After Heavy Rains: When to Disinfect (Shock) Your Well
Major storms can introduce contaminants into private wells—especially shallow wells or those with damaged caps and conduit. This in-depth guide from 77 Water Well explains what Texas homeowners should know, how to troubleshoot safely, and when to call our professionals for help.
When Shock Chlorination Is Recommended
- Lab test shows coliform or E. coli
- Flooding around the wellhead
- Open or damaged sanitary cap
- Persistent sulfur odor or slime
How to Disinfect Safely
Power off the pump, calculate chlorine volume for your well depth, circulate through fixtures, and allow proper contact time. Flush outdoors until odor subsides, then retest to confirm safety.
Preventing Future Contamination
Upgrade to a sanitary cap, improve grading, and schedule annual water testing. Consider UV treatment for added protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shock my well without testing first?
Testing is best practice. If contamination is suspected after flooding, disinfect promptly and confirm with a follow-up test.
Is chlorine safe for my system?
Yes when used correctly—avoid over-concentration and always flush thoroughly.
How soon can I drink the water again?
After post-disinfection testing returns ‘absent’ for coliform and E. coli.
Call the Experts
Need help with this issue? Call (281) 378-7020 or contact our team today. 77 Water Well proudly serves Texas homeowners with expert well pump repair, well inspections, and water testing.