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Expert Q Ren Molnar Q&A Archive
Top > Plumbing > Frost

Question:

I know it says not to send questions directly to you, but no other listed "expert" seemed to be the right person to ask...so I hope you'll oblige! Over the past couple winters I've had problems with my well; the water gets so high in the casing (drilled well) that it gets to within 16" of the top (~30" above ground) and then freezes solid. As you can imagine, the resulting vacuum within the casing causes major water quality issues. So for lack of a better idea, I wrapped the top portion of the casing with a "heat wrap" and thawed it out when this happened. It works, but is a bit of a pain as I have to run an extension out there and of course pay the extra electricity. I'm hoping you can offer a more permanent solution (that won't involve electricity?)

Answer:

Never, ever hesitate to send questions directly to me - please.
Unfortunatly, you have the only solution that I've ever seen or heard of for this and the fact that it works, probably discourages people from looking for anything else. You might be able to find a regulator that will engage the electricity at a temperature closer to freezing but I don't know how long it would take you to get a return on your investment becasue the one you have probably engages at 40F degrees and that is already cutting pretty close.

In the interests of retaining credibility that I worked several decades to establish and in fairness to all, I don’t comment on various (building, electrical, plumbing) codes, brand-specific products, recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects.

Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.

"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips"
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It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.

To order, simply send a cheque or money order to:
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I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Ren-O-Vations ‘Cross Canada – the Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Host of CFRA Radio 580’s Ren-O-Vations ‘Cross Canada and Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com.

Answered By: Ren Molnar

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