Wells are remarkably low-maintenance systems, but they still call for periodic attention. One task some well owners should perform routinely is well system cleaning. The following guide outlines how often to clean the system and what may happen if you neglect this vital maintenance. 

A Guide to Well System Cleaning

When Should I Schedule Cleaning?

Most healthy systems only require an occasional inspection to look for wear, test water quality, and clean the well. Some wells, however, will need more frequent service. As it ages, a well’s yield may decrease, calling for more routine maintenance to ensure drinking water safety and adequate water flow.

Beyond  annual cleanings, well owners should watch for signs indicating the need for an off-schedule cleaning. Cloudy, turbid water is a visual cue, and changes in odor and taste are also worth noting. You may also require extra cleanings if well capacity decreases or if tests for total coliform and other biological activity come back positive. 

What Are the Risks of a Dirty System?

The primary purpose of well system cleaning is to remove aerobic bacteria and prevent encrustation, which is a coating that forms on the casing or well intake. Neglecting regular service could eventually lead to contamination through harmful pathogens and pollutants. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the most common contaminants include heavy metals, organic chemicals, radionuclides, and various parasites and viruses. 

Both natural occurrences and human activities cause these contaminants, so you can never be too careful around your well. Even with extreme precaution, you can’t prevent every possible contamination, so regular well cleaning service is the best way to maintain a safe water supply.  

For thorough and timely well system cleaning by a reliable team, New Jersey residents turn to Henderson Well and Pump of Vernon, NJ. They perform regular inspections and water well repairs for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial clients. With over 59 years of experience, they will solve your problems efficiently. They are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and have longstanding membership with the National Ground Water Association. Visit their website for more information about water well services, or call (973) 764-7240.