A private well has no water utility behind it — you're the utility. That means routine maintenance falls on you, and the cost of neglect is a failed pump, contaminated water, or a well that dies years before it should.
The good news: well maintenance is straightforward and inexpensive compared to the cost of emergency repairs. Annual testing, a visual inspection, and knowing the lifespan of each component will keep most well systems running reliably for decades.
Guides
The Annual Well Maintenance Checklist: What to Do and When
Monthly observations, seasonal tasks, and annual professional checks. What you can do yourself, what needs a technician, and a printable schedule.
How Long Does a Water Well Last? Lifespan of the Well, Pump and Tank
The well itself lasts 25–50+ years, but the pump (8–15 years) and pressure tank (10–15 years) wear out sooner. What determines lifespan and what extends it.
How to Shock Chlorinate a Well: When It Works, When It Doesn't
Shock chlorination kills bacteria after a positive coliform test or well work. The full procedure, bleach calculations by well size, and when chlorination alone isn't enough.
Related Guides
- How to Test Well Water — what to test annually and when to test for more.
- Repair the Well or Drill a New One? — when maintenance costs start pointing toward replacement.
- 7 Signs Your Well Pump Is Failing — what to watch for between annual inspections.