I need a new well, could use advise

Dixielee · #1 03/02/09, 02:47 AM

I have been without water for the most part since Christmas. The plumbers pulled out the pipe and I only have a few feet of water at the bottom of the well. I guess the drought had finally hit here. My current well is 70 feet and is 10 years old.

The are several well digging servises in the local book, but I was wondering what I needed to ask. I was them to complete the job and not have me looking for plumbers and electricians. I just want it all hooked up and all I need to do is turn the faucett one.

Anyone with any ideas, comments, things I should know before I head into this battle? Thanks

cfabe · #2 03/02/09, 07:25 AM

I am sure any well driller will be able to handle the whole project or will have a pump installer/plumber they work with who they can coordinate the job with. Just start making some calls. Hopefully they can just deepen your existing well since it's only 10 years old rather than drill a completely new one.

Ramblin Wreck · #3 03/02/09, 07:51 AM

What cfabe said. My brother and sister each had wells drilled last year to replace their bored wells. The final cost, including the pumps and plumbing came to about $5,000 for each.

RVcook · #4 03/02/09, 08:57 AM

Can you enlist the services of a water dowser? A good dowser should be able to tell you whether it would be worth your while to drill deeper as well as provide you with specifics such as what depth sweet water flows, gals. per minute, etc.

Most dowsers don't charge very much and if he comes with a good local recommendation, his service could literally save you thousands.

RVcook

Woodsprite · #5 03/02/09, 09:34 AM

Yikes - so sorry to hear about your well. I would just recommend that if you can find a well-driller who's been doing business right in your area for many years, you'll be most likely to find someone who really understands the land and what's under it. As you're calling through the listings in the book, I'd ask them how long they've been in business locally. We were really happy to have met the wonderful old guys to did our well - their families have been making wells in our town for generations, and they were full of great stories and great advice.

ErinP · #6 03/02/09, 09:46 AM

I second the suggestion of calling a water witch, first. We have a neighbor who witches and he's only missed once in about 20 years. Even in the northwest corner of Kansas where water is really spotty.

agmantoo · #7 03/02/09, 09:51 AM

Most wells drilled today are 6 inch diameter. You have the choice for the casing of PVC or galvanized steel pipe. The steel pipe can be better seated to bedrock and is the better choice but it does cost more. The inability to seat the casing is often a point of entry from grit and sediment. A cheap pump is not a savings. It is expensive to have a submersible pump serviced so you do not want to have to do this often. IMO one of the best pumps still being built is the all stainless steel unit by Goulds. An oversize in horsepower pump is a waste of money and electricity. Have someone that can read a pump chart and that understands your new well to size the pump. Above ground you will need a bladder tank that needs some consideration before purchasing. The bladder tank needs to be as large as your budget can tolerate as it will save wear and tear on the pump and will reduce the start frequency and power consumption. Flexcon is the best name in the bladder tank business. I suggest having a bladder tank that will give at least a 20 gallon drawdown between 50 PSI to 30 PSI what is a decent setting for the pressure switch. Using such components and having them installed professionally should give you satisfaction over many years of service.

Rick · #8 03/02/09, 10:38 AM

Agmantoo:

I am curious- what are your thoughts on water witching?

Definitely look for a "water witcher", and ask the well drillers you talk to if they use one. Our well driller witched, and showed me how to. He found a suitable spot where 2 veins crossed, and our well produces 40 gallons per minute, on a 5 minute test. He continued to pull out 5 more 15 gallon "bails" of water after the test, to show it kept filling up.

agmantoo · #9 03/02/09, 11:58 AM

Rick,
I know conversations on water witching are about as heated as arguments can get. I also know that those that think they are "gifted" are not open to discussion. On a more scientific approach I can and do understand that both witchers and non witchers both get water, somethings very easily and sometimes with difficulty if at all. I put wells where it is convenient.