Essential Well Water Maintenance Tips to Keep Your System Running Smoothly

The Gohlke Well Team • September 25, 2026

Annual Testing, Wellhead Care, and Pump Checks for Homeowners in

Burlington, Kenosha, Racine & Walworth Counties

Serving Burlington, WI • Kenosha County • Racine County • Walworth County



Your private well is one of the most important systems in your home. Unlike city water, you are fully responsible for protecting water quality, system reliability, and long-term performance. A little consistent maintenance goes a long way toward preventing costly breakdowns, protecting your family’s health, and extending the life of your pump, pressure tank, and well itself.

At Gohlke Well Drilling, we have helped homeowners across Burlington, Kenosha County, Racine County, and Walworth County keep their wells running reliably for decades. Here are the practical maintenance steps we recommend for every private well owner in southeastern Wisconsin.

1. Test Your Well Water Every Year

Wisconsin DNR and Department of Health Services guidelines are clear: test your private well at least once a year for total coliform bacteria and nitrate. These two tests catch the most common health risks.

  • Test more often if you notice changes in taste, odor, color, or clarity.
  • Test after flooding, heavy rains, or any work done on the well or pump.
  • Consider arsenic and lead testing every five years (or more frequently in certain areas).
  • Pregnant women and families with infants under six months should test before relying on the water for drinking or formula.

Use a Wisconsin-certified laboratory. Keep all results with your well records. If bacteria appears, professional well chlorination (shock disinfection) is often the next step—something our team performs regularly.

2. Inspect the Wellhead and Casing Regularly

Walk out to your well several times a year and look for problems:

  • Is the well cap secure, sealed, and free of cracks or holes?
  • Is the casing damaged, leaning, or showing signs of corrosion?
  • Does water pond around the well after rain or snowmelt?
  • Are there any signs of animal activity, insects, or debris near the cap?

A damaged or loose well cap is one of the most common ways contaminants and critters enter a well. Make sure the ground slopes away from the well so surface water and runoff drain in the opposite direction. In agricultural areas common throughout Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties, keep fertilizers, pesticides, manure, and fuel storage well away from the wellhead.

3. Protect the Area Around Your Well

Create a clean zone around the well:

  • Keep the area clear of brush, debris, and stored chemicals.
  • Avoid parking or driving heavy equipment near the well.
  • Maintain proper setbacks from septic systems, livestock, and fuel tanks.
  • Never use the well pit or casing as a place to store tools or chemicals.

Simple site protection dramatically reduces contamination risk and makes future service much easier.

4. Watch Your Water Pressure and Pump Performance

Pay attention to how your system behaves day to day:

  • Sudden drops in pressure
  • Pump cycling on and off more frequently than usual
  • Longer run times or unusual noises
  • Air sputtering from faucets

These symptoms often point to a failing pressure tank, worn pump, clogged intake, or dropping water levels. Catching them early usually means a simpler repair instead of a full pump replacement. Modern submersible pumps and properly sized pressure tanks (Sta-Rite, Grundfos, Flint & Walling, and others we install) deliver years of reliable service when maintained.

5. Schedule Professional Well and Pump Inspections

While homeowners can handle visual checks and annual water testing, a licensed professional should evaluate the full system periodically. We recommend having a qualified well contractor inspect:

  • Pump performance and electrical components
  • Pressure tank condition and air charge
  • Check valves and piping
  • Overall system efficiency and water production

Many wells benefit from an inspection every few years, or sooner if performance changes. Our team performs thorough well inspections, pump evaluations, pressure tank service, and water system diagnostics throughout Burlington and the surrounding counties.

6. Address Seasonal Challenges in Southeastern Wisconsin

Wisconsin weather puts extra stress on private wells:

  • Spring snowmelt and heavy rains increase the risk of surface contamination and flooding. Inspect after major events.
  • Winter freezing can affect exposed piping, pitless adapters, and above-ground components. Proper insulation and burial depth matter.
  • Drought or dry periods can lower water tables and stress older or shallower wells.

If your well has ever run low or produced sediment after dry spells, have production and water levels checked.

7. Keep Good Records

Maintain a simple well file that includes:

  • Well construction report (if available)
  • Pump installation details and model numbers
  • Water test results over time
  • Service and repair history
  • Any chlorination or treatment work performed

Good records help diagnose problems faster and are valuable when selling the home or transferring ownership.

When to Call Gohlke Well Drilling

Contact us promptly if you experience:

  • Positive bacteria or elevated nitrate results
  • Sudden loss of water pressure or no water
  • Cloudy, discolored, or foul-smelling water
  • Frequent pump cycling or unusual noises
  • Visible damage to the wellhead or casing
  • Need for well chlorination, pump repair/replacement, or pressure tank service

We are an owner-operated, licensed, and insured well drilling and pump service company serving Burlington, Kenosha County, Racine County, and Walworth County. We offer 24/7 emergency service because well problems don’t wait for business hours.

Protect your water. Protect your investment.

Call Gohlke Well Drilling today at (262) 539-0550 to schedule water testing guidance, a system inspection, pump service, or well maintenance. We’re ready to help keep your well water system running smoothly for years to come.

Serving homeowners and properties throughout Burlington, WI and the greater Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth County areas with professional well drilling, pump installation & repair, water testing support, chlorinations, and complete water system service.

When Should You Chlorinate Your Well? Essential Guide for Property Owners in Burlington, WI & Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha Counties

By The Gohlke Well Team • August 14, 2026
Key Warning Signs, Expert Tips from Gohlke Well, and What Every Property Owner in Burlington, Racine, Walworth & Kenosha Counties Needs to Know About Safe Well Water

Tips for Fixing Short Cycling Pressure Tanks on Your Well Water System

January 17, 2025
If your well water system’s pressure tank is short cycling—turning on and off rapidly—it’s more than just an annoyance. Short cycling can cause wear and tear on your pump, increase energy costs, and lead to more expensive repairs if left unaddressed. At Gohlke Well Drilling, we’ve seen it all when it comes to pressure tanks, and we’re here to share some expert tips to help you address this issue. What Causes Short Cycling? Short cycling typically occurs when: The pressure tank has lost its air cushion. The bladder or diaphragm inside the tank is damaged. The pressure switch is malfunctioning. There’s a leak in your plumbing system. Here’s what you can do to fix or diagnose the problem: 1. Check the Air Pressure in Your Tank The air pressure in your tank should match the cut-in pressure of your pressure switch (typically 2 psi below the cut-in setting). Follow these steps: Turn off the power to the pump. Drain the tank of water by opening a faucet or valve. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure at the air valve on the tank. If the pressure is too low, use an air compressor to add air. If it’s too high, release some air. 2. Inspect the Tank for Damage If the pressure tank’s bladder or diaphragm is damaged, it won’t function properly. Signs of a damaged tank include: Waterlogged tank (no air cushion inside). Visible water leaks. Rapid cycling even after adjusting the air pressure. A damaged tank may need to be replaced, so consult a professional if you suspect this issue. 3. Adjust or Replace the Pressure Switch The pressure switch controls when your pump turns on and off. If it’s misadjusted or failing, it can cause short cycling. Here’s what to do: Turn off the pump’s power. Open the pressure switch cover and inspect the contacts for wear or debris. Adjust the cut-in and cut-out settings as needed, ensuring the differential pressure is correct. If the switch is worn out, replace it with a new one. 4. Look for Plumbing Leaks Leaks in your plumbing system can cause the pump to cycle frequently. Inspect your system for: Dripping faucets. Leaking toilets. Broken pipes or connections. Fix any leaks promptly to prevent further issues. 5. Schedule Regular Maintenance Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid short cycling and other common well system problems. Gohlke Well Drilling offers routine inspections and servicing to ensure your system operates smoothly year-round. When to Call the Experts If you’ve tried these tips and your pressure tank is still short cycling, it’s time to call in the professionals. At Gohlke Well Drilling, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing well water systems throughout Southeast Wisconsin. We’ll ensure your system runs efficiently, saving you money and extending the life of your equipment. Need help with your pressure tank or another well water issue? Contact Gohlke Well Drilling today for expert service!