SC By SCWS Team | January 18, 2025 | 11 min read
Well Rehabilitation Cost
Is your well producing less water than it used to? Before spending $20,000-$50,000 on a new well, consider well rehabilitation—a process that can restore your well's performance for a fraction of the cost. Well rehabilitation typically runs $2,000-$15,000 depending on the methods needed. This guide covers everything you need to know about costs, techniques, and when rehabilitation makes sense.
đź’˛ Quick Cost Summary
- • Basic mechanical rehabilitation: $2,000 - $5,000
- • Chemical treatment (acidizing): $1,500 - $4,000
- • Combined mechanical + chemical: $3,500 - $8,000
- • Comprehensive rehabilitation: $5,000 - $15,000
- • Video inspection (recommended first): $300 - $800
What Is Well Rehabilitation?
Well rehabilitation is the process of restoring a declining well's water production capacity. Over time, wells naturally accumulate mineral deposits, sediment, and bacterial growth that restrict water flow. Rehabilitation removes these blockages to restore—or sometimes even improve—original production levels.
Think of it like cleaning arteries: the well may be structurally sound, but buildup is restricting flow. Rehabilitation clears that buildup.
What Causes Well Performance to Decline?
- Mineral scale buildup: Calcium carbonate and magnesium deposits encrust well screens and formation
- Iron bacteria: Creates slimy, rust-colored deposits that clog screens
- Biofouling: Bacterial colonies form biofilms that restrict water entry
- Sediment infiltration: Fine particles from formation migrate and block pathways
- Corrosion: Metal casing and screen deterioration creates debris
- Formation compaction: Sand and gravel around screen pack tighter over time
If your well isn't refilling fast enough or you've noticed gradual decline, these are often the culprits—and rehabilitation can address them.
Well Rehabilitation Costs by Method
Different problems require different rehabilitation methods. Here's what each costs:
Mechanical Rehabilitation Methods
| Method | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Surging | $1,500 - $3,000 | Loosening sediment and debris near screen |
| High-pressure jetting | $2,000 - $4,000 | Cleaning screen slots and formation face |
| Brushing/scrubbing | $1,000 - $2,500 | Removing deposits from casing and screen |
| Air lift development | $1,500 - $3,500 | Removing loose material from well bottom |
| Bailing | $500 - $1,500 | Removing accumulated sediment |
Chemical Rehabilitation Methods
| Method | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Acidizing (muriatic acid) | $1,500 - $3,000 | Carbonate scale, calcium deposits |
| Acidizing (sulfamic acid) | $2,000 - $4,000 | Iron deposits, safer for some casing types |
| Chlorination treatment | $500 - $1,500 | Bacteria and biofouling |
| Phosphate treatment | $1,000 - $2,500 | Iron bacteria, dispersing deposits |
| Specialty chemical blends | $2,000 - $5,000 | Complex problems, multi-component fouling |
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Packages
Most professional rehabilitation involves multiple methods for best results:
📦 Typical Rehabilitation Packages
Basic Package
$2,500 - $4,500
Video inspection + surging + chlorination + pump test
Standard Package
$4,500 - $8,000
Inspection + jetting + acidizing + chlorination + test
Premium Package
$8,000 - $12,000
Full mechanical + chemical + extended development
Complete Overhaul
$10,000 - $15,000
All methods + screen repair + new pump install
Step-by-Step Rehabilitation Process
Step 1: Diagnostic Assessment
Before any rehabilitation work, a thorough assessment identifies the problem and best treatment approach:
Diagnostic Components:
- Well history review: Original drilling records, past production, maintenance history
- Current yield test: Measure actual GPM and recovery rate
- Video inspection: Camera down the well to see screen condition, deposits, damage
- Water quality analysis: Identify minerals, bacteria, or other issues
- Static and pumping water levels: Assess aquifer condition
Diagnostic cost: $400 - $1,000
Video inspection is particularly valuable—it can show exactly what's causing reduced flow and whether rehabilitation is likely to succeed. Learn more about well video inspection costs.
Step 2: Pump Removal
The existing pump must be pulled to access the well. This also allows inspection of the pump and drop pipe for wear.
Cost: Typically included in rehabilitation quote, or $300-$800 if separate.
Step 3: Mechanical Treatment
Physical methods loosen and remove debris:
- Surging: A surge block is moved up and down, creating pressure waves that dislodge material
- Jetting: High-pressure water jets clean screen slots and near-well formation
- Brushing: Wire brushes scrub encrustation from casing and screen
- Air lifting: Compressed air forces loose material up and out
Step 4: Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatments dissolve deposits that mechanical methods can't remove:
- Acid treatment: Dissolves carbonate scale and iron deposits (requires careful handling and neutralization)
- Chlorination: Kills bacteria and breaks down biofilms
- Dispersants: Help release fine particles
⚠️ Chemical Treatment Considerations
Acids require proper handling and disposal. Treatment must be matched to casing and screen materials—some chemicals can damage certain metals or plastics. Professional application ensures safety and effectiveness.
Step 5: Well Development
After treatment, the well is "developed" to remove loosened material and optimize flow:
- Extended pumping at various rates
- Additional surging cycles
- Water clarity monitoring
- May take several hours to a full day
Step 6: Pump Reinstallation and Testing
The pump is reinstalled (or a new pump if needed) and a proper yield test confirms improvement:
- Measure GPM at various pumping rates
- Compare to pre-rehabilitation performance
- Document results for future reference
When Does Rehabilitation Make Sense?
Good Candidates for Rehabilitation
âś… Gradual Decline
Well slowly produced less over months/years—suggests blockage
âś… Strong Historical Performance
Well once produced well—potential exists to restore
âś… Known Water Quality Issues
High iron, calcium, or bacteria—treatable causes
âś… Visible Screen Blockage
Video shows deposits but intact structure
âś… Never Been Rehabilitated
First-time treatment often produces best results
âś… Good Well Construction
Properly installed casing, screen, and grout seal
Poor Candidates for Rehabilitation
❌ Structural Damage
Collapsed casing, broken screen, or lost integrity
❌ Aquifer Depletion
Area water levels have dropped—not a blockage issue
❌ Never Produced Well
If it was always marginal, rehabilitation won't create water
❌ Multiple Failed Rehabilitations
Diminishing returns if previously attempted
❌ Very Old Wells
50+ year old wells may have obsolete construction
❌ Unknown Construction
No records of depth, screen, or construction details
Rehabilitation vs. New Well: Cost Comparison
The big question: should you rehabilitate or drill new? Here's a cost comparison:
| Option | Typical Cost | Success Rate | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic rehabilitation | $2,000 - $5,000 | 60-80% | 5-15 years |
| Comprehensive rehabilitation | $5,000 - $15,000 | 70-90% | 5-15 years |
| New shallow well (150 ft) | $15,000 - $25,000 | 85-95% | 30-50 years |
| New deep well (300 ft) | $25,000 - $50,000 | 85-95% | 30-50 years |
đź’ˇ Rule of Thumb
Consider rehabilitation first if the cost is less than 30-40% of drilling a new well AND video inspection shows treatable problems. Rehabilitation buys time and may be all you need, or it may be a stepping stone while you plan for eventual replacement.
For new well costs in your area, see our complete San Diego well drilling cost guide.
How Long Do Rehabilitation Results Last?
Rehabilitation isn't permanent—your well will eventually need attention again. Typical durations:
- Wells with good water quality: 10-15 years before next treatment
- Wells with moderate iron/scale: 5-10 years
- Wells with aggressive chemistry: 3-7 years
- Wells with bacterial issues: May need periodic maintenance treatments
Maintenance treatments (less intensive than full rehabilitation) can extend the time between major work. A professional can recommend a maintenance schedule based on your water quality.
Signs You May Need Well Rehabilitation
⚠️ Declining Water Pressure
Gradual decrease in pressure over months/years
⚠️ Pump Running Longer
Takes longer to fill pressure tank than before
⚠️ Running Out of Water
Well can't keep up with normal household use
⚠️ Sediment in Water
Increased particles, especially after periods of non-use
⚠️ Pump Working Harder
Higher electrical usage, louder operation
⚠️ Iron Staining Increasing
More rust stains suggest iron bacteria growth
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does well rehabilitation cost?
Well rehabilitation typically costs $2,000-$15,000 depending on methods required. Basic mechanical rehabilitation runs $2,000-$5,000, while comprehensive treatment combining mechanical and chemical methods costs $5,000-$15,000.
What is well rehabilitation?
Well rehabilitation restores declining water production by removing blockages, scale, and bacterial growth. It uses mechanical methods (surging, jetting) and chemical treatments (acidizing) to clear restrictions and restore flow.
When should I rehabilitate vs. drill a new well?
Rehabilitate if the well historically produced well, decline is gradual, video shows treatable problems, and cost is under 30-40% of a new well. Drill new if there's structural damage, aquifer depletion, or previous rehabilitation failed.
How long does well rehabilitation take?
Basic mechanical rehabilitation takes 1-2 days. Chemical treatment adds 1-3 days. Comprehensive rehabilitation takes 3-5 days total including testing to verify results.
How much improvement can I expect?
Results vary. Wells blocked by scale or bacteria often see 50-100% improvement. Biofouled wells may recover 30-70%. Wells with structural damage or depleted aquifers see minimal improvement.
Is rehabilitation guaranteed to work?
No guarantee, but professional assessment can predict likely success. Video inspection and water analysis help identify treatable problems vs. issues rehabilitation can't fix.
How long do rehabilitation results last?
Results typically last 5-15 years depending on water quality. Wells with aggressive chemistry or bacterial issues may need more frequent treatment. Maintenance treatments can extend time between major rehabilitations.
Should I get a video inspection first?
Yes, highly recommended. Video inspection ($300-$800) shows exactly what's causing reduced flow and whether rehabilitation is likely to succeed. It's a small investment that prevents wasting money on ineffective treatments.
Need a Well Rehabilitation Assessment?
Southern California Well Service can evaluate your well's condition and recommend the most cost-effective solution—whether that's rehabilitation, repair, or replacement. We'll provide honest advice on what will actually work for your situation.
