Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Drilling Water Wells

Families concerned with the quality of their municipal water may want to consider drilling a well on their property.  Frequently, people are turning to water wells for home water use and irrigation. If you're seeking a better understanding of water well drilling and maintenance, the following are answers to the eight most frequently asked questions. 

How do I get a well drilled on my property? 

Call a professional. Well-technicians are certified in water well drilling, which means they are licensed by the state. Any construction or repairs needed should be done by a professional. For more information about the well drilling service provided by Skilling & Sons, click here.

Where is my well located? 

Find the well-head in your yard. Whether or not the grass has been mowed, you should be able to see it clearly. As the top of your well, it should extend from the base to at least twelve inches above the ground. This will go a long way towards keeping contaminants from creeping in. Any accumulated surface water should be draining away from the well-head. Contact us if you need help finding your water well.

How far away from my septic system should my well be? 

Generally, you want your well at least fifty feet away from your drain field and septic system. Double-check with either your state health department or local health department for a more accurate measurement, as it has a tendency to vary. Learn more about our well drilling services.

What would cause low or no water pressure or flow? 

There are numerous reasons that your well might not be working like it should. You could experience a lack of water pressure if the well has gone dry. It could be due to a localized power failure like a fuse or a breaker, an inadequate filter, or a lowering of the water table, which means you’d need to dig your well a bit deeper. Finally, it could be something as simple as a broken pipe. Again, avoid making any repairs on your well. Have a licensed contractor do it for you. Learn more about constant water pressure systems.

Should I have my water tested for radon? 

If you feel as though the area that you live in may be affected by radon then yes, have your well water tested for radon by Skillings & Sons. Aside from that, if there is no immediate cause for alarm, it’s not worth the time. Wells have a pretty good reputation for keeping themselves maintained and contaminant free. Learn more about well water contamination.

How often should I get my water tested?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to test for bacteria at least once a year, maybe more if you feel the need or you think you might be in a high-risk area. Also, don’t hesitate if your well-water changes color or smell, as this can indicate contamination. Learn more about water testing.

I have no water. What should I do? 

Check for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker. This occurrence is common enough and can usually be fixed on the spot via electrical means. If neither the breaker nor the fuse have been tripped or blown out, it’s something that needs to be addressed by a certified contractor. If the problem is not a circuit breaker, contact us and it is an emergency, contact us.

Should I disinfect my well system annually? 

Not necessarily. Unless a well-technician has recommended an annual shock, or you’ve had your well-water tested and its yielded bacteria, it’s not worth the money. Because the well-head is so high off the ground, contaminants have a hard time making their way into the well. Get step by step instructions for chlorinating a water well.

The reality is, having a well drilled is one of the best investments that you can make, as it saves you time, money, and stress. As it is all handled professionally, you can sit back and relax, and let your well handle the rest.