Common Questions
Residential Wells
What if I’m not getting enough water?
There are several options available to you if your well is not producing enough water for your everyday use. They include deepening your existing well, installing a reservoir system, and/or hydro-fracturing.
Hydro-fracturing is a relatively new process that is becoming a very popular option for those who struggle with a low yielding well. Hydro-Fracturing is defined as pumping highly pressurized water down the well in an attempt to crack the rock formation inside and adjacent to the well. The fractures that occur in the well clear obstructions that may have previously been blocking veins of water from reaching the well.
How deep does my well need to be?
“How deep will the well be?” is a common question before drilling a well. Just a few of the factors that will influence the answer are: seasonal rise and fall of the water table; surface contamination risks; low yielding rock formations; regulations and building code requirements.
If we have drilled several wells in the nearby area, we may be able to estimate the approximate depth where water will be encountered, but it will always be an estimate. The exact depth needed to develop the required well yield cannot be determined accurately prior to drilling.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, most wells for household use are in the 100-500 foot deep range; a few are over 1,000 feet. The median depth of bedrock wells in New Hampshire is approximately 295 feet.
Well Pumps
How long should a new well pump last?
There are many factors that will affect the life expectancy of a well pump, including the number of times it is called upon each day, the size (horsepower) of the pump motor, the motor quality, and amount of sediment in the water.
An above ground pump may last anywhere from 4-15 years. A submersible pump operating in low-sediment water may have a 15-year life, while the same pump in high sediment water may fail within 5 or 6 years.
Water Testing
How often should I test my well water?
It is recommended to first test soon after a new well is installed, thereafter, every three to five years, whenever there is a change in property ownership, or whenever there is noticeable change in the water quality; including changes in taste, odor or color.
Can I do my own water testing?
Yes, you may come by our office and pick up the water testing kit along with the detailed "how to" instructions; Or Gilford Well Company can send one of our trained professionals to come to your home to take the water sample for you.
Once the water sample is collected Gilford Well Company offers a variety of tests that can be done. We can test for bacteria, minerals or any primary or secondary water quality standard.
We also provide water testing needed for a food license, home inspection or obtaining a mortgage or refinancing (i.e. VA or FHA loans.)
What happens if my water 'fails' the test?
Being a full service well company we provide the fix for any water problem. We may be able to fix a water quality issue by fixing a construction problem in the well, or it may require the installation of a guaranteed GWC filtration system. Whatever the issue, we can fix it. Give us a call.
Geothermal Systems
What is a geothermal heating and cooling system?
A geothermal heating and cooling system (also called geo-exchange or ground-source heat pump system) is one that uses heat stored in the ground to heat or cool a home or building.
These systems work by circulating a fluid through a well or a trench in the ground and “capturing” the heat of the shallow earth. The fluid then transfers the heat into a structure where it is distributed by an air-blower or through hot water piping. In the summer, these systems can commonly be operated in reverse, capturing the heat from the structure and subsequently transferring it to the earth, thereby cooling the structure during hotter weather.
What are the different options for geothermal systems in New Hampshire?
There are essentially two types of geothermal systems used in New Hampshire, open-loop and closed-loop:
- Open-loop geothermal system includes a groundwater well (or wells), a water well pump, piping and a compressor [heat pump] installed in the structure. In this type of system, groundwater is used as the heat transfer fluid and is pumped out of the well, and circulated through the structure's heat pump where heat is extracted from or injected into the water. Then the heated/cooled water is re-injected into the same groundwater well from which it was withdrawn or a separate well dedicated to re-injection.
- Closed-loop geothermal system. In these systems, an antifreeze solution is circulated through a continuous loop of plastic pipe, which is installed in either a drilled well, horizontal trench or the bottom of a surface water body. Similar to the open-loop system, heat is either injected into or extracted from the antifreeze by the heat pump; after which, the fluid is re-circulated back into the loop of pipe installed in the ground.
What are the advantages of a geothermal system?
Savings - Geothermal systems can cut your home or business heating and cooling costs by 50 percent and provide hot water for free or at a substantial savings.
Durability - Ground source heat pumps last longer than conventional systems because they are protected from harsh outdoor weather. The heat pump unit is housed indoors and the loop is underground.
Low Maintenance - Geothermal systems have fewer mechanical components, making them more reliable and less prone to failure. The ground loop has an expected life of over 50 years and requires no maintenance.
Cleanliness - Geothermal systems work toward the preservation of the environment by minimizing present environmental problems like acid rain, air pollution and the destruction of the ozone layer.
Low Noise - Ground source heat pumps have no exposed, noisy outside units. The unit operates quietly to satisfy your needs without disturbing you or your neighbors.
Conservation - Geothermal systems work with the environment by using the earth's moderate ground temperature to heat your home or business in the winter and to cool it in the summer.
Health - Geothermal systems keep indoor air cleaner and free of pollens, outdoor pollutants, mold spores and other allergens.
Irrigation
Can I save money by installing my own system?
No. In fact, it could cost you more money in the long run. We will design and install the most cost-effective and energy-efficient system possible. You can be confident that we will use the best equipment for the job and effectively schedule any maintenance required to keep your landscape in top shape. We will pay special attention to important factors such as sprinkler patterns (it is important to overlap the patterns so that the outer edges receive sufficient water for healthy growth) and back flow prevention (which is necessary to protect your drinking water.) Because we are familiar with local plumbing and electrical codes, you won't have to worry about costly pipe installation or wiring mistakes. We can do the job faster, with less disruption to your existing landscape, and will guarantee our work.
Will an automatic sprinkler system use more water than I am currently using?
No. In fact, an automatic sprinkler system will conserve water. You will never have to worry about runoff from overwatering or about wasting water if you forget to turn off the hose. Plus, with a Rain Bird moisture sensor your system will know when it is raining and simply turn itself off when water is not needed.
Does having a sprinkler system really save time?
Yes. You won't have to spend another minute of your valuable leisure time watering the lawn. Your new system will do all the watering for you, even when you are away from home.
Will an automatic sprinkler system water as well as I do when I water by hand?
An automatic sprinkler system will do a much better job, because a professionally designed system delivers exactly the right amount of water to specific lawn and garden areas.
We generally get 40 or more inches of rainfall a year. Do we really need a sprinkler system?
If it rained at your house every three days, the same exact amount each time, you probably would not need a sprinkler system. But nature doesn't work that way, and the only way to ensure a healthy, lush yard is to make certain that your lawn and plants receive a regularly timed and evenly measured amount of water. In the dry season when there is little or no rain, your yard can suffer damage after just a few days without water.
Are there different sprinkler systems from which to choose?
Although every system should be tailored to meet one’s individual needs, a typical system is comprised of a controller (which functions as the brains of the system), valves (which open and close to release and stop the flow of water to underground pipes) and sprinklers (which distribute water to specific areas). It is best if all of a system’s components are manufactured by the same company in order to ensure that they will work well together. Unlike Rain Bird, most companies make only one or two components of a complete system. However Rain Bird designs and manufactures all of the major components that comprise a complete irrigation system. Rain Bird also has a nationwide network of distributors that support contractors who install Rain Bird systems.
How do I know what type of sprinkler system is best for me?
It is always best to work with a professional irrigation contractor who is knowledgeable about factors such as water source and pressure, soil type, planting materials, and weather conditions. A professional will take all of this into consideration when designing a system specific to the needs of your landscape.
Will I have difficulty operating my sprinkler system?
As your contractor we will help you select the best controller for your needs and we will program it with your customized watering schedule. We will also explain the system's operation to you. Then if necessary, you will be able to easily change the watering schedule by simply following the easy instructions on the inside of the controller cabinet.
How much will a good sprinkler system cost?
The price of an irrigation system depends upon many factors such as property size, type of landscaping, and special designs. Gilford Well Company will design a cost-effective system comprised of quality products such as Rain Bird and will know how to put the right system in place in order to achieve maximum results. We also know that Rain Bird and Gilford Well Company will stand behind all of its products and is serious about commitment to quality construction and after-sale service.
