How to Sanitize a Well?

everlastingwells
3 days ago
5 min read

In case you live in a house that is dependent on a personal well that supplies water, it is necessary to make sure it is clean and safe. Wells may also be contaminated with bacteria with time e.g. following floods, plumbing repairs, or prolonged inactivity. It is the valuable aspect of learning how to sanitize a well so as to provide a safe water supply to your family.

This guide will take you through step by step in a manner that will be easy to understand and follow.

Why Well Sanitization Is Important

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate the use of private wells as it regulates the use of the public water systems. It means that it is your responsibility as a homeowner to be responsible in terms of water safety.

Sanitizing (also called “shock chlorinating”) your well helps:

● Kill negatively harmful bacteria such as coliform and E. coli.

● Destroy the smell of bacteria growth.

● Eliminate post repair or flood contamination.

● Keep the drinking water clean and safe.

Frequent testing and periodic sanitization will assist in the preservation of health in your family.

When Should You Sanitize Your Well?

You do not even have to clean your well once you have a month.

However, there are certain situations when it’s highly recommended:

After Flooding

Bacteria, sewage and other contaminants may be blown into your well by flood water.

After Plumbing Repairs

Bacteria could have entered the system in case your well cap, pump or pipes are repaired or replaced.

If Water Tests Positive for Bacteria

In case the testing of the water annually reveals the existence of coliform bacteria, it has to be sanitized.

If You Notice Odors or Cloudy Water

Bacterial growth may be represented by a rotten egg smell or a cloudy color.

What You’ll Need to Sanitize a Well

The following are supplies you will need before you are ready to begin:

● Household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) with no smell

● Garden hose

● Bucket

● Safety glasses and protective gloves

● Adjustable wrench (where necessary to remove well cap)

● Test kit (follow-up testing) Water.

Make sure the bleach is plain and unscented. Do not use splashless or scented products.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sanitizing a Well

These are the steps to be followed in order to disinfect your well system.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

To be on the safe side, switch off the power supply to your well pump at the breaker panel. This avoids electrical accidents during work.

Step 2: Remove the Well Cap

Removal of the well cap may require the use of a wrench. Do not drop anything down the well.

When the cap and casing are open, check them to see whether they are cracked or damaged.

Step 3: Add Bleach to the Well

The volume of bleach required is dependent on the depth of your well and volume of water in the well.

As a general rule:

● The amount of bleach to use is approximately 1 gallon per 100 feet of the depth of the well.

In case you do not know the depth of your well, refer to your well log or the local county health department.

Bleach should be poured into the well casing.

Step 4: Circulate the Chlorine

Switch the power back on and connect a garden hose with an outside faucet. Turn the hose into the well casing and allow the water to circulate in the casing some 15-20 minutes.

This assists in the infiltration of chlorine in the system.

You know you should be smelling chlorine out of the hose. Otherwise, give it more time to mix.

Step 5: Run Chlorinated Water Through All Fixtures

Go into your house and open all the faucets, one by one. Add cold water till you get a smell of chlorine, then switch off.

Don't forget:

● Showers and bathtubs

● Toilets (flush one time to inject chlorinated water into the tank)

● Dishwasher

● Washing machine

This ensures the entire plumbing system is disinfected.

Step 6: Let the Chlorine Sit

The chlorine solution should be left in the plumbing and the well at least 8-12 hours. A lot of house owners like to leave it to soak overnight.

Use of the water should be avoided during this period.

Step 7: Flush the System

Once the waiting period is over, hose water away on the outside of your septic system and landscaping.

Important tips:

● Do not empty water with much chlorine into your septic tank.

● Do not water lawns, or other plants, with chlorinated water.

● Preferably direct the water to a gravel drive or ditch.

● Continue running the hose until the odor of chlorine is gone.

Next, turn on indoor faucets and flush toilets until the chlorine smell is eliminated in all the fixtures.

After Sanitizing: Test Your Water

Wait 3–7 days after sanitizing before testing your water. This allows any remaining chlorine to dissipate.

Check coliform bacteria with a certified test laboratory or a test kit approved by EPA.

If bacteria are still present, you may need to:

● Repeat sanitization.

● Inspect the well for cracks or contamination sources.

● Consult a licensed well contractor.

Safety Tips for Well Sanitization

When working with bleach and well systems, follow these precautions:

● Wear gloves and eye protection.

● Bleach should not be mixed with other chemicals.

● Do not keep kids or pets near the work.

● When running indoor water, ensure that it is well ventilated.

The chlorine fumes may be powerful and hence opening of windows during flushing of the indoor faucets.

How Often Should You Test and Maintain Your Well?

For homeowners using private wells, experts recommend:

Annual Water Testing

Test for:

● Total coliform bacteria

● Nitrates

● pH levels.

After Major Storms or Flooding

Immediately test in case there is severe weather in your area.

Regular Well Inspections

Check the well cap regularly to ensure it’s:

● Secure

● Free of cracks

● A minimum of 12 inches above the ground level.

Maintenance will eliminate expensive repairs and health hazards.

Signs Your Well May Have Ongoing Problems

Sometimes sanitizing isn’t enough; watch for these warning signs:

● Recurrent bacterial pollution.

● Taste and smell changes abruptly.

● Sediment in water.

● Frequent pump cycling.

In case of difficulties, call a licensed well contractor in your state. They are able to check on structural damages or prescribe permanent treatment systems such as UV disinfection.