FAQs
If you plan to have a well drilled, are buying a home that is connected to an existing well, or just have general questions about a well you are currently using, these frequently asked questions will give you the information you need for well ownership and maintenance.
- How much will a well cost?
Several factors determine the cost of a well. Most drillers charge by the foot so the depth of the well is a big determining factor. Materials and equipment are also figured into the cost of a well. Materials include casing, pipe, a pump, a tank, and grout to seal the well. Graham Well Drilling will provide free well estimates based on experience and average well depth in your area.
- Is my property large enough for well installation?
The equipment used during the drilling process is approximately the size of a semi-truck. Because of the weight and size of the drill, you need to consider your property access when choosing a well location. Graham Well Drilling offers free estimates that include a site visit prior to well installation. We will assist you in picking the best location for a well.
- Do I need a permit to install a well on my property? How much does a permit cost?
Wells are permitted by county governments. Each state has well codes that provide a basis for county codes, but each county builds off this basic outline and develops its own individual well program. These programs provide guidelines that well drillers must follow when choosing a well location and constructing your well. Typically acounties environmental health department has the duty of enforcing regulations, granting permits, and determining proper driller practices. For more information about your counties regulations please visit the local environmental health department or give us a call. We are always glad to assist you.
- Is the drilling process messy?
Well drilling is a construction process and thus creates some disturbance. As a well is drilled, cuttings or the displaced soil will collect around the construction site. The process also utilizes water, so sites can get muddy and wet.
- How do you choose a well location?
The first step is to take a look at where well drilling is feasible and legal. After you take your properties layout and the county/state regulations into account, the area where you are able to put a well is actually somewhat limited. If there are multiple viable locations we take many factors into account; nearest known source of water, the topographic nature of your property, and proximity to your point of use.
- How long will it take to install my well?
An average well construction takes one to two days. However, the time it takes to drill a well depends on many factors. The depth, the material we are drilling through, and the weather all play major roles in determining the length of time the process takes.
- How deep will my well be?
Your wells depth will be determined by where we encounter water and how much water you need. As we drill we constantly monitor the amount of water your well is producing. When you have a supply adequate enough to fulfill your needs then we stop. No one can determine what the exact depth of a well will be before drilling, butwe give you a reasonable estimate based on our experience in your area.
- How do I measure the amount of water my well can produce? What is GPM?
Well drillers refer to the amount of water your well will produce as a yield. We measure a well yield in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). A very simple way to think about yield is to say that a wells GPM tells you how quickly you can draw water from the well without running it dry. For example, the average garden hose will produce approx 8 GPM when turned completely on. If your well yields 20 GPM, then you could run your garden hose wide open for an extended period of time without fear of your well going dry. On the other hand, if your well yields 5 GPM, running the garden hose wide open would eventually run your well dry and you would have to wait for the well to refill before you could continue using it. Pumping water from your well at too high a rate can damage your pumping system and the well structure. We will discuss your wells specific capabilities in detail with you.
- How much water do I need?
An over simplified answer is that a well meant to support a normal home should be a minimum of 3-5 GPM depending on depth and construction. As we drill we will keep you up to date on how much water you have and help you determine whether you need to drill deeper or if you have enough water to supply your needs.