Hello from Coomer’s Well & Pump! Ensuring clean, safe drinking water is essential, especially when it comes from a private well. If you’re among the many families in Asheville and Weaverville who rely on a well for water, you may already understand some of the benefits: independence from municipal water supplies, cost savings, and often, a better taste. However, maintaining this independence comes with the responsibility of keeping your water clean and free from contaminants. That’s where well inspections come in, playing a crucial role in protecting your family’s health and ensuring peace of mind.

Why Well Inspections Are Essential for Health and Safety

One of the most common misconceptions we encounter at Coomer’s Well & Pump is that if well water looks, smells, and tastes good, it’s safe to drink. Unfortunately, contaminants in well water are often invisible to the naked eye, with many of them being tasteless and odorless. These impurities can pose significant health risks, ranging from minor gastrointestinal discomfort to more serious illnesses. Regular well inspections help catch these issues before they become a threat, ensuring your family’s water is both clean and safe.

In Asheville and Weaverville, factors such as local industry, agriculture, and even natural mineral deposits can affect groundwater quality. Inspections serve as the first line of defense against these potential hazards, giving you confidence that your water is free of bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

The Inspection Process: What to Expect

Our inspection process at Coomer’s Well & Pump is designed to be thorough, efficient, and minimally disruptive to your daily life. Here’s a closer look at what our team does during a standard well inspection:

1. Water Quality Testing: We take a sample of your water and test it for various contaminants, including bacteria (like E. coli), nitrates, pH levels, and other harmful substances. Testing ensures your water meets health and safety standards, helping you avoid potential health risks.
2. Mechanical Inspection of the Well System: We inspect the well cap, casing, pump, and other mechanical components. This step is critical to ensure your well is in good working order, free from leaks or damage that could allow contaminants into the water supply.
3. Flow and Yield Testing: This test checks if your well is providing a steady, adequate flow of water. Reduced flow can indicate a problem with the well pump, pipe blockages, or even a depleted aquifer. Ensuring that your well can consistently provide sufficient water is essential for everyday activities and emergencies alike.
4. Inspection of Well Location and Surrounding Area: A well’s placement is crucial for safety. We ensure that your well is situated a safe distance from septic systems, livestock areas, and other potential sources of contamination. If necessary, we offer advice on how to address any risks posed by the surrounding area.

Common Contaminants and Their Health Risks

Contaminants in well water can originate from various sources, including agricultural runoff, septic systems, or even natural occurrences in the earth. Here are a few of the most common threats we find during inspections in Asheville and Weaverville, and the health risks they pose:

• Bacteria and Viruses: Pathogens like E. coli and coliform bacteria are often present in wells contaminated by animal waste, septic leakage, or surface water runoff. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, and in severe cases, these pathogens can cause long-term health complications.
• Nitrates: Often linked to agricultural runoff, high nitrate levels in drinking water are particularly dangerous for infants, leading to conditions like “blue baby syndrome,” which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
• Heavy Metals: Minerals like arsenic, lead, and mercury can sometimes seep into well water from natural underground deposits or nearby industrial activity. Exposure to these metals, especially over long periods, can have serious health effects, including liver and kidney damage and developmental issues in children.
• Hard Water Minerals: Though not necessarily harmful, minerals like calcium and magnesium contribute to “hard water,” which can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Hard water doesn’t typically pose a health risk, but it can affect the lifespan and efficiency of your home’s plumbing and appliances.

When Should You Schedule a Well Inspection?

We recommend well inspections at least once a year to ensure consistent water quality and a healthy well system. However, certain circumstances call for additional inspections:

• After Heavy Rain or Flooding: If your property has experienced significant rainfall or flooding, contaminants may seep into your well. An inspection can ensure no harmful substances have compromised your water quality.
• Changes in Taste, Smell, or Color: If you notice unusual changes in your water, it could indicate contamination. Prompt testing will help identify any issues, giving you peace of mind.
• After Well Repairs or Installation of New Equipment: When you’ve had work done on your well, it’s essential to ensure that everything is functioning properly and that the work didn’t inadvertently introduce contaminants.
• When You’re Expecting or Have Young Children: Young children and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to waterborne illnesses. If there’s an infant or expecting mother in your household, consider more frequent inspections for added peace of mind.

What Happens if Contaminants Are Found?

If our inspection reveals contaminants, Coomer’s Well & Pump offers a variety of solutions. We’ll discuss your specific situation, identify the source of contamination, and recommend the most effective treatment options, which could include:

• Water Filtration Systems: These systems can effectively remove specific contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and nitrates. Filtration can be installed at the point of entry or point of use, depending on your needs and water quality.
• Well Cleaning: Over time, sediment, bacteria, and minerals can build up within your well. We can provide well cleaning services to remove these deposits, improving water flow and quality.
• Shock Chlorination: For wells contaminated with bacteria, shock chlorination can sanitize the system, killing harmful microorganisms. This process is highly effective but may need to be repeated periodically, depending on the source of contamination.
• System Upgrades and Repairs: If the contamination is due to damaged well components, such as cracked casings or faulty caps, we’ll recommend repairs or replacements to prevent future issues.

Long-Term Benefits of Regular Well Inspections

Regular well inspections offer numerous benefits beyond just ensuring water quality. Here are some long-term advantages for homeowners in Asheville and Weaverville:

1. Health Protection: Routine inspections reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses by catching contaminants early and keeping your water clean and safe.
2. Cost Savings: Catching minor issues early through inspections can save you significant costs in the long run. For instance, repairing a small crack in the well casing now can prevent expensive contamination issues down the line.
3. Extended Lifespan of Your Well System: Like any other home system, your well benefits from regular maintenance. Inspections help identify wear and tear, keeping your system functioning efficiently for years to come.
4. Environmental Impact: Ensuring your well system functions properly minimizes water wastage and prevents pollutants from seeping into the surrounding soil and groundwater, contributing to a healthier environment for everyone.

Trust Coomer’s Well & Pump for Your Well Inspection Needs

At Coomer’s Well & Pump, we understand how essential safe drinking water is for your family’s health. Our commitment to the Asheville and Weaverville communities means we go the extra mile to ensure you have reliable, clean water. We’re proud to serve homeowners like you, providing the expertise and care that help protect your loved ones and give you peace of mind.

Whether you’re due for a routine inspection, experiencing changes in your water quality, or simply want assurance about your water’s safety, we’re here to help. Contact Coomer’s Well & Pump today to schedule your well inspection and learn more about how we can support your water needs. Let’s work together to keep your family healthy, your water safe, and your well system running smoothly.