How to Clean a Well Screen

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Things You'll Need

  • Granular acid

  • Measuring cup

Wells have screens that prevent various materials from passing through. However, these screens accumulate deposits from the water that passes through, slowly lowering your water pressure until it's completely clogged. To prevent this from happening, you must apply a chemical application that can reach the screen down in the well and eat away at the deposits, so the water can flow properly again.

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Step 1

Locate the priming plug port of the well, which is set before the pump inlet.

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Step 2

Pour a granular form of an acid, such as muriatic, phosphoric or sulfamic, down the port opening. This will allow the acid to reach the well screen, where the granules will slowly dissolve and react with the build-up on the well screen without releasing large quantities of chemicals all at once. There is no need for large quantities of acid -- typically, ½ cup to 1 cup is enough.

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Step 3

Wait for the chemical to do its work. Since it's a slow-release product, it might take a few hours or more before you notice a difference in water flow when checking faucets.

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