Access to clean and reliable water is essential for any homestead or rural property. Drilling a well point is a cost-effective and efficient way to obtain groundwater for various purposes, including drinking, irrigation, and livestock watering. This article provides a step-by-step guide to drilling your own well point, covering site selection, soil conditions, tools and equipment, and the drilling process.
Key Facts
- Well Point Basics:
- A well point is a type of driven well that uses a pointed, hollow pipe to reach the water table.
- The well point has slotted holes along its barrel to allow water to flow into it, while a mesh screen inside prevents coarse sand and gravel from entering.
- Site Selection:
- Before drilling a well point, it’s important to determine the best location where water is abundant and closest to the surface.
- Traditional methods like “divination” or “water witching” using a green willow “twitch” can be used to locate subterranean water.
- Soil Conditions:
- Understanding the soil conditions in your area is crucial for successful well point drilling.
- Different soil layers, such as topsoil, sand, clay, and gravel, may be encountered during the drilling process.
- Tools and Equipment:
- To drill a well point, you will need a hand pile driver or a pneumatic driver to drive the pipe into the ground.
- Other tools and equipment may include a sledgehammer, pipe wrenches, Teflon tape or pipe joint compound for sealing threaded joints, and a portable electric pump for testing well output.
- Drilling Process:
- Start by driving the well point into the ground using a pile driver or pneumatic driver.
- As you drive the well point, you may encounter different soil layers. It’s important to monitor the depth and adjust the driving process accordingly.
- Once the well point reaches the water table, you can test the well output using a portable electric pump.
Site Selection
The first step in drilling a well point is to determine the best location for the well. The ideal location should have the following characteristics:
- Abundant water supply: The area should have a high water table, indicating the presence of ample groundwater.
- Proximity to the surface: The water table should be relatively close to the surface to minimize drilling depth.
- Suitable soil conditions: The soil should be composed of materials that allow for easy penetration, such as sand and gravel.Traditional methods like “divination” or “water witching” using a green willow “twitch” can be used to locate subterranean water. These methods involve walking over the selected area and observing the twitching or bending of the willow branch to identify potential water sources.
Soil Conditions
Understanding the soil conditions in your area is crucial for successful well point drilling. Different soil layers, such as topsoil, sand, clay, and gravel, may be encountered during the drilling process. Each soil type has unique characteristics that can affect the drilling process and the performance of the well point.
- Topsoil: Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil and typically consists of organic matter and loose soil particles. It is relatively easy to penetrate but may contain roots and other obstacles that can hinder drilling.
- Sand: Sand is a loose, granular material that allows for easy penetration. However, fine sand can collapse and clog the well point, affecting its performance.
- Clay: Clay is a dense, compact material that can be difficult to penetrate. It can also seal off water-bearing zones, making it challenging to obtain a sufficient water supply.
- Gravel: Gravel is a mixture of small rocks and pebbles that allow for easy penetration and provides good water flow. It is an ideal material for well point installation.
Tools and Equipment
To drill a well point, you will need the following tools and equipment:
- Hand pile driver or pneumatic driver: This tool is used to drive the well point into the ground.
- Well point: A pointed, hollow pipe with slotted holes along its barrel and a mesh screen inside to prevent sand and gravel from entering.
- Pipe wrenches: These are used to tighten and loosen threaded joints on the well point and pipes.
- Teflon tape or pipe joint compound: These are used to seal threaded joints and prevent leaks.
- Portable electric pump: This is used to test the well output and pump water from the well point.
Drilling Process
Once you have selected the site, prepared the tools and equipment, and understood the soil conditions, you can begin the drilling process:
- Start by driving the well point into the ground using a pile driver or pneumatic driver.
- As you drive the well point, you may encounter different soil layers. Monitor the depth and adjust the driving process accordingly.
- Continue driving the well point until it reaches the water table. You will know you have reached the water table when you see water flowing into the well point.
- Once the well point reaches the water table, you can test the well output using a portable electric pump.
- If the well output is satisfactory, you can install a permanent pump and connect it to a water storage tank or distribution system.
Conclusion
Drilling a well point is a practical and cost-effective way to obtain groundwater for various purposes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully drill your own well point and enjoy a reliable source of clean water for your homestead or rural property.
References
- DIY Shallow Well with 1-1/4″ Sandpoint Installation
- Augering a sand point well – Brilliant or Dumb?
- Drive your own freshwater well
FAQs
What is a well point?
A well point is a type of driven well that uses a pointed, hollow pipe to reach the water table. It has slotted holes along its barrel to allow water to flow in, while a mesh screen inside prevents coarse sand and gravel from entering.
How do I choose the right location for my well point?
The ideal location for a well point is one with an abundant water supply, a water table close to the surface, and suitable soil conditions (e.g., sand or gravel). Traditional methods like “divination” or “water witching” can be used to locate subterranean water.
What tools and equipment do I need to drill a well point?
You will need a hand pile driver or pneumatic driver, a well point, pipe wrenches, Teflon tape or pipe joint compound, and a portable electric pump.
How do I drill a well point?
Start by driving the well point into the ground using a pile driver or pneumatic driver. Monitor the depth and adjust the driving process accordingly. Once the well point reaches the water table, test the well output using a portable electric pump.
How do I know when I have reached the water table?
You will know you have reached the water table when you see water flowing into the well point.
What should I do after I have reached the water table?
Once you have reached the water table, you can test the well output using a portable electric pump. If the well output is satisfactory, you can install a permanent pump and connect it to a water storage tank or distribution system.
How do I maintain my well point?
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your well point. This includes inspecting the well point for damage, cleaning the well screen, and testing the water quality periodically.
What are some common problems that can occur with well points?
Some common problems that can occur with well points include clogging, corrosion, and damage to the well screen. These problems can be prevented through proper maintenance and by taking steps to protect the well point from damage.