Post-Storm Water Well Safety: What Houston Area Residents Should Check
Storms in Houston aren’t just a threat to your home—they’re also a serious hazard to your private water well. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and high winds can compromise your well system, introducing contaminants and damaging components essential to water safety and functionality. After any major storm, it’s critical to assess your water well for damage and contamination.
At 77 Water Well, we offer professional water well pump repair and post-storm inspections to ensure Houston-area residents continue to have safe, reliable access to clean water—even after the most severe weather events.
Why Post-Storm Well Safety Is Crucial
Increased Risk of Contamination
Stormwater runoff often contains chemicals, fertilizers, and bacteria. If floodwater enters your well through a damaged cap or casing, these contaminants can make their way into your water supply—posing a serious health risk.
Electrical and Mechanical Damage
Flooding can short out your well pump, damage control boxes, and cause corrosion in pipes and wiring. This can lead to total pump failure or intermittent issues like short cycling, low pressure, or strange noises during operation.
What to Check After a Storm
Visual Inspection of the Wellhead
Check your wellhead and casing for physical damage:
- Is the cap still secure and sealed?
- Are there any cracks in the casing?
- Has vegetation or debris gathered around the wellhead?
Water should not pool near your well—if it has, it’s a red flag for potential contamination.
Check for Changes in Water Quality
After a storm, be alert for:
- Unusual smell (sulfur, mustiness, or chemical odor)
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Sudden drop in water pressure
- Strange taste
Any of these could indicate flooded water well conditions or a contaminated aquifer.
Test Your Water Immediately
Post-storm water testing is not optional—it’s essential. You should test for:
- Coliform bacteria
- Nitrates
- pH and hardness
- Iron and manganese levels
77 Water Well offers fast, reliable certified water testing to help identify contamination and restore water safety.
When to Call a Professional
Pump Issues
If your pump won’t turn on or is behaving erratically after a storm, contact a well service provider immediately. Flood-damaged pumps can cause further electrical issues if not handled correctly.
Submersible Pump and Control Box Inspection
A licensed technician should inspect:
- Pump motor and electrical controls
- Pressure switch functionality
- Pressure tank and flow rate performance
Our team at 77 Water Well has extensive experience diagnosing and repairing storm-damaged pump systems in Houston and surrounding areas.
How 77 Water Well Helps Houston Homeowners
We specialize in post-storm well services, offering:
- Emergency pump repairs
- Electrical system diagnostics
- Well disinfection services
- Bacteria testing and lab reporting
- Pressure system troubleshooting
- Sediment and filtration system upgrades
Our technicians understand the unique weather and water challenges Houston residents face, and we’re equipped to respond quickly and professionally.
Well Disinfection: A Critical Step After Flooding
If your water well has been exposed to floodwater, chlorination is the first line of defense. This process includes:
- Flushing out standing water
- Introducing a strong chlorine solution
- Letting the solution sit and sanitize the well
- Flushing the system thoroughly
- Retesting to ensure safety
77 Water Well provides complete well disinfection services with EPA-compliant procedures to restore your well to safe operation.
Protecting Your Well from Future Storms
Storm-Ready Upgrades
- Install an elevated, sealed well cap
- Extend casing height to reduce flood risk
- Use backflow prevention devices
- Upgrade electrical components to waterproof enclosures
- Schedule annual inspections before storm season
77 Water Well offers consultation and preventive maintenance services designed to storm-proof your well system.
Final Thoughts
Living in the Houston area means being storm-ready—and that includes your water well. Post-storm inspection, water quality testing, and pump repair are essential steps in protecting your health and property. Whether your well needs a simple check-up or a complete system overhaul after flooding, 77 Water Well is here to help.
FAQs: Post-Storm Water Well Safety
1. What should I do if my well was flooded?
Stop using the water immediately and contact a licensed professional. Flooded wells should be disinfected and tested before resuming use.
2. Can I use bleach to disinfect my well?
Yes, but the process requires precise calculation and flushing. It’s best to have it done professionally to ensure safety.
3. How long after a storm should I wait to test my water?
Test your water as soon as it’s accessible and safe. Repeat tests may be necessary if flooding persists or water quality changes.
4. Is it safe to use my water if it looks and smells normal?
No. Contaminants like bacteria or nitrates may be present without obvious signs. Always test to confirm safety.
5. Does 77 Water Well offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide emergency well pump repair and water quality services across Houston and nearby areas after severe weather events.