There are several benefits that come with drilling a private well on your property. Of these benefits, one of the most compelling for owners is the minimized dependence on public water systems and control of their very own water source.

If you are a property owner looking to gain the value of a private well, it is important to take into consideration the pre-drilling processes that are necessary for beginning your well drilling.

As the leading well drilling company in Napa County, the professionals at Weeks Drilling have provided some pre-drilling procedures that a property owner should do to prepare for drilling their private well.

Clear Vegetation from The Site

When you meet with your well drilling company for the first time, the professional will likely survey your property to help choose a suitable spot for your private well. To best optimize available well drilling locations, remove trees, plants, and bushes from desired areas.

Heavy drilling equipment requires a firm and flat surface to work properly. If your contractor plans to use heavy-duty drills, it may be necessary to level the land they will be working on.

If you are not sure what vegetation to clear, or if your land will need leveling, consult with the experts at your well drilling company. The experienced drilling team will be able to suggest what preparation is needed for your specific drilling location.

Create a Path

Wells aren’t usually placed directly next to a main road, so in order to ensure the well drilling company does not face any problems in transporting equipment, create an access road. You do not have to physically dig up and pave a road, just be sure that there is a cleared path for equipment to travel to and from the drilling site. Make sure the path is wide enough so that the well drilling company can get their large equipment such as casings, pumps, screens, and piping freely up and down the path.

When creating a path, consider nearby structures and underground systems. Plan carefully to prevent damage to them. Use colorful flags or posts to mark the designated path.

Obtain a Permit

Homeowners who hire a contractor to drill a well on their property may be required to obtain a permit before the professional begins their work. To avoid an inconvenience, do your research ahead of time. If a permit is required, place your request well in advance, as the processing of paperwork may take longer than expected.

To obtain your well permit, apply with your local enforcing agency. Once your application is accepted and the permit is issued, you can move forward with your drilling project. Ask your contractor if they can help you secure a permit. Familiarize yourself with regulations related to well construction. Find answers to important questions such as:

  • How wide and deep a private well should be?
  • How far should it be from surrounding structures?
  • How far should your well be from sewer pipes?
  • What kind of structural components should you use in order to ensure your well meets safety codes?

Create a Debris Disposal Area

A lot of debris is generated during the process of drilling a well. To prevent the unsightly mess from piling up in parts of your property, designate an area for debris disposal before your contractor starts your project. Some homeowners opt for digging a pit to contain the debris or renting a dumpster to haul away the waste.

Pro Tip:
Plan around the weather. Drill when the soil is dry, or you may face difficulty creating a hole and placing your well. In addition, if the soil is too wet and the well has been drilled down to an aquifer, contaminants can wash into pure water. Consult with your well drilling experts for their advice on when is the best time of year to drill your private well.

Some Other Things to Do Before Drilling

Find out if any wells were installed on the property in the past. Refer to state well drilling reports or geological survey records. These reports record the depth of wells installed in the area and whether water was found. These records can help you determine how deep your contractor should dig to hit an aquifer. If there are no records for older wells, ask neighbors if they remember the amount of water they produced

In addition, you should refer to geologic and topographic maps. Geologic maps can help you locate the aquifers and rock formations in your area, whereas topographic maps provide important information related to surface features. These maps can be used to determine the right location for private water wells.

Weeks Drilling & Pump is one of the most trusted well drilling companies in Napa County. Our team works with property owners throughout the process of their project to ensure it goes smoothly. Our ability to ensure flawless execution every single time is what sets us apart. To learn more, call (707) 823-3184.