Have you noticed a significant drop in your well’s water pressure? Is your pump running longer than it used to, or is the water starting to look cloudy or “sandy”?
Before you assume you need to invest tens of thousands of dollars into drilling a brand-new well, there is another option: Well Rehabilitation.
At AquaTech Solutions, we specialize in restoring the efficiency of aging wells. Through professional rehabilitation, we can often bring a well back to its original yield—and sometimes even better. Here is a look at the methods we use to restore flow and extend the life of your water source.
Why Do Wells Lose Production?
Over time, every well faces “clogging” of some kind. This isn’t usually a lack of water in the aquifer; it’s a physical or chemical blockage preventing the water from entering your well pipe. The most common culprits include:
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Encrustation: Mineral deposits (like calcium or iron) that harden on the well screen.
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Bio-fouling: Naturally occurring iron bacteria that create a thick slime, plugging the intake.
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Physical Plugging: Fine silt, clay, or sand that migrates toward the well and chokes the gravel pack.
Proven Well Rehabilitation Methods
When a well begins to fail, we utilize a combination of mechanical and chemical processes to “open up” the formations.
1. Mechanical Surging and Swabbing
Think of this as a deep-cleaning “plunge” for your well. We use a tool called a surge block—a device that fits tightly inside the well casing. By moving it up and down, we create a powerful pressure-suction action.
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The Goal: To pull fine sediments out of the gravel pack and force water back out to break up mineral bridges.
2. High-Pressure Water Jetting
This method involves lowering a specialized tool with high-pressure nozzles into the well. It directs powerful streams of water against the well screen.
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The Goal: This is incredibly effective at blasting away stubborn mineral scales and debris that surging might miss. It’s a precision “pressure wash” for the deep interior of your well.
3. Chemical Treatment
Sometimes, mechanical force isn’t enough to dissolve hard mineral deposits or kill bacteria colonies. In these cases, we use targeted chemical applications:
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Acidizing: Food-grade acids are used to dissolve calcium carbonate and iron deposits safely.
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Disinfectants: Specialized chlorine or peroxide treatments are used to eliminate iron-reducing bacteria and slime.
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Note: We always follow chemical treatments with a thorough “pumping to waste” and testing phase to ensure your water is safe and pH-balanced.
4. Hydro-Fracturing (Hydro-Fracking)
For wells in rock formations that have seen a drop in production, we may use hydro-fracturing. This involves injecting high-pressure water into the well to open up existing veins and cracks in the bedrock.
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The Goal: To create new pathways for water to flow from the surrounding rock into your wellbore.
The Benefits of Rehabilitation vs. New Drilling
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Cost-Effective: Rehabilitation is typically a fraction of the cost of drilling, casing, and plumbing a new well.
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Faster Turnaround: Most rehab projects are completed in a few days, whereas drilling a new well can take weeks of permitting and labor.
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Sustainability: It maximizes the utility of existing infrastructure and reduces the environmental footprint of new construction.
When Should You Call the Pros?
The “Point of No Return” for a well is real. If you wait until the well is completely dry, the success rate of rehabilitation drops. You should contact AquaTech Solutions if you notice:
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Air bubbles in your plumbing.
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A “pulsing” sensation in water flow.
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Reduced gallons-per-minute (GPM) during peak usage.
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The pump cycling on and off too frequently.
Let AquaTech Solutions Restore Your Flow
Don’t let a decreasing well disrupt your home or business. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostics, including down-hole cameras, to see exactly what is clogging your well before we start the work.