How To Shock/Disinfect Your Well (Simplified Steps)

Did you have a well quality test come back positive for bacteria?

During the sale of a home typically a well quality test is performed with the home inspection. At times, the well quality results may return the presence of bacteria. Typically, a home buyer does not want to inherit a property that is contaminated with bacteria. After the test comes back positive for bacteria the agents and or attorneys involved with in the transaction will request a well disinfecting procedure or well shocking. We have compiled 9 simple steps below, so you have the basic knowledge on the well shocking procedures.

STEP 1: LOCATE THE WELL

Locating the well head should be fairly easy and or the seller or owner of the property should know its general location. Once you found the well remove the sanitary seal or access plug.

STEP 2: CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF CHLORINE

The amount of chlorine needed is based on various factors such as well depth, width and water level. A general rule of thumb for the amount of chlorine needed is outlined in the picture below. A detailed exact calculation can be found here.

STEP 3: PREPARING YOUR CHLORINE

Mix your chlorine in a 5–10-gallon bucket. The more water the better as it will help evenly distribute the chlorine throughout the well's surfaces.

STEP 4: POUR THE MIXTURE INTO THE WELL

*It is important to make sure you are wearing all proper protective gear such as gloves, glasses and proper attire.

If you are using a 10-gallon bucket and it is very difficult to lift you can re-distribute the content into 3 or 4 smaller buckets. When pouring the content into the well make sure you are going in a circular motion to increase mixability and distribution.

STEP 5: CIRCULATE CHLORINE IN HOSE LOOP

The chlorine is emptied into the well, now it is time to circulate the water within the plumbing system and well to make sure all components are disinfected. Install a hose to an outside spicket and run the spout end into the well. This is called a circular loop. After 15-20 minutes have passed there should be a strong chlorine odor and possible see the water changing color. Once you notice a smell you can shut off and shut down the hose.

STEP 6: RUN THE DISINFECTANT SOLUTION THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

Chlorine sensitive equipment should be disconnected or bypassed such as water filters.

Head over to your faucets, toilets and other fixtures, turn on the water until you smell the chlorine coming from the fixture, once you smell chlorine you can shut the fixture off.

If you do not smell chlorine coming out of the fixtures or a fixture, depending on the well size, you will have repeat step 4.

STEP 7: LEAVE IT ALONE

After you have confirmed the smell of chlorine coming from every fixture it is time to let the pipes hold the water containing chlorine to disinfect the pipes and plumbing system. 8 -12 hours wait period is recommended.

Make sure the occupants are aware of the well shocking that is taking place. The occupant should not use any fixture or appliances that utilizes the well. This includes but not limited to washers, dishwasher, sprinkler system, faucets, slop sink etc. Chlorine can irritate skin, be harmful to drink, kill plants and vegetation etc.

STEP 8: FLUSH IT ALL AWAY

After the 8-12 hour wait it is time to flush the system. Go outside and connect your hose to the outside spigot. Run the hose AWAY from any plants. Do not empty flush the water into your septic tank. This is the reason why we are using an outside spigot with hose to flush. The idea is to flush the majority of the chlorine through the spigot/hose. Flush the system for about 20-30 minutes and you no longer smell chlorine. Return inside and flush the interior fixtures for a few minutes to flush the plumbing lines.

STEP 9: RE-TEST YOUR WATER

Once a week or so has passed it is time to test the well again!

Looking for a reliable company to shock and re-test your well? Look no further give us a call today to schedule a well shock and quality test. More Information about our well shocking services please click here.