How to Shock Chlorinate a Private Well Safely
Shock chlorination eliminates coliform bacteria and iron/sulfur slime from drilled wells. Pour the calculated bleach volume diluted in 5 gallons of water down the well casing, hook a garden hose to an outdoor bibb, and recirculate water back into the casing for 30 minutes to wash down the walls.
Alaska Pro-Tip: Never drink or bathe with chlorinated water during the 12-24 hour contact soak period. Bypass water softeners and reverse osmosis filters before shocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding this calculation and code compliance
Subtract the static water level from total well depth to find the water column height. Multiply water column feet by 1.47 for a 6-inch well (or 0.65 for a 4-inch well) to determine total gallons.
Need Licensed Hands-On Help in Anchorage, AK?
Calculations provide the theoretical baseline, but Alaska installations face sub-zero frost lines, glacial soils, and strict municipal codes. Our licensed master technicians provide full diagnostics, inspections, and repairs:
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Water Heater Repair & Upgrades
Tankless and tank water heater diagnostics, element replacements, and anode service.
Pipe Repair & Whole-House Repiping
Upgrading corroded copper or defective piping with freeze-resistant PEX-A systems.
Interactive Plumbing & HVAC Calculators
Water Hammer Arrestor Sizing
Size surge suppressors to eliminate destructive hydraulic shock in piping.
Water Softener Capacity Tool
Calculate grain capacity requirements based on well water hardness.
Copper Pipe Weight Calculator
Calculate structural dead load of dry and water-filled piping runs.
Drain Pipe Slope Calculator
Determine required drainage fall to maintain self-cleansing velocity.