Residential and commercial well installations both give properties an effective solution for maintaining a constant supply of water. However, there are many factors differentiating the two services. Before a property owner can decide what type of well best serves their needs, they must be able to make the distinction between their options. Fortunately, the experts at Frederick Drilling Co. & Sons are available to provide the residents of Tylersburg, PA, with all the information necessary to make an educated decision. Below, they explain some of the key differences between residential and commercial well installations. 

3 Ways Residential & Commercial Well Installations Differ

1. Purpose of the Installation 

Although residential and commercial well installations both make it possible to access groundwater, there are typically different purposes for each application. Residential wells provide a steady water supply for household use, ensuring homeowners have clean water to drink, as well as bathe, cook, do laundry, run the dishwasher, and water the landscape. On the other hand, commercial wells are often utilized to meet larger water needs for purposes such as irrigation, hydrofracturing, and water treatment. 

2. Drilling Process 

Another major difference between residential and commercial wells is the actual well drilling process. Residential wells are generally drilled at a six-inch diameter and go down 100 to 500 feet deep, depending on where a potable water supply is located. Drilling a commercial well is a much more extensive project. They are usually eight to 24 inches in diameter and drilled deeper to provide a higher volume of water. This also means commercial grade well pumps must be designed to support a heavier water flow. 

3. Well Regulations 

The specific regulations regarding residential and commercial well installations also vary. For instance, there are state and local guidelines that regulate how close a well can be drilled near a house so as not to pose a health hazard. In some areas, a plot plan must be submitted with a commercial well application, and a flow test may be required to ensure the well pump can generate a minimum number of gallons within a certain timeframe. The established standards for either type of well will depend on the particular area. 

Understanding how residential and commercial well installations differ makes it easier for property owners to recognize which service they need when it comes time to drill a well. With more than three decades of experience, the professionals at Frederick Drilling Co. & Sons are qualified to handle any well drilling job no matter its size or complexity. Contact them at (814) 744-8581 or visit their website for more information.