As you know, Texas weather is unpredictable. Although we are halfway through February, and already reaching the 80s, we are still prone to freezing. The average last freeze date for Boerne is around April 11th.
We recommend insulating your well system to prevent costly damage caused by freezing temperatures. Anything containing water can potentially freeze and bust.
Troubleshooting a Frozen System
If you find yourself without water during a freeze, the first step is to cut off all power to the well system. This includes the downhole submersible pump, the booster pump, and all filtration equipment.
If you notice the pressure relief valve atop the well head is spraying water, this usually means that a pipe is frozen somewhere between the wellhead and your pressure tank/storage tank. The relief valve is doing its job, by allowing the pump to run without being blocked with back pressure. The pressure switch tells the downhole pump when to come on/off. When a pipe if frozen, it reads a drop in pressure and therefore turns on the pump. Until the pressure switch registers the correct pressure increase, the pump will continually run. Simply turn off all power and wait for the pipe to thaw.
Wellhead:
The wellhead is the casing/drop pipe that goes into the ground. The best way of insulating the wellhead is with newspaper/insulation wrapped with a water-resistant plastic. If you do not have a structure over the wellhead, we recommend placing a plastic trash can over it to further protect it during freezing temperatures. Do not cover the pressure relief valve that sits atop the wellhead.
If you have installed a structure over the wellhead, ensure it is insulated and place a heat source inside. Something as small as a drop light that is left on when freezing temperatures are expected. Make certain the light is a safe distance from any potential flammable material. For larger enclosures, an actual heat lamp or space heater may be required. The goal is to keep the pipe above 32 degrees. It is not requisite that the temperature reaches 70 degrees.
Pumphouse:
The pumphouse usually houses your pressure tank, booster pump (if a storage tank is installed), pressure controls, and filtration equipment. If the structure is sealed tight, and insulated, a simple heat lamp or space heater will suffice in keeping this equipment from freezing.
If the pumphouse is old and has gaps or holes, block these with spray foam or insulation to prevent any drafts from entering. Wrapping the pipes in these situations is recommended. Again, we suggest newspaper and a water resistant covering along with a heat source.
Furthermore, Ace Hardware has a great product (click here) that we recommend for using heat lamps and space heaters. It is a plug that has an internal thermostat that turns on power when it gets below 38 degrees. This provides you with peace of mind that the heat lamp or space heater will turn on/off when necessary.
Storage Tanks:
If the storage tank has a stand pipe rising from the ground, along the side of the tank, and entering the tank at the top, this must be insulated. Ensure any valves or fittings on the tank are also insulated and covered with a water resistant covering. The valves on the side of the tank are usually large and very expensive. This is one of the most common pieces forgotten about, and that usually freeze.
Booster Pumps
If you booster pump is not inside a structure, it is imperative that you protect it. Heat strips are great tools for easily protecting the pump end from freezing. When installing the heat strip, ensure it is not wrapped around the center shaft between the pump end and motor.
Troubleshooting a Frozen System
If you find yourself without water during a freeze, the first step is to cut off all power to the well system. This includes the downhole submersible pump, the booster pump, and all filtration equipment.
If you notice the pressure relief valve atop the well head is spraying water, this usually means that a pipe is frozen somewhere between the wellhead and your pressure tank/storage tank. The relief valve is doing its job, by allowing the pump to run without being blocked with back pressure. The pressure switch tells the downhole pump when to come on/off. When a pipe if frozen, it reads a drop in pressure and therefore turns on the pump. Until the pressure switch registers the correct pressure increase, the pump will continually run. Simply turn off all power and wait for the pipe to thaw.