When to Have Your Water Well Cleaned
C&J Well Co. encourages well owners to periodically get a water well system checkup that considers, among other things, whether the well system needs cleaning. Professional water well cleaning is a vital part of keeping your system sanitary and running properly and healthy for your whole family. In order to ensure years of trouble-free service, we recommend a well cleaning maintenance every 10 years. C&J can help. In this article, we will discuss what a water well cleaning is, why well owners need it, and what are the symptoms that portend the need for well maintenance.
What is a well cleaning?
First, let’s define what a water well cleaning is. At C&J, we follow a multi-step process to ensure every part of your well is properly cleaned. After a thorough well inspection, we remove your submersible pump out of the well, lower a high-output air line into the well, and airlift years of built-up sediment and gunk out of the top of the well. This is a chemical-free procedure that freshens up your old well and redevelops the screen, enabling better flow and better-quality water.
Why does my well need cleaned?
Bacteria — In the upper reaches of the well, the presence of oxygen encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria (bacteria requiring oxygen) and the oxidation of metals. Aerobic bacteria tend to cause clogging by the production of large amounts of slime and the entrapment of oxidized iron and manganese as well as other minerals. Debris from bacterial activity in the upper portions of the well tends to accumulate at the bottom of the well. Water in the lower portions of the well can become depleted of oxygen due to chemical reactions and bacterial activity, creating an environment for anaerobic bacteria (bacteria able to live without oxygen). These anaerobic bacteria, natural to the aquifer, are often responsible for methane gas, a fishy taste, various odors, and hydrogen sulfide (which causes a distinctive rotten egg odor).
Encrustation— This is the process by which a crust or coating is formed on the well screen and/or casing, typically through chemical or biological reactions. A well screen clogged due to encrustation can reduce the flow of water into the well, causing the pump to work harder, which results in higher electrical costs and wear on the pump. A well cleaning will remove the encrustation, refresh your well screen and casing, and reduce the chances that your well pump will get stuck due to iron or sediment buildup.
What are the signs I need a well cleaning?
Sputtering/Pulsating Faucets
A faucet that sputters out water instead of a steady stream is often caused by air in the plumbing. This air can be introduced by a restriction in your plumbing, improper calibration of well system components, a worn-out pressure tank, or even a leak in your water well system. If you have a tank that is quick cycling—going on and off multiple times per minute—this could indicate your pump is starting and stopping unnecessarily. This quick cycling can burn out a pump, rub on the wire, and even split your water line.
Higher Electric Bill
A well that needs cleaning can be more costly to operate. For example, a well screen clogged due to encrustation can reduce the flow of water into the well, causing the pump to work harder. This results in higher electrical costs and wear on the pump.
Water Isn’t Clear
Another clear sign that you need water well service is when your water is no longer clear. Any discoloration in your water is a cause for concern. If it is cloudy or has a slight yellow tint to it, you may need to flush out the particle build-up in your well. A reddish-brown color indicates that there is too much iron or manganese in your water.
Low Water Pressure
Another problem that seems small and mildly irritating is low water pressure. While it may seem just annoying to take longer showers or do dishes, it could portend larger issues like low tank pressure, restrictions in your water lines, or even leaks. Something else to consider is you may have the wrong size well pump, or it is set too high in your water well casing. Also, it could be that it is too old and unable to keep up like it used to.
Can’t I just chlorinate?
Well cleaning should be followed immediately by thorough disinfection of the well system and its immediate environment. Disinfection of the well should be completed by a water well contractor to ensure that it is done properly.
However, some well owners view chlorination as a cure-all for water quality problems. While chlorination might temporarily prevent taste and odor problems, it leaves behind debris or accumulated organic material. Such debris or material provides a food source for future bacterial growth.
In the upper reaches of the well, the presence of oxygen encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria (bacteria requiring oxygen) and the oxidation of metals. Aerobic bacteria tend to cause clogging by the production of large amounts of slime and the entrapment of oxidized iron and manganese as well as other minerals. Debris from bacterial activity in the upper portions of the well tends to accumulate at the bottom of the well. Water in the lower portions of the well can become depleted of oxygen due to chemical reactions and bacterial activity, creating an environment for anaerobic bacteria (bacteria able to live without oxygen). These anaerobic bacteria, natural to the aquifer, are often responsible for methane gas, a fishy taste, various odors, and hydrogen sulfide (which causes a distinctive rotten egg odor). However, disinfection is still a necessary and routine process for all water well owners. You can learn more about the disinfection process and how to complete it yourself by visiting our water well disinfection blog post.
Proper well maintenance offers a positive payoff in the extended well system and water treatment system life, and reduced impacts on plumbing fixtures and appliances. Ignoring these signs can cause health problems and/or premature breakdowns of well components. Professional water well cleaning from C&J Well Company can extend the life of your well and keep your water clean and fresh tasting. If your well begins to demonstrate the symptoms of poor performance, don’t delay—contact us today to schedule a well cleaning!
