Drilling a well is one of the most basic, fundamental and important aspects of any new home improvement project, be it a new home or improving your existing well and pump system. While costs vary widely depending on the size and scope of the project, as well as the location, a few basic costs can be budgeted ahead of time to help provide you with a general guide.
Permitting
This can be done by the homeowner or the contractor. Fees can range from $200 to $500 (residential) depending on the municipality. The contractor may include the application/permitting fees in his pricing.
Site Access/Preparation
With most jobs, site access is not an issue if the ground is relatively flat and graded properly. If there is a need to regrade, excavate, or do additional site prep, the fees can run from several hundred to several thousand. This would need to be priced on a custom basis. If there is a grader on the site, it can sometimes be used to help prep the site and save money.
Actual Drilling
This is the process of boring the hole into the ground in search of the water source. Depth is the single biggest variable in pricing. A good rule of thumb is approximately $10 per foot on the low end, up to $30 per foot or more for difficult or commercial grade projects.
Casing
Casing is the liner through the dirt to reach the bedrock. This is what protects and keep your water source clean from surface contaminates. Casing can be PVC, or some sort of steel (galvanized, stainless steel, black steel, etc.) Casing costs run from $5.00 to $20.00 per foot. Again, these costs can be lowered when included in a package deal by the contractor.
Grout
Grout is the sealer around the casing, it’s what seals up the casing in the ground. That grout is determined by the local/state regulations. The grout is sometimes clay bentonite or a form of concrete. The purpose is to keep surface water from following the casing down to the water source. Grout is typically required from 20 feet to 50 feet alongside the case. Fees generally run a few hundred for this material.
As you might have gathered, drilling a new well is an investment that involves numerous steps to ensure a healthy water supply. The cost of a drilling a new well can run from $2,000 for just the drilling to $20,000 for a comprehensive, deep well system. The important thing to consider when pricing the cost of drilling a new well is the expertise of the installer and the quality of the materials. Ask your neighbors for general pricing since their soil and conditions will most likely be similar to yours. And as always, feel free to contact us for a no-obligation assessment of your well drilling needs.
