Rely on a private well in Floral City? Keeping your water safe and your pressure steady does not have to be a mystery. With a simple routine, you can prevent costly repairs and protect your household. In this guide, you’ll learn what to test and when, how to care for your pressure tank, pump basics, and a practical maintenance plan tailored to Floral City. Let’s dive in.
Why your Floral City well needs care
Floral City homes often draw from the Floridan aquifer, where well depth and water quality can vary from one property to the next. Private wells are your responsibility, so regular testing and upkeep matter. Local resources like the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Citrus County Environmental Health, and the University of Florida IFAS Extension offer guidance and certified lab information. If you have a driller’s log for your well, keep it handy for reference.
What to test and when
Annual must-do tests
- Test for total coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrate/nitrite every year. These have the most direct impact on health and should be your baseline.
- If E. coli is detected, do not drink or cook with the water until you disinfect and retest.
Every 2–3 years
- Run a broader panel: pH, hardness, total dissolved solids, iron, manganese, sulfate, chloride, and conductivity.
- These results guide treatment choices and help protect plumbing and appliances.
Test after storms or changes
- After heavy rain, flooding, hurricanes, septic issues, or well work, test for bacteria and nitrate.
- Test if you notice changes in taste, smell, color, or pressure, or if neighbors report problems.
How to test the right way
- Use a state-certified lab recommended by the Florida Department of Health or Citrus County.
- Follow the lab’s instructions closely, including sterile bottles and timing.
- Keep records of results and dates. This helps with future troubleshooting and real estate disclosures.
Pressure tank care made simple
Your pressure tank stores water and keeps your pump from cycling on and off too often. Two common types are diaphragm or bladder tanks and conventional steel tanks with an air cushion.
Know your tank type
- Diaphragm/bladder tanks have an internal membrane that separates air and water.
- Conventional steel tanks rely on an air cushion above the water.
Annual precharge check
- Most homes run 30/50 psi or 40/60 psi settings. Set the tank precharge to 2 psi below the cut-in pressure.
- For a 30/50 system, precharge about 28 psi. For a 40/60 system, precharge about 38 psi.
- Turn off power to the pump, relieve pressure, and use a tire-style gauge at the Schrader valve to check.
Signs your tank needs attention
- Rapid on/off pump cycling, pressure swings, or a pump that runs constantly.
- Water coming out of the air valve indicates a failed bladder.
- Wet seams, rust, hissing, or a stuck gauge or pressure switch.
Well pump basics and troubleshooting
Common pump types here
- Submersible pumps are most common for drilled wells.
- Jet or shallow-well pumps may be used where the water table is near the surface.
- Booster pumps can support irrigation or add household pressure.
Quick checks before you call
- Confirm power at the breaker or GFCI and check visible wiring.
- Watch the pressure gauge to note cut-in and cut-out points and cycling speed.
- If output drops after heavy use or drought, let the well rest and try again.
- If contamination is suspected, do not drink the water. Arrange disinfection and retest.
When to call a pro
- Electrical issues, motor or impeller problems, or persistent low yield.
- Any job that requires pulling the pump or changing well construction.
- Ask for documentation: pump model, horsepower, depth, static and pumping levels, and typical GPM.
Your preventive maintenance plan
- Monthly or quarterly
- Check the wellhead. Make sure the cap is secure and vents are clear.
- Confirm the area slopes away and is free of chemicals, debris, and standing water.
- Glance at the pressure gauge for normal operation.
- Annually
- Test for total coliform, E. coli, and nitrate/nitrite.
- Check pressure tank precharge and inspect for leaks or corrosion.
- Inspect the pressure switch and verify cut-in and cut-out settings.
- Service any treatment systems per manufacturer guidance.
- Every 2–3 years
- Order a full chemistry panel: pH, hardness, TDS, iron, manganese, sulfate, chloride, and conductivity.
- Add VOCs, pesticides, or metals testing if relevant to your location or plumbing.
- After events
- Test after flooding, heavy rain, septic malfunctions, or any well work.
- As needed
- Shock chlorination if bacterial tests fail or after major repairs. Follow Florida Department of Health guidance or hire a pro.
Protect the wellhead and property
- Keep at least a 50-foot radius free of chemical storage, fuel, and septic systems when possible. Follow county setback rules.
- Maintain a tight, secure well cap and screened vents to keep insects and surface water out.
- Grade soil so water flows away from the wellhead.
- Document every test, repair, and service date for future reference.
Working with local pros: questions to ask
- Licensing and insurance
- Are you licensed or registered to drill or service wells in Florida? Can you share your license number and proof of insurance?
- Local experience
- How much Floral City or Citrus County experience do you have? Can you provide local references?
- Diagnostics and reporting
- Will you measure and report static and pumping water levels, GPM, pump depth, and motor specs?
- Do you coordinate certified lab testing?
- Scope and warranty
- What performance will be restored or achieved, and what parts will you use?
- What are the labor and parts warranties?
- Permits, timeline, and safety
- Will you handle permits and disposal? How long will water service be down?
- Pricing and follow-up
- Can you provide an itemized written estimate and explain change orders?
- Will you set the tank precharge, verify pressures, and review the system with me on site?
Keep a mini-checklist handy for service day: current pressure switch settings, pre and post-service pressure readings, pump run times, pump model, motor amp draw, and water levels.
What to do in an emergency
- If E. coli is detected
- Stop using the water for drinking and cooking. Use bottled water or a safe alternative. Arrange shock chlorination and retest before returning to use.
- If the pump fails or pressure drops sharply
- Turn off electrical power to the pump to avoid motor damage and call a licensed well contractor. Share recent tests and service details to speed diagnosis.
Planning a home sale or purchase with a well
If you are buying or selling in Floral City, factor well testing and system health into your timeline. Certified lab results are often required for real estate transactions. A clear maintenance history and recent testing can build buyer confidence. If you need local lab info or introductions to licensed well contractors, ask for help early so you can stay on schedule.
Ready to make smart moves with a well on your next home journey? Reach out to Jess Stone for local guidance, trusted referrals, and a plan that keeps your water system quest on track.
FAQs
How often should Floral City well owners test water?
- Test for total coliform, E. coli, and nitrate/nitrite every year, and run a broader chemistry panel every 2–3 years or after storms or repairs.
What should my pressure tank precharge be on a 40/60 system?
- Set the precharge about 2 psi below cut-in, so around 38 psi for a 40/60 setup, with power off and pressure relieved.
What do I do if my lab report shows E. coli?
- Do not drink or cook with the water, arrange shock chlorination, and retest with a certified lab before returning the system to normal use.
Do heavy rains and flooding affect Citrus County wells?
- Yes, intense rain or flooding can increase contamination risk. Test for bacteria and nitrate after such events or if water quality changes.
Who regulates private well quality in Florida?
- Private wells are primarily a homeowner responsibility for quality. Follow Florida Department of Health guidance, use certified labs, and consult local Citrus County resources.
