Power outages can be particularly difficult for well users. Understanding your well’s electrical needs and how to manage power outages safely is a key component of well ownership.
Why Wells Stop Working During Power Outages
When your well system is working properly, it’s easy to forget how many components are in play. Most likely, your well goes far beyond the original rope-and-bucket method for accessing water. Instead, you probably use a well pump to draw water from underground for use throughout your property.
Well pumps are powered by electricity and are most often connected directly to your home’s electrical panel. Day-to-day, this is a great system. During a power outage, however, no electricity means no water because your pump has no power to continue to draw water from your well.
Managing Your Well Pump During a Power Outage
When your power goes out, it’s critical to turn off the circuit breaker for your well pump as soon as possible to avoid possible damage. If there’s a surge when the power comes back on, your pump can be overloaded, leading to damage and/or pump failure.
You can also prepare for power outages by using a surge protector. If you’re not available to trip the breaker during a power outage, or if power surges occur unexpectedly while power is on, a surge protector can safeguard your well pump.
Using Generators to Preserve Water Access
Since having access to clean, safe water is critical, you should consider having a generator on hand to power your well pump in the event of a power outage. Without an alternate power source, you’ll have to wait until power is restored to access water for drinking, cooking, bathing, flushing toilets, and any other water-based needs.
Choosing the Correct Generator
Before you buy a generator, however, it’s important to understand the electrical demands of your well system so you get the right size generator and install it correctly. Well pumps have different power requirements depending on their size and the amount of power they draw.
Critical well pump information to gather before sourcing a generator includes:
- Correct voltage (usually 220 volts, but sometimes 110)
- Starting surge (the extra amount of power needed to start the pump)
- Running wattage (the ongoing amount of power needed to run the pump once started)
Your local well contractor can help you determine this information if needed. They are also an excellent resource for questions about proper generator installation and use.
Connecting a Generator Correctly
Since your well pump is most likely hardwired into your electrical panel, there’s no way to plug it into the generator if the power goes out. Instead, you need a transfer switch to reroute the connection from the regular electric supply to the temporary generator.
A professional should always install transfer switches. If you’re unsure of where to find a qualified installation pro, your well contractor may be able to suggest reputable options.
Preparing for Storms and Sudden Power Outages
Unfortunately, power outages happen. Depending on how severe and widespread they are, power may be restored in hours or days. If access to your water supply depends on having power, it’s important to prepare ahead of time.
Have a Backup Power Source On Hand
Every well owner should have a backup power source in case of a power outage. Generators are typcially the most popular choice, but there are various options even in that category:
- Portable, fuel-powered generators (only powers the well pump)
- Whole-home fuel-powered generators (supplies power to the well pump and entire home)
Some well owners also use battery power stations, which can power just the well pump or the entire home, depending on the size and type.
Ideally, you should have your backup power solution set up before you need it. If you don’t have one, consider getting one as soon as possible.
Plan for Limited Water
If major storms are predicted in your area and there’s a known chance you may lose power, it’s important to prepare for limited access to water. Even if you have a generator or battery power station, there could still be an issue with your backup power or the water supply itself.
If a power outage is on the horizon, plan to have clean water on hand—a three-day supply of about one gallon per person per day. You can use pre-packaged water and/or have dedicated food-safe containers ready to fill. You can also plan to fill a bathtub or other large receptacle with water before an outage occurs.
If you may need to rely on an uncertain water supply, you’ll also want to have water purification options on hand, such as tablets or filters. That way, if you have a lengthy power outage/water shortage, you have a way to purify water for safe consumption.
If you need help with your well or power outage preparation strategy in Valatie or the region, call Goold Wells & Pumps. With over 90 years of experience serving well owners in the area, we know how to help you prepare for the worst-case scenarios so you and your family can safely weather power outages and seasonal storms. Our team is dedicated to providing outstanding customer care, and we’re just a call away to help with all of your well needs. Goold Wells & Pumps—Trusted Name Since 1928.