Clogging of wells can cause a number of problems, including interruption of water supply and damage to pumps. Well cameras are an effective way to assess well condition and identify blockages. In this guide, we will review the most common types of well blockages, methods of identifying and solving them by well cameras;, and the steps of preparing the well before the camera.
Types of the most common well blockages
- Accumulation of organic matter
- Symptoms: Reduced water flow, pump problems.
- Causative agents: Algae, bacteria, Plant residues.
- Mineral deposits
- Symptoms: Water pressure drop, pump cumbersome operation.
- Causative agents: Calcium, magnesium and iron oxides.
- Sand and silt
- Symptoms: Turbid water, Fast pump wear.
- Causative agents: Sandy or silty soil layers.
- Collapse or cracking of a well wall
- Symptoms: Sudden decrease in water flow, pump damage.
- Causative agents: Structural damage over time, wrong installation.
- Foreign objects
- Symptoms: Complete cessation of water flow, pump downtime.
- Causative agents: Rubble, Tools, Entry of animals.
How to identify and solve them with well cameras?
- Accumulation of organic matter
- Identification: With the help of a well camera, greenish or brownish deposits can be observed on the walls of the well.
- Solution: Chemical cleaning or mechanical cleaning with a high-pressure jet of water.
- Mineral deposits
- Identification: Camera footage whitish, It can be seen as a hard layer on the wall of the well.
- Solution: Treatment with acid to dissolve deposits, then rinsing.
- Sand and silt
- Identification: The camera shows the sandy or silty layers at the bottom of the well.
- Solution: By pumping or installing special sand filters.
- Collapse or cracking of a well wall
- Identification: Structural damage is clearly visible during camera shooting, cracks.
- Solution: If necessary, installing a new liner pipe or strengthening the walls of the well.
- Foreign objects
- Identification: The camera clearly shows the presence of foreign objects.
- Solution: Using special tools to remove, For example, with pliers or magnets.
How to prepare the well before well camera?
- Preliminary water level measurement: Measure the water level in the well and record.
- Water quality monitoring: Conduct a water quality test, to identify potential contaminants.
- Pump removal: We remove the pump, so that the camera can move unhindered in the well.
- Pre-cleaning: Where possible, remove major dirt or debris from the well.
- Create a camera plan: Make a plan of the steps of the camera and any tools you may need.