FAQ’s & Helpful Tips

No Water?
  1. Turn main valve at storage tank off, wait a few minutes to see if pressure gauge goes up.
  2. Check the power source fuse box / circuit breaker see if a fuse is blown or a breaker is tripped.
  3. Replace fuse or reset breaker.

If this is not the problem call A.B.Hoxie immediately at 401-364-0118

Why does my water pressure surge?

This could be a problem with the water storage tank. The air charge in the tank has decreased and caused the pump to cycle rapidly. This could cause your pump to burn out. This problem should be serviced immediately.

I hear my pump run when I’m not using water?

This could be a problem with a check valve on the well side of the water storage tank. It Could also be a problem in the house. Couple of things to check would be to make sure toilets are not running and outside hoses are off. Both of these are very common problems we find. If toilets and hoses are all set and the pump is still running please contact A.B. Hoxie. If pump is running constantly it can burn out.

How long does it take to drill a well?

Most wells are drilled in a day. The pump system installed another day.

Where does a well need to be located?

The well site must meet State and Town regulations for setbacks. The well must be away from sources of contamination (Septic) and close to the house for power supply. Site must be accessible for drilling equipment and pump installation.

How deep does the well need to be to get adequate water for needs?

The first 300’ is the best for hitting water; however depending on site area we may not hit water till we pass this depth.

What if you do not get water?

Once the well is drilled and no water the information will be reviewed to determine if Hydrofracking is an option.

How long does a pump usually last?

Submersible pumps located in the well usually last 8-12 years before replacement is needed.

How do I know if my pump is failing?

The pump will stop running and you will loose all water pressure. If your water stops then starts again, this could be a sign of possible pump failure and should be checked by a service technician.

My Electric Bill is high; could my pump be the problem?

Your pump may be running non-stop. It should be checked for possible broken pipe or worn pump. A technician can determine the problem and make the necessary repair.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Hydrogen sulfide gas is a naturally occurring containment which gives water a rotten egg odor or taste. This usually indicates some form of non-harmful mineral reducing bacteria in the well. Because it is a gas, it comes out of a solution quickly making testing difficult. Hydrogen sulfide can make the water corrosive, but there are no known health effects. Treatments can be aeration, filtration and/or chlorination.

Why is there staining in my dishwasher?

Stains found in the dishwasher are usually high levels of manganese. To clean a dishwasher, run it through a cycle with Tang or Iron Out. Manganese can also stain clothes in the washing machine, when bleach is added staining is worse. The best treatment to reduce levels of Manganese from a well is a water treatment system.

Why does my water stain everything brown?

Brown staining is iron, the most common water treatment problem in wells.

Ferrous Iron (dissolved) the most common type of iron is not visible, When Oxygen is mixed with Ferrous Iron it satins sinks, toilets and laundry, especially if bleach is added. To reduce the levels of Ferrous Iron, aeration, softening or a combination of both can be done.

Ferric Iron (suspended) is oxidized and forms floating particles. Treatments used are cartridge filters or a backwashing filter.

I would like to have a softener installed but am concerned about salt in my water.

The amount of salt added to soften water is directly proportional to the level of hardiness in the water. As an alternative to Sodium, Potassium Chloride or Klife can be used to regenerate your water softener. Your softener will exchange Potassium instead of Sodium.

Why does my water leave blue/ green stains?

This is because the water is corrosive and usually acidic. Acidic water can leach metals from pumps, piping and fixtures, if not treated it can cause leaks in copper pipes and fixtures. Acidity is measured on a scale of 0-14; with 7 being neutral: less than 7 is acidic and above is basic. Treatments used are PH Neutralizing filters or chemical feed systems that add alkalinity to water.

What is hardness?

Hardness is the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water. The minerals can create several household problems, such as bathroom rings, hardwater stains, or spots. Water softener is recommended.

How often should I have my water tested?

RI Department of Health has adopted new testing regulations- testing for a new well and existing wells. Please see RI Department of Health, Private well web page for more information on regulations.