Drilling a well

woodly1069 · #1 11/15/12, 09:35 AM

Wondering how many of you out there have gone through the process of drilling a well for your water supply. We have found some land with electric available but there is no city water. I have tried to call around town and it seems as if nobody does this sort of thing any more, at least not for residential. I just can't believe that in a city of a million people I can't find a driller. Any thoughts?

**Cabin Fever** · #2 11/15/12, 09:45 AM

Many large cities have ordinances that do not allow the drilling of new private wells within the city limits.

woodly1069 · #3 11/15/12, 09:51 AM

yeah, guess I should have expected that and I guess that is why I am having to look outside the city in the surrounding towns to find someone...thanks for the input!

agmantoo · #4 11/15/12, 10:40 AM

Check the yellow pages for air drilling rather than well drilling. Air drilling folks do geothermal work and drill wells also.

woodly1069 · #5 11/15/12, 10:54 AM

OK, will do! thank you!

agmantoo · #6 11/15/12, 11:02 AM

http://www.yellowpages.com/shepherds...?lid=473986990

woodly1069 · #7 11/15/12, 11:45 AM

thanks agmantoo! I did a search in Shepardsville this morning but nothing came up, oh well I will give these guys a call and we will see what happens!

Maura · #8 11/15/12, 03:07 PM

If city water is available to you, you may not be allowed by the township to put in a well. Find out. It is going to be cheaper to have city water. If you can't get/don't want city water, Look for a well driller out of your area. You can also ask at real estate offices, or a contractor that works outside of the city. By the way, there is well drilling, and well driving. A well driver drives pipes into the ground, one on top of the other. If it is a dry area, you are charged for the pipes. Most well drillers/drivers know someone who witches water. Unless you are over an aquafir, have the place witched.

woodly1069 · #9 11/15/12, 03:10 PM

wow! after two days of searching I finally found someone who actually drills in the area. After giving the location and details I get a quote for $15000-$18000!

WOW! For a third of that I think I'll catch rain!

SCRancher · #10 11/15/12, 03:35 PM

Had a well drilled a few years back - cost around $4,500 - 265 foot deep well 30 gpm - this price included everything except the electrical connection to the box.

Just giving you the info so you have some sort of comparison.

woodly1069 · #11 11/15/12, 03:40 PM

thanks, my estimate seems WAY too high!

haypoint · #12 11/15/12, 06:13 PM

Lots of factors go into the cost of drilling. Depth is the main factor. how deep would he be expecting to go? Most well drillers have an idea how deep other wells are in the area. If you have very hard rocks or sand with hard boulders, that takes more time and can present problems.

Homesteadingtoday is a learning forum. Let's all remind ourselves to check out the availability of water and a well driller before we buy. Also, make sure the soil will perk, so that a septic system is possible.

ufo_chris · #13 11/15/12, 06:29 PM

mine is 430' and cost $8500 a few years back. Lined and all.With pump.
Did you tell them you couldn't find anyone? Maybe if they know that they are just trying to take advantage of you?

arabian knight · #14 11/15/12, 06:35 PM

That is why it is cheaper to get city water. If given a option should would be a no brainer City water is it.

ET1 SS · #15 11/15/12, 07:23 PM

I got our well put drilled in 2005. $3500 for a 200 foot hole, casing, pump, tank, and wiring.

OH Boy · #16 11/15/12, 07:42 PM

go see the county health department and ask them for a list of well drillers that work in your county. Get a few of them to come see and ask a lot of questions about their knowledge of the aquifer in your area. How many wells have they dug in your area. stuff like that. If you have any neighbors with wells I would ask them about theirs too, how deep are they, how is the water, who drilled the well (if they know) etc.

francismilker · #17 11/15/12, 07:55 PM

Just my two cents here..............

Agree on a "per foot" price to drill the well. Then, if you're able, go watch the well being drilled. If you notice the fellow operating the rig ease over and turn "his" valve off on the truck that sends water down the hole to lubricate his drill bit and still continue to see water and mud coming out of the hole after he's drilled another joint of pipe ask him to shut down and let you have "your" water tested for safe drinking.

I've not only heard others complain about it, I seen it with my own eyes when mine was being drilled. The problem was, he didn't think I'd notice him turning his water off.

Lots of drillers will continue to drill even after they hit a good vein of water if the drilling is easy to absorb a little more of your money. (Not all of them, but some of them) Once they've went through the trouble to set up and start drilling if the drilling is easy they're making $10-20 per foot for standing there pulling on a lever and watching a drill collar spin.

Sometimes, they'll also hit a 6-8 gpm well (which is plenty for a house) and tell you it's not enough.

Just be careful. Not trying to make you paranoid or say that well drillers are dishonest. Just saying that having someone come and give you a turn key quote for "X" dollars might get you shafted. (especially if the water's not that deep)

How Do I · #18 11/15/12, 11:23 PM

Whereabouts is the land you're looking at or bought? We used a cistern and hauled our own water for many years. The cistern itself cost $600 years ago. Believe it is 1200 gallon. It is now a very heavy paper weight.

We got ours from a company in Leitchfield, but if you're looking at/buying land around Louisville/Shepherdsville area, there is a company called White's Cisterns Septic Tanks in Shepherdsville where you could get some modern-day prices if you decided to go with cistern.

I don't know where you'd be hauling water from, but keep in mind travel time and wear and tear on your vehicle if you decided to go that route. We had to drive 30 miles to/fro just to haul our water. Was so glad when city water arrived here. Not counting the meter, we spent about $300 putting in the water line (rented ditch witch & layed pipe myself). You might not be able to get by doing it yourself if water line ever comes your way, depending on your city regulations. Especially if it is near Shepherdsville. They are getting a bit uppity in their ways.

Drizler · #19 11/16/12, 01:57 AM

The best way to find out who to use to drill a well is simply to talk to the neighbors. Then you will find out who is best and who to avoid. Don't let anyone tell you their fancy drill rig is "better". The old fashioned pounder takes a little longer but the wear and tear on your wallet supporting their technology is usually a whole lot less. Quite often you can find an old timer who still does them cheaper than the fancy rigs, the secret is locating them. Thats where the neighbors come in helpful. $15000 quote and I would laugh in his face but that's just me

It sounds like you are getting a big dose of " Howdy Stranger".

woodly1069 · #20 11/16/12, 07:58 AM

yeah the quote was for 200-250' deep. We have decided to use a cistern!