Top of the Industry Septic Installations, Well Drilling, and Irrigation Installations

Wells & Pumps

Supplying water to meet people’s needs is the general purpose of a well. There are also other uses for a well; such as returning water into the ground from geothermal heating, and using the warmth of ground water for geothermal heating. Wells are necessary when central water is not available; however, wells cannot be used for domestic use where central water is available. The exception to the rule being, wells can be used for irrigation and other non-domestic uses where central water is available.

The Well Drilling Process

The process begins with drilling a hole deep into the ground. While drilling, (mud rotary style), we look at the soil that is coming up out of the ground. The soil coming up out of the ground tells us where and how much water is located at that depth underground. The soil coming up can also tell us about the quality of water located at that depth. Once we locate a depth that produces enough water without any signs of quality issues, (if possible), we stop the drilling process. Upon finding acceptable water, we sink a piece of pipe to the bottom of the hole. The piece of pipe, called a well screen, has very thin machined slots in the pipe that allow water to flow inside the pipe. These slots are designed to allow a certain amount of water into the pipe while keeping sand and stones out. We then extend solid pipe to the surface of the well. We install small diameter gravel all the way around and up the entire section of well screen.

 

The Well Water Gravel Filter

The gravel serves as a filter to keep dirt and sand out of the well screen. We install grout around the well to prevent any surface contamination. Grout seals off the hole around the pipe, so that surface contaminants do not find their way down the hole around the outside of the well casing. We usually do not have a problem finding water on Delmarva, however, the area is known for having several water quality issues. Iron, nitrates, and sulfur issues are the the most common. As well driller’s, we use a database of all previous wells and well depths, along with other resources, to try and anticipate what type of water quality issues to expect.

The Well Pump

A well needs a pump to get the water above ground. We utilize many types of pumps, tanks, and fittings to get the water out. We have two basic styles of pumps for water wells. Suction pumps are trending to be antiquated, due to their lack of reliability, when compared to submersible pumps. Suction pumps sit above the water table and pull the water out of the well like a straw. Then, the pump pushes the water to the house/source demanding the water. Submersible pumps sit inside the well as they push the water to the house/source.

Expansion Tank

Once we have water flowing to the house/source, we generally install a water expansion tank. Water tanks have a lining inside of them and the tank has air pressure inside. When water enters the tank, the air pressure creates water storage under pressure. When the tank fills up to capacity, the pressure builds up to the point where the pressure switch turns the pump off. When the house/source uses water, it comes from the water tank until the pressure drops low enough to activate the pump. We do not want the water pump coming on everytime the kitchen sink is used. So if you turn the sink on for just a second, the water comes from the water already stored in the tank instead of the pump. This prevents the pump from turning on and off rapidly. The other purpose of a water tank is to ensure that when the pump does come on when not needed and that it runs for the minimum amount of time.

There are many ways to design a system and its components to extract water from the well. We do everything we can to put pump hookup packages of all styles, efficiency, and demand within our client’s budgets.

Contact Us Today

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
18031-arrow-up

Recent Posts

How Well Drilling Works

If you live in an area where public water isn’t readily available, well water is your best bet. But how exactly does well drilling work? Willey & Co are Delaware’s trusted well drilling experts, and we’ll take you through the process of drilling a well and what you need to know before getting one for…

Read More

What to Expect With Your Water Well Maintenance

If you rely on a well for your home’s water supply, it’s essential to keep it maintained to ensure it continues to function efficiently. The last thing you need for your Laurel, DE home or business is to be suddenly without water, especially when you need it the most. Regular water well maintenance from Willey…

Read More

How Does a Well Pump Work?

A well pump is a vital piece of equipment typically used to extract water from the ground in homes, farms, and other establishments that rely on well water. If your Laurel, DE home or business uses a well to obtain fresh water, it’s essential to understand how a well pump works to maintain and troubleshoot…

Read More

Septic Installation Services in Delaware

Willey & Co. is Delaware’s premier septic installation services provider. With over 40 years of experience, they are highly skilled in the installation of septic systems. Using the latest technology and highest quality materials, Willey & Co. is able to ensure your septic system is installed quickly and correctly the first time. Not only do…

Read More