What to Expect During the Well Drilling Process

Five Generations of Well Drilling

Our goal is to construct a properly drilled well that produces reliable water based on the underground formations encountered.

Getting Started

Compare Estimates. Make sure estimates are compared “apples to apples.” Confirm that the estimated casing depth, total well depth, pump size, and materials are similar between estimates.

  1. Select Your Well Drilling Contractor. Choose the company you wish to work with by accepting their estimate or proposal.

  2. Confirm the Well Location. Meet onsite with the contractor or provide a site plan showing distances from property lines, structures, and septic systems.

  3. Confirm Plumbing and Electrical. Clarify whether plumbing or electrical tie-ins are included or if separate contractors are required.

  4. Water Testing Options. Certified lab testing can be arranged for an additional fee if required. Notify the well company before pump installation if testing is desired. If you would like water evaluated for treatment recommendations, that can also be discussed in advance.

  5. Final Payment. Payment is due upon completion of the well installation.

Preparing Your Property for Well Drilling

  • Provide clear access for the drill rig and support trucks.

  • Identify septic tanks, drainfields, irrigation lines, or underground utilities if possible.

  • Remove landscaping materials, equipment, or debris from the drilling area.

  • For safety reasons, all people and pets must stay away from the work area while drilling and installation are in progress.

Important Notes About Underground Conditions and Water Quality

Underground Conditions Can Vary. While nearby wells provide helpful information, underground formations can vary from property to property.

Water Quality Cannot Be Guaranteed at a Specific Depth. The presence or absence of minerals such as iron, sulfur, calcium, hardness, or tannins cannot be guaranteed at any particular well depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The time to drill can vary greatly from one well to another. Some wells take less than a full day to drill, while others may take several days or even weeks depending on the underground formations encountered.

    Drilling is a speculative process. We cannot see the underground formations that we are going to encounter, but we have an idea of what we expect to encounter based on similar wells in the nearby area. However, sometimes we can encounter formations that we were not expecting, and drilling can be unpredictable. This is why we are not able to provide an exact date on the calendar as to when we will start your drilling project.

    Because drilling schedules depend on the time required to complete the job ahead of yours, exact drilling dates cannot be guaranteed.

    When we finish one job, we mobilize to the next site. We strongly encourage customers not to take time off from work specifically to watch drilling because schedule changes outside of our control can occur.

  • No. The drilling crew and pump set crew are separate teams using different vehicles and equipment. Pump installation is typically scheduled within 1-3 days after drilling is completed. If a slab needs to be poured first, the pump installation will be scheduled after the slab is complete.

  • Our regular drilling schedule is approximately 6-8 weeks out. We also reserve space in our schedule for emergency replacement wells, which can sometimes be scheduled within 1-3 weeks.

  • The drilling team typically arrives with the drill rig, a large water truck, and sometimes a pull-behind air compressor.


  • If your property is soft, sandy, or excessively wet, our trucks and drilling equipment may leave ruts in your yard, and we would not be responsible for any yard repairs.

    The drilling process is also messy. As we drill, earth materials from the hole are brought up and out onto the surrounding ground, and create a wet, sloppy mess of limestone, sand, clay, and other formations around the well site.

    We do not agree to haul off drilling cuttings unless that request is made in advance and an additional fee is agreed upon. Over time, the ground will naturally reabsorb these earth materials.

  • No. The pump can be installed using our generator, but electricity or your own properly sized generator will be required to operate the pump.

  • In most cases, the best notice we can provide is the day before arrival. Drilling schedules depend on the time required to complete the job ahead of yours, and unexpected delays such as weather, flat tires, rig maintenance, or a crew member being unexpectedly absent can occur.

  • If your well is permitted for potable use, it should generally be safe to drink. Minerals such as iron, sulfur, hardness, calcium, or tannins may affect taste, odor, or appearance, but are not typically a safety concern.

  • We partner with Regions Bank and can provide financing information upon request.

  • The licensed water well contractor pulls the permit through the Water Management District as the authorized agent of the property owner. The permit fee is included in the estimate and invoiced upon completion.