Well Drilling Basics: What To Expect When You Want A New Well Installed
Deciding to have a well installed on your property is an exciting prospect. Creating water independence for your family may be important to you, but the process isn't as simple as just deciding to do it and then drilling. In fact, there's a lot that goes into drilling a well on your property, and the more that you understand about the process, the easier the experience will be for you. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to know.
You Probably Need Permits
Before you can even start testing your land for a viable well location, you'll need to find out whether or not you need permits. In most areas, you'll have to ask your city or township for permits before you can have a well installed on the property.
Part of the permit process may also include having the land surveyed and marked with flags to identify the location of any pipes, wires, or other underground infrastructure. When you work with a well drilling contractor, the company will have experience in the permit process and will know what permits you'll be required to have based on where you live.
It Starts With An Assessment
Once you have the proper permits for your well installation, the well drilling company will need to start assessing the lot to find the best place to get water. The fact is that some properties may not have a sufficient water table for a well without digging exceedingly deep, so most well drilling companies start with the assessment process to ensure that you have enough water access on the property to create the well and that the water is safe to use. From there, they can determine the best place to put the well based on the water table and flow, as well as the access to your home.
The Process Takes Time
Many people think of well drilling as a quick and easy process. However, they don't often realize how much goes into the well building process. Once the location is identified, your well drilling contractor will bring in the drilling equipment to create the well itself. Then the well casing will be installed, along with a pressure tank, if you've requested one. Screens may be put in place as well to help filter out sediment and dirt. Then, the contractor will apply grout to seal the space between the casing and the walls of the hole that was drilled.
Once this is done, the well drilling contractors will usually monitor the well for 24 hours to watch the rate at which it fills. From there, the pump can be installed, the water will be tested again, and then the cap will be put in place.
Well drilling is well worth the investment for eliminating the cost of municipal water. Understanding the process can help you to be better prepared for the experience with a local well drilling company.
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