The well cap connects directly to your well pump, electrical wires, and pipelines. That is why if you have a problem with your water well, you must first remove the well cap.
How to remove a water well cap?
First, check to see if your well has a seal or a cap at the top. If it’s a cap then first turn off the power to the water well. Then, use a wrench to safely remove any bolts or screws. After the screws are loose you can safely remove the cap from your water well.
Still don’t think it’s the right job for you? Perhaps this article will persuade you to change your views.
Have a read and you’ll understand exactly what we’re talking about.
Things You’ll Need for Removing a Well Cap
The well cap, also known as a well seal. And it is connected to your well pump, power wires, and pipes directly. These are tricky to connect and detach. And as a homeowner, you need to have one or two tricks up your sleeves.
You’ll have to teach yourself how to do it. That is, unless you want to spend money on a professional on a regular basis.
You’ll need to gather the appropriate tools first, like with any DIY project. Doesn’t matter if you’re polishing a black stovetop or removing a well cap. You’ll need to gather the necessary equipment.
For this project, you’ll require only a handful of things. And most of these you’ll find in your toolbox. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
- Socket Wrench
- Rubber Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Nut driver
Got them? Good. Now let’s move on to the more important steps.
4 Easy Steps to Removing a Well Cap
Let’s make one thing clear here. Removing a well cap isn’t a very easy task. So if you’re willing to do this, make sure you commit to it 100%.
It’s not something as easy as cleaning a mop, which everybody can do.
Okay now, do I have your attention? Good. I also have some good news for you.
Although removing a well cap can be hard, it’s still doable. And if you follow our steps to the letter, then you can do this really easily.
What are you waiting for? Let’s start!
Step 1: Check to See Whether Your Well Has a Cap or a Seal
To begin, look to see whether your well has a seal or top. It might have a well cap on it. If this is the case, it will be attached to the casing’s top.
It might alternatively be a cap with threaded “plugs” for access with screws to secure it.
If it is a well seal then it’ll be on top of the casing. It’ll also have a rubber gasket inside it. If you have a well seal, contact a professional.
Screws or bolts are commonly used to tighten well seals. You’ll also have to deal with them while removing seals of well casings. If not being cautious, a section of the seal or the screws may fall into the well.
Now, if you have a well cap then follow the next steps.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power
Shut off the water well pump’s electricity. A secondary circuit breaker box is found mostly on water well pumps.
Simply locate your circuit box and turn off the power from there.
Step 3: Loosen the Screws and Bolts
If you have a water well cap, unscrew any bolts using a wrench. These screws might be at the outer border of the well cap’s surface.
What if you have screws on the side of the cap?
Not to worry! You can access them with a screwdriver. Pull wires or wire nuts with care and move to the side.
Well caps frequently corrode the casing. When this happens, loosening them will need some unique screwdriver techniques. Pulling or using force is not a good idea.
It’s also a good idea to look for any damages or faulty wiring at this time. Once you’ve loosened all the screws and bolts you’re about 90% done.
If you don’t have any wrenches available, I have some suggestions for good quality wrenches:
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They are durable and suitable for heavy duty mechanical works. Try them out!
Step 4: Remove the Cap
With your hands, grab the water well cap on different ends. Raise it upwards without putting any strain on the electrical cables.
Place the well cap on the well’s side. You must be very careful not to unplug any pump cables during this procedure.
Once you have placed the cap in a secure location, you’re done with your project.
Precautions
Hold on there! We’re still not done yet. Yes, now you can remove a well cap. But can you do it safely?
Safety is an important issue when you’re handling electrical stuff. Whether it’s disassembling a Kenmore washer or removing a water well cap.
The first thing is you’ll need to wear rubber gloves and rubber shoes. Since you’ll be handling the circuit box and other electrical appliances, it’s important to wear gloves.
Now the next thing. Always make sure you turn off the power to the well. You can get electrocuted if you don’t.
Lastly, it’s okay to call an electrician for help. If you feel it’s too much for you then don’t force it. Call an electrician and let him fix it.
Now you’re all set. You can now safely remove a water well cap. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work.
In case you are thinking of putting in a new well. You should keep in mind the price of a well and a septic system. The costing range would depend on how deep you want the well to be.
FAQs
Question: What is the lifespan of a steel well casing?
Answer: Steel-cased wells have a lifetime of 20 to 25 years on average. When they start to rust and decay, they’ll start pumping a substance that looks like coffee grounds. It can even resemble case flakes on occasion.
Question: Is it possible to reline a well casing?
Answer: The casings of water wells can be relined. Ascertain that the well casing has deteriorated sufficiently to enable sand and silt to enter the pump. It’s time to take action.
Question: Is it possible to use PVC for well caps?
Answer: PVC Well Casing is often used to line drinking water wells. Well casing made of PVC is a tough pipe component. This has been built and tested to resist the crushing force that occurs during the construction of an underground well.
Final Word
You should be able to do it by now as you know how to remove the water well cap.
But, don’t skip the precautions. One faulty wire is all it takes for you to hurt yourself. Be careful.
Good Luck!