The instructions provided here describe a typical private well system with a submersible pump. Should your system deviate from the described, contact Ideal Water to determine the needs of your particular system. Ideal Water can perform this procedure for you. Call for an appointment.

Under normal operating conditions the water that comes up from the well may have sediment in it. As time passes the sediment accumulates in the bottom of the tank. Eventually the sediment fills to the top of the inlet pipe and increased amounts flow in the stream of water. (Figure 1) The increased volume will clog filters sooner than what has been experienced.

Draining or “blowing down” the tank will help rid the tank of this accumulation.

 

The following steps will guide you through the process:

  1. Turn the well pump off at the breaker or pump control switch (typically a switch located near the tank).
  2. Connect a garden hose to the boiler drain or hose bib at the bottom of the well tank. Run the hose to the outdoors.
  3. Shut off the main shutoff valve. (See Figure 2)
  4. Open the hose bib to run the water until the tank is empty. You want to take notice of the discharge water when draining the tank. Running the water into a clean bucket helps determine the amount of sediment in the water.
  5. When the water stops running, turn off the hose bib,  switch the pump on for approximately 30 seconds.
  6. Continue the cycle of running the pump and draining the tank until the all of the discharge water remains clear and free from sediment.

 

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