Details Drilling Experts Won't Tell You: Key Steps to Watch When Supervising the Drilling Process

Details Drilling Experts Won't Tell You: Key Steps to Watch When Supervising the Drilling Process

When hiring a professional drilling team, having the homeowner supervise the process on-site can better ensure the quality of the well and avoid future problems. The drillers are busy operating and may not proactively point out some details. You don't need to be a technical expert, but focusing on the following key steps will give you a clear understanding.

Step 1: Supervise the "drilling" and "casing" – these are the skeleton of the well.

Drilling Verticality: When the drilling rig begins drilling, observe whether the drill rod is vertical. If it's crooked from the start, the well will drift further and further off course, affecting the efficiency of subsequent pump installation and water extraction.

Casing Installation: When the borehole reaches the predetermined depth and the well casing (usually PVC or steel) is lowered, confirm that the filter section (the part with small holes in the pipe wall) is accurately aligned with the sand layer or aquifer where water will be extracted. This is crucial for ensuring future water output and preventing sand inrush. Also, check that the well casing connections are secure and sealed.

Step Two: Closely monitor "gravel filling" and "well washing," as these are crucial to the success of the well.

**Gravel Filling:** Clean coarse sand or gravel (called filter media) needs to be filled into the annular space between the well casing and the borehole wall. You must confirm that the installer is using appropriately sized, clean, and uniform filter media, and that it is being filled slowly and evenly from the sides, not poured all at once. This ensures a good filter layer is formed and prevents fine sand from clogging the well.

**Thorough Well Washing:** After lowering the casing and filling with gravel, a vigorous and thorough well washing is essential. Observe whether they are continuously pumping water using a high-volume pump until the pumped water is completely clear and free of sediment. Incomplete well washing is a major cause of low water output and turbid water quality later on. Don't be fooled by the illusion of "clear water"; continue washing for at least several hours.

Step Three: Verify the "depth" and "water volume" and record them carefully.

Final Well Depth: Before the foreman finishes work, personally confirm or use a measuring rope to measure the final static water level (water surface depth when not pumping) and the total well depth, and record it. This is crucial for future pump selection and water volume assessment.

Simple Water Test: If possible, ask the foreman to test pump for a period of time, observing whether the water flow is stable and whether there is a significant decrease. Record the approximate water flow.

You don't need to direct the construction, but calmly observing, asking questions, and recording these details lets the foreman know you have quality requirements and will be more attentive. These records are also important for communication or maintenance should problems arise later. Spending some time on-site adds an extra layer of security to your water supply for decades to come.