Hiring a Water Well Driller? 21 Questions to Ask
In many regions of the US, the number of water wells is on the rise. This trend is the natural outcome of several factors: In areas struggling with drought, they offer homeowners and farmers access to private water supplies unencumbered by escalating usage fees and restrictions imposed by governments and utilities. In other areas, the increase is driven by residential expansion into semi-rural districts, or the ongoing need for replacement and secondary wells.
No matter what factors prompt your need for a new well, you want to find the best driller available. To help you accomplish this, we’ve outlined key questions to ask before you hire a water well driller.
Qualifications & Experience
- How long have you been a driller?
- How long has your company been in business?
- Are you licensed by/registered with the state? (if appropriate)
- Are you certified?
- What specific certifications do you have?
- Are you insured and/or bonded?
Services & Pricing
- What services are included in your standard well drilling contract?
- Will you provide a firm written estimate?
- Are there additional fees or does the stated price include all typical services?
- Does the stated price include site assessment?
- Does the stated price include preparation?
- Does the stated price include site cleanup and restoration?
- What type of guarantees do you provide for your work?
- What type of warranties do you provide for installed equipment?
- Do you provide follow up services such as maintenance, repair, pump installation, sanitation?
- Can you provide customer endorsements and contact information?
Timing & Particulars
- What type of well do you recommend?
- What type of pump do you generally install?
- What are common problems with wells in this area? (hard water, flow rate, etc.)
- What strategies do you recommend to address those issues?
- From start to finish, how long does the process generally take?
Water wells require a significant monetary outlay, so it’s important to make an informed choice. Scout online directories, registries and similar services to generate a preliminary list of potential drillers. Since up to 80% of drillers are selected based on endorsements, be sure to talk to friends, family and neighbors to narrow the list. Make contact with the top contenders, ask lots of questions, check references and arrange a site visit.
These investments of time, effort and money payoff in the long run, because a well that’s properly situated, expertly drilled, professionally installed and reliably maintained may under the right conditions last several decades