Q&A for How to Make a Well

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Question

How difficult is to get a permit to build a water well?

Community Answer

It depends entirely on where you live. Check with your local municipality. Some require a permit while others do not.

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Question

How do I keep the dirt from caving in on the drill pipe and locking it up so it won't move?

Community Answer

Depending on the type of soil, your drill bit should leave the compacted soil around 1-2 meters below the surface of the ground okay. The first 2 meters may cave in, since the soil is softer, and drop inside the well, but that can be easily scooped out using a well bailer. It would be wise to drill a hole larger than the pipe so that if it caves in it doesn't lock it in place. Then when you're done you can simply compact the area around the pipe with dirt.

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Question

How deep can I go into a well before breathing will be difficult?

Community Answer

Generally anything below 10 feet should have some type of forced air. The biggest danger is carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide buildup. Since these are both heavier than air, you have to have the exhaust fan in the well pushing air out. Below 30 feet you should have SCBA equipment handy.

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Question

How long does it take to dig a well?

Community Answer

It depends on a variety of factors. For example: how deep it is, how many people are digging, how big your shovel is, the compactness of the soil, the weather conditions, etc.

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Question

How deep should a well be?

Community Answer

It depends on where the water table is. I've seen them anywhere from 40 feet deep to 800 feet deep.

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