How to Clean a Water Well

November 29, 2023 0

Are you worried about the quality of water coming from your well? Over time, natural minerals, bacteria, and debris can build up in a water well and affect its performance. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly clean your water well to ensure a safe and reliable water supply.

Access to clean water is critical for the health and well-being of many households. As an essential part of keeping your home or business safe from contamination, cleaning a water well should be done with the utmost care and attention. While it may seem daunting at first, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

With this post, you’ll learn how to clean a water well so that you can take control of your family’s drinking supply and ensure everyone in your household stays healthy. So read our comprehensive guide on how to successfully deep-clean a water well!

What Will You Need?

Before you begin the cleaning process, you must gather all the necessary tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

A pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from any harmful chemicals or bacteria
A water well brush to scrub away dirt, rust, and other debris
Chlorine bleach for disinfecting your well
A pump pulling device (if you have a submersible pump)
A scrubbing brush or toothbrush for cleaning the well casing
A garden hose
A bucket to catch water and debris from the water well

Once you have all the required materials, follow these steps to effectively clean your water.

10 Easy Steps on How to Clean a Water Well

Step 1: Turn Off the Power and Water Supply

Before starting any work, turn off the power supply to your well pump. This is an important safety measure, as it prevents the pump from activating while you are working. Additionally, shut off the water supply to your house to avoid any water wastage or potential flooding. Always remember: safety first when learning to clean a water well.

Step 2: Remove the Well Cap

The next step in cleaning a water well involves removing the healthy cap. This could require specific tools depending on the design and size of your well. Be sure to use gloves to protect your hands while doing this.Remember, the healthy cap is usually quite heavy, so getting some help to lift it off safely may be beneficial. Once the cap is removed, inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If the cap is damaged, it may need to be replaced to ensure a proper seal.

Step 3: Inspect the Well Interior

After removing the healthy cap, it’s time to inspect the interior of the well. Use a flashlight to get a better view of the inside. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or bacterial growth. If you notice any solid sulfurous or musty odors, this could signify a bacterial presence. Remember, the health of your well affects the quality of your water, so don’t rush through this step. As you learn to clean water well, understanding what to look for and addressing it properly is crucial.

Step 4: Clean the Well Interior

Now that you’ve inspected the interior, it’s time to clean it. Using the well brush, start scrubbing the sides of the well. Be thorough in your cleaning, making sure to reach all areas as best as you can. Follow up with your smaller brush or toothbrush to clean around the casing, removing any stubborn deposits of dirt or rust.

Step 5: Disinfect the Well

After diligently cleaning the healthy interior, the next step is to disinfect the well using chlorine bleach. This process is also referred to as “shock chlorination.” The quantity of bleach needed for this process depends on the depth and diameter of your well.

Generally, you should use 1 quart of bleach for every 50 feet of water in the well. Pour the bleach into the well, ensuring it reaches all areas for effective disinfection. After adding bleach, run water from an outside hose into the well for about an hour. Be highly cautious during this process, as bleach is a potent chemical.

Step 6: Recirculate the Water

The next step after disinfecting the well with bleach involves recirculating the water. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and run the water back into the well. This helps to distribute the chlorine throughout the well and plumbing system, ensuring a thorough disinfection process. Allow the water to recirculate for at least another hour.

It’s important to remember not to rush this process, as the bleach needs sufficient time to kill any bacteria or other contaminants present in the well.

Step 7: Let the Chlorine Sit

After you’ve circulated the chlorine throughout the well and the plumbing system, it’s time to let it sit. Letting the chlorine sit in your well, also known as “resting”, gives it ample time to kill any bacteria and other harmful organisms.

The waiting period should be between 12 to 24 hours. Remember to avoid using the water during this time to prevent chlorine from spreading to your house’s plumbing system. This waiting period is crucial for adequate disinfection, so be patient—your water will be safer!

Step 8: Flush the Chlorine from the System

Once the chlorine has been given enough time to disinfect the entire system, it’s time to flush it out from your well and pipes. You can run water from an outside spigot until you can no longer smell chlorine.

This may take a few hours, depending on the size of your well and the amount of chlorine used. Be sure to run the water away from vegetation, as the chlorinated water can harm plants. Also, avoid draining the chlorinated water into septic systems, as it can kill beneficial bacteria.

Step 9: Replace the Well Cap

After flushing out all the chlorine from your system, it’s time to replace the well cap. Ensure you clean the cap thoroughly before placing it back on the well. Once again, you might need assistance to do this due to the cap’s weight. Upon placement, check for a secure fit to prevent any foreign contaminants from entering your well.

Step 10: Test Your Water

The final and most crucial step in learning to clean a water well is testing your water. After replacing the healthy cap, wait for a few days to allow any residual chlorine to dissipate. Once done, collect a water sample and test it for bacteria at a certified laboratory.

This will help ensure your water is safe for drinking and other household use. Regularly trying your well water is a good practice to ensure its safety and quality. Regularly maintaining and cleaning your well can help prevent any future contamination.

By following these steps, you can learn how to clean water well and ensure your family can access safe drinking water.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

Use the Right Tools: A long-handled brush is essential to scrub the sides of the well. Other helpful tools include a bucket to remove sediments and a hose to fill and rinse the well.
Safety Precautions: Always wear protective gear, gloves, and safety glasses when cleaning a water well. Additionally, ensure that the well is secured to prevent accidental falls.
Use Approved Chemicals: If you use chemicals to clean your water well, ensure they’re approved for consumption and won’t contaminate your water supply.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of the pumped out water away from the well to avoid recontamination. The water could contain harmful bacteria and chemicals you don’t want to reintroduce into the well.
Professional Inspection: Consider hiring a professional for an inspection after cleaning. They can identify potential problems and ensure your well is safe for use.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can effectively clean your water well and ensure a safe water supply for you and your family.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach or acids to clean your well. These can damage the components and may contaminate your water supply.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance: Don’t wait until there’s a problem to clean your well. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent potential issues and ensure the safety of your water supply.
Skipping the Waiting Period: It’s crucial to allow enough time for the chlorine to sit and disinfect your well. Neglecting this waiting period can result in ineffective cleaning and potentially harmful water.
Ignoring Safety Precautions: Always prioritize safety when cleaning a water well. Wear protective gear, secure the well, and follow proper disposal methods to avoid accidents and contamination.
Not Testing Your Water: After cleaning your well, it’s essential to test the water for bacteria and other contaminants. This will help ensure your water is safe for consumption and give you peace of mind.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can effectively clean your water well and maintain a safe and healthy water supply for your household.

Conclusion

Overall, learning how to clean a water well is a simple process of being vigilant and taking the proper precautions. Be sure to take all safety measures by wearing gloves, protective eyewear, and a face mask while cleaning your well.

Once you gather all the necessary supplies and follow these steps, it’s time for you to put your home skills to the test and get started! Always remember that a clean well will help ensure the freshness and quality of your drinking water.

So don’t delay – start cleaning today! If you have any questions or need professional assistance, please consult with a water expert or contact a certified technician who can answer any questions or concerns about your water system. Happy cleaning!

Angela Ervin

Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.