How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Well: A Comprehensive Guide

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.

illustration of wells

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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.

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