Unlike more widely used municipal water, well water is not treated and cleaned by the county, making owners responsible for scheduling and upholding a steady well cleaning regimen. Shock chlorination is the preferred treatment for most well systems—this process introduces chlorine into the well to kill harmful agents, such as iron, and sulfate-reducing bacteria that are hazardous to your health. Regular well cleaning done by a professional will ensure the removal of harmful intruders from your well system in a secure and efficient manner.

3 Signs Your Well Needs Disinfecting

1. Slime Buildup

If the accumulation of iron bacteria gets out of hand, it will appear as slime within your toilet tank. Unless you’re regularly checking the inside of your toilet tank, you may miss the slimy scum, but an excess buildup is a definite indicator that your well needs an immediate shock chlorination treatment.

2. Discolored Laundry

When your white clothes come out of the washer with an orange hue, it can be the result of rusty pipes or a buildup of iron bacteria. Not only might your clothes be ruined, but the risk of infection from the bacteria is cause for concern. Make sure rusty pipes aren’t the culprit before getting a thorough well cleaning.

3. Odor

The smell of rotten eggs coming from your water or freshly washed laundry is a telltale sign of bacteria buildup in your system. Sulfate-reducing bacteria are the likely culprits, producing the foul odor after consuming the slime caused by iron bacteria. Well chlorination will help eliminate both types of bacteria and have you showering and cooking again after 24-48 hours.

The well drilling experts at Gainous Well Drilling in Cairo, GA, will have your home’s water fresh and clear as soon as possible. With over 50 years of related experience in Thomas and Grady counties, you can trust this family-owned company with a variety of professional and residential well drilling projects, including well cleaning, submersible pump installation, and well installation. Visit their website for information on their services or call for a free estimate at (229) 377-7883.