Module 7 — Troubleshooting Water Well Problems
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Symptom #4 — Dissolved Gas in the Water
Possible causes:
What to check for:
How to correct:
Dissolved gases in well water including:
-
carbon dioxide
-
methane
Spurting household water taps.
Milky color to the water which lasts only
a few seconds.
Cautions:
1.
Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant
2.
Methane can be flammable and explosive.
For low concentrations of gas:
•
Install an air volume release valve on the
pressure tank, if the tank does not have an
air bladder. Also ensure the tank is properly
vented outside of building.
•
Spray water from the well into a sealed
storage tank that is properly vented
to the outside.
For higher concentrations of gas:
•
Determine the depth that the gas is
entering the well.
•
If possible, lower the pump intake to below
where the gas is entering. A licensed water
well contractor could install a plastic gas
sleeve over the pump intake so the gas will
be forced out of the water as it enters the
intake. The gas will accumulate at the top
of the well, so properly vent the well head so
the gas is directed to the outside.
Over-pumping the well.
Malfunctioning pump (gas-locking). Refer to
your pump manual to troubleshoot for your
pumping system.
Compare the rate at which you are pumping
the well with the rate recommended by the
driller on the drilling report.
Have a licensed water well contractor or
plumber check the pump and pressure system
equipment for malfunction. Make sure any
new pumping equipment is sized correctly to
meet the production capability of the well.
Reduce well pumping rate if necessary and
install additional storage to meet peak water
requirements if required.