Gohlke LLP Well Drilling-Water Blog

Essential Well Water Maintenance Tips to Keep Your System Running Smoothly

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:03:00 GMT

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

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

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:28:33 GMT

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

Private well water is a reliable source for thousands of families across Burlington, WI, and the surrounding Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha Counties. But even the best-maintained wells can develop bacterial issues over time. That’s where well chlorination (also called shock chlorination or well disinfection) comes in. It’s one of the most effective ways to eliminate harmful bacteria like coliform and E. coli, along with iron bacteria and sulfur bacteria that cause slime, odors, and staining.

At Gohlke Well , your trusted local well drilling and well water service company serving Burlington, Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha Counties, we perform dozens of well chlorinations every year. In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll walk you through the clear signs your well needs chlorination, when it’s required by best practices (and Wisconsin DNR guidelines), what the process involves, and why professional service from Gohlke Well is often the smartest choice for Southeast Wisconsin homeowners.

What Is Well Chlorination and Why Does It Matter?

Well chlorination is a targeted disinfection process that introduces a high concentration of chlorine into your well and entire plumbing system. The goal? To kill bacteria, viruses, and biofilm that can build up inside the well casing, pump, and pipes.

Unlike continuous chlorination systems (which some wells need for ongoing iron or sulfur bacteria control), shock chlorination is a one-time “shock treatment” used when testing shows contamination or after specific events. Wisconsin’s private well owners are responsible for their own water quality—no municipal oversight—so regular testing and timely chlorination are your first line of defense for safe drinking water.

5 Clear Signs Your Well Needs Shock Chlorination

Don’t wait for a positive lab test. Watch for these common red flags that signal it’s time to chlorinate your private well:

Foul or Rotten-Egg Odors – A sulfur-like or musty smell from faucets almost always points to bacterial buildup (iron or sulfur-reducing bacteria).
Cloudy, Discolored, or Slimy Water – Turbid water after rain, reddish-brown staining, or black slime in your toilet tank are classic signs of iron bacteria.
Recent Well Work or Repairs – Any time a well driller or pump installer opens the well cap for repairs, pump replacement, or new piping, shock chlorination is required.
Positive Bacteria Test Results – If your annual coliform bacteria test comes back positive, chlorination is the recommended first step before re-testing.
Flooding, Heavy Rain, or Standing Water Around the Well – Surface water can carry contaminants straight down the casing if your well cap isn’t perfectly sealed.

Other triggers include a new well installation, returning an unused well to service, or noticeable changes in taste (metallic or bitter).

When Wisconsin DNR Guidelines Recommend Chlorinating Your Well

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), shock chlorination is strongly recommended in these situations:

After any new well construction or pump installation (licensed drillers and pump installers handle this by code).
Following positive total coliform or E. coli test results.
After well repairs, maintenance, or any time the well cap is removed.
Following flood events or heavy rainfall that could introduce surface contamination.
To control nuisance bacteria causing iron/sulfur issues common in Southeast Wisconsin groundwater.

Pro tip for Burlington-area homeowners: Test your well water at least once a year for bacteria (and nitrates). Spring is ideal because snowmelt and spring rains can push contaminants into shallow wells. Certified labs are available throughout Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha Counties—many offer convenient drop-off testing.

The Well Chlorination Process: What to Expect

Whether you choose DIY or professional service from Gohlke Well , here’s what the standard shock chlorination process looks like (following DNR guidelines):

Preparation – Bypass water softeners, filters, and heaters to protect equipment. Shut off the well pump power.
Calculate & Add Chlorine – A precise amount of unscented household bleach (or approved liquid chlorine) is mixed and poured into the well to reach 100–500 ppm chlorine concentration. (Exact dosage depends on well depth and diameter—our team at Gohlke Well calculates this on-site.)
Circulate the Solution – Run chlorinated water through every faucet and outdoor spigot until you smell chlorine, then recirculate back into the well to scrub the casing.
Contact Time – Let the solution sit 12–24 hours (overnight is best).
Flush Thoroughly – Pump the chlorinated water out through a hose (away from lawns, septic systems, and waterways) until the chlorine smell is gone.
Retest – Wait 7–14 days, then collect a new bacteria sample. If results are still positive after three attempts, a “well fill and seal” may be needed.

Important Wisconsin note: In arsenic-sensitive areas (including parts of Southeast WI), chlorine levels must be carefully controlled to avoid mobilizing naturally occurring arsenic.

DIY vs. Professional Well Chlorination from Gohlke Well – What Burlington Homeowners Should Know

Many homeowners can follow DNR’s “Do It Yourself Private Well Disinfection” instructions (Publication DG-120). However, we at Gohlke Well strongly recommend hiring licensed local professionals for several reasons:

Safety & Precision – Handling concentrated chlorine near electrical components and pressurized systems carries risks. Our teams at Gohlke Well use proper PPE and equipment.
Thorough Results – Professionals often combine chlorination with well cleaning, pH adjustment, or dispersants to break up stubborn biofilm—something DIY methods can miss.
Warranty & Compliance – Post-construction or post-pump-install chlorinations must be done by licensed drillers/pump installers per Wisconsin code.
Convenience – No hauling bleach, no 24-hour water outage planning, and we handle flushing and follow-up testing.

In Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha Counties, local groundwater conditions (high iron, sulfur, and occasional shallow well vulnerability) often require more than basic bleach treatment. Gohlke Well has the experience and equipment to get it right the first time.

Protect Your Family’s Water Year-Round with Gohlke Well

Shock chlorination fixes the immediate problem, but prevention is key. Schedule annual bacteria testing, inspect your well cap and casing every spring, and keep trees, septic systems, and chemicals at least 50 feet away from your well.

Our Burlington-based well drilling and water service team at Gohlke Well offers complete well chlorination, water testing, pump repair, and well maintenance packages tailored to Southeast Wisconsin homes. Whether you’re in Burlington, Racine, Walworth, Kenosha, or the surrounding townships, we’re just a phone call away.

Ready to restore safe, great-tasting well water to your home?

Contact the expert team at Gohlke Well today for professional well chlorination, water testing, or a free well inspection. Serving Burlington, WI and all of Racine, Walworth, and Kenosha Counties with fast, reliable service you can trust.

Don’t risk your family’s health on questionable well water. Let the local well experts at Gohlke Well handle it right the first time.

Call Gohlke Well today – your Southeast Wisconsin well water specialists.

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

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:07:49 GMT

Tips for Fixing Short Cycling Pressure Tanks on Your Well

Water System & How Gholke Well Can Help

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!