A water well can supply homeowners with a consistent and clean supply of water year-round. Purity alone is an attractive characteristic that compels people to consider installing a well on their property. But before you get started, you should know that there are several different types of wells. Some are more practical than others for modern homeowners. Below is what you should know.

3 Different Types of Water Wells

1. Dug Well

Contractors devise dug wells by excavating a hole in the ground, either with a backhoe or a shovel. After reaching a point below the water table, the space is then lined with some sort of casing material, such as brick or stone. Because it’s challenging to dig a well-supported hole of any significant depth, most dug wells are quite shallow. That leaves them at greater risk of contamination, which contractors can prevent by installing a cement lining to minimize pollutants from entering the water supply. This antiquated style is rarely found in contemporary settings but might still exist on older properties.

2. Driven Well

A step above the dug well is a driven water well. They’re typically built in areas that have a substantial amount of gravel or sand, usually by driving a slender pipe into the material. At the base of this pipe is a screen that filters out harmful sediment and other contaminants and allows for a more pure supply to flow through. Even though it can be driven up to 50 feet below ground, it’s still vulnerable to contamination. A solid well cap free of damage will protect the water, but it’s equally important to avoid using pesticides and to slope the ground away from the well to promote proper runoff.

3. Drilled Well

A drilled well is among the most common option for homeowners. That’s because they can be drilled deep into the ground, well beyond the water table. A driven well typically features a casing made with plastic or metal, which is wider than the type used in driven wells. It must be drilled at least 18 feet below ground, and be surrounded by a sealant of some sort to minimize the odds of contaminants seeping inside. This pipe must surge at least partially into the subterranean bedrock that carries water. A pump is then used to draw it to the surface.
 

If you’re thinking of installing a water well on your property, turn to the professionals at Evergreen Well Drilling in Shelton, WA. The company offers a variety of services, including well drilling, pump installation, and water testing. Visit the website to find out more, or call (360) 426-3545 to schedule an appointment.