Why Water Well Maintenance Matters (More Than You Think)

Regular maintenance keeps plugging material thin, relatively soft, and far easier to remove.

Let’s talk about maintenance. To maintain is “to keep up, to keep in a certain condition, to keep in good repair.” We do it all the time—whether it’s brushing our teeth, servicing our car, or cleaning out the gutters. Why? Because we know the cost of not doing it.

Ask someone who’s had to rebuild an engine, replace a roof, or undergo a root canal—maintenance suddenly becomes the obvious choice. Sure, it’s sometimes inconvenient, but it’s also a hedge against far more serious and costly problems. And the more convinced we are of this, the more committed we become.

With that mindset, this article is about water well maintenance. But instead of diving straight into why it’s important, let’s start with how wells become plugged in the first place. Because once you understand that, the reasons to maintain your well become obvious—and you might just save yourself a heap of trouble (and maybe sneak in more time for your weekend chores or that elusive round of golf).

How Wells Plug

Water wells, especially screened production wells in sand or gravel aquifers, are susceptible to various forms of plugging over time. This plugging restricts water flow into the well and reduces yield, increases drawdown, raises pumping costs, and stresses the entire system.

The primary causes of plugging fall into three broad categories:

1. Biological Fouling (Iron-related bacteria, or IRB):

   
   

   These bacteria thrive in oxygen-poor environments and feed on iron in the groundwater. Their by-products include slime, biofilm, and iron oxide deposits that can clog screen openings, gravel packs, and even pump components. The longer this is left, the thicker and more consolidated the mass becomes.

2. Chemical Precipitation (Scaling):

   
   

   Chemical changes in the water—such as pH shifts or pressure drops—can cause dissolved minerals (like calcium carbonate, iron, or manganese) to come out of solution and deposit inside the well. These mineral scales form hard, crusty layers that adhere to metal surfaces, screen slots, and the aquifer interface.

3. Physical Plugging (Fines migration):

   
   

   Fine particles of silt and clay can migrate from the formation into the well during pumping, particularly if screen design, pump rates, or well development were not ideal. Over time, these accumulate in the screen and gravel pack, reducing hydraulic conductivity.

   
   

What Happens If You Don’t Maintain It?

If these plugging materials are allowed to accumulate:

• The pump has to work harder, consuming more power.

• Flow rates drop, causing poor system performance.

• Water quality can degrade (e.g., taste, color, odor issues).

• The pump, screens, or casing may be damaged from overheating or corrosion.

• Eventually, the well may require expensive rehabilitation—or worse, replacement.

Much like dental plaque hardens into tartar, the longer plugging material is left, the more difficult and costly it becomes to remove.

The Case for Preventive Maintenance

Proactive well maintenance is not about perfection—it’s about control. The goal is to:

• Keep biofilm and scaling layers thin and soft.

• Disrupt bacterial colonies before they mature.

• Prevent fines from consolidating into a cement-like mass.

• Extend the life of your well and pumping system.

• Reduce total operating costs.

Depending on the well’s geology, construction, and water chemistry, maintenance might involve:

• Periodic surging or brushing.

• Chemical cleaning (e.g., using acids, disinfectants, or proprietary blends like BoreSaver).

• Disinfection treatments.

• Flow testing and water quality monitoring.

• Inspections via downhole camera or geophysical logging.

A Well Is an Investment

Just like a vehicle needs oil changes and a house needs roof inspections, your water well needs regular attention. A simple annual inspection or biannual cleanout might be all it takes to avoid a five-figure rehabilitation job.

Remember: maintenance is always cheaper than failure.