Must-Read Before Drilling a Well: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes to Save Significant Costs

Must-Read Before Drilling a Well: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes to Save Significant Costs

Drilling a well is a substantial investment. Avoiding several common pitfalls before starting can effectively prevent waste, ensure safety, and significantly reduce overall costs.

The first mistake: Drilling blindly without assessing the ground.

This is the most costly mistake. Before determining the well location, the underground conditions must be investigated. The primary task is to use specialized equipment or contact relevant departments to confirm that there are no cables, gas pipelines, water pipes, or septic tanks below. Otherwise, if they are severed, the repair and compensation costs will be extremely high and dangerous. Secondly, by consulting neighbors, reviewing data, or conducting a simple survey, one should roughly understand the local groundwater level and soil structure to avoid wasting significant drilling costs in extreme locations with almost no water or consisting entirely of rock.

The second mistake: Choosing the wrong machine or construction method.

Choosing a drilling rig that is incompatible with the geological formation will result in wasted effort or even complete failure. For example, using a rotary drill suitable only for soft soil in a pebble layer will severely damage the machine or cause it to jam. Don't blindly trust "all-purpose" drilling machines. Choose an impact drill (for hard rock) or a rotary drill (for soft soil) based on your initial understanding of the geological conditions. For single-family wells, hiring a professional drilling team is often more economical and less risky than buying your own equipment, as they are experienced, bring their own suitable equipment, and can bear the technical risks.

The third mistake: Ignoring water quality, water volume, and subsequent infrastructure.

Reaching water doesn't mean the project is finished. Common problems include low water volume, poor water quality, and insufficient space for future installations. Before drilling, consider the intended use of the water (drinking, irrigation). This determines the required depth, water volume, and whether space should be reserved for pumps and filters. Ensure the contractor thoroughly cleans the well until the water is clear of sand and perform a test run after completion to confirm that the water volume and quality meet initial standards. Simultaneously, plan the installation locations and budgets for pumps, power supplies, and piping in advance to avoid drilling the well only to find you lack the funds for these amenities.

In summary, the key to successful and cost-effective well drilling lies in "investigating before proceeding, addressing specific needs, and ensuring adequate supporting infrastructure." By investing time in thorough preliminary investigations, selecting a suitable construction plan, and designing a complete water system, you can obtain a safe, reliable, and durable well at a reasonable cost.