Well drillers near you

When hiring a well driller, make sure you consider the following and complete these steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Confirm that the professional has a current license specifically for well drilling in your area (if required). For example, they may need a well driller’s license or a water well contractor’s license. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research. Also, verify that they have liability insurance, are bonded, and carry workers’ compensation coverage.

• Get several estimates: Request quotes from multiple well drillers near you. Look for detailed estimates that included itemized costs for drilling rates, casing materials, pump installation, water testing, all required permits, and more.  

• Read their reviews: Find out what past customers have to say about the water quality and whether the pro completed the work on schedule. Watch for complaints about hidden costs, unanswered calls, or abandoned projects.

• Look at past projects: Ask to see examples of completed wells similar to your needs, particularly in your local area. Reputable pros should have a portfolio showing properly installed wellheads and good water testing results.   

• Find out if they have warranties: Confirm that the driller offers written guarantees covering at least the pump system, water yield, and overall construction quality. Read the fine print to understand exactly what’s covered, for how long, and the response time for service calls if problems arise.

• Ask important questions: For example, find out how long this project will take and how they approach an encounter with a dry hole or difficult rock formations. Also, ask about what specific water quality tests they will perform.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

The cost to hire a well driller will depend on your project. For example, the national average cost of well installation is around $3,000*, but some customers report paying as much as $5,000*, according to Thumbtack data. Meanwhile, the national average cost of well repairs ranges from around $550 to $1,780*.

Several variables can affect the total price, including:

• Well depth: The deeper your water well, the more you’ll likely pay. Most drilled wells range from 50 feet to over 1,000 feet deep, with contractors typically charging by the foot.  

• Geological conditions: The subsurface of your property typically determines drilling difficulty and cost. Drillers can often work through sandy ground quickly, but dense clay or bedrock usually requires more time and money.  

• Casing requirements: Well casings can prevent contamination and collapse, but they’re not all the same. The diameter, material quality, and total casing length may all factor into your project’s price tag.

You can possibly lower your well drilling expenses with these tips:

• Know your local water table: Find where groundwater runs closest to the surface of your land. Drilling in these spots often means a shallower well, which typically costs less since you pay by the foot.  

• Consider a shared well: Ask if your nearby neighbors would like to share a well with you. Splitting the cost between multiple homes may save everyone money. Be sure to record who pays for what and how much water each house is allowed to use.

• Take advantage of financing: Some well drillers may offer the option to pay in monthly installments instead of all at once.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Some of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional well driller include the following:

• They know the land: Local well drillers usually understand how local soil and rock types affect drilling. That means they can pick the best spot for a steady, clean water supply.

• They have the right equipment: Professional drilling rigs are built to safely drill deep, precise holes without damaging the surrounding area.

• They follow local rules: Most areas require permits and have strict guidelines for drilling depth, location, and water safety. A licensed pro usually handles all that.

• They help protect your water quality: Improper drilling can allow bacteria or surface water to leak into your well. A professional well driller often takes all precautions to help keep your water safe.

• It’s faster and more cost-effective: A pro can usually complete the job quicker — and get it right the first time.

• They offer support after the job is done: If your water pressure drops or you notice sediment later, you can typically call the same team to inspect and fix it.

Well drillers generally perform the following services:  

• Well design and site selection

• Water well drilling

• Geothermal well drilling

• Well casing installation

• Well screen installation

• Water pump installation

• Pump maintenance and repair

• Hydrofracking

• Water testing

• Water filtration system installation

• Routine well inspections

• Emergency well repairs

• Well decommissioning

Here’s how you can determine whether drilling a well for your home is worth the cost, time and effort:

• Assess your water needs: Consider how much water your household uses. If your usage is high or you live in a remote area, drilling a well may provide long-term savings and benefits.

• Evaluate the cost of installation: Drilling a well often involves significant upfront costs, which vary depending on location, depth, and system requirements.

• Test the water quality: Wells can provide clean, reliable water, but you should test it to ensure it meets safety standards.

• Research local regulations: Some areas have stricter rules and permitting requirements, so check local laws and regulations before deciding.

• Plan for ongoing maintenance: Wells require regular maintenance, such as pump repairs and water testing, which can add to your long-term expenses.

• Consider accessibility: Ensure the drilling machinery can reach the spot. If well drillers can't access it easily, you'll likely face costly expenses to remove obstacles and repair the area afterward.