Property owners who want to cut back on their water bills should consider drilling a well.
Yes, there are other techniques available to set a well. But drilling a well is one of the safest methods currently available. The solid casing protects your water supply from contamination.
How much does it cost to drill a well?
The upfront costs of drilling a well seem astronomical. In reality, when you break everything down, your well will pay for itself in a few years.
This guide will walk you through what you can expect to pay for a new well. Use it to plan your budget and avoid surprise charges.
How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well?
The price to drill a well is determined by the well’s depth. An average well will need to be around 150 feet. Shallower wells risk drying up during periods of drought.
Drilling costs about $15 to $30 per foot. This price depends on the type of material the drilling team must work with. Rocky terrains take more work to drill through, therefore costing more.
If you aren’t sure what type of terrain you live on, ask around. Neighbors with wells or local well drillers will know what the ground is like.
If no one has the information, you may need to hire someone to survey your property.
Add in the Cost for All the Extra Equipment
Drilling the hole for your new well isn’t the only cost to factor into your budget.
To finish you well and keep it from collapsing, it needs a casing. You can choose from PVC, steel, concrete, or stainless steel casing.
Prices range from $250 to $2,500.
The pump system cost depends on the depth of your well. Shallow well pumps start at around $300. Stronger pumps for deep wells will cost closer to $2,000.
To run electricity to your well pump, it will cost an average of $1,500. If your well is far from the house, that price will go up.
Well water storage tanks draw water and pressurize it for immediate use in your home. A 44-gallon tank costs about $700.
Additional costs for your new well include:
- Water treatment system – $500 – $3,000
- Water quality testing – $50 – $650
- Water heater $650 – $1,600
- Well cap – $20 – $40
Other costs may come up when planning your new well. Discuss any potential budget items with your drilling company beforehand.
Don’t Forget the Permit
For any residential well drilling, you need a permit from the county. This permit will include inspections to make sure it is safe.
Prices for permits depend on your county. On average they cost between $350 and $700.
Prices for Annual Testing and Maintenance
To keep your water supply safe, annual maintenance is a necessary expense. Depending on your contractor, it can cost about $200.
Annual maintenance includes:
- A flow test
- Pump check
- Water level check
- Well equipment check
- Water testing
These tests and checks will make sure the well isn’t contaminated. Wells can be contaminated by arsenic, fertilizers, and harmful microbes.
Well Drilling Costs Are Worth the Investment
How much does it cost to drill a well? That all depends on where you live and where you want to put your new well.
The cost will be well worth it when you don’t have to pay for municipal water anymore.
For more helpful household tips, check out our website.
