What the Casing and Cap Protect
The well casing is the pipe that lines the top of your well and keeps dirt, runoff and critters out of the water. The cap sits on top and seals it. When either one fails, the well is open to whatever is on the surface.
Older wells often have caps that were never truly sealed, or casing that has rusted, cracked or been hit by a mower or truck. Those are the wells we see most often for well casing repair.
A well head in a low spot is a problem too. The top of the casing should stand above the ground so rain drains away from it, not into it. If soil or a garden bed has built up around the well over the years, that is worth fixing.
Warning Signs Something Is Getting In
- A bacteria test that comes back positive, especially after heavy rain
- Water that turns cloudy or muddy after a storm
- Insects, spiders or rodents under the cap
- A cap that is loose, cracked or missing its screen
- Visible holes, rust or a broken section of casing
- A well head buried below the lawn or hidden under landscaping
- Standing water around the base of the well
A cracked casing or a poor cap lets surface water in after heavy rain or flooding. Our blog on cloudy well water covers other reasons water changes after a storm.
Our Approach to Well Casing Repair
Holes and broken sections
We repair holes and replace broken sections of casing so the top of the well is solid and sealed again. The work meets county code. If water has been pooling at the well, we also check the pitless adapter and water line, since a leak there can look the same. We also check the grading around the well, the cap bolts and gasket, and the vent screen. Small things like a torn screen are easy to fix once you spot them.
Sanitary sealed well caps
A sanitary cap bolts down and seals against the casing, with a screened vent so air moves but bugs do not. It is one of the simplest ways to protect a well, and it lets us get into the well later without damaging anything. Older wells, including some in Broad Run and around Catlett, can have loose-fitting caps worth upgrading.
After the Repair: Test the Water
Once the well is sealed, it is smart to confirm the water is clean. We offer water testing for bacteria, pH, lead and nitrates. If bacteria keeps showing up, a UV system can be added as a second layer. The well may also need to be disinfected after it has been opened up, and we will tell you when to retest. For a full look at the physical condition of the well, ask about a well inspection.
Who We Help
Oasis Well Service has been working on wells since 1987. We cover Prince William County, Fauquier County and surrounding counties, including Gainesville and Midland. Diagnosis is free within reason. Call 703-791-3981 if your cap or casing looks rough.
