We frequently receive calls from customers with no knowledge of wells or well systems. Our philosophy is to thoroughly explain the well construction and well system operation in a manner that our customers and potential customers will understand. We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions as asked by our customers.

Q: How do we get ground water?

A: Some ground water occurs at the surface as springs, but in most cases, a water well is needed to reach the aquifer where ground water is found. Today, most wells are made by drilling into rock layers using drilling machines or rigs to access water deep beneath the surface.

Q: How are wells drilled?

A: Most residential wells are drilled to a diameter of 6 inches. Special equipment (drill rigs) are necessary as most wells are drilled to approximately 200 feet or deeper.

Q: What is the steel pipe that sticks out of the ground?

A: All wells require casing to seal off possible contaminants at or near the ground surface.

Q: Does the steel casing down the entire well?

A: Casing may not be needed for the entire depth of the well. When drilling in the rock formations in Eastern Pennsylvania generally the casing must be installed ten feet into bedrock. Softer formations may require additional lengths of casing.

Q: Why does the steel pipe stick out of the ground when the well is finished?

A: This is a Board of Health requirement so that ground water runoff does not enter the well.

Q: How long does it take to drill a well?

A: With the equipment that is used today, most wells can be drilled in a day. The depth of the well and the rock formations that are being drilled through can make it take longer.

Q: How do you know how much water you have after the well is drilled?

A: Experienced drillers will have a pretty good idea of when some water is found and its yield during the drilling process. Usually yield is measured during and after completion of drilling using a stopwatch and bucket.

Q: What happens after the well is drilled?

A: After the drilling process is complete a trench will be dug to connect the well into the building. Pump sizing and installation of the pump and tank follows thereafter.

Q: Does it matter what size pump I install?

A: Yes. Well yield is important in selecting the right pump for the well. Other considerations are if there will be extra water usage i.e. irrigation systems, filling a swimming pool or specialized fixtures in the house.

Q: What is the purpose of the well tank and does it matter what size tank I use?

A: When the pump turns on the pressure tank is filled. The water is stored in the well tank until it is called for in the house. It is to the customer's advantage to purchase the largest size tank for the space they have available. With a larger storage tank, more water is on store and the pump is not cycling as often. Most wear and tear on a pump is during starting and stopping. By having the pump run for longer periods and stay off for longer periods by using a larger storage tank should give your pump increased life expectancy and the capability of using a faster pump if necessary.

Q: What happens if I have a low yield well?

A: Low yield wells that are drilled to deeper depths can be sufficient for normal domestic needs. For every foot of water in a 6" diameter well, there are 1-½ gallons of water stored. Therefore, on a deeper well that has good recovery (ability to fill at least ¾ full) there could be several hundred gallons of water on store in the well column. Proper pump and tank sizing can make low yield wells work fine for normal use.