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.

Construction project managers help in all stages of your construction project, starting from the very first step. Typically paid a percentage of a total project cost, they are part of the design and planning process and help ensure seamless communication between the design parties and the construction team. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, their scope of work includes preparing cost estimates, budgets and work timetables; interpreting and explaining contracts and technical information to other professionals; reporting work progress and budget to clients; collaborating with architects, engineers and other construction pros; selecting subcontractors and scheduling and coordinating their tasks; responding to work delays, emergencies and other problems; and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, building and safety codes, and other regulations.

The work of construction project managers may seem very similar to that of general contractors, but there are some critical differences. One difference is that, unlike most general contractors, project managers are not engaged in the actual construction — they are onsite overseeing the work of subcontractors. Another key difference is that project managers are hired during the design phase, while general contractors are hired after plans have been made. The project manager is generally paid a percentage of the total project cost, while the general contractor is more typically paid according to the bid they gave to build your project.  

You may choose to hire a construction project manager for your residential or commercial project. For the hands-on homeowner who wants to be involved in home construction but isn’t comfortable hiring subcontractors, a construction project manager can oversee these relationships and supervise labor. Typically, construction project managers charge a fee that is a flat percentage of the total construction project cost. This may range from 10 percent to 15 percent, depending on the company and the services they provide. This means a $30,000 home remodel project would have a construction project management fee of $3,000-$4,500. Hiring a construction project manager generally precludes the markup on subcontractor labor charged by a general contractor. The drawback to this choice is that, unlike a general contractor, the construction project manager won’t be financially responsible for the work of the subcontractors. For larger projects, you may hire a construction project manager who will also hire a general contractor. This provides the benefits of the general contractor along with the management services of the project manager, who will be on board from the beginning. The construction project manager will be involved in the design phase and work with the architects and the building crew, facilitating a smoother overall process.

For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

It’s important to know if your project requires work by a licensed professional, as licensing laws can vary by state, locality, and job details. You can find general licensing information online at the government websites that handle occupational licensing for a given profession in your state or location. Some states designate a project cost over which you have to hire a licensed contractor. To find qualified licensed contractors, search your state’s licensing board. For example, in California, the Department of Consumer Affairs operates a searchable database through the Contractors State License Board. In some states, contracting licenses are provided at a regional level. You can find links to specific databases on BRB Publications’ Occupational Licensing page. Red flags that a contractor may not be licensed or may be providing an expired or false license number are unreasonably low bids or a request for complete payment upfront. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

A contractor license number is proof that your contractor is operating their business legally, that they have the proper documentation required by your state or region, and that they are competent in their area of work (electrical, plumbing, construction, etc.). Licensed contractors should freely advertise their contractor license number. If not, you can request it before considering them for hire. You can also research your contractor using their license number. The database for your state will indicate the field they are licensed to work in; whether they are up to date on insurance, workers’ compensation and bonds; and whether they have any consumer complaints issued against them. If the licensed contractor you are hiring does not have employees, they are not required to carry workers’ compensation. Each state or region will have their own database for licenses, such as the State of Oregon Construction Contractors Board. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.