Private Well Maintenance Checklist
A properly maintained well can provide clean water for 30–50 years. A neglected one can fail within 10. This checklist covers everything you need to do — and when — to keep your well performing at its best.
Annual Checklist
- ✅ Test for coliform bacteria and nitrates — minimum annual testing for any private well
- ✅ Inspect the wellhead — check that the well cap is intact, sealed, and screened against insects
- ✅ Check the area around the wellhead — ensure ground slopes away from the well to prevent surface water pooling near the casing
- ✅ Verify setback distances are maintained — no new chemical storage, fuel tanks, or animal areas within 50–100 feet of the well
- ✅ Inspect the pressure tank — test Schrader valve, check pre-charge pressure, listen for short cycling
- ✅ Check all well-related electrical connections — look for corrosion at the pressure switch and pump wiring
Every 3–5 Years
- ✅ Comprehensive water test — pH, hardness, iron, manganese, TDS, and any locally relevant contaminants
- ✅ Professional well inspection — licensed well contractor inspects pump, casing, and water level
- ✅ Shock chlorination — optional but recommended even for wells that test clean
- ✅ Check pump performance — confirm flow rate matches original specifications
When to Test Immediately
- 🔴 After any flooding near the well
- 🔴 After well service or pump replacement
- 🔴 Change in water color, taste, or smell
- 🔴 Unexplained gastrointestinal illness in the household
- 🔴 Nearby contamination event (spill, chemical release)
Wellhead Protection — What to Keep Away
Maintain these minimum distances from your well:
| Source | Minimum Distance |
|---|
| Septic tank | 50 feet |
| Drain field / leach field | 100 feet |
| Fuel storage tanks | 100 feet |
| Livestock areas / manure | 100 feet |
| Chemical storage | 100 feet |
| Road salt storage | 100 feet |
Signs Your Well Needs Professional Attention
- Declining water pressure or flow rate over time
- Sand or sediment in the water
- Air sputtering from faucets
- Pump runs longer than usual to build pressure
- Significant increase in electricity bill (pump working harder)
- Well is over 20 years old and has never been inspected
Record keeping matters. Keep a folder with all water test results, service records, and the original well driller's report. This documentation adds value when you sell the home and helps you track trends over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a private well be inspected?
Test for coliform bacteria and nitrates annually, and inspect the wellhead, pressure tank, and electrical connections each year. Every 3-5 years, get a comprehensive water test and a professional well inspection from a licensed contractor.
How long does a well last with proper maintenance?
A properly maintained well can provide clean water for 30-50 years. A neglected well can fail within as little as 10 years, making routine annual and 3-5 year checks well worth the effort.
How far should a septic tank be from a well?
Keep a septic tank at least 50 feet from the well, and the drain/leach field at least 100 feet. Fuel storage, livestock areas, chemical storage, and road salt storage should also all be kept at least 100 feet away.
Should I shock chlorinate my well even if it tests clean?
Yes, it's optional but recommended every 3-5 years even for wells that test clean, as part of routine preventive maintenance alongside a professional inspection.
What events mean I should test my well water right away, outside the normal schedule?
Test immediately after any flooding near the well, after well service or pump replacement, if you notice a change in water color/taste/smell, after unexplained gastrointestinal illness in the household, or after a nearby contamination event like a spill or chemical release.
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