A Complete Guide for Townhouses and Houses of Character

Many traditional Maltese properties contain a well, locally known as a bir. In older townhouses and houses of character across Malta, the well is not simply an old water shaft. It is part of the original building infrastructure and an important component of the property’s water management system.

Unfortunately, many homeowners only discover the well when problems begin. At SULAR Projects we are commonly contacted because of ground floor damp, sinking courtyard tiles, basement moisture or unexplained water ingress. In a large percentage of cases, the true cause is a damaged or neglected well.

Understanding how Maltese wells work and how they should be repaired can prevent structural damage, expensive restoration works and legal complications during property sale.

Why Wells Exist in Maltese Buildings

Traditional Maltese houses were designed to collect rainwater. Roofs and courtyards channel water through spouts into an underground rainwater reservoir. The well stores this water and relieves hydrostatic pressure around the building.

Because Malta is built primarily from globigerina limestone, managing water is critical. If water is trapped or redirected incorrectly, it travels through the stone and appears elsewhere as damp.

Many modern renovations unknowingly create problems. Wells are sometimes tiled over, filled with rubble, or sealed with concrete. This stops the natural drainage system of the building and forces moisture into walls and floors.

The result is often mistaken for rising damp.

Signs of a Damaged Well

You may have a compromised well if your property shows any of the following:

• persistent damp patches on ground floor walls
• salt deposits or flaking paint
• musty odours inside rooms
• water appearing after rainfall
• courtyard paving sinking or cracking
• moisture in a cellar or basement
• damp around a central courtyard

These symptoms frequently appear in townhouses in areas such as Rabat, Birkirkara, Zebbug, Naxxar, Mosta and the Three Cities where older construction methods were used.

The Correct Method of Well Repair

Repairing a well in Malta is a specialised restoration task. The aim is not to close the well but to restore its function safely and structurally.

Inspection and Safety Access

Before entering, the well is ventilated and tested for gases. Safe access systems are installed. Entering an untested well is dangerous and should never be attempted by homeowners.

Cleaning and Emptying

Sludge, contaminated water and debris are removed. Many wells have not been cleaned for decades. Blocked wells cause water pressure to build beneath the building.

Structural Masonry Repair

Collapsed or deteriorated stone lining is rebuilt using compatible limestone and traditional techniques. Incorrect cement repairs are removed because they trap moisture within the stone.

Breathable Waterproofing

Specialised mineral waterproofing suitable for heritage masonry is applied. Modern tanking systems are avoided because they force moisture into surrounding walls.

New Cover and Drainage Connection

A proper load bearing cover with inspection hatch is installed. Rainwater spouts and channels are reconnected so the system functions correctly again.

Is It Legal to Close a Well in Malta?

In many residential properties the well forms part of the approved rainwater storage system. Removing or sealing it without approval can create issues with planning compliance and property sanctioning. Architects and notaries frequently flag missing or filled wells during promise of sale inspections.

For this reason, proper repair is usually required rather than removal.

Why Repairing a Well Is Important

A correctly restored well can:

• reduce internal damp
• protect foundations
• improve air quality
• prevent courtyard collapse
• assist property resale
• avoid regulatory complications

Ignoring a damaged well often leads to much larger structural repair costs later.

Professional Well Repair Services in Malta

SULAR Projects carries out structural repairs, restoration works and heritage compatible interventions across Malta. We inspect wells, identify the real source of moisture and propose the correct repair methodology.

If you suspect your townhouse or house of character has a well related problem, an early inspection can prevent significant damage.

Contact SULAR Projects to schedule a site visit and assessment.