What is hydrofracking?
Hydrofracking, which is also referred to as hydrofracturing, is a process that can be used to increase the flow of water into a well. “Hydro” means water, “fracking” is short for fracture. Hydrofracking is typically used for low yield wells. The process is designed for drilled wells only.
Fracture? Are you really fracturing my well?
No. The original well drilling process has already created fractures (cracks) in the bedrock underground. These fractures are small and can be filled up with sediment. Hydrofracking simply cleans out the existing fractures and makes them a bit larger. The result is more water flowing into your well.
When is hydrofracking an option?
There are a couple of reasons to consider hydrofracking.
If your water well no longer keeps up with the demand in your home
You are experiencing low water flow from your water well
What exactly happens in the hydrofracking process?
Hydrofracking uses high-pressure water injected into a drilled well. This sends the water through through the fractures in the bedrock underground and cleans out the fractures. Hydrofracking may also widen fractures in the bedrock and increase the water supply to the well.
There are two types of hydrofracturing that can be performed: standard hydro-fracture and zone hydro-fracture.
Standard Hydrofracking uses a single packer that water passes through and pressurizes the whole well. This method is used to increase the production rate for low yield wells.
Zone Hydrofracking uses two packers that are set between 60-80 feet apart. Water is forced between the two packers creating pressure in the 60-80 foot zone instead of pressurizing the whole well. The method does have a greater success rate, although it is a more expensive option.
Is there anything else I should know about hydrofracking?
A permit may be required in your area before the hydrofracking process can begin.
A flow test will need to be done after the process is complete, this will tell you whether or not it was successful.
Your well will need to be sanitized when the process is complete.
Your water may be cloudy for a few days after hydrofracking.
Your well water is normally not able to be used right away, you may need to wait 24 hours before using your water.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact Northeast Water Wells and we can help!
Article written by Karen Provencher
At Northeast Water Wells Inc our services are not limited to water well drilling and pump installation we also have a plethora of other services available. Northeast water wells experienced technicians also specialize in Artesian Water Well Abandonment, Well Rehabilitation, Water Well Chlorination, Submersible water pumps, Jet pumps, Constant Pressure Pumps, Pressure Boosting Pumps, Solar/ wind powered pumping systems. Water Pressure holding tanks, Atmospheric Water Holding tanks, Water Quality/ Quantity testing, water conditioning and treatment, filtration, sanitizers, water softeners, hydro fracture, zone fracture, Water Well Maintenance, Real Estate Transfer testing and Well Efficiency Audits.
Covering Massachusetts and New Hampshire since 1966.
Jaffrey, NH, Hudson, NH, Marlborough, MA
1-800-562-9355
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