Well Shocking & System Chlorination
NSF-approved deep chemical sanitation to eradicate coliform bacteria, e-coli, sulfur odors, and slime-forming iron bacteria.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Failure
- ⚠ Water smells like rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide gas produced by bacteria)
- ⚠ Failed lab water test for total coliform or fecal E. coli bacteria
- ⚠ Rust-colored stringy slime accumulating inside toilet tanks and filters
- ⚠ Well opened or repaired without post-work sanitization
- ⚠ Floodwaters washed over the top of the wellhead
Technical Execution & Equipment Standards
- ✓ Exact volumetric calculation based on well casing diameter, total depth, and static water level
- ✓ NSF-60 certified calcium hypochlorite well sanitizing pellets and pre-dissolved liquid wash
- ✓ pH-buffered chlorine solution to maximize bacterial kill efficiency without corroding metal
- ✓ Continuous recirculation down the casing walls to scrub biofilm off drop pipe and casing
- ✓ Full distribution line purge, 24-hour contact incubation, and controlled neutral flush
Equipment Specifications: Uses NSF-60 certified calcium hypochlorite dry pellets, digital free chlorine colorimeters, and high-flow recirculation wash manifolds.
Our Step-by-Step Field Process
1. Well Volume & Chemical Dosage Calculation
We calculate the exact standing water column volume (gallons per linear foot) to determine the precise dosage of NSF-60 calcium hypochlorite pellets needed for 200 PPM free chlorine residual.
2. Pellet Drop & Deep Aquifer Penetration
Unlike household bleach which floats at the surface, dense sanitizing pellets drop to the very bottom of deep West Texas boreholes, dissolving upward through the pump intake.
3. Recirculation & Biofilm Wash
We circulate chlorinated water from the wellhead back down the casing for several hours, washing drop pipe exterior and limestone walls to break bio-slime bonds.
4. Incubation & Neutralized Line Purge
Water is drawn into all ranch plumbing, held for 12–24 hours of contact time, and then thoroughly flushed to an open drainage area until chlorine reads 0.0 PPM.
Edwards Aquifer & West Texas Geology
Improper shocking using standard grocery store bleach can damage pump seals, oxidize iron out of solution to form heavy sludge, and fail to kill deep biofilms. We use professional NSF pellet chlorination that drops to the very bottom of deep West Texas wells.
Preventative Maintenance Tip for Landowners
Never pour store-bought scented bleach into your well. The additives can damage pump seals and the high pH severely reduces sanitizing effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't I just pour Clorox bleach down my well?
Household bleach contains additives and scents, floats at the top of the water table without sinking to the pump intake, and has a high pH that severely reduces chlorine disinfection power. Furthermore, concentrated bleach can destroy wire insulation and rubber check valve seals.
How long until I can use my water after a well shocking?
The chlorine solution must rest in the well and household lines for 12 to 24 hours for complete sanitization. Afterward, we flush the lines until chlorine residual drops to zero, typically taking 24 to 48 hours total.