The most common reason for chlorinating a well is a bacteria problem — typically coliform bacteria. Another common reason is to temporarily diminish odors that occur from time to time. Done correctly, shock chlorination disinfects the entire well, casing, distribution lines, and water heater.
Before chlorinating, households need to catch up on laundry and bathing, because the system cannot be used for at least 24 hours — and sometimes a couple of days. The amount of chlorine is calculated based on well type: roughly one gallon of unscented liquid bleach per 500 feet of drilled well, or per 18 inches of standing water in a shallow well.
Our technicians handle the entire process safely: opening the well, dosing properly, circulating chlorinated water through every fixture, allowing the correct contact time, then flushing the system to safe levels — confirmed with chlorine test strips and follow-up bacteria testing.
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