According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, it's estimated that 13 million homes or more get their drinking water from private wells. If you're building, buying, or owning a home with a private well, you probably have a few questions. Continue reading to learn more about a few of the important things to know about private wells and well pumps.

Well Pumps Typically Require Electricity

Even if you have a private well servicing your home or commercial property, you'll still require electricity to make it work. This means that if there's a power outage, your access to clean, safe water could be affected. Anyone who is considering a well in a location with frequent power outages will want to invest in a reliable generator. Many folks overlook this fact and are surprised to find that their water doesn't work when the power's out. Don't let this happen to you.

Your Well Water Should Be Tested Regularly

It's advisable to have your well system thoroughly inspected at least once a year. This will ensure that your drinking water is safe. It can also help you avoid costly repairs due to clogs. Wells can be fairly low maintenance, but that doesn't mean that they don't need any service at all. Working with a full-service well company will allow you to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your well is properly maintained. Having a recurring service that automatically takes care of annual calls makes it easy to keep your well in good shape and working properly now and in the future.

A Filtration System Is a Good Idea

Depending on the mineral composition of your water, you may want to install a well filtration system. High mineral content, such as iron, can lead to water stains. While this problem is purely cosmetic, many people don't want unsightly stains in their sinks or tubs. Filtration systems are also good when there's the presence of unwanted minerals, like arsenic, in well water. If you're unsure if a filtration system is necessary for your situation, it's always a good idea to err on the side of caution. Filter systems are efficient and easy to install.

Do you have questions about your well or well pumps? Give Ultimate Plumbing, Heating & AC LLC a call today and find out more about the well services that we offer. We look forward to working with you!