Frequently Asked Questions

What does drilling a water well entail?

A properly constructed well includes the well bore, well casing(s), annular casing seal (to exclude undesirable water and formations), and, in some applications, a filtration or sand screen or linear casing. Area experience, regulations, and geological conditions will determine what exactly is needed for your water well.

How much can I anticipate spending on a water well?

A water well is a long-term capital investment. Costs for a well vary considerably, depending primarily on the depth, diameter, and casing required.

Where should I locate my well?

Water wells need to be located a minimum distance from all points of possible contamination, such as:

• Septic tanks
• Septic fields
• Petroleum tanks
• Animal holding areas

Local ordinances may also dictate well placement. Outside of these setbacks, some geological formations will indicate the best areas in which to locate your future well. Steel Drilling is able to assist you in locating a proper place for your well.

What about witching or dowsing?

Steel Drilling does not use the techniques associated with witching or dowsing. We cannot guarantee that these services will locate an adequate water supply for your home or building project.

Is it OK for my water pressure to fluctuate up and down?

When this occurs, it is typically the result of a water-logged tank. When the tank doesn’t have enough air water is unable to come out of the tank before it turns on. If you keep using water, the pump will turn on and off abruptly, which can damage the pump, pipe, wire, and switch. Contact us immediately in order to prevent further damage.

I have no water. Is there anything I can do before calling Steel?

Yes, please follow these steps prior to calling us.

1. Check to make sure your breaker isn’t tripped. Be careful.

2. Check your cartridge filter and replace if necessary.

3. Next, check the gauge on the pipes near the tank. If your reading is more than 30 psi and you have conditioners or filters, open a hose outside and bypass them. If you have sufficient pressure after doing so, you may need to change the filter or backwash the conditioners. If your gauge reads below 30 psi, please contact us as you may have an issue with your pump, check valve, or water lines.

I have low water pressure. What should I do?

Check the gauge on the pipes near the tank. If your reading is more than 30 psi and you have conditioners or filters, open a hose outside and bypass them. Let the water run for two minutes and then shut it off. Next, run water in the house. If the pressure improves, you may need to change the filter or backwash the conditioners. If these steps do not improve your pressure, please contact us as you may have an issue with your pump, check valve, or water lines.

My water supply is inconsistent. Sometimes the pressure comes and goes. What is wrong?

This inconsistency can result from a clogged pressure switch. If the switch isn’t functioning properly it will not open and close correctly therefore cannot regulate the pressure. Please contact Steel and we can assist with cleaning and replacing (if necessary) the switch and nipple. We don’t recommend you try this on your own as working with electrical components can be dangerous.

I found a leak around my tank or conditioning equipment. Is there anything I can do?

If your leak is slow and manageable, please call us for an appointment.

If your leak is severe and flooding, turn off the breaker to the pump ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT STANDING IN WATER. Call us immediately and request emergency service.

How can I increase my water pressure?

Sometimes increasing your water pressure can be done by simply adjusting your switch in order to add more pressure. However, if this isn’t an option, we can offer a Goulds constant pressure pump to deliver water at steady rate of 70 psi. Contact us for a free estimate.

I noticed that if I use a lot of water, my pressure suffers. Sometimes it shuts off all together. What could be happening?

Low yielding wells can cause a decrease in pressure. If you think this might be the case, we can discuss options to deepen your well and other considerations that are less costly than drilling a new well. Contact us today.

What else will I need, beyond my new well?

Once the well is drilled, in most cases you will need a pump and drop pipe to push the water out of the well and into your system. A pressure tank, pressure switch, and additional hardware will generally complete your system. Most pumps run on a 22-volt single phase power. Water conditioning might also be required if mineralized water is encountered.

Steel Drilling offers these services in two phases:

• Phase One - Drilling the water well
• Phase Two - Installing a pump, excavating, putting a line to the house, and a pressure tank and switch.

We charge for each service separately, allowing you financial and installation flexibility. To request a quote, please call us at (570) 505-1891.