While hydrofracking, or expanding bedrock fissures, is commonly associated with gas drilling, it also has water well applications. Here, learn more about well hydrofracking to determine if your water source needs it. This water well development process offers several key benefits.

What Do I Need to Know About Water Well Hydrofracking?

Why It’s Done

Also known as hydrofracturing, hydrofracking widens fractures and fissures in bedrock at the bottom of a water well. These fractures send water into the well; however, some fissures are not large enough to provide consistent water flow. Expanding the fractures subsequently allows more water to enter the well and provide homeowners with the essential liquid whenever they need it.

The process also avoids the expense of drilling new wells and capping old ones. It can be used in commercial and residential settings to save money, time, and hassle.

How It’s Done

Hydrofracking requires sending clean, disinfected water into bedrock fractures within an existing well. The water hits the fractures at up to 3000 psi, causing 50 to 85 gallons of water to impact the bedrock per minute.

All pipes and pumps get removed from the well prior to the procedure, at which time an inflatable packer device is installed at the well’s bore. If the packer isn’t inflatable, it gets locked within the well to create a seal. The packer prevents pollutants from contaminating the well during hydrofracking in addition to helping pressurize it.

Water flows through the packer at a high speed for up to 30 minutes, causing the pressure to increase until the bedrock fractures take on the water. Pressure drops as the fractures continue to widen and provide the well with more liquid. A sudden pressure decrease signals success because the bedrock has fractured sufficiently. 

If your low-yield well needs hydrofracking, contact the team at Luisier Drilling. The contractors offer water well drilling, irrigation, water system installation, and hydrofracturing to clients throughout Oconto Falls, WI, and the surrounding areas. Call the family-owned company at (920) 848-5239 to schedule service or learn more about their services online.