Published on October 22, 2018When it comes to a water well, you may think it will always be deep. But that is not the case all the time. There are wells that are much deeper than others, which means just like most of the services available for your home, a well isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all solution. Keeping this in mind, if you wish to learn more about the differences between shallow and deep well drilling techniques to make an informed decision, based on your own needs and requirements, then read on.
Understanding Deep Wells
As the name implies, deep wells are preferred when the water table is far underground. Depending on the rock your property sits on, you will require a deeper well. Since the water is deep underground, such a well will have greater protection from contaminants, as compared to water closer to the surface.
With deep wells, you won’t have to worry about their well pumps, as they are submersible after all. They are placed in the well, and at times below several hundred feet even. The controls, however, are easily accessible. In case repairs are required, the pump will need to be extracted to service it for the optimal functionality.
Understanding Shallow Wells
Shallow wells are the complete opposite of deep wells. These wells are needed if and when the water source is closer to the surface. The water drillers you choose to work with will assess the water table to determine how deep the well has to be dug. This involves the evaluation of the low point of the water table over the course of a year, not excluding drought conditions.
In comparison to deep wells, shallow wells are cheaper, since they do not require extensive labor or resources. You will need a pump if your shallow well is 25 feet or above. It is worth noting though, said pump cannot be placed under water, and are instead installed in a housing. These pumps do come with handy features like a sensor that will keep it from burning out.
Can a Well go Dry?
It is entirely possible for a well to go dry, but that does not mean it is of no use anymore. The water level can get back to normal after some time. The water level in a well can vary depending on the recharge that occurs, the depth of the well and so on. Wells screened with deeper confined aquifers are not influenced by the lack of rain than those screened in unconfined aquifers. Simply put, deeper wells in confined aquifers are less likely to dry out with a minimal pumping, unlike shallow wells.
How long do Well Pumps Last?
If you get a modern well pump installed by a certified professional, it will last for years to come. But most well owners do not know how long they will last before a replacement is required. Basically, submersible pumps in deep wells can last up to 8 years. Whereas, pumps for shallow wells with moderate use can easily last 15 years or more.
Different Types of Well Pumps
Apart from submersible pumps, there are other types of pumps available as well. Moreover, if you come across a problem with your pump, you can deal with it properly only if you know what type of pump you own in the first place.
-
Centrifugal Well Pump
A centrifugal pump has a singular pipe placed in the water, but at a shallow depth – no more than 25 feet.
-
Jet Well Pump
Jet pumps are available in two different types i.e. deep and shallow. These can be used with a pressure tank.
Shallow well pumps have a singular pipe drawing water from 25 feet. But, deep well pumps can draw water from 100 feet via a two-pipe system.
If your well pump is relatively new but is not working properly, chances are it is the wrong size. But that is not all, the pump could not be working because it is being overworked unnecessarily, despite it being capable to draw enough water in a short amount of time. Check your pump’s installation paperwork or identification plate to check for horsepower. The greater the horsepower, the less it has to run; which will increase its lifespan.
When your pump shows signs of giving way, you will need to contact a reliable water system professional. The professional will evaluate the pump and determine whether it is failing due to age or another reason entirely. Other reasons a well pump could not be functioning optimally could be because of low pressure, low well water or inadequate piping. But remember, the professional you call in has to be reliable, without which you will be in way over your head.
If you are not sure about who you should contact, do your homework online. Ask for recommendations and check out reviews online. When you find a water well drilling professional that meets your needs and requirements, it will save you time and money.
Contact Dick Joyce Wells for all your well drilling needs!
