How Much Does It Cost to Shock a Well? [2024 Data]
We’re talking about chlorine, not jump scares
Let your well be the only thing shocked by well-shocking costs! Shocking a well refers to adding chlorine to your well, so it can circulate through the system and destroy any contaminants. To gain peace of mind about the quality of your well’s drinking water and have your well shock chlorinated by a professional, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $200 depending on your well depth, the type of well, labor, and more.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $80 | $140 | $200 |
Shocking a Well Cost Factors
Shocking a well is a relatively simple job, but a few factors can affect the total cost. The type of well and its volume determine how much chlorine bleach you need, which can be an expensive and in-demand product. You’ll also need to factor in the labor costs of local well contractors and plumbers.
Type of Well
Chlorine bleach is the main supply cost involved in shocking a well, and the type of well you have can affect its storage per foot of water and how much bleach you need. The inside diameter of the well pipe in a drilled well is usually between four and 10 inches, whereas bored wells range from 12 to 36 inches. This difference in diameter translates to differing water standing water levels and the amount of bleach you’ll need.
Refer to this table to get an idea of how much water storage per foot your well has depending on its diameter:
| Diameter | Storage per Foot |
|---|---|
| 4’’ | 0.65 gallons |
| 10’’ | 4.0 gallons |
| 12’’ | 5.9 gallons |
| 16’’ | 10.5 gallons |
| 20’’ | 16.0 gallons |
| 24’’ | 23.5 gallons |
Depth of the Well
The depth of your well is one of the other main factors in determining how much it will cost for the chlorine bleach required to shock it. The general standard is to add about three pints of bleach per 100 gallons of water in your well.
Finding the water depth in your well involves measuring the distance from the ground level to the water level and subtracting that from the overall well depth. If you don’t have records for the depth of your well, you can try to contact the contractor who installed it. The well diameter factors into the equation here—multiply the water depth by the gallons per foot indicated in the earlier table.
Say, for example, that your well has a water depth of 153 feet and is four inches in diameter:
Multiply 153 by 0.65 to get about 100 gallons (total volume of water).
Calculate three pints of bleach for every 100 gallons, and add three pints for treating household plumbing.
If the total volume is 100 gallons, you will need six total pints to treat the well and plumbing system.
Labor
Shocking a well doesn’t require a lot of active labor. Even so, the total cost of shocking a well can depend on how much labor your local well contractor or plumber must perform. Some wells are harder to access and, consequently, may take additional time to work on. Your location can also affect your contractor’s labor rate and likewise your final bill. Expect to pay between $45 and $150 per hour.
Ongoing Costs of Shocking a Well
Shocking your well isn’t a one-time service. Expect to manage the following ongoing costs to maintain your well water quality.
Maintenance
There’s no firm schedule by which you need to re-shock your well. The right treatment frequency depends on a number of factors, such as the type of well or level of contamination. If you don’t notice any issues with your well, shocking it once per year should be enough to keep it healthy. Your local well contractor can also provide recommendations for treatment frequency based on their knowledge of your well system.
Lab Testing
Many contaminants can go undetected in your well water until they start causing problems, which is why routine lab tests are important. In addition to annual tests for arsenic, E. coli, and other contaminants, you should also test your water a few weeks following chlorine treatment to ensure it’s contamination-free.
You can opt for either DIY or professional lab tests. The latter are more comprehensive and accurate than at-home tests, but they’re also more expensive and less convenient.
| Type of Test | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY Water Test | $30 |
| Laboratory Test | $100 – $500 |
Treatment
If your post-chlorine treatment lab tests show that there are lingering contaminants, you’ll likely need to get a follow-up treatment. A well contractor may have repeat treatments built into their maintenance services, but you’ll otherwise be responsible for the full cost of another treatment.
Shocking a Well: DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Shocking a well on your own is a straightforward task that can take only an hour out of your day. If you’re having a well professionally installed or repaired, chlorine shock treatment is generally required and included as part of the service. In some cases, your well may not be easily accessible and difficult to add bleach to. Well contractors can not only access your well for you, but they can also ensure that caps, seals, and other components of your well are handled properly and in compliance with local and state regulations.
Is Chlorine in Drinking Water Safe?
While chlorination is useful for destroying bacteria, parasites, pollutants, and other contaminants, high chlorine levels in drinking water can have negative consequences. Overly chlorinated tap water can result in illness, increased risk of cancer, and damage to your plumbing and appliances. Chlorine in tap water shouldn’t exceed four milligrams per liter.
Cost of Common Well Shocking Add-Ons
Shocking a well is often performed in conjunction with other common well services. These may include:
Well inspection: $250–$550
New well construction: $3,000–$16,800
Well repairs: $350–$1540
Pressure tank replacement: $300–$700
Well pump replacement: $975–$2,750
New or repaired plumbing: $75–$4,000
4 Ways You Can Save Money on Shocking a Well
When it comes to saving money on shocking your well, taking proactive steps is your best strategy. With the right precautions and maintenance, you can minimize your well water contamination risk.
Avoid using pesticides, fertilizers, or other pollutants near the well.
Have your septic system regularly inspected and pumped.
Get your well inspection and complete any necessary repairs.
Dispose of waste properly and not in or around your well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The rules and regulations regarding groundwater use vary between states. To find out if you can dig a well on your property, you’ll have to consult these regulations, address any compliance requirements, and get the appropriate permits. It’s also important to check that your intended location has the right geology and water table to support a well.
Both can deliver clean water to your taps, but well water and city water carry a few differences. City water is delivered and connected through a main water line, and it travels through a network of underground private and public pipes to service various buildings and structures once it’s been treated.
Well water is derived from dug or drilled wells that source groundwater from the water table. City water is often more expensive than well water, but it eliminates the need for you to test and treat your own well water.