How to Stop an Artesian Well from Flowing: 8 Steps Explained

Introduction

An artesian well is a type of water supply system that uses underground pressure to push water up through a pipe and out of the ground. It is often used as a reliable source of water for agricultural or domestic use. However, if not properly maintained, an artesian well can become a nuisance due to its constant flow of water. In this article, we will explore eight ways to stop an artesian well from flowing.

Install a Check Valve to the Well Pipe

One way to stop an artesian well from flowing is to install a check valve to the well pipe. A check valve is a one-way valve that allows water to flow in one direction only, preventing it from flowing back down the pipe. Installing a check valve can help to reduce the amount of water flowing out of the well and prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

Benefits of Installing a Check Valve

• Helps to reduce the amount of water flowing out of the well
• Prevents the water from flowing back down the pipe
• Can be installed quickly and easily

Step-by-Step Guide to Installation

1. Shut off the power to the well pump.
2. Remove the existing valve from the well pipe.
3. Install the new check valve on the well pipe in the same position as the old valve.
4. Secure the check valve in place with bolts.
5. Turn on the power to the well pump.
6. Test the check valve by turning on the faucet.
7. Check for any leaks or malfunctions.

Reduce the Pressure in the Well Pipe

Another way to stop an artesian well from flowing is to reduce the pressure in the well pipe. This can be done by installing a pressure relief valve or a pressure regulator to the well pipe. Both of these devices serve to limit the amount of pressure in the pipe, which helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well.

Reasons for Reducing Pressure

• Helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well
• Prevents the pipe from bursting due to excessive pressure
• Can help to extend the life of the well

How to Reduce Pressure

1. Shut off the power to the well pump.
2. Remove the existing valve from the well pipe.
3. Install either a pressure relief valve or a pressure regulator on the well pipe in the same position as the old valve.
4. Secure the new valve in place with bolts.
5. Turn on the power to the well pump.
6. Test the new valve by turning on the faucet.
7. Check for any leaks or malfunctions.

Construct a Dry Well

A dry well is another option for stopping an artesian well from flowing. A dry well is a pit filled with gravel or other material that is designed to collect and disperse water. It helps to absorb and redirect water away from the area, thus reducing the amount of water flowing from the well.

What is a Dry Well?

A dry well is a pit that is filled with gravel or other material. The pit is designed to collect and disperse water away from the area, thus reducing the amount of water flowing from the well. It is typically constructed near the well, allowing the water to be collected and dispersed away from the area.

Steps for Creating a Dry Well

1. Dig a hole in the ground near the well.
2. Fill the bottom of the hole with gravel or other material.
3. Place a drainage pipe at the bottom of the hole.
4. Cover the pipe with more gravel or other material.
5. Fill the remainder of the hole with gravel or other material.
6. Cover the top of the hole with soil.
7. Allow the water to drain into the dry well.

Fill the Annular Space with Grout or Cement

Another way to stop an artesian well from flowing is to fill the annular space with grout or cement. The annular space is the gap between the well casing and the walls of the borehole. Filling this gap with grout or cement helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well, as it prevents the water from seeping through the gaps.

Benefits of Filling the Annular Space

• Helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well
• Prevents the water from seeping through the gaps
• Can help to extend the life of the well

How to Fill the Annular Space

1. Shut off the power to the well pump.
2. Remove the existing valve from the well pipe.
3. Mix the grout or cement according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Pour the mixture into the annular space around the well casing.
5. Allow the mixture to set and dry.
6. Turn on the power to the well pump.
7. Test the well by turning on the faucet.
8. Check for any leaks or malfunctions.

Install a Submersible Pump and Control Valve

Another way to stop an artesian well from flowing is to install a submersible pump and control valve. A submersible pump is a type of pump that is placed inside the well and is designed to draw water from the depths of the well. The control valve is used to regulate the amount of water that is drawn from the well, thus helping to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well.

Advantages of Installing a Submersible Pump

• Helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well
• Allows you to regulate the amount of water drawn from the well
• Can help to extend the life of the well

Step-by-Step Guide to Installation

1. Shut off the power to the well pump.
2. Remove the existing valve from the well pipe.
3. Lower the submersible pump and control valve into the well.
4. Secure the pump and valve in place with bolts.
5. Connect the pump and valve to the well pipe.
6. Turn on the power to the well pump.
7. Test the pump and valve by turning on the faucet.
8. Check for any leaks or malfunctions.

Seal the Casing with Bentonite Clay

Another way to stop an artesian well from flowing is to seal the casing with bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is a naturally occurring clay that is highly absorbent and has the ability to expand when wet. Sealing the casing with bentonite clay helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well, as it prevents the water from seeping through the gaps.

Purpose of Sealing the Casing

• Helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well
• Prevents the water from seeping through the gaps
• Can help to extend the life of the well

How to Seal the Casing

1. Shut off the power to the well pump.
2. Remove the existing valve from the well pipe.
3. Mix the bentonite clay according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Pour the mixture into the annular space around the well casing.
5. Allow the mixture to set and dry.
6. Turn on the power to the well pump.
7. Test the well by turning on the faucet.
8. Check for any leaks or malfunctions.

Construct a Subsurface Dam

The final way to stop an artesian well from flowing is to construct a subsurface dam. A subsurface dam is a wall built underground that is designed to divert water away from the area. Constructing a subsurface dam can help to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well, as it prevents the water from entering the area.

Benefits of Constructing a Subsurface Dam

• Helps to reduce the amount of water flowing from the well
• Prevents the water from entering the area
• Can help to extend the life of the well

Step-by-Step Guide to Construction

1. Shut off the power to the well pump.
2. Dig a trench in the ground near the well.
3. Lay a foundation for the dam using gravel or other material.
4. Build the walls of the dam using bricks or concrete blocks.
5. Backfill the trench with soil.
6. Turn on the power to the well pump.
7. Test the dam by turning on the faucet.
8. Check for any leaks or malfunctions.

Conclusion

An artesian well is a reliable source of water but can become a nuisance due to its constant flow of water. In this article, we explored eight ways to stop an artesian well from flowing, including installing a check valve, reducing the pressure, constructing a dry well, filling the annular space with grout or cement, installing a submersible pump and control valve, sealing the casing with bentonite clay, and constructing a subsurface dam. With the right approach, you can keep your artesian well flowing smoothly and prevent it from becoming a nuisance.