How to Open a Water Well to Add Bleach and Kill Bacteria

If your water is tested for various bacteria and the tests come up positive, bleach may need to be added your water to kill that bacteria. In order to add bleach to your well water, you must open the wellhead to gain access to the water. Please note that generally a professional will complete this task, so do not do this yourself without consulting your local water authority, as well as professionals who can advise you on how much bleach to add, should it be necessary. Opening the actual well is a simple process.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench

Instructions

1. Use a wrench to loosen all bolts (there should be four) holding the cover on the wellhead of your well.

2. Remove the bolts one at a time, holding your free hand below the cover so the nuts on the other side fall into your free hand.

3. Lift the cover off from the wellhead. It should lift off easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the wellhead cover, bolts, and tighten nuts. Bolts only need to be finger tightened, making access easier.

• Do not drink your tap water without first boiling it, until you have bacteria free results from your department of environmental health.