Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drill in the winter?

Yes

How deep will my well be?

There is no way to know for sure, but a good indicator is how deep the wells are in your neighborhood.

How do I get a "good" well driller?

Take these five steps:

Make sure the well driller is licensed and belongs to business associations.

Ask for references from previous customers.

Ask for an itemized estimate so you know the costs up front.

Ask about a written warranty and what it covers (parts, labor, workmanship).

Contact you local Health Department

What is an adequate water supply?

The State of Michigan recognizes a minimum of 5GPM. A normal household needs a minimum of 10-20 GPM to run efficiently. An irrigation system requires a minimum of 20 GPM.

What type of tank should I get?

A good brand name, captured air style.

I do not have a basement or crawlspace. Where do I put my tank?

You will need an underground installation. The tank can be buried in the ground.

What type of screen should I use?

We recommend a telescoped stainless steel screen, it is superior to plastic screens that are glued to casings.

What kind of pump should I get?

For a 4" well you should get a submersible pump. The quality will vary depending on the make and model. Best quality is 100% stainless steel or bronze.

What size pump do I need?

Average pumps are 1/2hp-12gpm and are good up to approximately 50 feet. Next step is a 3/4hp- 12gpm and is good up to 140 feet because of gallonage. Next step is 1hp- 12gpm and is good up to 275 feet. Next step is 1hp-20gpm and is good up to 100 feet.

What if my pump stops working and I think it may be from a lightning strike?

If it is submersible, contact you well driller to verify that it was a lightning strike and then contact your insurance company.

Can I repair my pump myself and save some money?

Not usually. It normally costs the customer more in the long run. You may cause more damage to the pump or the well.

How long does it take to drill a well?

An average well is drilled in one to three days. Be sure to check with your well driller for lead times.

Can I get better water pressure?

It may be possible, but the best way to find out for sure is to contact a licensed well driller. The determining factors are the output of the well (GPM), pump size and tank size. There is also a valve that may be added to maintain constant water pressure.

How do I know if my water is safe to drink?

The water should be tested and sent to a lab for results. It is mandatory that all new wells be tested, but this is the responsibility of the well owner. To find out more about how to test your water or if you should test your water, contact your local health department.

What if I get a positive water sample back
from my well?

It is not unusual to get a positive sample. The best thing to do is run your water (this will not hurt a good working pump) and check with your local health department. In some cases you may need chlorination to
re sanitize the well.

I am purchasing a home. What do I need to know about the well?

You should find out how old the well is, what size it is, what repairs have been done and the volume of water it produces. It is also advisable to have a licensed water well driller check out the water system.

I am purchasing property to build a home. How do I make sure I will be able to get water?

The best way is to check well logs in the immediate area to see how deep they run and how much water they produce. Preferably you want to do this "before" you purchase land.