Buying a New Home
Well Care Made Simple
Shock Your Well & Check Your Flow
If your home has been vacant or your well hasn't been used for an extended time, it's a good idea to shock your well and test the flow. Follow these steps to keep your water safe and you're well performing at its best
Part 1:
How to shock your well
Shocking your well helps keep bacteria, viruses, and other
contaminants that may have built up while the well was not in use.
What you'll need:
• Household bleach (5.25% — 6% hypochlorite)
• Clean funnel
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Timer or clock
1
Turn off power to the well pump
Locate your well pressure switch (usually near the well tank) and turn off the breaker.
2
Calculate the Amount of Bleach
Use 1 quart (32 oz) of bleach for every 100 feet of well depth.
Example: 200 ft deep well = 2 quarts of bleach
3
Pour Bleach into
the Well
Remove the well cap. Using a clean funnel slowly pour the measured bleach directly into the well casting.
4
Turn Water On
(Just the Cold)
Turn on an outside faucet or a faucet inside the home (cold water only) and let the water run until you smell chlorine.
5
Let It Sit
Turn the water off and let the chlorine solution sit in the well for at least 8 to 12 hours overnight is best.
6
Flush the System
Turn the water back on and let it run from an outside hose bib or a tub faucet until you no longer smell chlorine this may take several hours don't forget to flush your hot water heater by opening the drain valve until the chlorine smell is gone.
7
Restore Power
Once the chlorine smell is gone turn the breaker back on your well is now shocked and ready to use.
NOTE: Do not drink the water until the chlorine smell is gone if the smell remains after several hours of flushing repeat the flashing process
Part 2:
How to CHECK YOUR
WELL FLOW (GPM)
Checking your well flow (gallons per minute) helps you know if
your well can keep up with your household needs.
What you'll need:
• Household bleach (5.25% — 6% hypochlorite)
• Clean funnel
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Timer or clock
1
Turn Off all Water in the House
Make sure no water is running anywhere inside or outside.
2
Run Water from an Outside Spigot
Choose an outside faucet closest to the well. Turn it on all the way.
3
Fill the Bucket
Place the 5-gallon bucket under the running water and fill it to the five-gallon mark use a marker or tape to mark the 5-gallon level inside the bucket.
4
Time It
Start the timer when the water reaches the five-gallon marker stop the timer when the bucket is full.
6
Calculate GPM
Use this simple formula:
GPM = 5 (gallons) ÷ time in minutes
Example: If it takes 1 minute 15 seconds
(1.25 minutes) to fill the bucket:
5 ÷ 1.25 = 4 GPM
GOOD TO KNOW: Most homes need 5 – 10 GPM for normal use. If your flow is less than 3 GPM, you may want to have your well evaluated.
Helpful Tips:
• Repeat the flow test once a year to monitor your well.
• Keep your well cap secure and the area around the well clean.
• If your water looks cloudy, has an odor, or your flow is low, schedule a professional well inspection.