Older wells can slowly lose yield, start pumping sand, or develop casing and cap problems that let surface water in.
Problems a contractor can diagnose
- Low yield: a falling water level during drought, or a screen clogged with mineral scale or iron bacteria.
- Sand or sediment: often a failing screen or a pump set too low.
- Damaged casing or well cap: lets in insects, runoff and bacteria.
- Bad taste or smell: sometimes bacteria in the well.
Repair options
Options include camera inspection, well cleaning and chlorination, resetting or lowering the pump, casing repair, a new sanitary cap, and, when a well can't be saved, drilling a replacement. Unused wells in Texas must be plugged or capped correctly. Ask your contractor about it.