What maintenance should be done on a well?

Author: Alden Jones IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Check the wellhead (the part of the well that's above ground) and the well cap (the part that covers the wellhead) several times a year. Look at the wellhead casing and cap for any cracks or openings that shouldn't be there. The cap keeps rainwater, insects, and small animals from getting into the well.

What maintenance is required for a well?

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

How often should you flush your well?

It is generally recommended to flush your well at least once a year.

How often does a well need to be checked?

At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems. Test your well water at least once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels.

How much does it cost to have a well inspected?

How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost? An average well inspection ranges from $300 to $500. This depends on the inspector's rates as well as the type of water tests they intend to conduct to check water quality.

7 Things Every Well Pump Owner Should Know

What is the life expectancy of a well?

IS MY WELL JUST OLD? Another problem can be well age. A well's lifespan is considered to be roughly 20 to 30 years.

How long does a well inspection take?

Today, well inspections are quite a bit faster. Most inspections don't take more than a couple hours to complete. You won't have to take vacation time, miss work, or wait by the phone. From start to finish, it shouldn't take more than 1-2 hours for the inspection process to be finished.

How much is a service call for a well?

For most homeowners, well pump repairs cost between $373 and $1,620 with an average cost of $972. Basic parts for common well repairs cost $25 to $100, not including labor, but can get as high as $500. About half of your budget will go toward labor at around $50 per hour, with a minimum house call fee of $100 to $150.

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.

How much does it cost to have your well flushed?

Generally, cleaning your well can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. For example, a shallow well with no significant issues may only cost around $500 to $1,000 to clean.

How often should you shock chlorinate your well?

Shock chlorination is an effective method to disinfect your well and eliminate contaminants. The frequency of shock chlorination depends on several factors, including the type of well, water usage, and local environmental conditions. Generally, it is recommended to chlorinate your well at least once a year.

What water tests should be done on a well?

Test water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels, especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.

Are wells hard to maintain?

The process of well maintenance can be complicated, especially where you require water testing and well-servicing for the first time. As such, you need to be specific about your choice of contractor. You need to consider licensing and certification as some of the essential considerations when engaging pros.

How to rehabilitate a water well?

Well rehabilitation methods

Professionals use chemicals to loosen or break down the deposits, then flush or pump them away safely using various physical techniques. Mineral and organic acids, dispersants, and surfactants are commonly used to treat a well chemically.

Who do you call for well maintenance?

A professional well contractor is also the right expert to call for routine maintenance and annual inspections – both of which can minimize the chances of future repair problems.

Are wells expensive to maintain?

As a rule, it's free at the source. The downside is that when something happens to the well, you as the landowner are responsible for getting it fixed — and that can cost a couple of thousand dollars even for a small home.

How much does it cost to check a well?

Well inspections run between $300 and $600 for an average cost of $450. A pro can offer a more accurate estimate for your well based on its type, depth, and other factors. The cost of a well inspection ranges from $150 to $900, with most people paying around $450.

Who pays for a well inspection?

Homeowners with municipal water pay for their water service, which includes testing and maintenance fees. In a home with a private well, maintenance and water testing are the homeowner's responsibility.

How often should a well be tested?

Tests for bacteria, nitrite, and nitrate should be done yearly. A more thorough test that checks for hardness, arsenic, copper, chloride, VOC, and radon should be done every three to five years.

How long is a septic certification good for?

Septic System Disclosure

2. How long is a compliance inspection good for? The original installation certificate of compliance is valid for five years from the date the system was installed. All subsequent inspections resulting in a certificate of compliance of an existing systems is valid for three years.

How much does it cost to replace a well?

Because of this, the range is $2,500 to $17,000. These costs would include all equipment, material and labor to install a basic well pump all the way to a high capacity deep well installation. For a more concise breakdown on well pump replacement or installation costs, please read on.

How can you tell if you need a new well?

Major Signs You May Be in Need of Well Repair
  1. You May Need a Well Repair if You Have No Water. ...
  2. There's a Loss in Water Pressure. ...
  3. You Hear Loud Noises. ...
  4. There Is Air “Spitting” From Your Faucet. ...
  5. Your Well Water Is Dirty or Smells Bad. ...
  6. The Pump Continues to Run.

Is it safe to buy a house with a well?

However, if you're unfamiliar with well water, you may find yourself hesitant to buy the house. It's important to know that when well drilling is done right and a proper filtration system is used, well water is perfectly safe.

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