Well Maintenance Schedule: Annual Checklist & Best Practices
📋 In This Guide
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Visual Inspection
- ☐ Check well cap—secure, no damage
- ☐ Look for standing water around wellhead
- ☐ Inspect visible piping for leaks
- ☐ Check pressure gauge reading (should match normal)
Operational Check
- ☐ Run water—normal pressure and flow?
- ☐ Listen for unusual pump sounds
- ☐ Note if pump cycles normally
- ☐ Check for any taste or odor changes
Time Required
5-10 minutes
Quarterly Maintenance Tasks
Pressure Tank Check
- ☐ Check tank air pressure (should be 2 PSI below cut-in)
- ☐ Tap tank from top to bottom (hollow top, solid bottom)
- ☐ Look for rust or damage
- ☐ Check pressure switch for corrosion
Filter Maintenance
- ☐ Check sediment filter condition
- ☐ Replace if dirty or per schedule
- ☐ Check any treatment system filters
- ☐ Note filter replacement dates
Area Around Well
- ☐ Clear vegetation within 3 feet of wellhead
- ☐ Check for potential contamination sources
- ☐ Ensure drainage flows away from well
Time Required
15-30 minutes
Annual Maintenance Tasks
Water Testing
- ☐ Test for coliform bacteria
- ☐ Test for E. coli
- ☐ Test for nitrates
- ☐ Optional: comprehensive mineral panel
- ☐ Keep records of all results
Equipment Inspection
- ☐ Full pressure tank assessment
- ☐ Check all electrical connections
- ☐ Inspect pressure switch contacts
- ☐ Check control box (if 3-wire system)
- ☐ Verify pump performance (flow rate)
Well Inspection
- ☐ Inspect well cap and seal
- ☐ Check grout seal at surface
- ☐ Measure static water level (if possible)
- ☐ Note any changes from previous year
Shock Chlorination (If Needed)
- ☐ After positive bacteria test
- ☐ After any well work
- ☐ Or as preventive maintenance
Time Required
1-2 hours (DIY tasks) + professional service
Professional Service
Recommended Annually
- Full system inspection by well professional
- Pump performance test
- Electrical system check
- Address any issues found
Every 3-5 Years
- Well video inspection (optional but informative)
- Pump pull and inspection (if issues suspected)
- Well yield test
Cost for Annual Service
$100-$300 for basic inspection. More for comprehensive testing or repairs.
Benefits of Professional Service
- Catch problems before they become emergencies
- Extend equipment life
- Maintain water quality
- Documentation for home value
Record Keeping
What to Keep
- Well completion report (drilling records)
- Pump installation date and specifications
- All water test results
- Service records and repairs
- Filter replacement dates
- Pressure readings over time
- Any problems noted and when
Why It Matters
- Track changes over time
- Identify developing problems
- Plan for equipment replacement
- Valuable for home sale
- Help service technicians diagnose issues
Simple Record System
Keep a folder or binder with:
- Well documentation (original records)
- Water test results (by date)
- Service invoices (by date)
- Simple log sheet for notes
Printable Maintenance Checklist
Monthly Checklist
- ☐ Well cap secure and undamaged
- ☐ No standing water at wellhead
- ☐ Pressure gauge reading normal
- ☐ Water taste/smell normal
- ☐ Pump cycling normally
Quarterly Checklist
- ☐ Tank air pressure checked
- ☐ Sediment filter condition/replaced
- ☐ Area around well clear
- ☐ Drainage away from well
Annual Checklist
- ☐ Bacteria test completed (date: _____)
- ☐ Nitrate test completed (date: _____)
- ☐ Professional inspection (date: _____)
- ☐ Shock chlorination (if needed)
- ☐ Records updated
Print this page for a handy reference!
Schedule Your Annual Well Inspection
Proactive maintenance prevents costly emergencies. Schedule your annual checkup.
We service all major pump brands including Franklin Electric, Grundfos, Goulds (Xylem), and Sta-Rite (Pentair). Our trucks carry common parts and components for same-day repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my well pump needs repair?
Common signs include: no water or low pressure, pump cycling on and off rapidly (short cycling), unusual noises, dirty or sandy water, and higher-than-normal electric bills. Any of these warrant a professional inspection.
How much does well pump repair cost?
Simple repairs like pressure switch replacement run
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50-$300. Motor or pump replacement typically costsRelated Articles
,500-$4,500 depending on well depth and pump type. We diagnose the issue before recommending repairs.Can I repair my well pump myself?
Surface-level issues like pressure switch adjustment or breaker resets are safe DIY tasks. However, anything involving pulling the pump from the well requires specialized equipment and should be handled by a licensed contractor to avoid damaging the well casing.
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