Wells
A well, from site walk to first tap
Six steps, with the driller on one and us on the rest. Dates depend on the driller's schedule and the season, and we say so up front.
- 01
Step 1: Site walk
We look at the lot, the power, the road in and where the house will sit. Photos by text work for a first look.
- 02
Step 2: Two written prices
The driller prices the hole. We price the pump, tank and lines. You see both before anyone books.
- 03
Step 3: Setbacks and the spot
A well sits a set distance from the septic system and the property line, and the rules differ by location. We mark the spot with you and the driller, and tell you who to ask.
- 04
Step 4: Drilling day
The driller's rig does the work and records what it finds. We are on site for the casing, the cap and the first look at water.
- 05
Step 5: Pump, tank and lines
Once the casing is in, we set the pump, the pressure tank and the controls, and run the line to the house, protected from frost.
- 06
Step 6: First tap and winter plan
We turn it on, flush it, check pressure, and leave a sheet: where the shutoffs are, where the heat cable runs and who to call.
Who does what
Our crew and the driller, side by side
The driller is a separate company. This is how the work is split so you know whom you are paying for what.
| Driller partner | Our crew | |
|---|---|---|
| Site walk and plan | Driller partnerJoins to pick the spot | Our crewWe lead it |
| Drilling and casing | Driller partnerTheir rig and crew | Our crewNo |
| Well log | Driller partnerRecords and hands it over | Our crewA copy in your file |
| Pump, tank and controls | Driller partnerNo | Our crewOur crew |
| Water line and frost protection | Driller partnerNo | Our crewOur crew |
| Electrical hookup | Driller partnerNo | Our crewYour licensed electrician; we coordinate |
Questions
About wells
Do you drill wells?
No. A separate drilling company, our driller partner, drills the hole. We walk the lot with them, set the pump, pressure tank and controls, run the line to the house and protect it from frost. You get two written prices, one for each job.
How deep will my well be?
That depends on the lot. In the Fairbanks area some wells find water shallow and some go deep, and the driller learns the answer as the hole goes down. Neither of us can promise depth or flow before it is drilled.
What if the hole comes up dry?
Ask the driller how a dry hole is charged before you book, and get the answer in writing. Their options are usually to go deeper or to try another spot, and each has its own cost. We help you weigh them.
Should I have the water tested?
Yes. Have a lab test the water before you drink it or buy a place on it. We can tell you which labs people in the area use and set the pump so a sample can be taken from a clean tap.
Planning a well
Start with a site walk
Tell us the road, the lot and when you want water. We will say what to ask the driller and what we need from you.