St. Charles, IL Frequently Asked Questions
Prairie State Water Systems Inc.
Why doesn't my pump shut off?
How deep is my well?
How old is my well and water system?
What is a well cap?
Am I allowed to work on my own well?
Can I disinfect or chlorinate my own well?
Can I take my own water sample?
I have a new baby ... what about the water?
I don't have a storage tank in my house ... so where is it at?
How often is my pump supposed to run?
How do I size a tank?
So what's the difference between Lowes, Menards, Home Depot and other mass merchandisers and us?
Can I have my tank and pump controls moved inside where it's dry and won't freeze?
Can I take my own water sample?
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If you have a JET-PUMP: there are 6 basic reasons for this condition. 1. the impellers are worn. 2. a vacuum or pressure leak. 3. your sand point is plugged. 4. jet or venturi is plugged. 5. faulty pressure switch. 6. the water table has dropped
If you have a SUBMERSIBLE PUMP: 1. the pump is worn. 2. the water table has dropped. 3. there is a leak. 4. intake is plugged. 5. faulty pressure switch.
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Our database of well depths and water tables is rather extensive. We are tied into many State and Geological agencies. We should have a good handle on an approximate depth, if not the actual depth. Other information is also at hand.
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With just a little help from you, we can usually identify what kind of equipment you have, the made and model and approximate manufacturing date. There are a variety of hidden and scripted date codes. Just call and we will tell you where to look.
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A well cap is an approved manufactured cover of cast steel, aluminum or PVC. It is fastened on to the well casing with bolts and a rubber compression "O" ring and gasket. Both are incorporated to make a water tight and vermin proof seal. Well caps are also vented with a brass or stainless mesh. A female threaded port is used to tie in and insert electrical cable. Well caps must be State approved.
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Of course you are. You must comply with all the statutes and construction codes designated by you state. Can a friend install my pump? No! Only a state certified, registered and licensed contractor is allowed to drill wells or install pumps. What about a plumber? Plumbing, well drilling and pump installation are 3 entirely different trades. Many plumbers pose that their credentials are qualified in pump installation. Only plumbers having attended certified continuing education classes and those that have requested to be identified and recognized by the state are qualified and acceptable. Demand to see a plumber's state license bearing the letter "p" verifying he or she is a qualified pump and water supply system installer.
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Perhaps? Many times homeowners cause more problems that they solve. But yes ... you can. Just dumping a gallon or two of household bleach down your well does not effectively clean or disinfect your well or water supply.
Remember, "CHLORINE IS POISON." Just look at the label! The concentrations necessary and the placement are all factors you should know. Bleach is highly corrosive. If left in high concentrations on parts and materials inside your well, it will surely destroy the mechanical apparatus or sealing device. Pulling your pump in the future may be ruined by a $1.79 gallon of bleach. Be safe, not sorry. Call for advice. We will be glad to help!
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Yes, sample bottles are available from you local Dept. of Public Health, or at our facility. Please remember to get sampling instructions and time your sample around laboratory hours and incubation times. The best time to take and submit a sample is usually on Mondays or Tuesdays. Samples sitting over weekends are not preferred. If you prefer the confidential results of an in-home water sample rather than a public laboratory record, a sample can be sent to an out of state certified lab to be processed. Please contact us for pricing and to schedule an appointment!
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CONTAMINATED WATER MAY BE CRYSTAL CLEAR, MAY HAVE NO SMELL AND TASTE SIMPLY WONDERFUL!
Infants as well as seniors have delicate systems. Water borne bacteria can cause severe organ and neurological damage, and if undetected, death. We recommend that your water well and / or pumping system by inspected by a state licensed and certified contractor and a water sample taken and repeated in 30 days. For your own safety, an annual "sample only" is advised. Remember, contaminated water can be crystal clear, can have no smell and taste simply wonderful.
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All water systems require a pressure tank, and size does make a difference!
There are a few types of storage tanks out there. The most functional tank is the captive air or bladder type tank. Most bladder type tanks are completely maintenance free and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the water pump. Some tanks are buried when there is no other alternative. Unfortunately, most burial tanks are attacked by natural soil acids and rust out several years after installation. If the iron, mineral content and pH of your water is not aggressive, a burial tank may fit your application. The labor to replace a burial tank will require a back hoe or some type of excavating equipment. Pretty costly! To service or replace a tank inside is simply a service call.
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It doesn't hurt your pump to run as much as it does to cycle or turn on and off rapidly. A water-logged tank is the single most common reason for pump failure. If you're concerned, we can coach you over the phone on how to balance, calibrate and adjust your system to maximize efficiency and performance.
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A pump's life is gauged on the amount of times it goes on and off. If you can reduce the on and offs ( or cycles ), you will increase the life of your pump! To accomplish this, you must have a correct tank size. A good rule of thumb and all manufacturers recommend that a pump should run at least 1 minute from cut in to cut out. For pumps over 3/4 horsepower, 2 minutes is recommended. To properly size a tank, you must know the rate in gallons per minute that your pump will pump. Most residential pumps are rated at 10 GPM ( gallons per minute ). Need help? Advice is free.
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Great ... now we have to prove ourselves! All mass merchandisers have purchase power far beyond the means of any local service and repair firm. Truckloads of economy and below trade standard pumps, parts, tanks and fittings are available without explanation as fast as your Visa card can process. All they have to do is sell it. They don't have to install, adjust, calibrate or balance anything! They are not called upon to design a system that fits your needs or calculate performance curves that provide efficient and cost effective operation. The only guarantee you have is your receipt - the labor's on you!
Plan on taking it back? Guess again. If your pump even appears used or previously installed, it's yours to keep. No returns on used merchandise. Most likely you're helped by a young, well intended youth having not the slightest idea of anything but cost and bigger must be better. You are well off taking the money you might have saved and buying a proven nationally know product, by a nationally known manufacturer, with a real guarantee by a contractor who is certified and licensed, who is proud to look you straight in the eye at the coffee shop or grocery store. It doesn't cost ... it pays!
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Yes, and quite easily, too! Well pits have been the single most cause and source of contaminated water supplies. Extending your well casing out of the well pit, free of surface water and contained stagnate water will reduce the risk of contaminated water. Moving the tank and controls out of the well pit to a controlled dry environment will prolong the life of the system, as well as provide easy service and repair.
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Yes, sample bottles are available from you local Dept. of Public Health, or at our facility. Please remember to get sampling instructions and time your sample around laboratory hours and incubation times. The best time to take and submit a sample is usually on Mondays or Tuesdays. Samples sitting over weekends are not preferred. If you prefer the confidential results of an in-home water sample rather than a public laboratory record, a sample can be sent to an out of state certified lab to be processed. Please contact us for pricing and to schedule an appointment!
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