How to Drill a Well: A Comprehensive Guide for DIY Water Access

Access to a reliable water source is crucial for many homeowners and those living in rural areas. While municipal water systems are common, the allure of self-sufficiency and the cost savings of having your own well can be incredibly appealing. Drilling a well yourself, however, is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning, knowledge, and the right equipment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps, providing detailed instructions and insights to help you successfully drill a well. Disclaimer: Drilling a well can be dangerous. Local regulations and permits vary widely, and it is crucial to consult with your local authorities before beginning. If you are uncomfortable or inexperienced, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional well driller.

Understanding the Basics of Well Drilling

Before we dive into the practical steps, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of well drilling. A well essentially is a hole dug into the ground deep enough to reach a usable water-bearing zone, also known as an aquifer. The depth and specific methods will vary greatly depending on your location’s geology and groundwater conditions. Common well types include:

• Shallow Wells (Dug Wells): These are traditional wells that are typically hand-dug to a relatively shallow depth, often less than 30 feet. They’re prone to contamination and not suitable for areas with low water tables.
• Driven Wells: These involve driving a pointed pipe into the ground to reach the water table. They are suitable for sandy or gravelly soil conditions and can be relatively simple to install, typically not exceeding 50 feet.
• Drilled Wells: These are created using specialized drilling rigs. They can reach much deeper aquifers and are suitable for a wider range of soil conditions. They are generally more reliable and have lower risk of contamination. This guide focuses on drilled wells using methods that are suitable for motivated DIYers.

Planning and Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Careful planning and preparation are paramount for a successful well-drilling project. Neglecting this stage can lead to costly errors and even safety hazards. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Research and Local Regulations

Before you even think about purchasing equipment, you must research your local regulations. This includes:

• Permits: Well drilling usually requires permits from your local health department, environmental agency, or water resources board. Contact them early to understand the permitting process and associated fees.
• Setback Requirements: Regulations often dictate the minimum distance between your well and property lines, septic systems, and other potential sources of contamination.
• Well Depth and Construction Standards: Your area might have specific rules regarding the required depth of your well and acceptable construction methods.
• Water Testing Requirements: Some jurisdictions mandate water testing after drilling, and these regulations can also affect how your well is constructed.

2. Geological Survey and Water Table Assessment

Understanding your area’s geology and water table depth is crucial for choosing the correct drilling method and determining the necessary well depth. Consider the following:

• Soil Composition: Is the ground primarily sand, clay, rock, or a mix? This will influence your drilling technique and the type of bit you’ll need.
• Water Table Depth: You can use online resources, nearby well records, or consult with local experts to get an estimate.
• Aquifer Characteristics: Is the aquifer confined or unconfined? This will affect the amount of pressure present and the water yield you can expect.
• Water Quality: Is there any history of water contamination in the area? This is an important consideration when choosing the final well depth and ensuring well sanitation.

3. Choosing the Right Drilling Method

Several drilling methods can be employed by DIYers, each with their own pros and cons:

• Manual Auger Drilling: This method uses a hand-operated auger to remove soil. It’s suitable for shallow depths in softer soils like sand and clay. It’s relatively inexpensive but very labor-intensive.
• Mud Rotary Drilling: This method uses a rotating drill bit and drilling fluid (mud) to remove cuttings and stabilize the borehole. It’s versatile and can handle various soil types. However, it requires more specialized equipment.
• Air Rotary Drilling: This technique utilizes compressed air to remove cuttings, making it faster in specific formations, but requires a large compressor.
• Water Jetting: Water under pressure is used to loosen soil while driving a well point and casing into the ground. This can be suitable for sandy and gravelly soils.

For most DIYers, a mud rotary method, with possible hand auger pre-drilling, tends to be the most practical balance of cost and feasibility.

4. Essential Equipment and Tools

Gathering the correct tools and equipment before starting is crucial. Here’s a checklist of items you’ll likely need:

• Drilling Rig (Homemade or Purchased): A basic drilling rig can be fabricated from steel tubing, an engine, a gearbox, and a rotating head. Pre-made models are also available but can be expensive.
• Drill Bits: Select drill bits appropriate for the soil conditions you expect. Options include fishtail bits, clay bits, rock bits, and tricone bits.
• Drill Stem: This is a series of connecting pipes that transfer the drilling torque and force to the drill bit.
• Drill Mud Pump: A pump to circulate drilling mud through the drill stem and out of the borehole.
• Drilling Mud and Additives: Bentonite clay and other additives are used to create a drilling mud that lubricates the bit, carries cuttings to the surface, and stabilizes the borehole.
• Well Casing: This is the pipe used to line the well bore. Choose a casing material that complies with local regulations (usually PVC or steel).
• Well Screen: A slotted or perforated pipe section that allows water to enter the well while preventing sand and gravel from being pulled in.
• Gravel Pack (Optional): If your well passes through a significant sand zone, a gravel pack around the screen may be needed to improve performance and reduce sand entry.
• Basic Tools: Wrench set, pipe wrenches, measuring tape, level, safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, etc.
• Water Source: You’ll need a good source of water for mixing drilling mud and other tasks during the process.
• Auger (Optional for pre-drilling): A hand auger may be helpful for starting the hole and drilling the top few feet.

5. Safety Precautions

Well drilling can be dangerous. Always follow these precautions:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a hard hat at all times.
• Electrical Safety: Be aware of all power lines and ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded.
• Mechanical Safety: Double-check all connections and moving parts on the drilling rig before and during operations.
• Confined Spaces: Be very aware of cave-ins and hazards of working in deep, narrow holes. Make sure the borehole is stable.
• First Aid: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on site and be prepared to handle emergencies.
• Buddy System: Never work alone. Always have someone nearby who can help in case of an accident.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drilling a Well

With all the planning done and the equipment ready, here are the steps involved in drilling your own well:

Step 1: Site Preparation

Choose a location for the well that is in compliance with setback regulations. Clear the area and create a level drilling platform. If the soil is loose or uneven, consider building a stable platform out of gravel or lumber.

Step 2: Initial Drilling (Optional: Hand Auger or Starting Hole)

Begin the hole using a hand auger if applicable. This helps to establish the initial position. If your drilling rig requires a starter hole, drill a pilot hole at the location. An auger can also help you assess the very top layers of soil before starting with the main rig.

Step 3: Setting Up the Drilling Rig

Carefully position the drilling rig over the pilot hole, making sure it is level and stable. Secure all components and ensure that all connections are tight and working properly. Start the engine and test the rotary motion.

Step 4: Drilling with Mud Rotary Method

Prepare the drilling mud by mixing bentonite clay and any other needed additives with water, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, in a mixing tank or container. Start the mud pump and begin circulating the mud through the drill stem and out through the drill bit. Carefully lower the drill bit into the pilot hole and begin drilling. As you drill, maintain a consistent downward pressure on the drill bit and regulate the rotation to optimize cutting performance. Continuously monitor the drilling mud returning to the surface, checking for changes in color, consistency, or the presence of water. The returning mud will bring with it cuttings from the bore hole.

Step 5: Adding Drill Stem Sections

As the drill penetrates deeper into the ground, you’ll need to add sections to the drill stem. Ensure that all connections are clean and tightly secured to prevent separation or leaks. Maintain the drilling mud flow during this process to keep the borehole stable.

Step 6: Observing Soil Changes

Pay close attention to the changes in the soil cuttings brought to the surface. Note the depth and characteristics of different soil layers. When you start seeing signs of moisture or water saturation, this could be a water-bearing formation. Observe for water staining or increased moisture levels in the cuttings. Consult your geological survey to ensure you are at the correct depth.

Step 7: Reaching the Aquifer

Continue drilling until you reach a good water-bearing zone or aquifer. This is determined by an increase in water flow from the borehole. It’s recommended to drill a few feet deeper into the aquifer to account for drawdown (the lowering of the water level when pumping water). If the depth is significantly greater than expected, consider contacting a well professional before continuing.

Step 8: Borehole Conditioning and Well Casing Installation

Once you’ve reached the desired depth, it is important to condition the borehole. Remove the drill stem and circulate clean mud into the hole, removing all cuttings. Next, insert the well casing and screen into the borehole. Ensure the screen is positioned within the water-bearing zone. This may involve temporarily removing the drill bit and stem to place the well casing sections. Depending on the type of screen you have purchased, it might be a section that has been prefabricated into a continuous section of piping, or may require additional steps to be assembled at the end of the well pipe. If a gravel pack is required, this needs to be installed between the casing and the borehole walls. Ensure that the gravel pack materials are clean, washed, and uniformly sized.

Step 9: Casing Sealing

Seal the annular space between the well casing and the borehole wall at the top using an approved sealing material like grout or bentonite. This prevents surface water from contaminating the well and stabilizes the casing. Ensure that the annular seal is deep and water-tight.

Step 10: Developing the Well

After installation, the well may need to be “developed”. This process involves removing any drilling mud, fine sand, or silt from the aquifer surrounding the well screen. This can be done using a surge block or an air lift pump to clear the aquifer. This process ensures that the well yields clear water and has a long productive lifespan. Cycle the pump off and on to encourage a clear yield.

Step 11: Water Testing

Collect a water sample and have it tested by a certified laboratory to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Check for bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Follow up on the water quality testing and continue to monitor your water supply. In addition, it’s important to monitor your yield level. If you see a large variation in the amount of water you can pump out, it may signal a larger issue with your well that should be investigated.

Step 12: Completing the Wellhead

Install a well cap or a sanitary seal at the top of the casing. This will prevent debris, rodents, and insects from entering the well. This is required for preventing potential contamination. Mount the well pump on top of or near the wellhead and connect the necessary piping and electrical components. This step includes any final trenching and electrical installation for your well pump.

Maintaining Your Well

Once your well is drilled, it needs periodic maintenance to ensure continued operation. This includes checking the wellhead for any damage and making sure it is properly sealed. It also involves testing the water quality on a regular basis and monitoring the water output levels. A professional well inspector will also be able to give you advice on any future maintenance your well will require.

Final Thoughts

Drilling your own well is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous planning, the proper tools, and a thorough understanding of the process. This guide offers a starting point, but remember that local conditions can vary significantly. Always prioritize safety and consult with professionals when needed. If you carefully plan and prepare your project, you may achieve the independence and cost savings of an independent water source.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Well drilling is a complex and potentially dangerous activity that should only be undertaken by individuals with adequate knowledge and experience. Always consult with local authorities and professionals before beginning any well drilling project. The specific methods, tools, and regulations can vary widely depending on your location. By undertaking this project, you understand that you accept the risk of errors, accidents, and potential damage.