Well Drilling Cost Calculator

About the Well Drilling Cost Calculator

Homes beyond the reach of a public water main rely on a private well. Drilling one is a major expense, and the biggest unknown is how deep the driller must go to find a reliable supply of good water. Drillers usually charge by the foot, so the final bill depends heavily on depth. Casing, the pump and pressure tank, permits and water testing add to the total.

This well drilling cost calculator estimates the full cost from the expected depth and the driller's price per foot, plus casing, the pump system, and the permit and water test. It shows each part and the overall cost per foot, so you can see how the total changes if the well ends up deeper or shallower than planned.

How to Use the Well Drilling Cost Calculator

Enter the expected well depth in feet.

Enter the drilling price per foot.

Enter the casing depth and casing price per foot, and the costs of the pump system and the permit and water test.

The Formula

  drilling  = depth × drilling price per foot
  casing    = casing depth × casing price per foot
  total     = drilling + casing + pump system + permit and test
  per foot  = total ÷ depth

Step-by-Step Example

A 200 ft well at $45 a foot, 60 ft of casing at $12, a $2,500 pump system and $500 for the permit and test.

  drilling  200 × $45 = $9,000
  casing    60 × $12 = $720
  other     $2,500 + $500 = $3,000
  total     $12,720, about $63.60 per foot

If the driller must go to 300 feet, drilling rises by $4,500 and the total to about $17,220.

Estimating Depth

The best guide to depth is nearby wells. Most states keep databases of well logs, records filed by drillers showing each well's depth, the rock layers found and the water yield. Local drillers also know the area's geology well. Depths range from under 100 feet in areas with shallow aquifers to many hundreds of feet in hard rock regions. Ask drillers for their typical depth and a price range rather than a single figure.

Drilling Price per Foot

Drilling prices depend on the ground and the equipment. Soft soil and sand drill quickly; hard granite or basalt takes longer and wears bits faster, raising the price per foot. Prices also vary by region and with demand. Many drillers quote a price per foot that includes a basic hole diameter; larger diameters for high-yield wells cost more.

Casing

Casing is pipe, usually steel or thick PVC, that lines the upper part of the well. It stops loose soil from collapsing into the hole and keeps surface water and contaminants out. Casing normally runs from just above ground down into solid bedrock and is sealed with grout around the outside. Wells in sand and gravel may need casing all the way down, with a screen at the bottom, which raises the cost.

Pump System

A submersible pump at the bottom of the well pushes water up to a pressure tank in the house, controlled by a pressure switch. The pump size depends on the well depth, the water level and the flow the household needs. Deeper wells need more powerful pumps and longer wire runs, so the pump system cost rises with depth. Some installations add a constant-pressure controller for steady water pressure.

Water Quality

A new well should be tested before the water is used. Health departments typically require tests for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and testing for arsenic, radon, manganese, hardness and other local issues is wise. If problems are found, treatment such as filters, softeners or disinfection adds to the cost. Retest the well regularly, at least once a year for bacteria.

Permits and Regulations

Most states and counties require a permit to drill a well and set minimum distances from septic systems, property lines and buildings. Licensed drillers usually handle the permit and file the well log after drilling.

Yield and Storage

Besides depth, a well's yield, the gallons per minute it can supply, matters. A household needs a steady supply for showers, laundry and irrigation; a low-yield well can still work with a larger storage tank that refills slowly between peaks of use. Drillers measure yield when the well is finished, and some areas set a minimum yield for a new home.

Maintenance

A well needs little routine care beyond regular water testing, keeping the wellhead cap secure and above ground, and keeping chemicals and fuel away from it. Pumps typically last 10 to 15 years.

Shared Wells

Neighbouring homes sometimes share a well to split the cost, with a written agreement covering maintenance, repairs and water use. Check local rules, as some areas restrict shared wells.

Understanding Your Result

The headline gives the estimated total.

The drilling line shows the cost of drilling to depth.

The casing line shows the cost of casing.

The pump and permit line shows the other costs and the overall cost per foot.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use it when buying rural land without a public water supply.

Use it to compare quotes from different drillers.

Use it to see how a deeper-than-expected well affects the budget.

Common Mistakes

Budgeting for the shallowest case. Wells often go deeper than hoped.

Forgetting the pump system. It can add several thousand dollars.

Skipping the water test. Problems must be treated before use.

Ignoring setbacks. Wells must be away from septic systems.