SC By SCWS Team | February 15, 2026 | 10 min read
Spring Well Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to inspect and maintain your well system. After months of winter weather and before San Diego's demanding dry season begins, a thorough spring inspection ensures your well will deliver reliable water all summer long. This comprehensive checklist covers everything homeowners need to know—from DIY inspections to when to call a professional.
✅ Spring Well Maintenance Quick Checklist
- • Inspect well cap and casing condition
- • Check pressure tank and gauge readings
- • Test water quality (bacteria, nitrates, pH)
- • Monitor pump performance and sounds
- • Inspect electrical connections and controls
- • Clear vegetation around wellhead
- • Check for signs of contamination
- • Document baseline pressure readings
Why Spring Maintenance Matters in San Diego
San Diego County's climate creates unique challenges for well owners. Our dry summers—often lasting from May through October—place heavy demands on well systems. Irrigation needs skyrocket, household usage increases, and your well pump works harder than any other time of year.
Spring maintenance serves several critical purposes:
- Prevent summer emergencies: Catching problems before peak season avoids mid-summer breakdowns when contractors are busiest
- Maximize efficiency: A well-maintained system uses less electricity and delivers consistent pressure
- Protect water quality: Winter rains can affect groundwater—spring testing catches contamination early
- Extend equipment life: Regular maintenance prevents premature pump and tank failures
- Save money: Small problems caught early cost far less than emergency repairs
Properties throughout Ramona, Valley Center, Alpine, and other San Diego communities rely on their wells year-round. Spring preparation is especially important here.
The Complete Spring Well Maintenance Checklist
Use this comprehensive 15-point checklist to thoroughly inspect your well system this spring. We've divided it into sections you can tackle yourself and items that require professional attention.
Part 1: DIY Visual Inspection (Homeowner Tasks)
These inspections require no special tools and can be performed by any homeowner:
1 Well Cap Inspection
The well cap is your first line of defense against contamination. Inspect it carefully:
- Cap should be securely attached—no gaps or looseness
- Screened vents should be clear and undamaged
- No cracks, rust holes, or deterioration visible
- Rubber gasket (if present) should be pliable, not cracked
- No evidence of tampering or animal intrusion
🚩 Red Flag: Damaged or missing well cap requires immediate attention to prevent contamination.
2 Well Casing Condition
Examine the visible portion of well casing above ground:
- Casing should extend at least 12 inches above ground
- No cracks, corrosion, or damage visible
- Ground should slope away from casing for drainage
- Concrete pad (if present) should be intact with no cracks
- Annular seal should be intact where casing meets ground
3 Vegetation and Drainage Check
The area around your wellhead needs attention:
- Clear all vegetation within 3 feet of wellhead
- Remove leaves, debris, and organic matter
- Ensure ground slopes away to prevent pooling
- Check that no fertilizers or chemicals are stored nearby
- Verify no animal burrows exist near the casing
4 Pressure Tank Visual Inspection
Check your pressure tank (usually located in a pump house or garage):
- No visible rust, corrosion, or water stains
- Tank should not feel waterlogged (knock test—should sound hollow in upper portion)
- Pressure gauge readable and functioning
- No water leaks at fittings or connections
- Relief valve in place and not corroded
💡 Tip: Record your pressure readings. Normal range is typically 40-60 PSI. See our guide on how pressure tanks work.
5 Water Quality Observation
Simple observations can reveal water quality changes:
- Run water and check for clarity—should be crystal clear
- Note any unusual odors (rotten eggs, musty, chemical)
- Check for sediment by running water into a white bucket
- Taste should be clean and fresh (if safe to drink)
- Look for staining on fixtures (rust = iron, blue-green = copper/low pH)
Part 2: Performance Testing (Homeowner Tasks)
6 Pressure Switch Cycle Test
Monitor your pump cycling to check pressure switch operation:
- Open a faucet and watch pressure gauge drop
- Pump should turn on at cut-in pressure (typically 30-40 PSI)
- Close faucet and watch pressure rise
- Pump should turn off at cut-out pressure (typically 50-60 PSI)
- Cycle should be smooth—no rapid on/off (short cycling)
🚩 Red Flag: Rapid cycling indicates pressure tank or switch problems. See short cycling causes.
7 Flow Rate Test
Measure your well's output using a simple bucket test:
- Use a 5-gallon bucket and stopwatch
- Open an outside hose bib fully
- Time how long it takes to fill 5 gallons
- Calculate GPM: (5 ÷ seconds) × 60 = GPM
- Compare to previous measurements and your well's rated capacity
💡 Example: 30 seconds to fill 5 gallons = 10 GPM. Most households need 5-10 GPM minimum.
8 Pump Sound Check
Listen to your pump during operation:
- Should run smoothly with consistent hum
- No grinding, clicking, or squealing noises
- No vibration or rattling sounds
- Control box should not make buzzing sounds
- No unusual sounds from piping (water hammer)
🚩 Red Flag: Strange pump noises often indicate imminent failure. See pump noise diagnosis.
Part 3: Professional Inspection Items
These tasks require professional equipment and expertise. Schedule a service call for:
9 Electrical System Check
Amp draw measurement, wire condition, grounding, control box testing, voltage verification
10 Pump Performance Testing
Sustained flow rate, recovery time, drawdown level, pump efficiency assessment
11 Pressure Tank Evaluation
Air charge verification, bladder integrity check, tank sizing adequacy
12 Static Water Level
Measure and compare to historical data, assess aquifer condition
13 Comprehensive Water Testing
Laboratory analysis for bacteria, nitrates, minerals, pH, hardness
14 Pressure Switch Calibration
Verify and adjust cut-in/cut-out settings, inspect contacts
15 Video Inspection (If Needed)
Downhole camera inspection for wells with declining production or suspected damage. See video inspection costs.
Spring Water Quality Testing
Spring is an essential time for water quality testing. Winter rains can introduce contaminants, and groundwater chemistry may have changed. At minimum, test for:
| Test | Why It Matters | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform Bacteria | Indicates contamination from surface water or sewage | $25-50 |
| E. coli | Specific indicator of fecal contamination | Included above |
| Nitrates | Can indicate agricultural or septic contamination | $15-30 |
| pH Level | Affects corrosion and treatment effectiveness | $10-20 |
| Total Hardness | High levels cause scale buildup | $15-25 |
| Iron & Manganese | Cause staining and taste issues | $20-40 |
| Comprehensive Panel | All above plus TDS, chloride, sulfate | $100-200 |
💧 Testing Resources
San Diego County recommends testing through certified laboratories. Home test kits work for quick screening but lack the accuracy of lab testing. See our guide on home testing vs. lab testing.
Common Spring Maintenance Issues
These are the problems we most commonly find during spring inspections in San Diego:
Pressure Tank Problems
Waterlogged pressure tanks are extremely common. Signs include:
- Pump cycles on/off rapidly (short cycling)
- Tank feels heavy and full throughout (no air cushion)
- Pressure gauge fluctuates wildly
- Water hammer in pipes
A waterlogged tank forces your pump to work overtime, shortening its life. Learn more about pressure tank replacement costs and options.
Declining Well Yield
If your flow rate test shows lower production than last year, causes may include:
- Pump wear reducing efficiency
- Screen or perforations becoming clogged
- Dropping water table (common after dry winters)
- Well needs rehabilitation
Water Quality Changes
Post-winter water quality issues we commonly see:
- Increased bacteria: Rain can wash surface contamination toward wells
- Higher sediment: Disturbed aquifer conditions
- Changed hardness: Rainwater infiltration affects mineral content
- Sulfur smell: Often appears seasonally due to bacteria growth
Spring Maintenance Cost Guide
💰 Typical Spring Maintenance Costs (San Diego)
Professional Inspection
$150 - $300
Comprehensive system check
Water Quality Testing
$50 - $200
Depending on parameters
Pressure Tank Recharge
$75 - $150
If air charge is low
Well Chlorination
$150 - $300
If bacteria detected
Repairs vary widely based on what's needed. Get a detailed quote before approving work.
When to Call a Professional
While homeowners can handle visual inspections and basic monitoring, call a licensed well contractor immediately if you notice:
🚨 Significant pressure drop
More than 10 PSI below normal
🚨 Pump runs constantly
Or cycles every few seconds
🚨 Cloudy or discolored water
Especially if sudden onset
🚨 Unusual odors
Rotten eggs, musty, or chemical
🚨 Strange pump sounds
Grinding, squealing, clicking
🚨 Damaged well cap
Cracks, gaps, or missing
🚨 Electrical issues
Tripped breakers, burning smell
🚨 No water at all
Complete system failure
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I perform spring well maintenance in San Diego?
The best time for spring well maintenance in San Diego is late March through April. This timing allows you to address any winter damage before the high-demand summer months begin. Schedule your inspection before irrigation season kicks into full gear.
How often should I have my well professionally inspected?
Wells should be professionally inspected at least once per year, with spring being the ideal time. However, wells over 20 years old, wells in sandy soil areas, or wells with previous issues may benefit from twice-yearly inspections.
What are signs my well needs maintenance before spring?
Warning signs include: decreased water pressure, sputtering faucets, cloudy or discolored water, unusual pump sounds, increased electricity bills, sand or sediment in water, and the pump running constantly or cycling frequently.
Should I test my well water quality in spring?
Yes, spring is an excellent time for water quality testing. Winter rains can affect groundwater quality, potentially introducing bacteria or changing mineral content. Test for coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, and hardness at minimum.
How much does spring well maintenance cost in San Diego?
A professional spring well inspection typically costs $150-$300 in San Diego County. Water quality testing adds $50-$200 depending on parameters tested. Any repairs needed vary widely based on the issue discovered.
Can I do spring well maintenance myself?
Homeowners can perform visual inspections, check pressure readings, and test water quality using home kits. However, electrical system checks, pump inspections, and any repairs should be done by a licensed well contractor for safety and warranty reasons.
What's included in a professional spring well inspection?
A comprehensive inspection includes: flow rate testing, pressure tank evaluation, pump amp draw measurement, electrical connection inspection, well cap and casing check, water quality sampling, control box testing, and overall system performance assessment.
Why is spring maintenance important for San Diego wells?
San Diego's dry summers place heavy demands on well systems, especially for irrigation. Spring maintenance ensures your well is operating efficiently before peak usage. Catching problems early prevents mid-summer emergencies when contractors are busiest and repairs are most expensive.
Schedule Your Spring Well Inspection Today
Don't wait for a mid-summer emergency. Southern California Well Service provides comprehensive spring inspections throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Our experienced technicians will ensure your well is ready for the demands ahead.
