How to Shock a Well
As homesteaders, one of our most important priorities is ensuring that we have access to clean and safe drinking water. While many of us rely on wells to provide this water, these wells are not immune to contamination. In fact, there are a number of ways in which wells can become contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens.
One effective way to ensure that your well water remains safe and free of contaminants is by regularly shocking your well. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why you should shock your well, how to do it properly, and some tips for maintaining the health of your well over the long term.
Why Shock a Well?
The primary reason for shocking a well is to kill off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can accumulate in the water. These contaminants can come from a variety of sources, including animal waste, fertilizers, and septic systems. Once these contaminants enter your well, they can multiply rapidly, leading to a wide range of health issues for you and your family.
Some of the most common types of bacteria that can be found in well water include coliform bacteria, E. coli, and fecal coliforms. These bacteria can cause a range of symptoms, from mild stomach upset to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and even kidney failure in extreme cases.
In addition to bacteria, there are a number of other contaminants that can be found in well water, including heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These contaminants can also be harmful to your health, and can have long-term effects on your well-being.
By shocking your well, you can kill off these harmful microorganisms and contaminants, ensuring that your well water remains safe and healthy for you and your family to drink.
How to Shock a Well
Shocking a well is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools and some household bleach. Here's how to do it:
Turn off the power to your well pump. You can usually do this by flipping the circuit breaker that controls the pump.
Remove the cap from your well casing. This will give you access to the well itself.
Add bleach to the well. The amount of bleach you will need will depend on the size of your well. As a general rule, you should add about 1/2 gallon of bleach for every 100 feet of well depth. The CleanWaterStore.com has a handy chart, check it out!
Circulate the bleach into the well by running water through a hose back into the well. Do this until you get a strong chlorine smell coming from the garden hose.
Turn on the faucets in your home and let the water run until you smell bleach. This will let you know that the bleach has entered your system.
Turn off the faucet and let the bleach sit in your system for at least 12 hours. This will give the bleach time to kill off any bacteria or other contaminants in your well.
After 12 hours, pump as much water as you can out of the well using an outside tap. Until you no longer smell any bleach. DO NOT PUMP LOTS OF BLEACH WATER INTO YOUR SEPTIC TANK! It will kill all the bacteria in your tank! Once your well has been flushed with an outside tap, the small amount of water in the house can be discharged using the house faucets.
Turn on your household faucets and let the water run until you no longer smell ANY bleach. This will indicate that the bleach has been flushed out of your system.
Wait at least 24 hours before using your well water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. This will give the bleach time to fully dissipate from your system.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Well
While shocking your well is an effective way to kill off harmful bacteria and other contaminants, it is important to take steps to maintain the health of your well over the long term. Here are some tips for keeping your well in top shape:
Have your well water tested regularly. You should have your well water tested at least once a year to ensure that it is free of contaminants.
Keep your well cap or cover in good condition. Your well cap or cover is designed to keep debris, animals, and other contaminants out of your well. Make sure that it is in good condition and is properly sealed.
Keep your well casing clean. Dirt, debris, and other materials can accumulate around your well casing over time, which can lead to contamination of your well water. Keep the area around your well casing clear, and make sure that it is properly sealed.
Avoid using harsh chemicals around your well. Chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers can seep into the ground and contaminate your well water. Use natural alternatives whenever possible, and be careful not to spill or spray chemicals near your well.
Have your well inspected and maintained by a professional. Regular inspections by a professional well contractor can help catch any potential problems early and ensure that your well is functioning properly.
UV Filters for Well Water
In addition to shocking your well, you may also want to consider installing a UV filter to further purify your well water. UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill off bacteria and other microorganisms that may be present in your water.
UV filters are effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, and are a great option for those who want to ensure that their well water is as clean and safe as possible. They are also relatively easy to install, and can be a cost-effective way to protect your family's health.
Shocking your well is an important step in ensuring that your well water remains safe and healthy for you and your family to drink. By killing off harmful bacteria and other contaminants, you can protect your family from a wide range of health issues.
In addition to shocking your well, it is important to take steps to maintain the health of your well over the long term. Regular testing, proper sealing and maintenance, and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals can all help ensure that your well remains in top shape.
Finally, consider installing a UV filter to further purify your well water. A UV filter can provide an added layer of protection against harmful microorganisms, and can help ensure that your well water is as clean and safe as possible.
By taking these steps, you can enjoy clean, safe, and healthy well water for years to come.
Recent Posts
Why Homesteaders Are Returning to Traditional SkillsNovember 29, 2024Returning to traditional skills isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life that offers countless benefits. It fosters self-reliance, saves money, reduces waste, and connects us to our heritage. For homesteaders, these skills are invaluable tools that enrich our lives and help us thrive, no matter what challenges come our way. […]
Is Apartment Homesteading the Future?November 21, 2024Whether it’s planting herbs on a windowsill, preserving jam from foraged berries, or creating a community composting initiative, every small step contributes to a larger movement. With creativity, determination, and growing support from government policies, apartment homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of sustainable living. […]
Homestead Preparedness: Ensuring Food Security Year-RoundNovember 5, 2024In pursuing food security, we’re not only ensuring that our families have what they need to thrive but also fostering a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the rewards of sustainable living. Through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation, we become more than just consumers; we become active participants in our own survival and wellbeing. […]
The Benefits of Incorporating Omega-3 in Your Winter DietIn CookingOctober 28, 2024Omega-3 fatty acids are a simple yet powerful addition to your winter diet. They provide numerous benefits that support the body and mind through the colder months, helping to boost immunity, improve mood, reduce joint pain, support heart health, and keep skin hydrated—all essential during winter. […]
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Tips: A Fall Favorite in Northwestern OntarioOctober 22, 2024Grouse hunting is one of the great joys of fall in northwestern Ontario. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the time spent in the woods, the challenge of spotting these elusive birds, and the satisfaction of bringing home a wild game dinner. Whether you’re hunting for the first time or have been doing this for years, following these tips will improve your chances of success and make your time in the field more enjoyable. […]
Foraging Safety: What You Need to Know Before Heading OutOctober 15, 2024Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. By learning to identify plants accurately, foraging in clean and legal areas, and practicing sustainable harvesting, you can enjoy the rewards of foraging without putting yourself or the environment at risk. […]
Planning Your Spring Garden Now: What to Do Before the Snow FallsOctober 9, 2024As homesteaders, we depend on our gardens not just for food, but also for the satisfaction that comes with growing our own sustenance. And in regions like northwestern Ontario, where the growing season can be unpredictable and short, every bit of preparation counts. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to worry about in the spring, allowing you to focus on planting, growing, and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. […]
Creative Ways to Use Fall Forage in Your Holiday CookingOctober 7, 2024Incorporating these foraged items into your holiday cooking is not only a creative way to celebrate the season, but it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and a great conversation starter when you’re serving family and friends. […]
Sustainable Meal Planning: How to Save Time and Money with Smart Leftover UseOctober 5, 2024As homesteaders, we’re always looking for ways to simplify our lives while living in harmony with the land. Smart meal planning with leftover use is a key piece of that puzzle, helping us balance the demands of the homestead while ensuring we’re feeding our families in a sustainable and thoughtful way. […]
Zenni Optical: A Homesteader’s Take on Affordable EyewearOctober 4, 2024For homesteaders looking for affordable, customizable eyewear, Zenni is a great option. Just be mindful of the quirks that come with high-tech lenses like the Eyeqlenz. After all, as homesteaders, we’re no strangers to adapting and making things work—whether it’s in the garden, the barn, or with our tech! […]