How Much Does Well Installation Cost?
Typical Cost Range:
$3,500–$15,000
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Whether you live in a rural area or simply prefer getting your water from a private source, installing a well on your property has numerous benefits. You won’t have to pay a monthly water bill, and you’ll have some control over your water’s mineral and chemical contents. However, drilling deep enough to access clean water can be expensive, and you’ll need to store and purify the water once it gets to the surface.
On average, drilling a water well costs $3,500–$15,000, depending on several geological and technological factors. You may be able to dig a shallow well yourself, but it’s best to hire a professional contractor for a well that will provide water for an entire home. This guide outlines the well installation process and its costs.
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What Does Well Installation Cost on Average?
Though $3,500 to $15,000 is a wide range, it’s hard to narrow it down without knowing the specifics of your property. The cost of your project depends on the following factors.
- Appliances and materials: You’ll need hardware to create a functional water well system, which increases cost.
- Depth: The deeper your well needs to be to reach water, the more it will cost to drill and install.
- Method: Installation processes that require specialized or powerful machinery are more expensive.
- Type of well: Different types of wells serve different functions and have different costs.
Cost by Well Depth
The deeper you need to dig, drill, or drive, the longer the job will take and the more labor it will require. Most residential wells need to be at least 50 feet deep and have an average depth of 300 feet, but how far you need to drill to hit water depends on geographic factors. Accessing state and local geological surveys and learning about existing wells in your area will give you a better idea of the depth you’ll need. The table below includes price ranges for various depths.
| Depth in Feet | Price Range |
|---|---|
|
50 |
$1,775–$3,060 |
|
100 |
$3,550–$6,120 |
|
150 |
$5,325–$9,180 |
|
200 |
$7,100–$12,240 |
|
250 |
$8,875–$15,300 |
|
300 |
$10,650–18,360 |
|
350 |
$12,425–$21,420 |
|
400 |
$14,200–$24,480 |
Cost by Type of Well
Shallow, residential water wells are the least expensive to dig or drill. Sand point wells, which are shallow and can be driven by hand or machine, are similarly inexpensive but don’t usually provide a home’s entire water needs. Geothermal wells are relatively inexpensive on their own, but installing one costs tens of thousands of dollars.
Artesian wells that drill into an aquifer are more costly to drill but less expensive to run. Irrigation wells are the most expensive because they handle the highest volume of water, though residential irrigation is much less pricey than commercial irrigation.
Here are the costs for each type of well.
| Well Type | Price per Foot | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Artesian well |
$25–$85 |
$5,000–$15,000 |
|
Geothermal well |
$15–$40 |
$3,500–$5,000 |
|
Irrigation well |
$50–$100 |
$5,000–$75,000 |
|
Residential well |
$25–$65 |
$3,750–$15,300 |
|
Sand point well |
$10–$25 |
$200–$3,000 |
Cost by Method
Digging is the least expensive way to create a well, but it’s limited to about 100 feet in depth. Digging can also be thwarted by highly compacted or rocky soil. You can create a shallow well of up to 50 feet by driving a small-diameter pipe into the ground and removing the soil from inside. However, most residential-scale well projects require a drill to excavate.
| Method | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Digging |
$10–$25 |
|
Drilling |
$15–$100 |
|
Driving |
$10–$25 |
Cost by Appliances and Materials
Modern well systems consist of much more than a hole in the ground and a bucket on a rope. Here are some mechanical components that go into a working water well.
Casing Pipe
Well-casing pipe supports and protects the well’s walls, so it needs to be sturdy. This pipe is typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the most affordable option ($6–$10 per linear foot). Galvanized or stainless steel casing is also available for a premium ($30–$130 per foot). Steel may be necessary for earthquake-prone areas, as it’s much less susceptible to cracking and breaking. Casing pipe costs $630–$2,400, depending on its length.
Electrical Components
Most wells need electrical wiring to operate the pump and pressure switch. The cost of a well pump or other electrical components isn’t expensive ($50–$150), but a licensed electrician needs to install them, costing $150–$500.
Purification System
Some people assume that well water is cleaner than municipal water, but municipal water goes through a strict treatment process that water from private wells doesn’t. If you’re using a well for drinking water or other residential applications, you’ll need a purification system to rid the water of contaminants before you can use it. Whole-home water treatment systems cost $500–$3,000, plus another $200–$400 for installation.
Storage Tank
Once the water is brought to the surface and purified, it needs to be stored and pressurized so you can use it in your home. A 2-gallon water tank can cost as little as $100, but if you’re going to use well water for most of your needs, you’ll probably need a large pressure tank that costs between $1,400 and $2,400.
Well Pump
One of the most critical parts of the well system is the water pump, which brings groundwater to the surface. A hand pump for a shallow well can cost as little as $150–$500, but most electronic pumps cost between $300 and $2,000, depending on how powerful they are. A shallow well can sometimes use an aboveground surface pump, but a deep well usually requires a powerful, more expensive submersible pump that sits below the water line and pushes the water up. Some artesian wells can get away without using a pump system since the groundwater is already under pressure and may be pushed to the surface naturally.
What Factors Affect Well Installation Cost?
The above factors are the biggest cost variables, but here are a few other things to consider when estimating your project’s price.
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What’s the Difference Between a Private Well vs. Municipal Water System?
- One benefit of installing your own well is that you’ll no longer need to pay municipal water bills. You’ll only need to pay for the electricity to operate the pump (about $3–$4 per month), plus maintenance costs of $100–$250 per year. Compared to a monthly utility bill of $20–$40, you can save up to $500 a year.
Should You DIY vs. Professional Well Installation?
It’s possible to install a well yourself, but it’s more complicated than digging or drilling a hole in the ground. Here’s what you can expect from the process, whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Professional Well Installation
Well installation professionals have the tools and experience to drill plus install the casing, pump, well cap, and other hardware. They also know how to adjust the process if they encounter anything unexpected under the soil and can help you apply for permits. You’ll pay at least $1,500 in labor costs on top of the well equipment and may pay $10,000 or more for deep wells in poor soil conditions.
DIY Well Installation
Digging or driving a shallow well in an area with a high water table is within the capability of dedicated DIYers. However, you must ensure you go deep enough to get to truly clean water beneath the contaminated runoff in the upper layers of soil. These shallow, driven wells also provide a limited water supply. You can rent a drill rig for $600–$800 per day for larger, deeper wells, but this will only give you the borehole; you’ll also have to install all the hardware yourself.
Here are the general steps that go into drilling your own well.
- Choose a location on your property and check local geological survey records to ensure there are accessible water sources underneath.
- Obtain state and local permits for excavating the ground.
- Decide whether drilling, digging, or driving is most appropriate based on the soil conditions and required depth.
- Rent the appropriate equipment and excavate the hole.
- Insert the casing pipe to support and protect the borehole and seal it in place.
- Install the appropriate pump, storage tank, pipes, and electrical wiring.
- Install a purification system and test the water quality before consuming it.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Well?
Drilled or dug wells can last as long as the walls hold up, but the equipment that runs them usually needs to be replaced every 20–30 years. The pump may fail, or the casing pipe may develop leaks. Replacements can cost up to $10,000 in materials and labor. You can extend your equipment’s lifespan by performing regular checks and maintenance or by hiring a well company to do these for you.
It’s also possible for a well to run dry. This isn’t likely or always permanent since aquifers and other sources may need time to fill back up. A well may fill with sediment over time, which will need to be pumped and cleaned out. In rare cases, you may need to dig deeper or find a different fracture to regain water flow.
What Is The Return on Investment on Well Installation?
It’s widely claimed that having a functional well will raise your property value, but there’s no data on how much of a return on investment (ROI) you can expect. The consensus is that a well that yields drinking water will add more value than an irrigation well, but a nonfunctional or contaminated well will be a liability. Wells are generally more valuable in rural areas or where people want to live off the grid.
Our Conclusion
It’s important to acknowledge that many DIY well drilling kits are sold within the “doomsday prepper” market. These kits are unlikely to be sufficient if you intend to use your well to fulfill most or all of your residential water needs. You’re better off at least consulting with local professionals who will know about your area’s geological features and water levels before starting the project. These professionals can help you make informed decisions about well installation.
A properly installed well can save you money on your utility bills and provide a private, unmetered water source. Make sure to budget for the drilling of the actual borehole and the equipment needed to pump and store the water, as well as water testing and purification if you intend to drink it. Your system should last for many years once it’s set up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Well Installation Cost
Is it worth it to install a well?
It can be worth it to install a well, depending on your needs and budget. Drilling a private well is a large investment, but if you live in a rural area or an area with poor water quality, it could increase your property value. Consult with local professionals before beginning to drill or dig.
What is the average cost for a well installation?
The average well installation cost is $3,500–$15,000, including drilling and the casing, pump, and storage tank. Price can also depend on the depth of the borehole, ranging between $25 and $65 per foot.
How much will it cost to hook up a well to a house?
The cost to hook a well up to a home’s plumbing system depends on the machinery used to pump and carry the water. Piping and electrical lines cost $50–$150 per foot, a purification system costs $300–$5,000, and a pressurized storage tank costs $1,400–$2,400.
How long does it usually take to install a well?
The time it takes to install a well depends on its depth and the conditions of the soil and bedrock, but drilling can usually be completed in a day or two. Installing the pump system takes another day. After that, it depends on how long and extensive the pipes and electrical system need to be. The whole process should take about a week.
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