Article: Depending on the type of well, you may need to open the vent pipe in order to pour in the chlorine. The vent pipe should be located on the wellhead, it's usually about 6 inches (15.2cm) in length and 1/2 an inch in diameter. Open the vent by unscrewing the pipe from the seal. Alternatively, you may be able to remove the cover from the top of the well, which may require removing a few screws. Once you have access to the well, carefully pour the correct amount of bleach through a funnel into the access hole, avoiding any electrical connections. You may want to wear protective gloves, goggles and an apron when handling the undiluted bleach. If any bleach should get on your skin, rinse it off immediately with clean water. Attach the female end of the hose to the nearest spigot, then run the male end (cut off at an angle) into the hole left by the vent pipe, or directly into the well. If the hose is not long enough to reach the well, connect additional hoses. Double-check that all electrical connections are waterproof before turning on the circuit breaker, then the water on at full volume. Leave it to recirculate for at least an hour. The running water from the hose forces the water at the bottom of the well to flow to the surface, distributing the chlorine evenly. This ensures that any bacteria in the well water will be exposed to and killed by the chlorine. After the water has been recirculating for at least an hour, you can test for chlorine in your water supply. You can do this in one of two ways: Pull the hose out of the vent and use the chlorine test kit to test for the presence of chlorine in the water coming out of the hose. Alternatively, you can run an outdoor faucet to see if you can detect the smell of chlorine in the water. If the chlorine test comes up negative, or you cannot smell chlorine in the water supply, continue to recirculate the water for another 15 minutes, then check again. Once you have detected chlorine in the water, re-insert the hose and vigorously swirl it around to wash any chlorine residue from the well casing and pump piping. Once you've done that for 10 or 15 minutes, turn off the hose and replace well lid or reinsert the vent pipe. Go inside and test for the presence of chlorine at every sink bath and shower, using either the test kit or your sense of smell. Don't forget to test both the hot and cold faucets and also remember to run any addition outdoor spigots until chlorine is detected. You should also flush each toilet in the house once or twice. Leave the chlorine to sit in the water supply for a minimum of 12 hours, but preferably 24. During this time, do your best to keep water use to a minimum.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Turn off the circuit breaker feeding the pump. Open the vent or remove the test hole plug. Pour in the bleach. Attach the hose. Recirculate the water. Test for chlorine. Wash down the sides of the well. Test for chlorine indoors. Wait 12 to 24 hours.