If you’re thinking of having a well dug on your property, you might be wondering how much it will cost. The truth is, there are a lot of factors that go into the cost of digging a well. In this article, we’ll break down all the different costs associated with having a well dug, as well as some FAQs about wells.
How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Well: Cost Factors
A variety of factors determines the cost of constructing a well. Here we will ‘dig’ into each factor a bit.
Digging vs. Drilling
The first thing to consider is whether you want to have the well dug or drilled. Digging a well is typically less expensive than the cost to drill, but it can be more labor-intensive.
Depth of the Well
The deeper the well, the more expensive it will be. This is because more materials and labor are required to reach greater depths.
Soil Conditions
Another important factor to consider is the soil conditions on your property. If the soil is harder, it will take longer to dig the well and, as a result, will be more expensive.
Diameter of the Well
A wider well requires more materials and labor, making it more expensive than a narrower one.
Cost Per Foot
The final factor to consider is how much it will cost per foot. The average cost to dig a well is between $15 and $30 per foot.
On the other hand, the average cost to drill a well is between $40 and $60 per foot.
An Average Well
The average depth of a well is between 100 and 400 feet.
The average cost to construct a well is between $3,000 and $5,000.
The average cost of installing a complete well water system is between $6,000 and $10,000.
Types of Wells
There are several different types of wells, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here we will discuss the most common types of wells and how much they cost.
Shallow Wells
Shallow wells are typically less than 25 feet deep and cost between $500 and $3,000 to construct. These wells work by pulling water from shallow aquifers.
Residential Wells
Residential wells are usually between 50 and 150 feet deep and can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 to construct.
Irrigation Wells
Irrigation wells are used to water crops and are usually between 100 and 300 feet deep. They can cost between $9,000 and $15,000 to construct.
Geothermal Wells
Geothermal wells are used to tap into the earth’s natural heat and require a special drill rig. They are typically between 100 to 500 feet deep and cost between $3,500 and $5,000.
Artesian Wells
Artesian wells are used to tap into underground aquifers. They are usually between 150 and 450 feet deep and can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 to construct.
Sand Point Wells
Sand point wells are used to tap into underground aquifers and require a shallow water table. They are usually between 50 and 100 feet deep and can cost between $500 and $3,000 to construct.
Cost of Redrilling or Digging to Make a Well Deeper
If you need to redrill or dig your well to make it deeper, the cost will be between $50 and $100 per foot.
For Your Consideration
Please note that the above figures are only for the digging or drilling process. They do not include the water pump, water testing, storage tank or pressure tank, etc. The cost of each part is something to consider.
You should look at the differences between a solar-powered pump versus an electric one.
Doing cost estimates on various parts, such as the water storage tank cost, will help you save money and cut down the final cost. The soil absorption system will significantly affect cost.
FAQs
How long does it take to dig a well?
It typically takes between two and four weeks to dig a well.
How long does a well last?
A well can last for many years, but the average lifespan is 20 to 30 years.
Can the well dry up?
Yes, if the aquifer is not replenished, the well can dry up.
How far down do you need to dig to get quality drinking water?
In most cases, you will need to dig between 100 and 400 feet to get quality drinking water.
What is the annual maintenance for a well, and how much does it cost?
To maintain a well, you should have it inspected and cleaned every year. The annual maintenance costs for a well are typically between $100 and $200.
How close should the well be to the septic system?
The well should be at least 100 feet away from the septic system and 100 feet away from the septic tank drain field.
Does septic system drilling cost the same as well drilling?
The drilling cost for a well and septic system are typically the same.
Conclusion
Constructing a well can be a significant investment, but it is an important one that can provide you with a reliable water source for many years. We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of how much it costs to construct a well.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help you further.
Thanks for explaining how the condition of the soil on your property can factor into the cost of well drilling. My mom and dad are considering having a water well drilled on their property so they can have their own water source. I’ll suggest that they choose a well drilling service that is experienced in the type of soil they have to keep the expenses as low as possible.
I appreciate that you explained how making cost estimates for various components, such as the price of the water storage tank, can enable you to save costs and lower the overall price. Given that we lack access to the necessary tools, it would make sense for us to employ a professional who can assist us in water well drilling. The fact that we will always have the water supply we require is important to us because we frequently suffer water shortages in our area. Thanks!
I needed to know that a residential well can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 to build and is typically between 50 and 150 feet deep. This is an excellent read because my husband and I are debating digging a water well in our property. Because there are frequent water shortages in our town, we wanted to make sure that we would always have a continuous supply of water. I’ll be sure to work with a reputable residential water well drilling installation company.
I’m delighted you mentioned that digging a well might require a large investment, but it’s a necessary one that can give you a dependable water supply for many years. To have a consistent source of water, my husband and I are interested in having a water well constructed for us. As there is constantly a water scarcity in our location, this is good for us. We will make sure to share your advice with the contractor we pick since we want to guarantee everyone’s safety and effective work.