
Steps in Shocking A Well
- Prepare the well, plumbing system, equipment: fix any leaks, inoperative controls, or obvious nearby contaminant sources. Take any charcoal-filter type water treatment equipment offline.
- Introduce the chlorine solution into the top of the wel l. ...
- Using a garden hose, spray water down into the well pipe to wash the chlorine solution down to the bottom of the well. Ten gallons of water should be enough. ...
- Turn on all cold water household taps until you can smell the Clorox coming out of every plumbing fixture water supply, including the faucet farthest from the well. ...
- Turn off the water and do not use it for 8 to 24 hours. Seal the top of the well. ...
- Flush out the Clorox™ (or other brand) bleach solution: at the end of the standing period, operate the well pump (run the water) water until you can no longer smell ...
- Retest the well water after all the Clorox or chlorine is out of the system and the water has been used for 5-7 days (typical health department guideline) or 7-10 ...
How often do I need to shock my well?
Shocking a well is usually only a good idea to do once. Normally, it is not a good idea to shock a well on a regular basis. Especially if it has iron or manganese in the water. It is only recommended that a well be shocked one time. Such as when it is a new well. Or if it tested positive for coliform or ecoli bacteria.
How do I Shock my well water?
The Process
- Safety Precautions. The process of shocking a well is not that difficult but demands vigilance and attentiveness. ...
- Electrical Safety. You might be working with electricity when shocking a well. ...
- Chemical Safety. ...
- Respiratory Safety. ...
Do I need to shock my well?
When iron bacteria and sulphate-reducing bacteria start to reproduce at rapid rates in your well system, they can cause problems for you, and also your well itself. Shock chlorination needs to be done in able to eliminate these bacteria.
When to shock a well?
To shock chlorinate a well:
- Determine the depth of water in the well. ...
- Measure the diameter of the well casing.
- Measure the amount of chlorine bleach or HTH from the tables below, pour into a bucket, and dissolve in about 3 gallons of water.
- Fill a 5-gallon bucket with clean water and set aside if needed for cleanup.
- Connect a clean hose to a faucet in the system.

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 long do you shock a well for?
The length of time for flushing depends on the concentration of chlorine, depth of the well, formation type, the pH and the size of the distribution system. It will usually take 4 to 8 hours to flush the well after a standard well chlorination.
How much shock should I put in my well?
1:579:28Shock Chlorination of a Private Well - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystem for a typical house the amount of water and the pipes will be minimal you might estimate 10MoreSystem for a typical house the amount of water and the pipes will be minimal you might estimate 10 gallons for a typical home.
How much bleach do you put in a well to shock it?
Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one. Don't forget outdoor faucets and hydrants.
What happens if you put too much bleach in well?
According to AskingLot, if you put too much bleach in your well, it can destroy the good bacteria found in the well, which can be a significant problem! The company also says that you should dilute the bleach with water so the pipes do not get ruined.
How many chlorine tablets should I put in my well?
Drop the proper number of pool chlorine tablets into the well. For a 10-foot well use 2 tsp. of a chlorine tablet, for a 20-foot well use 1 1/2 tbsp. of a chlorine tablet, for a 40-foot well use 3 tbsp.
Does shocking a well work?
Although shock chlorination will sanitize wells, it may temporarily increase the arsenic levels of water in areas where aquifer sediments contain high levels of arsenic (WDNR, 2008).
Should you put bleach in your well?
Disinfecting Your Water 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.
Will shocking a well get rid of iron bacteria?
With shock chlorination, the entire system (from the water-bearing formation, through the well bore and the distribution system) is exposed to water that has a concentration of chlorine strong enough to kill iron and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
How long can you leave bleach in a well?
Mix the bleach with the well water. Then place the hose in the hole where you poured the bleach, allow the water to run back into the well for 15-20 minutes.Disinfecting your well in 5 easy steps - Thurston Countyhttps://www.co.thurston.wa.us › ehdw › pdf › disinfectwellhttps://www.co.thurston.wa.us › ehdw › pdf › disinfectwell
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.Shocking the Well | Don Meredith Outdoors - WordPress.comhttps://donmeredith.wordpress.com › 2007/10/12 › shocki...https://donmeredith.wordpress.com › 2007/10/12 › shocki...
How much bleach does it take to purify 50 gallons of water?
To disinfect your 50 gallon hot water heater requires 1.5 cups of bleach left in the tank for two hours or 3/4 cup of bleach left overnight. For a 30 gallon tank, cut the amount in half. Keep in mind that a bit too much usually doesn't hurt anything.Chlorine Amounts Necessary for Disinfection - Pure Water Productshttps://www.purewaterproducts.com › chlorine-dosagehttps://www.purewaterproducts.com › chlorine-dosage
How long will I have to wait before I can use my well after shock chlorination?
The exact waiting time ranges from 12 to 24 hours after you’ve added the chlorine and allowed it to circulate through your household plumbing syste...
Is it safe to shock a well?
Yes – though you should take appropriate care when handling the chlorine solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear prote...
Will water filters remove bacteria?
No. You may use whole-home carbon filters to filter your well water. While carbon filters are effective at removing certain well water contaminants...
How can I be sure that shocking my well worked?
Test the water in your well for contamination after you’ve completed the shock chlorination process. A water test will let you know whether the pro...
How to shock a well with bleach?
How to shock a well. Pour two gallons of regular unscented Clorox ® bleach down into the well head. Let the chlorine sit in the well for an hour. Go to the farthest faucet from the well. And turn on both hot and cold water all the way until you either smell chlorine.
What to wear when you are shocked?
Make sure the area is well ventilated. Also, you should wear safe clothing and equipment when shocking a well. Wear goggles to avoid contact with your eyes. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. And rubber boots for your feet . Wear coveralls or waterproof clothing.
Can you shock a well?
SHOCKING A WELL. Shocking a well is usually only a good idea to do once. Normally, it is not a good idea to shock a well on a regular basis. Especially if it has iron or manganese in the water. It is only recommended that a well be shocked one time.
How to clean a well house?
Clean the well house, spring house or storage tank or reservoir. Remove debris and scrub or hose off any dirt or other deposits or interior surfaces. Pump to remove any suspended solids or foreign matter in the water if possible. Scrub interior surfaces of well house with a strong chlorine solution containing ½ gallon household bleach or 0.2 oz of dry bleach granules to every 5 gallons of water.
How to mix sanitizer in well water?
It is necessary to circulate the water in the well to mix the sanitizer thoroughly throughout the entire water system. Connect a hose to an outside sillcock (also known as a hose bib) that is located after the pressure tank and run water back down the well (this also rinses the upper portion of the well).
How to get chlorine out of a well?
Mix the chlorine solution above with 10 times as much water before pouring down well. Avoid pouring strong bleach down the well. 6. Open the well cap, or if your well has a well top seal, remove the ½” plug or air vent and use a large funnel to pour chlorine down well.
What is shock chlorination?
Shock chlorination refers to adding chlorine bleach to your well water to kill bacteria. Read on to learn how to shock chlorinate a well. If your well has tested positive for coliform bacteria it might indicate that the well is under the influence of surface water, or septic tanks leaking into the well, or the well was not properly disinfected ...
What bacteria can cause a bad smell in a well?
Other bacteria such as iron and sulfur bacteria, while not a health threat, can produce obnoxious odors, tastes, and color, and can cause plugging problems in pump and water systems. shock chlorinate sanitize wells can eliminate the disease-causing bacteria and other nuisance organisms that cause tastes, bad smells, and slime.
How long can you leave chlorine in a well?
After the chlorine has been left in the well (and the plumbing system if applicable) for a minimum of 6, up to 12 hours, the chlorinated water can be discharged. Large amounts of chlorinated water should not be discharged into the septic tank, or onto lawns or gardens. 9.
How many gallons of water is in an 8" well?
8” well diameter has 260 gallons per 100 ft of depth. Wait for one to two weeks after shock chlorinating the water supply system and then retest for total coliform and E. coli bacteria. If the test results show the absence of coliform bacteria, the water is safe to drink.
What is shock disinfection?
The purpose of shock disinfection of a well system is to destroy bacterial contamination present in the well system at the time of disinfection and is not intended to kill bacteria that might be introduced at a later time.
How many gallons of water is in a 425 ft well?
IF (and this is not quite the case) your 425 ft. well were completely full of water and assuming it's a 6-inch casing, that's about 640 gallons of water in the well, plus additional water volume in the piping system.
How to achieve a satisfactory disinfection of the system?
In order to achieve a satisfactory disinfection of the system, the bacteria must be brought in contact with a chlorine solution of sufficient strength and remain in contact with that solution for a sufficient time to achieve a complete kill of all bacteria and other microorganisms .
How high is the column of water in a well?
If the static head in your well - the height to which water reaches when the well is at rest, fully recovered - is just 35 feet, that means that the height of the column of water in the well is just 35 feet.
Can you flush out a well after a failed bacteria test?
In the main article explaining how to shock and flush out a well following a failed bacteria test you will see several Watch Out: warnings that include discussion about problems that can arise during the bleach flush-out process. Here we'll add some more detailed suggestions that can help address the worry of running out of well water during well shocking and flushing.
Can you put Clorox in a well?
Pour Clorox™ Bleach (or an equivalent brand of household bleach) or hypochlorite granules down into the well. Some people use swimming pool chlorine tablets which have the advantage that they sink to and sterilize water at the well bottom, and the disadvantage that it takes longer to flush out the chlorine.
When is shock chlorination recommended?
Shock chlorination is recommended: upon completion of a new well or when an unused well is returned to service. if annual water test results indicate the presence of bacteria. if a well system is opened for any installation, repair or maintenance.
What is shock chlorination?
Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlorine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems.
How to get rid of chlorine smell in well water?
Using the hose, wash down the interior of the well casing for about 15 minutes and close the outdoor faucet. CIRCULATE: Allow the solution to circulate throughout the system.
How long after shock chlorination can you drink water?
Wait one to two weeks after shock chlorinating the water supply system to retest for total coliform and E. coli bacteria. Follow sample collection instructions carefully. If the test results show the absence of coliform bacteria, the water is safe to drink.
What to wear when adding chlorine to water?
Because of the volatile and corrosive nature of the concentrated chlorine solution, it is important to wear appropriate clothing, including goggles, a protective apron, and rubber gloves and boots. Mix and add chlorine solution in a well-ventilated area. High chlorine levels in water after shock chlorination.
What to wear when chlorinating water?
Wear waterproof rubber boots. Protecting components of water supply and treatment devices. Shock chlorinating a water supply system can potentially damage components such as pressure tanks, some filters and filter media, and other treatment devices.
How big is a well pipe?
The inside diameter of the casing (well pipe) of a drilled well is typically between 4 and 10 inches. Bored wells are larger, ranging from 12 to 36 inches.
What is shock chlorination?
Shock chlorination is a simple and inexpensive process that can be used to disinfect water supplies that have been contaminated as a result of these one-time contamination incidents. When done properly, shock chlorination will kill all the bacteria existing in a well. A recent Penn State study of wells contaminated by coliform bacteria found ...
How long after a well is disinfected should you retest your water?
Retesting Your Water. After disinfection of a well, you should retest your water for total coliform bacteria approximately 10 to 14 days later. If no coliform bacteria are present, wait an additional two to three months and have the water tested again.
What does it mean when a well has coliform bacteria?
Homeowners often assume that a positive test for coliform bacteria in their well or spring indicates a contamination problem that must be treated continuously with a disinfection treatment system such as ultraviolet light or chlorination.
How long does it take for coliform bacteria to get out of a well?
A recent Penn State study of wells contaminated by coliform bacteria found that shock chlorination and installation of a sanitary well cap successfully removed the bacteria for one year in 15 percent of the wells.
Why is shock chlorination difficult?
Shock chlorination of springs is difficult and rarely successful because the water often runs through the spring box too quickly to provide adequate contact with the chlorine to kill bacteria.
What is the most common problem in water wells?
A Common Problem. Bacterial contamination is one of the most common water quality problems in private water wells and springs. A recent survey of 450 private wells in Pennsylvania found that about 35 percent contained coliform bacteria. Past studies have shown that springs are even more susceptible to bacterial contamination.
Can you disenfect a spring box?
Disinfection of the spring box should not be attempted if the spring overflow (the water that does not enter the house) enters a stream, pond, or wetland area where high chlorine water may cause environmental damage especially a fish kill.
Shock Therapy: Process, Preparation, Outcomes and more
Krystina is a Technical Writer with a background in healthcare. She has spent the last 10 years working for an internationally recognized medical facility where she found her passion for making complicated topics easier to understand.
The Electroconvulsive Therapy Process
An ECT treatment regimen will typically include sessions two to three days a week for a total of six to 12 treatments. The schedule works out to about one month of treatment, although the course may continue for longer.
How to Prepare for Your Treatment
ECT sessions generally do not require much preparation, though you will need to go over the specifics with your doctor. Your doctor may give you orders to follow based on other health conditions you have or medications you take.
Potential Outcomes of Shock Therapy
Most people who undergo ECT will see a noticeable change in their symptoms. Some people will notice an immediate improvement after one session. However, it is more common to not see or feel a significant difference in symptoms for several sessions.
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be used to treat major depressive disorde r, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. It is often considered when other treatments have not helped.
A Word From Verywell
If you are wondering if shock therapy might be a treatment option for you, discuss it with your psychiatrist. While ECT can provide lasting relief from the symptoms of MDD, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions, it's not the right choice for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though ECT has been around for nearly 90 years, scientists still are not quite sure why or how it benefits some people with depression.
