How Much Does a Well Casing Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $375 - $2,500
A well casing replacement costs $1,375 on average, but it often ranges from $375 to $2,500, depending on the casing’s size and the cost of professional labor near you.
When it comes to replacing a well casing in your water well, expect to pay anywhere from $6 per foot for PVC casing to $130 per foot for stainless steel casing. Most wells require an average of 25 feet of casing, which can cost between $250 and $3,000 depending on the type or material of casing and the soil condition surrounding your well.
The well casing is a vital part of your entire well water system. A damaged or cracked well casing can lead to leaks and bigger problems, so it’s a good idea to replace it ASAP. Read on to learn more about what costs you can expect with a well casing replacement.
- Average
- $1,375
- Low end
- $250
- high end
- $3,000
Well Casing Replacement Cost Factors
Several factors determine how much a well casing replacement costs. Labor, casing material, well depth, and the type of well you have all play a part in the final price tag. For instance, when it comes to having a dug versus a drilled well, a dug well has a higher contamination risk and will need a well casing. A well casing is generally not required if your well was drilled through solid rock as the rock supports the well.
Type
The type or material of well casing you need depends mainly on the soil and water conditions of your well. If your well water’s pH is below 6.5 and its alkaline levels are too low, experts recommend a corrosion-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) casing. But, if you live in an earthquake-prone region, a galvanized steel or stainless steel casing will provide your well with greater reinforcement.
| Type | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|
| PVC | $6–$10 |
| Galvanized steel | $30–$55 |
| Stainless steel | $60–$130 |
Size and Well Depth
The diameter of your well and the well’s depth will determine how much casing is required. In other words, the wider and deeper your well, the more it will cost to replace your casing. Most residential wells are either 4 or 6 inches in diameter. The diameter and type of casing you need will directly impact your well drilling cost as follows:
| Depth (Feet) | 4-Inch PVC Casing | 6-Inch Steel Casing |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Labor
You will need to hire a local well repair contractor to handle the well casing replacement. Labor costs vary depending on your well’s depth, the material of your well casing, and the complexity of the job. Expect to pay labor costs around $200 to $500.
Well Casing Ongoing Expenses
Once your well casing is replaced, you may need to pay additional expenses to ensure it stays in tip-top condition for as long as possible. The well casing serves as the backbone of your well system, so it’s important it remains healthy to avoid crippling your entire well water system.
Maintenance
Well service experts recommend that your well gets a thorough, professional inspection and maintenance checkup at least once per year. If your well casing was replaced in an old well, or if you live in an area prone to tremors, it’s a good idea to have your well looked at twice annually.
During a well maintenance session, your well contractor will examine the casing for cracks, dents, damage, and potential leaks that could compromise your well. They may suggest repairs or a casing replacement depending on what is found. On average, a well inspector will charge $45 to $150 per hour.
Repairs
Reach out to your local well contractor right away if you notice any cracks or leaks in your well casing. They’ll be able to determine which course of action is needed—whether you have a minor leak or multiple cracks that require a major fix.
If you’re lucky, a repair sleeve or liner may be all that is needed to mend the crack in your well’s back. A repair sleeve consists of either a rubber seal that acts like a bandage to cover a leak, or a thin metal lining that lines the well casing’s interior.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Unfortunately, replacing a well casing isn’t something you can do yourself—no matter how DIY-savvy you are. With the amount of specialized equipment and technical know-how required, well casing replacements are best performed by a qualified well contractor.
There is much more to replacing and installing a well casing than just putting a pipe in a well. All casing joints must be properly sealed and watertight, the casing must be free of contaminants, and it must be sized correctly to accommodate the well pump and other equipment.
Cost of Common Well Casing Replacement Add-Ons
In addition to replacing your well casing, your well contractor may provide other services to facilitate your well water system—from conducting well water testing to setting up your well pump and pressure tank. Here are a few common add-on well services to keep in mind:
Well pressure tank replacement cost: $100–$2,500
Well pump replacement cost: $975–$2,750
Well pump repair costs: $350–$1,540
Tips to Reduce Costs While Replacing Well Casing
Replacing a well casing is a costly, yet necessary, expense if your home’s water supply comes from a well. However, there are a few things you can do that help lessen the burden on your wallet.
Keep an eye out: Recognizing the signs that your well casing could be damaged or leaking is an important first step in addressing your well water system’s issues. A gradual decrease in water pressure, sand or dirt in your tap water, and water filters that need frequent replacing are all telltale signs your casing may be leaking.
Choose the right material: Make sure you have the right casing material for your well’s needs. PVC casing is a popular choice because it’s relatively inexpensive, anti-corrosive, and durable. But it doesn’t have the weight-bearing capacity like steel casing to handle the pressure of soil and rocks found in deep-water wells.
Shop around: Compare the costs of a well casing replacement among several well contractors in your area to find the best price. Some may offer a package rate that includes inspection and maintenance once they’ve installed your new well casing.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of your well casing depends mainly on the material it’s made from. Stainless steel and galvanized steel casings are designed to withstand the pressures and environment of deep-water wells but are susceptible to corrosion. Most steel casings last from 20 to 35 years, on average. PVC casing is highly durable and, if used correctly, can last up to 50 years.
Despite signs like low water pressure or dirty water, it’s difficult to know for sure whether or not the problem stems from your well casing. The only way to pinpoint the cause is to have your well casing inspected by a well specialist. During an inspection, the contractor will use special lighting and a camera to have a look at the casing’s interior and examine it for cracks, leaks, or other structural damage.