Water Well Components Guide 2025: Parts, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Your Well System: More Than Just a Hole in the Ground

A modern water well is a sophisticated system with many interconnected parts, each designed to protect your water quality and ensure reliable delivery.

Understanding these components helps you maintain your system properly, spot problems early, and communicate effectively with well professionals. From the wellhead that keeps contaminants out, to the submersible pump deep underground, to the pressure tank in your basement - every part matters.

This guide explains each component in plain language, with maintenance tips and warning signs to watch for. Whether you're a new well owner or looking to better understand your existing system, you'll find the information you need here.

Above-Ground Components

These are the parts you can see and should regularly inspect

Well Cap

Your First Line of Defense

A sanitary well cap seals the top of your well casing with a rubber gasket and screened vent. Modern caps have bolts that compress the seal, keeping out insects, rodents, and surface water.

Key Features:

Watertight rubber gasket seal
Screened air vent for pressure equalization
Bolted design (not just screwed on)
Conduit ports for electrical connections

Warning: Old-style caps without gaskets allow contamination. If your cap is just aluminum or plastic with screws, upgrade to a sanitary cap.

Well Casing

The Protective Pipe

The casing is the large pipe lining your well hole. It prevents collapse and stops surface materials from falling in. Must extend 12-18 inches above ground.

Common Materials:

PVC: Corrosion-resistant & low cost.
Steel: Strong and cold resistant.

Grouting:

Cement or bentonite clay fills the space between casing and earth, blocking contamination pathways.

Tip: Ensure ground slopes away from casing in all directions. Standing water near your well is a contamination risk.

Pressure Tank

Smooth Water Delivery

The pressure tank stores water under pressure using compressed air. This lets you use multiple faucets without the pump running constantly. Inside is a rubber bladder separating air from water.

Common Sizes:	20, 40, 80 gallons (tank size)
Actual Storage:	~25% of tank size (rest is air)
Pressure Settings:	Usually 40/60 or 50/70 psi

Maintenance: Check air pressure annually with tank empty. Should be 2 psi below pump cut-in pressure.

Controls & Electrical

The Brains of Your System

The pressure switch senses water pressure and tells the pump when to turn on/off. The control box (if present) contains capacitors and relays that start the submersible pump motor.

Pressure Switch:

Monitors system pressure
Starts pump at low pressure
Stops pump at high pressure
Usually 20 psi differential

Safety Features:

Dedicated circuit breaker
Proper grounding required
Lightning protection advised
Weatherproof enclosures

Warning: Always hire a licensed electrician for pump wiring. 240V systems can be deadly if mishandled.

Below-Ground Components

Hidden but critical parts that deliver your water

Submersible Pump

The Heart of Your Well

Modern wells use submersible pumps that sit underwater deep in the well. These efficient pumps can push water up from depths of 15 to 1,000+ feet.

Advantages over Jet Pumps:

More energy efficient (direct push)
Works in deep wells
Quieter operation
Protected from freezing
Maintains constant pressure

Typical Lifespan

15-25 years with proper maintenance

Drop Pipe & Pump Cable

The drop pipe carries water from the pump to the surface. The pump cable provides power to the submersible pump motor.

Drop Pipe Materials:

Poly pipe: Flexible, easy installation (shallow wells)
PVC: Rigid, for deeper wells
Galvanized steel: Very deep or high-pressure wells

Both pipe and cable connect through the well cap or pitless adapter with watertight seals.

Well Screen & Gravel Pack

At the well bottom, a screen (perforated pipe) keeps sand and sediment out while letting water in. May be surrounded by gravel pack.

Screen Features:

Stainless steel or PVC construction
Slots sized for local geology
Prevents pump damage from sand
Can't clog with minerals over time

Sandy water may indicate a damaged screen needing professional inspection.

Pitless Adapter: Frost Protection

In cold climates, the pitless adapter connects the well to your home's water line below the frost line. This underground fitting prevents freezing and eliminates the need for a well house.

Installed through casing wall
Typically 4-6 feet below ground
Watertight connection
Allows pump removal for service

Regional Note:

Essential in northern states. Southern wells may use above-ground connections.

Water Treatment Components

Many wells need treatment to address water quality issues. Here are the most common systems:

Sediment Filters

First line of treatment. Removes sand, silt, and particles. Protects equipment downstream.

Change every 3-6 months

Iron Removal

Oxidizing filters remove iron and manganese that cause rust stains and metallic taste.

Backwash weekly

Water Softener

Ion exchange removes hardness minerals (calcium/magnesium) that cause scale buildup.

Add salt monthly

UV Disinfection

Ultraviolet light kills bacteria and viruses without chemicals. Last treatment before use.

Replace lamp annually

Important: Treatment needs vary by location and water quality. Always test your water first to determine which treatments are necessary. Use only NSF-certified equipment rated for drinking water.

Wellhead Protection Checklist

Regular maintenance prevents problems. Follow this schedule to keep your well system healthy:

Visual inspection of wellhead area
Check for pooling water around casing
Listen for unusual pump sounds or cycling
Monitor pressure gauge for normal operation
Ensure electrical components stay dry

Inspect well cap seal and bolts
Clear vegetation within 10 feet of well
Check casing for damage or corrosion
Clean well cap vent screen
Verify proper ground slope away from well

Test water for bacteria and nitrates
Check pressure tank pre-charge
Service water treatment equipment
Replace UV lamp (if applicable)
Professional well system inspection

Keep Contamination Sources Away

Maintain at least 50-100 feet distance between your well and potential contaminants like septic systems, fuel tanks, livestock areas, or chemical storage. Check local codes for specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect my well cap?

Inspect your well cap at least seasonally (4 times per year). Check that it's bolted tight, the rubber gasket is intact, and the vent screen is clear of debris. A properly sealed well cap is your first line of defense against contamination. After storms or if you notice any damage, inspect immediately.

What's the difference between a submersible pump and a jet pump?

Submersible pumps sit down in the water inside your well and push water up - they're more efficient and work in deep wells (15-1000+ feet). Jet pumps sit above ground and use suction to draw water - they're limited to shallow wells (usually under 25 feet) or require special configurations for deeper wells. Most modern residential wells use submersible pumps.

Why does my pressure tank need maintenance?

Your pressure tank contains a pre-charged air bladder that can lose pressure over time. Check the air pressure annually when the tank is empty - it should be 2 psi below your pump's cut-in pressure (e.g., 38 psi for a 40/60 system). A waterlogged tank (lost air charge) causes rapid pump cycling, which can damage your pump and increase electricity costs.

What is a pitless adapter and why is it important?

A pitless adapter is an underground fitting that connects your well's drop pipe to your home's water line below the frost line. This prevents freezing in winter and eliminates the need for an above-ground well house or concrete well pit. It's a critical component in cold climates that protects your water line from both freezing and contamination.

How do I know if my well casing needs attention?

Check that your casing extends at least 12-18 inches above ground level and slopes away from the well. Look for rust, cracks, or holes in steel casings, or degradation in PVC casings. Any damage to the casing can allow surface water and contaminants to enter your well. If you see problems, contact a well professional immediately.

What water treatment might my well need?

Common treatments include sediment filters (for sand/silt), iron removal systems (for rust stains), water softeners (for hard water), and UV disinfection (for bacteria). The right treatment depends on your water test results. Many wells need multiple treatments - for example, sediment filter → iron filter → UV light. Always use NSF-certified equipment rated for drinking water.

References

Clemson Cooperative Extension. “Residential Drinking Water Well: Well Components.“ hgic.clemson.edu
Arcadia Drilling. “Well Pumps and Tanks.“ arcadiadrilling.com
Penn State Extension. “Sanitary Water Well Construction.“ extension.psu.edu
PrivateWellClass.org. “What is grouting, and why does my water well need grouted?“ privatewellclass.org
Penn State Extension. “Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems.“ extension.psu.edu
OSU Extension Service. “How to test and treat my residential well water?“ extension.oregonstate.edu

Understanding Your Water Well System