Increased physical ability and quality tools can cut time in half.
Cost
$500–$1,000
Only buy supplies if you’re comfortable with advanced-level DIY.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Hand auger or well point
Drill rod
Pliers
Spanners
Shovel
SUPPLIES
Well pump
PVC pipe
Pipe adaptor
Foot valve
Check valve
Knowing how to dig a well by hand isn’t a skill they typically teach in schools, but it’s a great fun-fact to share as an icebreaker! We all need water to survive, and digging and installing a well can give you access to a natural water source that doesn’t depend on a municipal source. This can lead to better self-sufficiency and savings on water bills. If you’re relatively handy, DIY well drilling can be a weekend project.
Prepping To Dig a Well By Hand
Water quality can have a big impact on personal health, which is why some jurisdictions enforce certain parameters or require permits before you can dig your own well. You’ll also want to get information about nearby septic systems, utility cables, and any other important components that may run underground on your property. Most states have a call-before-you-dig hotline to help you with this process.
When you’re picking up your well supplies, keep an eye out for DIY well kits. These kits contain most of the supplies you need to dig and install your own well, which means you won’t have to search for each individual part.
Choose the Location
Your well can’t go just anywhere. To find a spot that’s both easiest to drill and has high water yield, steer away from large rocks and boulders. Heavy sand and gravel deposits typically have high water yield and are easy to dig, and areas with dense vegetation or with nearby bodies of water can hint at water sources below the surface.
For access to fresh and clean water, ensure your well’s location is far away from any unsanitary areas, such as septic drainage fields, sewage lagoons, or animal pens. Bacteria can seep into the groundwater in these areas and contaminate the well, which can result in serious illness. The exact distance varies depending on your property’s soil type, the direction of the groundwater flow, and other factors, but most professionals recommend at least 100 feet between your well and contaminated areas.
Start Digging
Photo: Gribanov / Adobe Stock
Once you’ve determined the right spot for your well, it’s time to start digging. You can choose between a hand auger or a well point for this task, both of which should create a hole just wide enough for your well pipe to fit in the ground. You’ll use some of the dirt later to pack in the well, but you can otherwise repurpose it for your landscaping, garden, or other parts of your home. The actual depth of your well depends on the terrain and other factors, but most shallow wells range from 10 to 30 feet.
Using a Hand Auger
To dig a hole with a hand auger, start by turning the device in a clockwise direction in the ground to displace the soil. Remove and empty the auger when it’s full, then continue this process until you reach your desired well depth. If your auger is too short, you can extend it with a drill rod.
Using a Well Point
The well point method requires fewer tools than the hand auger method. Using a PVC well pipe and a sharp well point attached at the end of the well screen, drive the well point down into a small pre-dug hole. Depending on how tough the soil is, you can use a rubber mallet, hammer, or wrenches to drive the pipe into the ground. As you screw the well point into the ground, add pipe extensions by screwing the joints together.
Install the Pump
After you dig the well, you can install the well pump. If you opt for the well point method, the PVC pipe will already be in position in the ground. If you use an auger or another method, you’ll need to position your PVC pipe in the ground. Before you lower it into the ground, make sure you have a cap on the bottom to reduce sediment as well as a foot valve to create a one-way water flow. To secure it in place, you can choose to pack the area around the pipe with excess dirt, gravel, cement, or a bentonite and sand blend.
Installation can vary between different types of pumps or manufacturers, but they follow the same general guidelines. With an adaptor on the pipe, attach the well pump and make sure it’s fitted to be air and watertight.
Test the Water and Cover the Well
Photo: Nitat Termmee / Moment / Getty Images
Before you start enjoying your fresh well water, take a few samples to send to a local lab to test and verify that no bacteria or other contaminants are present. You can also purchase home testing kits that allow you to periodically check on the quality of your well water. Finally, install a well cover that can protect your water and well from weather, pests, and other hazards.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re budget-conscious, a DIY well can be a great solution. In addition to saving on well installation costs, digging and installing your own well allows you to get the job done on your own schedule. The downside is that some jurisdictions may not allow DIY well digging, and it can take substantially longer when compared to a professional. Digging a well by hand also limits you to shallower depths—any deeper than 30 feet, and you’ll probably need a drill to safely do the job.
Hiring a local water well driller can be more costly, at $3,100 for a 50-foot well, but it comes with its own advantages. Professionals are familiar with legal and safety requirements and have the right toolkit of equipment and experience to install your well safely and efficiently. This is especially true if you want a deep water well that requires a drill for installation. Keep in mind that factors such as the soil type, well pump size, and type of well can influence the final cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wells vary widely when it comes to lifespan, and there isn’t a way to exactly predict how long a well may last. Some wells can last well beyond 100 years, but they more commonly last between 25 and 50 years. Performing regular maintenance, such as replacing worn valves, can help prolong the life of your well.
Rainwater doesn't have a direct impact on the amount of water in your well. Instead, the majority of rain runs off into other bodies of water such as streams, rivers, and lakes. These bodies of water may sometimes function as the area’s reservoir and create aquifers, which then help to replenish your well.
Alannah has learned that while many home projects can be accomplished with a little determination, the most important thing is to know when to call in a pro. She’s written numerous articles providing guides, tips, and advice about home improvement, home buying, and real estate investing for sites like MoneyTips and Hero Investing.
Alannah has learned that while many home projects can be accomplished with a little determination, the most important thing is to know when to call in a pro. She’s written numerous articles providing guides, tips, and advice about home improvement, home buying, and real estate investing for sites like MoneyTips and Hero Investing.
The homeowners guide to Wells and Pumps
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
