If you live in Connecticut, chances are your home has a well pump, the water you rely on every day needs a way to get into your house. When you turn on the faucet, you expect to see water. That’s where the well pump comes into play.

Well pumps use a motor to transport water to your home. There are two different types of pumps: jet and submersible. When you are looking to repair or replace your unit, the first thing you’ll need to determine is which type of well pump you’ll need.

Well Pump Options: Jet or Submersible

If you’ve been researching well pumps online you might have noticed that there’s two common types of pumps – the jet and the submersible pump. What’s the difference between these two options?

Jet Pump

The jet pump is primarily used when the water table is high. Because the water is already so close to the surface, it can be collected much more easily. A jet pump is powered by an electric motor, which helps it to suction water up out of the earth. If your water table is more than 25 feet deep, a jet pump can still be used, it would just need to be configured for a deep-well system.

Submersible Pump

If your water table is much lower, suction simply won’t do the trick. A submersible pump is located right inside the well rather than above it. The motor in this style pump drives water up the pipes and into the plumbing system of the home. Submersible pumps are generally more efficient than jet pumps, and last quite a long time. However, any repairs will need to be done by a professional plumber since it requires pulling the pump from the well casing.

How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Well Pump

There are several signs that your well pump needs needs to be replacement, some more noticeable than others. Perhaps the most obvious indicator is a total absence of water when you turn on the faucet.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

If your current well pump is no longer working correctly it may be time for new pressure tank installation. Whether you have just moved and you are now the proud owner of a poor working well or your current pump is showing signs of wear, pressure tank installation can help increase the water pressure in your home.

If you are in need of well pump installation in Connecticut, contact the team at Griswold Water Services today at 860-554-5219.

Without a properly working well pump, you will likely find yourself with low flow or inconsistent water pressure. These issues can make it difficult to complete simple daily tasks such as showering, running the dish washer, flushing the toilet, or washing clothes. Griswold Water Services offers pressure tank repair throughout Connecticut, and our team of experts will come to your home or business to diagnose the problem and figure out the best solution for you!

Signs of Problems with Your Pressure Tank

If your well pump suddenly stops working, or you’ve noticed issues with the flow or quality of your water, your water well pump or pressure tank might be to blame. Some signs that might indicate a poorly performing pressure tank include:

• Lack of water flow from faucets
• A constantly running well pump
• Brown or dirty water
• Loud noises coming from your well pressure tank
• Poor water pressure
• Air sputtering from faucets
• Abnormally high utility bills

Pressure Tank Installation in Connecticut

Your pressure tank is an important piece of helping your water pressure stay stable. When your home’s water pressure drops it is likely there is a problem with your current pressure tank or you may need to install a pressure tank. If you already have a pressure tank in place, one of the following circumstances may cause you to need pressure tank installation:

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Water Softening Services in CT

One of the most common water quality issues in Connecticut is hard water, which is water that contains an excess of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can adhere to the inside of pipes, plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and other appliances, causing a thick scale that reduces the effective diameter of the water passages. Eventually, clogs can form, rendering the pipes, fixtures, or appliances virtually unusable without significant repairs or replacement. One of the most effective ways to treat hard water is with a water softening system.

At Griswold Water Services, we offer installation and maintenance for a variety of water conditioning equipment, including softening systems. We also offer water quality testing, as well as complete well pump, pressure tank, water treatment and water treatment services. Our company has been proudly serving Connecticut for over 9 years.

Contact us today at 860-554-5219 to learn more about our water conditioning services!

The Effects of Hard Water in a Connecticut Home

Hard water can cause a variety of problems for homeowners in Connecticut, including:

• Pipe clogs: The minerals in hard water, known as limescale, adhere to the walls of pipes and restrict flow, eventually clogging the pipe completely.
• Fixture and appliance damage: Water heaters, dishwashers, and other appliances can become clogged by limescale, requiring extensive repairs or replacement.
• Deposits on cookware: Tea kettles, stock pots, and other utensils used to boil water can accumulate limescale, which is difficult to remove.
• Water spots: Hard water can create spots on glasses, plates, and other dishes as they dry, leaving behind mineral deposits as the water evaporates.
• Soap scum: Hard water affects the chemicals that allow soaps to lather properly and causes the formation of soap scum in showers, tubs, and sinks.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

We all expect our home’s water system to be clean and reliable. And when you turn on the faucet, you expect water to flow.

When the water from your well stops flowing, the pressure drops, or you have well water that tastes odd or is discolored, it is important to find someone who can help quickly and effectively.

Experienced Well Repair Service Professionals

At Griswold Water Services, we have been helping Connecticut residents with well repairs and maintenance since 2009.

With our 24-hour emergency service option, we can respond quickly to any situation.

Our team is prepared to diagnose and repair any problem with your water pump system, so your home has reliable water again. And when you sign up for a Well Protection Service Plan, we will provide all the preventative maintenance to your water system, so your home’s water continues to flow and you can rest assured that it’s safe.

Water System Repairs

Aside from a complete lack of water, there are several other common signs that point to a problem with your water system.

Call us right away if you notice any of the following:

• Water pump is running constantly
• Poor water pressure from the faucets
• Excessive air coming from the faucets
• Discolored or hard water
• Stains or white spots appearing

These symptoms point to a greater problem with your water pump or system. If you see any of these symptoms, call us right away. We can diagnose your system’s problem quickly and offer a solution on the spot.

We charge only for materials and time for the repair, and our team does not finish until you are completely satisfied.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Well Casing Extension Service in CT

Well Casing Extensions are a natural “next step” to take when performing a jet pump conversion or replacing a submersible well pump in a buried water well. Buried water wells were the standard offering of well system installers until the advent of the pitless adapters in the early 60’s. All new wells must extend above grade a minimum of 6 inches. Existing buried wells are “grandfathered in”.

Homes with jet pumps (pumps that are typically located in the basement next to the well tank) can benefit from a conversion to a submersible pump. Submersible well pumps will generate better pressure and flow. Since they’re located down the well, there’s no operational noise associated with them.

What is a well cap & what does it do?

The well cap is the cover on top of the well casing that sticks out of the ground. It serves many purposes. Most caps, which are usually aluminum or a thermoplastic, include a vented screen so that the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the well casing may be equalized when water is pumped from the well. However, the cap’s main function is to keep contaminants out of the water supply.

What type of contaminants does the well cap keep out of the well?

A properly sealed well cap protects against all types of contamination. It is the first line of protection against nonpoint source pollution, which constitutes the majority of ground water contamination. Nonpoint source pollution includes runoff of pesticides and herbicides, soil erosion, and elements from the street.

Well caps also keep out insects, such as earwigs, which prefer a dark, damp environment to nest. Insects can cause major problems in a well. Bacteria levels can rise from their droppings, and sometimes the bugs themselves can get trapped in the wells, die, and decompose in the well water.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Bottled Water Quality from Your Tap

Hard water can create numerous issues in your Connecticut home or business, such as the accumulation of limescale inside pipes and water heaters, the formation of soap scum in the bathroom, and a reduction in the amount of lather produced by soaps or detergents. Limescale, formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonates and other minerals, is especially troublesome, because it can restrict the flow of water through pipes, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures, hindering their operation and even causing permanent damage. Several methods are available to correct hard water problems, including reverse osmosis, which physically removes calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals from the water.

At Griswold Water Services, we offer a variety of water conditioning services, including the installation and maintenance of reverse osmosis systems. We serve residential customers, and we have been providing Connecticut with quality well pump, pressure tank, water treatment and water filtration services since 2009.

Contact us today at 860-554-5219 to learn more about our available reverse osmosis systems!

How Reverse Osmosis Treats Hard Water in Homes

Reverse osmosis uses pressure to force water through a thin semi-permeable membrane, which has holes large enough for water molecules to pass, but too small for many potential contaminants, such as the calcium, magnesium, and iron molecules that contribute to hard water. Because the holes or pores in the membrane are so small, they can easily clog, so a typical reverse osmosis system contains several filtration steps to both protect the membrane and to produce higher quality water.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Water Filtration Services in CT

Water filtration systems are becoming more of a necessity than a luxury. Most water filter systems are low maintenance and have few operational problems, making them a convenient addition to your home. For water filtration installations and repairs, contact us for service in Connecticut.

Types of Water Filtration Systems

There are two main types of home water filtration systems. Each filter type removes a different set of contaminants.

Sediment Filter Cartridge

This type of water filter removes sand, silt, dirt, rust, and other sediments. Sediment filters are generally made of cellulose fiber, polyester, or any inexpensive and porous ceramic material. Some of these types of filters can be cleaned and reused, while others need to be replaced periodically.

Carbon Filter Cartridge

Carbon water filter cartridges are composed of activated carbon. The carbon can come in loose pellet form or solid chunk form. Activated carbon removes chlorine, trihalomethanes, lead, pesticides, toluene, and radon. A carbon filter cartridge differs from the sediment filter in its ability to remove smaller, finer particles. Carbon filters are not reusable and must be replaced at regular intervals to ensure proper contaminant removal. Although they are more costly than the sediment filter, they are effective at removing more contaminants.

There are also several other types of water filtration systems. Each is unique in the way it filters out your water and the different contaminants they remove.

Low Maintenance Does Not Mean No Maintenance

Most water filtration systems have very few moving parts and are very low maintenance. The most common problem our clients usually experience with their water filters is a worn out hose or connector, or a leak. These are quick fixes and can easily be replaced.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Remove Radon from Your Home’s Water

If you have a home in Connecticut, you’ve most likely heard of or dealt with Radon at some point in your life.

In this issue we’ll offer our thoughts on the 2 available methods for removing Radon from your home’s water supply.

We’ll look at the pros and cons of each, so hopefully you’ll have a better idea as to which method is best for your family.

When to Treat for Water Radon?

If you have a home that has tested above the recommended Maximum (4,000 pCi/L) for Radon in its water supply, both the the EPA and the State of Connecticut recommend mitigating your water for safety.

We won’t spend a lot of time in this article discussing the health risk factors associated with Connecticut water Radon. If you are reading this article we’ll assume you most likely already have concerns about the risks. We’ll also assume you’d like to know how to get rid of Radon so your family is safe.

How does Water Radon affect my Family?

Connecticut water Radon is a gas. When the Radon is underground, the gas can enter your water supply. The gas travels through the veins that feed your well. It’s then released back into your home’s air once it exits through points like shower heads (highest concern), dish washers (2^nd highest concern) and washing machines (3^rdhighest).

When you directly breathe in Radon gas, especially at close proximity, this is when the concerns start.

The Pros

• 95-99% removal rate
• Effective at extremely high concentrations of Radon
• Lower long-term costs
• No removal or disposal of Radioactive material needed
• No need to follow rigid State or EPA testing & removal schedules
• Typically increases home’s water pressure and flow

The Cons

• Higher up-front costs
• Requires outside venting line
• Requires electricity
• Larger than GAC systems

The Pros

• Lower up-front cost
• Smaller than Bubbling Systems
• Requires no electricity
• Requires no venting

The Cons

• 85-99% removal rate
• Effective and safe only at lower Radon concentrations
• Higher long-term costs
• Requires adherence to State & EPA guidelines
• Requires proper shielding of units
• Requires “Radioactive Material” stickers on units
• Typically less appealing to prospective home buyers

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Nitrates & Private Well Drinking Water in CT

If your drinking water is sourced from a private well, you are likely to already be aware of the importance of testing for water contaminants. While you may be familiar with testing for the presence of arsenic and other common contaminants in your area, you may have overlooked nitrates and the impact they can have on your water safety.

What is Nitrate?

Nitrate is a naturally formed contaminant, created when nitrogen is combined with oxygen. Although nitrogen is essential for all life, high levels in drinking water can be a danger to health, especially for pregnant women and infants. Nitrates can also occur as a result of human activity as they are produced by industrial and agricultural activities, automotive exhaust, and smoke.

How Does Nitrate Enter Drinking Water?

Nitrates naturally occur in both surface and groundwater at levels that are not generally considered to be a hazard to health. High nitrate levels in well water are often the result of the well location, improper well construction, and improper disposal of waste or overuse of chemical fertilizers in the area. Nitrates can be particularly problematic in areas of agricultural activity since fertilizer products can allow nitrates to soak into the groundwater. You may also experience a higher nitrate level from water runoff containing animal feed or waste. Your well may be more vulnerable to contamination after a period of flooding, especially if the well is shallow or has been submerged by the floodwater for an extended period.

Nitrates & Health

The main health hazard from nitrate-contaminated drinking water is from nitrate being transformed into nitrite within the digestive system. Nitrite oxidizes iron in the red blood cells, creating methemoglobin. This lacks the hemoglobin’s ability to carry oxygen, restricting the oxygen supply to cells around the body. This condition is called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” since the skin and veins develop a blue tint. Typically, if you are over the age of one year old, you will have an innate ability to rapidly convert the methemoglobin back to oxyhemoglobin.

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We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!

Constant Water Pressure for Your Home

Is your home’s water pressure just not cutting it for you? Pressure pumps are a crucial part of your water supply and with one easy installation, your home can have constant water pressure for every use. Low water pressure makes life inconvenient for everyone. If you’ve ever had low water pressure, then you know that running a dishwasher and taking a shower becomes a challenge. Adding a constant pressure pump to your well system will make water usage easier throughout your entire home by helping to reduce pressure fluctuations.

Well Water Pressure Solutions

Griswold Water Services’ team of trained pressure pump technicians have the experience needed to take care of your Connecticut home’s water supply, from service to installation. The service technicians that we employ are fully licensed and will be able to quickly install a new constant pressure pump in your home.

For more information on constant pressure pumps or to schedule an appointment with a Griswold Water Services expert, you can call us today at 860-554-5219.

Benefits of a Constant Pressure Pump for Well Water

A constant pressure pump will make using water in your home an easier and more efficient process. Here are just a few of the many benefits that come along with a constant pressure pump:

• Constant line pressure
• Multiple tap use
• Variable speed
• Automatic restart
• Low water safety shutoff

Are you interested in adding a constant pressure pump to your home’s well water? Griswold Water Services’ team of trained professionals can easily install a new pump or pressure tank, depending on your unique needs.

Schedule An Appointment

We are more than happy to provide a consultation on which solution is most suitable for your needs. Why not schedule an appointment and we can discuss the various options with to remedy your issue. Our advice is free!