Well Maintenance Schedule: Annual Checklist & Best Practices
📋 In This Guide
Quick Answer: Maintain your well with: monthly visual checks (cap, pressure, operation), quarterly tank air pressure verification, annual water testing (bacteria, nitrates), and annual professional inspection. Proactive maintenance prevents expensive repairs and protects your water quality.
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.
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