What is a wellhead?
A wellhead is an above ground access point to your home’s underground water well. It looks like a metal pipe or tube and will typically stick-up about 16 inches above the ground. Though they vary in size, they are usually found within 50 feet of your home. They should have a metal or plastic cap on the top to prevent contamination.
Often, homeowners will cover over their wellhead with a birdfeeder or wishing well. These decorations help homeowners’ locate their wellhead quickly. They serve as added protection from elements, lawnmowers, and cars. They can also help prevent children or guests from tripping over them, or falling on them!
Why should I keep my wellhead exposed and accessible?
You should always remove snow, brush or dirt from the wellhead and surrounding area. Doing so decreases the chances of bacterial contamination and allows easy access for well water testing and other routine maintenance.
Having to locate a wellhead during an emergency situation wastes time!
How do I find the wellhead?
Look for a capped metal tube protruding from the ground, on your property, within 50 feet of your home. In some cases, the wellhead is buried beneath overgrown brush, snow or other debris, making it very hard to locate. If you cannot find your wellhead, contact Greco & Haines who will most likely be able to locate the access point to your well and even do routine maintenance, such as well water mineral content testing, while they are on site!