Cost to Install a Well: Professional Insights
Price source: Costs shown are derived from our proprietary U.S. construction cost database (updated continuously from contractor/bid/pricing inputs and normalization rules).
Eva Steinmetzer-Shaw
Head of Marketing
Understanding the True Cost to Install a Well in Residential Builds
For construction professionals, understanding the cost to install a well is crucial for accurate project budgeting. Costs can vary significantly based on factors such as geology, depth, and local regulations. Typically, shallow dug wells (25-50 ft) range from $3,000 to $9,000, mid-depth drilled wells (100-200 ft) from $9,000 to $18,000, and deep bedrock wells (200-400 ft+) from $18,000 to $24,500+. These figures include drilling, casing, sanitary seal, pump, pressure tank, trenching, and basic electrical hookup.
Why Well Installation Costs Differ So Much
Geology: Drilling through bedrock is more expensive than sandy soils.
Depth: Water depth can vary greatly, affecting costs.
Well Diameter & Casing: Larger diameters and steel casings increase material costs.
Pump Selection: Submersible pumps offer better pressure but at a higher cost.
Local Permits & Testing: Costs vary by county for permits and water quality tests.
Itemized Breakdown: Where the Dollars Go
- Drilling & Casing: $25–$65 per foot per foot
- Gravel Pack & Grout Seal: $600–$1,800
- Submersible Pump & Controls: $1,000–$2,500
- Pressure Tank & Piping: $800–$1,500
- Trenching & Electrical: $900–$3,000
- Water Quality Testing & Permits: $300–$600
How CountBricks Streamlines Your Well Project
Our platform integrates supplier feeds for current pricing and uses AI to match regional installation patterns, generating detailed quotes quickly.
Step-by-Step CountBricks Well Installation Workflow
- Permit filing and utility mark-outs
- Rig mobilization and drilling
- Installing casing, screen, and sanitary seal
- Pump sizing and electrical rough-in
- Pressure tank setup
- Bacterial shock and water quality testing
- Final inspection and system start-up
Hidden Costs Professionals Should Consider
- Water softeners or iron filters
- Generator backup for pump
- Landscaping restoration
Five Pro Tips for Better Budget Accuracy
- Use GPS for accurate site mapping
- Schedule drilling during dry months
- Opt for stainless steel drop pipes for durability
- Install a dedicated 240 V circuit
- Bundle drilling with other projects to save costs
Get Your Custom Well Estimate Today
Whether you're a general contractor or overseeing a residential project, CountBricks provides precise estimates tailored to your needs.
Case Study: Cutting 12% Off Well Costs with CountBricks AI
Greenpoint Builders used CountBricks to price a 180-foot well, achieving significant savings. Traditional quotes ranged from $21,000 to $24,500, but our platform identified cost-saving opportunities.
Where the Savings Emerged
- Pump Optimization: Switching to a 1 HP pump saved $620.
- Smarter Scheduling: Drilling during a dry spell saved $900.
- Bulk Material Bundling: Negotiated a 6% discount on materials.
Outcome
The final cost was $19,250, 12% under the lowest quote, with a detailed report provided to the homeowner.
Taking the Next Step
Upload your site plan to CountBricks for real-time cost analysis and downloadable proposals.
