Shock Chlorinating your well
The first step in solving a bacteria problem is to shock your well. Shock chlorination of a well is not complicated. If you would like to attempt it yourself, we have provided directions below. If you would like us to chlorinate the well for you, please call our office at 207-594-4947 to schedule an appointment.
1. Remove the well cap and pour the proper amount of bleach into the well.
2. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well casing. Leave the hose in the well to recirculate the water for a minimum of 1 hour (2 or 3 hours is preferable).
3. Open each indoor faucet one by one and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected. If a strong odor is not detected, you may need to add additional chlorine.
4. Let the water stand in the system for a minimum of 12-24 hours.
5. Flush the system of the remaining chlorine. Start by turning on outside faucets and running the water away from your house until the chlorine smell dissipates. After you can no longer smell chlorine, go turn on your indoor faucets and finish flushing the system of the remaining chlorine.
6. After 1-2 weeks, have the water retested for bacteria. If bacteria are still present, you may want to install a treatment system for continuous disinfecting with a UV Light.
If you already have water treatment equipment in place, be sure to check with your dealer before shock chlorinating your well to prevent damage. Any carbon or charcoal filters must be taken off-line, as the chlorine will use up their capacity.
Be Careful when handling strong chlorine solutions. Wear rubber gloves, goggles and an apron. If any chlorine gets on your skin, flush immediately with clean water.
Never mix chlorine with any other cleaning agents or ammonia; this can give off toxic gasses.
Do not use fresh-scent bleach or other special laundry products. Use the plain, least expensive bleach.
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