Want to have your own well but don’t know if it’s legal or how to drill it? If it permits, how much does it cost to drill a well? Can I afford it? You must have lots of questions about the well drilling. Luckily, in most areas, you can drill your own well if you secure the required permits and follow local regulations. This guide will provide the entire process, from geological assessment to the final water test. Follow this guide to learn the process and costs of drilling a well, and enjoy the convenience of your own fresh water source!
4 Key Considerations Before You Begin
Before diving into the details, understand these four crucial points:
- Depth is the Primary Cost Driver: The single biggest factor determining your budget is the required depth of the well. Every additional foot directly adds to the final cost.
- Budget for a Complete System: The hole is just the beginning. You must budget for the entire system, including the well pump, casing, pressure tank, and electrical work needed to bring water to your home.
- Permits Are Mandatory: By law, you cannot begin drilling without first obtaining the proper permits from your local health or building department.
- Factor in Long-Term Ownership Costs: To avoid future financial surprises, account for ongoing costs like annual water testing, routine maintenance, and eventual well pump replacement.
Is It Legal to Drill Your Own Well?
Yes, in most places, it is legal to drill a well on your property, but this doesn’t mean you can drill a well freely. Once you plan to tap into a shared aquifer, you must follow state and local regulations.
Research Before You Dig
Before you spend a single dollar, your most powerful tool is research. As one homesteader discovered after getting a quote, a little research revealed that wells in his county were all over 300 feet deep—a depth his homebrew solution could never reach.
- Talk to Your Neighbors: This is the easiest first step. Ask them about their wells: How deep are they? Did they have any issues with water quality? Who did they hire?
- Check State Geological Surveys: Most states have an online aquifer survey. For example, the Kansas Geological Survey offers an incredible interactive atlas and a WIZARD Water Well Levels database. These resources allow you to search for wells near your property and view their official records.
- Analyze Well Logs: A well log, like this example from Grant County, Kansas, provides critical data: well depth, static water level, and a “lithologic log.” This log tells you the types of material the drill went through (e.g., “Clay,” “Coarse Sand,” “Yellow Clay”). This information will tell you if you’re dealing with soft clay or hard limestone, which dramatically impacts the difficulty and cost.
Which Well Type Suits Your Needs
Your research will likely reveal two main paths, each with significant trade-offs.
Shallow Wells (Dug, Driven, or Sand Point): These wells are typically less than 50 feet deep and are what many DIYers attempt. They tap into surface-level water.
- Pros: Cheaper, can sometimes be installed with rented or home-built equipment (like an auger on a skid steer or a simple well point).
- Cons: In many regions, shallow dug or driven wells are not permitted for drinking water due to contamination risks. The water quality is often, as one user put it, “trash.” This water is highly susceptible to seasonal contamination from agricultural or industrial runoff. It can also dry up during a drought and may lack the flow rate needed for a whole house.
Deep Drilled Wells: These are professionally installed wells, often 100 to 400+ feet deep.
- Pros: They tap into vast, deep aquifers, providing water that can be thousands of years old and naturally filtered. This water is much safer, more reliable, and plentiful. A professionally drilled well is also an asset that adds significant value to your property.
- Cons: It is expensive and requires a professional crew with a rotary drilling rig.
As one geology professional noted about the Mississippi River delta, the 300-foot depth quoted to a homesteader was the difference between “drinking Miss River water” and tapping into the “truly potable water” of the deep aquifer.
How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well?
While costs vary dramatically by region and geology, getting a quote around $6,000 can be a “good price” or even a “bargain” in many areas. Some professional drillers quote by the foot (e.g., $75/ft) with a minimum charge, plus thousands more for the pump, casing, and regulatory requirements. In difficult-to-drill areas, costs can soar much higher.
Drilling Costs by Well Type
| Well Type | Typical Depth | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dug Well | < 50 feet | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Driven Well | < 50 feet | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Drilled Well | 100 – 400+ feet | $5,500 – $15,000+ |
Note: Actual costs vary widely by region—always get local contractor quotes for an accurate estimate.
Drilling Costs by Components & Others
The drilling cost is only part of the equation. You must also budget for the core equipment that makes the well functional.
| Component / Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Well Pump | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Pressure Tank | $300 – $700 |
| Well Casing & Cap | $400 – $2,500+ |
| Required Permits | $200 – $500+ |
| Initial Water Test | $100 – $600 |
Disclaimer: All cost estimates and depth ranges in this guide are averages. Actual prices, regulations, and geological conditions vary widely by region. Always confirm with licensed local contractors and your county or state health department before starting a well project.
DIY Well Drilling vs. Hiring a Professional
So, is drilling your own well a “fool’s errand,” or can you get safe drinking water out of the ground yourself? For anything other than a shallow, non-potable backup well for irrigation, the overwhelming consensus from homesteaders and professionals alike is to hire a professional.
As the original Reddit poster concluded after his research, “I think I’m just going to bite the bullet.” Here’s why:
- Safety: Operating heavy machinery and working with deep boreholes is extremely dangerous without professional training.
- Expertise: Professionals understand local geology. They know how to find water and avoid drilling a dry, useless, and expensive hole.
- Equipment: The cost to rent a proper drill rig is substantial, and improper use can lead to expensive damage or project failure.
- Guaranteed Water: Reputable contractors greatly increase the chance of success and usually stand by their work, but no well can be 100% guaranteed. A DIY attempt has no such guarantee.
For these reasons, hiring a licensed and insured professional is the safest and most effective approach.
Conclusion
Drilling a well is a complex but worthy investment, which can provide safe and sufficient water for decades. Since well drilling depends on heavy machinery, reliable parts are critical for rigs and support equipment. But the failed components of a key drilling rig can compromise the project and cause loss of time and money.
That’s why professionals turn to FridayParts. We offer high-quality and cost-effective air filters, rollers, controllers, and more to ensure your project runs smoothly and efficiently. Don’t let a failed part derail your project. Shop our complete catalog of drilling components & power tools today and build with confidence.
