How to Acidize the Points of a Water Well

How to Acidize the Points of a Water Well
Written By
Chris Bond
Chris Bond
Published: Nov 25, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves appropriate for resisting chemical spills
  • Protective clothing
  • Pump
  • Site-appropriate acid
  • Clean water (in case of accidental splash in the eyes)

A variety of acids may be used to correct the process, depending on the materials used to construct the well. The acid is pumped into the well's bore under pressure to effect a chemical reaction with the rock to enlarge the existing points, or to create new chambers within the well.

Preparations

    Know if your well is constructed of stone, plastic or some other material.
  1. Determine the materials used to construct your well. This includes the casing and the screen. This will dictate what type of acid should be used.

  2. Sulfur buildup in wells is prevalent in some areas of the country.
  3. Determine the type of buildup that is preventing proper well operation. This may involve contacting well professionals in your area as well problems tend to stem from many of the same causes in areas with the same soil types and water source.

  4. Acids containing phosphorous can be harmful to downstream ecosystems if spilled.
  5. Select an acid appropriate for your well. This could be hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid, glycolic acid or phosphoric acid. Each type will correct a specific problem and each has unique caustic properties. Know what acid you need before obtaining any.

Acidizing the Well

  1. Gather all personal protective equipment and clean water. Wear equipment at all times when handling acid.

  2. Make sure to use an appropriately-sized pump for the volume of solution to be applied.
  3. Pump acid into the well. If using a concentrate, prepare solution first by adding the acid to the water. Allow adequate time for acid to dissolve minerals and blockages.

  4. This process can be done as often as is needed.
  5. Remove water from well in cases of extreme blockage by pumping out acidified water. Reapply acid and remove again as needed.

Photo Credits

PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Chris Bond

Chris Bond has been writing about gardening, sustainable agriculture and local history since 2005. He has been published in "The Plain Dealer," "The Repository" and online. Bond holds an A.A.S. from the State University of New York at the…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.