How to Pump Sand out of a Shallow Well

Remove the well cap and any existing pump equipment from inside the well.

Place the surge block into the casing and push and pull it along the length of the well. A surge block is similar to a plunger for wells. It typically has a disc with rubber bands attached to a handle that you move through the casing. This movement will scrape the sides of the casing and help to agitate the water and mix the sand into the water column. The sand is easier to remove when it floats in the water.

Insert a submersible, or similar, pump into the well. Pump the water and sand until the water runs clear. You can allow the water from the well to run over the land surface if the water is clean.

Repeat the surge block and pumping process to make sure the sand is gone. Once the well water is clear immediately after using the surge block, you know that the casing is free of sand.