Shock chlorination is a method of disinfecting a water well. It is recommended when a water system is contaminated with bacteria. Contamination can occur when the well is installed, when repairs are made to the pump or plumbing, or when rainfall runoff enters the well.
How long should you wait to use water after you chlorinate a well?
Let the chlorinated water stand in the plumbing system for 12 to 24 hours. Do not run any water or flush toilets during this time. Use your reserves of fresh water for all purposes. Step 6 WAIT at least 12 hours before turning faucets back on.
How long should you run the water after shocking well?
STEP 7 – REMOVING THE CHLORINATED WATER
It can take 30 minutes to 24 hours or more to flush all of the chlorine from the well. ►Once the chlorine is gone from the well, open up each fixture one at a time until the chlorine smell is no longer present. This will purge the remaining chlorine from the water system.
How much does it cost to have a well Shocked?
How much does it cost to shock a well? If you hire a company to do it, it can cost anywhere around $100 depending on where you live. Doing it yourself will only cost as much as the chlorine, 10 gallon bucket and the safety supplies to do it.
Can I shock my well myself?
You can shock chlorinate your own well or you can hire a licensed water well driller to do the procedure. If you notice a build-up of slime inside your toilet tank, staining of fixtures and laundry, bad taste and a rotten- egg smell, or if your well is producing less water, you may have a condition called biofouling.
How often should I chlorinate my well?
Homeowners with private wells should have their well water tested every 3 to 5 years for some contaminants, including bacteria. If these tests turn up positive for bacteria, chlorinating the well may be a way to resolve the problem.
Why does my well water turn brown when I add bleach?
The brown is the iron in the water that has oxidized as a result of the chlorination. Normally, the iron in water is in ion form and does not display itself until it combines with oxygen and forms common rust which turns the water reddish-brown.
Can I pour Clorox in my well?
You can disinfect your well with household chlorine bleach such as Clorox, Purex or a generic brand. The chlorine in the bleach kills bacteria. Note that it may take more than one chlorination for your well to return a satisfactory test.
How do I shock my well water?
Overview. Use ordinary liquid laundry bleach to shock chlorinate the water system. Determine how much bleach to use, then pour the bleach down the well and circulate it through the whole water distribution system. Wait 6-12 hours for the chlorine to work, then flush the chlorinated water from your well and pipes.
How long can you leave bleach in a well?
Mix an additional 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water. Pour it into the well without pumping. Allow chlorinated water to stand in the well and pipes for at least 8 hours (preferably 12 to 24 hours).
What causes well water to suddenly turn brown?
What Causes Well Water to Suddenly Turn Brown? Iron and manganese, rust, silt, tannins, and the well itself can be the cause why well water suddenly turns brown. While water discoloration can be a problem, there is no need to immediately hire the services of a plumber.
