Should you shock a well every year?

You should shock a well annually if you have issues like bacterial contamination or mineral buildup (iron/manganese), but it's not always necessary; yearly testing is crucial to determine if shocking is needed, as it's best done when contamination is confirmed (like a positive coliform test) or after repairs, rather than as a routine fix for non-bacterial problems, which might require different treatment, say experts.

How often does a well need to be shocked?

You should shock your well annually as preventative maintenance, but more often if you notice bad smells/tastes, after repairs/flooding, or if your water tests positive for bacteria like coliform. Some sources suggest shocking once a year in spring, while others advise against frequent shocking, emphasizing testing first, as it can be hard on the well, especially with iron/sulfur issues, recommending professional treatment instead for persistent problems. 

What happens if you don't shock your well?

If you don't keep your water clean and safe for drinking, you expose yourself to potentially harmful bacteria which can make you sick or destroy your well. While they're not hazardous to health, perhaps the most damaging bacteria to your well are iron bacteria and sulphate-reducing bacteria.

Do all wells need to be shocked?

If your well is contaminated with E. coli, you need to shock disinfect your well to help remove any harmful microbial contaminants. If it's your first time shocking your well, you can hire a licensed well contractor to help you.

Does well water need to be shocked?

When should I shock chlorinate my well? Wells should be shock chlorinated when a well water sample result shows that there is bacteria in the water. Any time a well is opened for repair it must be disinfected. Newly-built wells should also be shock chlorinated following construction.

How To Keep Your Well Water Clean and Safe!

How much does it cost to have a well-shocked?

To gain peace of mind about the quality of your well's drinking water and have your well shock chlorinated by a professional, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $200 depending on your well depth, the type of well, labor, and more.

Will shocking my well hurt my septic system?

Do not discharge chlorinated water into or near your septic system, landscaping, or any water bodies, because bleach solution will harm them. Run the water to flush the bleach solution out of the well. Monitor the process, it can take 30 minutes to 24 hours or more to flush all of the bleach solution from the well.

How long should I run my water after shocking my well?

After shocking a well, run taps for several hours, starting outside, until the chlorine smell disappears, which can take minutes to days depending on your system, then flush indoor fixtures until clear, avoiding septic systems and sensitive areas until all bleach odor is gone and water is safe for use. Allow the chlorinated water to sit in the pipes for 12-24 hours first for best results. 

How to make well water safe for drinking?

To make well water safe for drinking, first test it to identify contaminants, then use appropriate treatment like boiling (for immediate germ killing), installing whole-house filtration (sediment, carbon, UV), or chemical disinfection (chlorination), followed by re-testing to ensure safety, as a multi-stage approach is often needed for comprehensive protection against bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants. 

Can you flush the toilet after shocking the well?

Allow the chlorinated water to stand in the well and the entire water system for a minimum of 12 hours (24 hours is recommended). During this time the system should be considered unusable - with the exception of moderate toilet use.

How often are you supposed to shock your well?

You should shock your well annually as preventative maintenance, but more often if you notice bad smells/tastes, after repairs/flooding, or if your water tests positive for bacteria like coliform. Some sources suggest shocking once a year in spring, while others advise against frequent shocking, emphasizing testing first, as it can be hard on the well, especially with iron/sulfur issues, recommending professional treatment instead for persistent problems. 

Can you flush the toilet when shocking well?

Open all faucets (inside, outside, cold and hot water, baths and showers) and flush all toilets (one at a time), until you can smell the chlorine. This circulates the chlorine throughout the household plumbing system. Then turn the faucets off.

Should you put Clorox in your well?

Purchase unscented household bleach (5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite). Never use scented bleach or chlorine-free bleach. Turn off the well pump. (b) Pour in the bleach at the top of the well and recirculate the well water until it is well- mixed.

Is it better to shock a pool day or night?

If you're wondering, “When do you shock a pool?” the simple answer is to wait until evening. Shocking your pool at night gives chlorine and other chemicals time to work before they can be damaged or weakened by exposure to sunlight.

Does shocking a well get rid of bacteria?

Shock chlorination is a process designed to inactivate harmful bacteria within the well and distribution system. If the bacteria have been introduced to the well directly or by means of poor siting or well design, shock chlorination should effectively reduce the bacteria levels.

Should you add chlorine to well water?

Chlorination disinfects your well by destroying unhealthy bacteria and microorganisms and removing dissolved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. It can be managed easily at home with common household bleach and food grade white vinegar.

What not to do with well water?

Don't Use Harmful Chemicals Near Your Water Well

Applying pesticides, herbicides, or any other harsh chemicals in the vicinity can lead to groundwater contamination. These substances can seep into your water supply, posing serious health risks to you and your family.

How can I tell if my well water is making me sick?

Signs your well water might be making you sick include gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting), skin problems (rashes, itchiness), persistent fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, and sensory clues like bad smells (rotten eggs), metallic tastes, or discoloration (yellow, brown) in the water, all pointing to bacterial, chemical, or mineral contamination requiring immediate water testing and treatment.
 

Should I boil my well water before drinking?

If you cannot use bottled water or another safe source of water while you are having your well water treated, boil your well water before drinking it. Boiling water kills germs in water. Follow boil water advisory guidelines to reduce your chance of getting sick from germs in the water.

Can you put too much chlorine in a well?

Very few wells will need more than one gallon of bleach. Using more bleach than necessary will not disinfect the water faster, may cause corrosion of the steel casing and will hinder the disinfection effectiveness. To calculate the amount of bleach needed, you need to know the well's depth and static water level.

Are chlorine tabs better in skimmer or floater?

skimmer, or feeder. A lot of people don't like to use them in the skimmer because they say they dissolve faster and release too much chlorine. Floater is the choice for slower chlorine release. It's all up to preference.

How long does it take a well to refill after running dry?

With a return to periodic precipitation, shallow wells predictably return to prior water level conditions within a few weeks or months. Deeper wells are less susceptible to impacts from drought, but if they are affected, anticipate recovery to take longer.

Is using Ridex a good idea?

Rid-X's effectiveness is debated, with some septic experts advising against it because it can break down solids too much, sending them to the drain field and causing clogs, while others find it helpful for restoring bacteria after harsh chemicals or high usage, but most agree that proper pumping and mindful waste disposal are far more important than additives like Rid-X for long-term septic health.
 

What's the worst thing you can put in a septic tank?

Here is our list of things not to put in your septic tank:

1. Drain Cleaners & Other Chemicals. ...
2. Flushable Wipes. ...
3. Grease, Fat & Oil. ...
4. Cat Litter. ...
5. Medications. ...
6. Food Waste. ...
7. Trash.

Can I shower after I shock my well?

When can I shower after shocking my well? You'll need to wait at least 24 hours. Once you've completed the process of shocking the system and water pipes you'll need to thoroughly flush the pipes before taking a shower or using the water.