There are ways to make a well digger more affordable, but this requires mechanical knowledge and takes time and dedication.
To drill on your land, it is often necessary to contact utility companies and secure a permit from them in order to do so. Some counties have specific guidelines for fees associated with well digger projects. Furthermore, it's wise to place the well away from potential contaminants.
Well Digger Preparation
Digging a well is hard work, but the rewards can be immense: pure, cool water in abundance! Most homeowners who rely on well water typically contract professional well digger services; their large augers and drills provide greater access than homeowners do themselves. But if you want your own well while saving money in the process, hand digging can also work!
Start off right by gathering some essential tools. First, identify what kind of soil exists in your location - your county agriculture extension office should be able to assist here - because some types of soil contain more groundwater than others, so knowing exactly what you're dealing with before beginning the project is vitally important.
Discover any existing underground services on your property before drilling, as any drilling may disrupt and damage these lines. Many electric, gas, and telephone companies operate lines under rural properties which could affect where to place the well. Also consider nearby structures like septic systems, animal pens or sewer lines when making this decision.
If you're digging a well manually, start by drilling a pilot hole. Use either a post hole digger or shovel to dig a two-foot deep hole in the area where you intend to dig. Next, install your well point: this pipe attaches directly to the end of your drill and can withstand being driven deep into the earth; its holes provide water access. As progress is made you can check its status by sending down a string to see if it wets up when tested with water.
Tools
To build a well digger, various tools, and materials will be required. Chief among them is the drill bit; powered by an air motor, this tool helps loosen up the ground beneath its rotating tip while the water pump recirculates mud drilling fluid pumped away from dig sites. Additional supplies may also be necessary depending on what kind of well is being dug; for instance, if drilling to supply your home with water you will require both a permanent well pump installation as well as water storage tank installation.
Before digging can begin on your property, the first step will be locating an appropriate spot to put a water well. This requires having a good understanding of local geography; ideal locations will have easy access to groundwater as well as being far away from septic tanks or animal pens that could contaminate it. Furthermore, be sure to monitor the water table regularly over an extended timeframe so that quality water is always available during each season of the year.
Due to these factors, most people turn to a professional well digger to dig their water wells for them, which typically costs anywhere from $3,500-$15,000 depending on several geological and technological considerations. If you are up for taking on this challenge and possess the necessary equipment then DIY well drilling could save money; all it requires is a drill bit, air compressor, PVC pipe, and storage tank.
Well Digger Materials
Cost can be prohibitive when it comes to digging a water well, with a licensed well digger usually charging by the foot - meaning it takes many holes dug to cover expenses for one well. A DIY approach could help lower these expenses.
Small augers are economical hand-held tools designed for single-person use and can dig a well up to 25 feet deep in soft, sandy soil conditions. Unfortunately, these augers are unsuitable for use on hard, rocky ground or deeper wells due to limited digging capability and cost constraints.
As another option for well digging, pneumatic drilling devices may also be utilized. Resembling giant eggbeaters powered by compressed air, several such tools may cost several hundred dollars each; however, adding in the cost of an air compressor may make this project more costly.
Before any deep excavation begins, a pilot hole should first be dug. With either a post hole digger or shovel, dig a two-foot deep pit using either to determine the quality and depth of soil. After duplicating this step in your site, add a drive point onto a PVC tube (available to purchase and slammed into the ground with sledge sledgehammer to force down further) in the pilot hole for use as a further driving point to drive the tube deeper into the ground.
After several weeks, a well can be dug to its desired depth. To ensure its production continues, adding a gravel pack at the bottom of the pipe is a great way to increase clean drinking water production from this well. Any standing water can become dirty over time; bailing can remove this dirty water.
Equipment
Reliable water sources are essential. Without them, you could struggle to do everything from laundry and cooking, drinking and watering livestock and gardens to keeping yourself and your pets alive. Wells can provide access to groundwater supplies that might otherwise go unused, making groundwater an important resource in areas with limited surface water supplies.
Digging a well can be an extremely labor-intensive endeavor. It could take several days of hard labor to unearth a pit large enough for your well. Your type of digging may also influence the costs associated with this undertaking.
Hand-dug wells are an economical solution in areas with close water tables, though they're at greater risk from bacteria in the soil or running dry during droughts than power-drilled wells. Before using your well water for drinking or other uses, always ensure it has passed an official quality test to make sure its safe to use.
As part of your research process, it is also wise to inquire with the county about regulations concerning digging and drilling on your property. In most cases, a permit will likely be needed and it would likely be prudent to contact a professional service who can manage all necessary paperwork and permits on your behalf.
Professional well drilling services offer an alternative that saves both time and money. Get quotes from various contractors, or ask friends, family or neighbors for recommendations of contractors they recommend. A contractor will have all of the tools, equipment, and knowledge needed to quickly and safely drill your well; plus they know about local regulations regarding distance from septic systems or sources of contamination; furthermore, it should be placed away from areas that use pesticides or fertilizers which may contaminate its water table into which will ultimately reach your well.
Safety
Wells have long been used as an efficient solution to finding fresh, reliable water sources. But creating one requires much more than digging a hole; they must be planned, designed, and constructed correctly in order to guarantee structural integrity and long-term viability. When building a well on your own it's wiser to consult a licensed engineer; their training ensures they will create the appropriate type of well for your home or land and save you money over time.
One of the key components of owning a well is testing its water quality. Once you've installed a pump, it is essential to regularly conduct tests to make sure it satisfies all health and safety standards, while simultaneously testing for any contaminants present in your well water supply.
Depending upon where you reside, depending on where you want to dig or drill you may require a permit to dig or drill. While the process takes some time, it will keep both you and your family safe. In addition, local guidelines must be strictly observed so as not to get in trouble with county inspectors.
There are various kinds of wells available for homes or land. While some are hand-dug, most are either drilled or driven with power tools. Drilled wells use machines with rotating cutting edges at the end of a pipe to dig, typically used to create shallow wells but sometimes used deeper sources too. A hand-dug well is more dangerous to construct, often costing unskilled laborers their lives when dug by unskilled laborers.