech Solutions today for expert service in Odessa, Midland, and throughout the Permian Basin.