How often should I shock chlorinate my well?

Routine shock chlorination isn't necessary for most wells. Disinfect your well when: you receive a positive bacteria test, after any well repair or pump work, after flooding or surface water intrusion, if water develops an odor or taste change, when purchasing a property with an existing well, or if the well hasn't been used for extended periods.

How much bleach do I need to shock chlorinate my well?

Use 3 pints of regular unscented household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) per 100 gallons of water in your well. For a typical 6-inch diameter well, this equals about 1.5 gallons of water per foot of depth. A 100-foot well with 6-inch casing holds approximately 150 gallons, requiring about 4-5 pints of bleach. Always verify calculations for your specific well.

How long does chlorine need to sit in the well?

The chlorine solution should remain in the well for a minimum of 12 hours, though 24 hours is preferred for thorough disinfection. During this time, do not use any water from the well. The chlorine needs time to contact and kill bacteria throughout the system. After the waiting period, flush until chlorine odor is gone before using water.

Is shock chlorination safe for my well and plumbing?

When done correctly with proper concentrations, shock chlorination is safe for most wells and plumbing systems. However, high chlorine concentrations can damage some rubber seals, gaskets, and certain filter media. Bypass water softeners and carbon filters during the process. Septic systems can handle the chlorinated flush water in moderation.

Well Shock Chlorination

Well water treatment is about matching the right solution to your specific water chemistry. Unlike municipal water that's already treated, private well water reflects the raw geology of your area—which in Southern California means dealing with hardness, iron, manganese, and sometimes more serious contaminants.

Start With Testing

Before buying any treatment equipment, get your water tested. A comprehensive well water test ($100–$300 from a certified lab) tells you exactly what you're dealing with:

Basic test (annually): Coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS)
Comprehensive test (every 3–5 years): Adds iron, manganese, hardness, arsenic, lead, fluoride, sulfate, chloride
Specialty tests (as needed): Pesticides, VOCs, PFAS, radiological

Common Treatment Systems

Water Softeners

San Diego County well water is notoriously hard (15–50+ grains per gallon in many areas). Water softeners use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium.

Cost: $1,000–$3,000 installed
Maintenance: Salt refills every 4–8 weeks ($5–$10/bag)
Benefits: Protects plumbing, improves soap efficiency, eliminates scale

Iron and Manganese Filters

Common in areas with granite geology (Ramona, Julian, Alpine). These systems oxidize dissolved metals and filter them out.

Cost: $800–$2,500 installed
Types: Birm, Greensand Plus, air injection oxidation
Benefits: Eliminates staining, metallic taste, orange/brown discoloration

UV Disinfection

Kills bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light—no chemicals added to your water.

Cost: $500–$1,500 installed
Maintenance: Lamp replacement annually (~$100), sleeve cleaning
Best for: Ongoing bacteria concerns, or as insurance after a positive coliform test

Reverse Osmosis (Point-of-Use)

Installed under the kitchen sink for drinking/cooking water. Removes virtually everything including TDS, arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride.

Cost: $200–$600 installed
Maintenance: Filter changes 1–2 times per year ($50–$100)
Note: Wastes 2–4 gallons for every gallon produced

Shock Chlorination

A one-time treatment that flushes the entire well and plumbing system with chlorine to kill bacteria. Required after well work, positive bacteria tests, or flooding.

Cost: $200–$500 (professional service)
Process: Pour chlorine solution into well, circulate through all fixtures, let sit 12–24 hours, flush until chlorine-free
Retest 2 weeks after for bacteria

Choosing the Right System

The right treatment depends entirely on what's in your water. We see homeowners waste thousands on equipment they don't need because they bought based on a salesperson's recommendation instead of test results. Get tested first, then buy what you actually need.

SCWS can help you interpret your water test results and recommend appropriate treatment. We're not a water treatment equipment company—we're well service professionals who want your entire system working right.

Need Professional Help?

SCWS has 30+ years of experience serving San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Licensed C-57 contractor (CSLB #1086994).

Call (760) 440-8520

Well Chlorination Service in Shock

If your Shock well has tested positive for coliform bacteria, or you're doing annual maintenance, shock chlorination is the standard treatment. We provide professional well chlorination that eliminates bacteria and disinfects the entire system — from the well casing to your household plumbing.

When to Chlorinate Your Well

Our Chlorination Process

Cost

Professional well chlorination in Shock typically costs $200-$500 depending on well depth and system complexity. DIY chlorination is possible but risks under-dosing (ineffective) or over-dosing (pipe damage). We ensure proper concentration and complete system coverage.

Well Shock Chlorination

Start With Testing