I've been without water for several days as the pump to my well burned up or went out. A plumber just came and replaced the pump but there is hardly any water pressure. He told me he believes something is wrong with the foot valve and asked me where the well is located. When I told my ex-husband he said I shouldn't pay to have the well dug up and to just wait for a thaw to come as the problem is most likely due to the foot valve of the well being frozen, now. I live in Indiana and we have around 15 inches of snow at this time. I've lived here in this house since Oct. 1988 and have never had this problem before now. My ex-husband and I still own the house together and share in the cost of things. I don't mind waiting if he has a point but if he is just trying to get out of paying money, I don't want to go any longer without water. Please help out by advising. Thank you for your help.
2007-02-15 05:19:02 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It could be that as long as the water was moving, even if only occasionally, the well would not freeze but because the pump was out the water was unmoving long enough for it to freeze. I'd suggest a second opinion. Back in Seneca we had our copper water feed from Sherman street freeze up one really cold year and a welder guy came and ran electricity through the pipe and got it thawed. Of course the neighbor got shocked in her bath tub but we had water. Maybe the well can be unfrozen... check with a well expert. They will usually give advice for free. Good luck!
2007-02-15 07:59:13 · answer #1 · answered by Michael da Man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends upon how deep the well is. In most wells deeper than say, 30 or 40 feet, the water rarely gets colder than around 45 degrees. If your waterline to the house isn't deep enough or freeze protected, it's entirely possible that the pipe is frozen. There is a first time for everything. Actually, though, if the pump is getting some water, you might want to leave it run for an extended period because the water moving through the pipe could help thaw the possibly frozen area. It's worth a try.
2007-02-15 06:55:18 · answer #2 · answered by lurned1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the odds of the footer valve being frozen are pretty slim since it on the very bottom of the well pipe I have never heard of a well less than ten feet deep which is far below the frost line since the footer valve is surrounded by water it wouldn't freeze unless the water is frozen if the water is frozen toy wouldn't get any water at all. letting the water run for about one hour is a good idea to make sure it is not the pipe from the well that is not frozen.
2007-02-15 13:09:15 · answer #3 · answered by Pat B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋