As your local pump and drilling experts, this is a field that many homeowners are unfamiliar with. People tend to learn about well drilling in Shelton when they need it done, but that can make the cost or the length of the drilling seem arbitrary.
We get many questions like “Why does well drilling cost this much to do?” and “But there’s already a well on my property, why do I need to drill a new one?” These are great questions, and we’d like to be your guide to answering them. It’s important that you get your information from a reputable expert and a team that generally has your best interest in mind.
So, let’s talk about how long a well might last, depending on certain factors. And hopefully, you’ll understand just how tricky this kind of work can be!
The History of Well Drilling Practices
Wells have been used for water since ancient times. The practice began in ancient China and it quickly became a great way to irrigate crops and allow for people to settle in areas where there’s no direct water source available, like a river or a lake. Well drilling requires powerful and sturdy drill bits that can chew through dirt, sand, and even rock, which is why it can be time-consuming and expensive process, even in the modern era.
But there’s not much a homeowner can do otherwise if they need a well drilled. The drill bits and equipment are expensive to purchase, and even more difficult to use, which means hiring a professional is likely going to be the most affordable option available, even if it doesn’t seem that way!
The Timeline of a Well
When was the last time you had a well drilled on your property? If you don’t know the answer to that question, we don’t blame you. Many homeowners have moved into houses that are over a hundred years old, going through many owners throughout the years. You might not have even been alive when the last well was drilled!
But this is important, because depending on certain limitations, wells can operate for 50 years or 10. Here are some of the factors you might want to look for.
Factors That Impact a Well’s Lifespan
A well might last longer or shorter depending on a few things.
- New buildings or additions on the property can impact a well’s lifespan because more water is being drained on a regular basis. Groundwater can be replenished, but it’s a seasonal and yearly cycle, meaning that well might run dry with new people using it.
- Changes in the climate or weather can cause some wells to naturally dry up. Whether it’s from desertification or simply from the fact that the groundwater has moved somewhere else, these can impact the usability of your well.
- Contamination can play a factor in a well’s lifespan. The water might still be down there, but it might be contaminated with chemicals from a nearby plant. This could be a good reason to invest in a new well to be drilled on your property.
Remember, our team is always here to answer your questions related to well drilling, well pumps, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How can I tell whether an older well is still performing properly?
Answer: Age alone does not determine whether a well needs replacement. Watch for declining water pressure, reduced flow, cloudy water, or increasing amounts of sand and sediment. Comparing current performance with previous well records or pump-test results can also reveal gradual changes that may require professional inspection.
Question: Can an aging well be restored instead of replaced?
Answer: In some cases, yes. Reduced performance may come from mineral buildup, sediment, biological growth, or problems with the well screen rather than complete structural failure. Professional well rehabilitation may improve water flow, depending on the cause and severity of the deterioration. Early evaluation generally provides more options.
Question: What records should homeowners keep for a private well?
Answer: Keep the original well log or completion report, water-quality test results, inspection reports, pump replacement records, and invoices for previous maintenance. These documents can help contractors identify changes in well depth, construction, water levels, and production, making it easier to evaluate an older well accurately.
Question: How often should a private well be checked as it gets older?
Answer: Homeowners should regularly inspect visible well components and have their drinking water tested at least annually for common contaminants. A professional inspection can also evaluate water flow, pumping levels, pressure equipment, and other system components. Consistent monitoring makes it easier to notice deterioration before water service is seriously affected.
Question: Is the age of the well the same as the age of the well pump?
Answer: No. The drilled well and its casing can remain usable much longer than mechanical components such as the pump or pressure tank. A property may therefore have an older well that has already received several equipment replacements. Diagnosing the specific component is important before assuming a new well is necessary.
Schedule an appointment with American Pump and Drilling in Olympia, WA for reliable service.