4 Details To Know About Well Drilling

You can have a well dug on your property even if you live in the city. You might want a well for an irrigation system so you get free water and your water bill won't go up just to water your lawn. You might want to use well water exclusively for your drinking water, whether you live in the city or country. The steps for well drilling and installation are the same in either place, and you'll need to comply with local codes and health department regulations too. Here's what you need to know about well drilling.

1. Considerations For Well Placement

If you live in an area where underground water is abundant, the well-drilling contractor can probably put the well anywhere you want it. If you live where water is very deep or difficult to find, the contractor needs to assess your land to see where water is most likely to be.

In addition, you'll need to follow codes about placing the well far enough away from a septic system and setback area. Besides that, consider where a well would be most convenient since part of the well will extend above the ground. You'll also need to consider working space since well drilling requires big trucks and machinery that need room to maneuver.

2. Drilling May Include Equipment Installation

Besides just drilling the hole, the contractor may also put in the casing, pump, and cap. They may install the pressure tank and pipes too. You might need to hire an electrician yourself to hook up the pump if the drilling company doesn't have an electrician on staff.

3. Drilling May Be Finished The Same Day

A few things affect how fast well drilling can be completed. The geography under the ground varies by location, and some areas are easier to drill than others. Plus, the depth of wells varies quite a bit. It takes longer if you need a deep well. Some wells can be quite shallow, but you may want to discuss how deep your well should be with your contractor since deeper wells have a lower risk of contamination from the surface.

4. Water Testing Should Be Done Too

After the well has been drilled, the contractor will probably disinfect it so your water won't be contaminated by the process of well drilling. You should still have the water tested before you start drinking it so you know it's safe. You'll also want to have the water tested regularly once you start using your system since it's possible for wells to get contaminated from surface pollution.

Your well-drilling contractor or health department should be able to advise you about testing your water and having maintenance done on your well so your water system stays safe and sanitary.

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