Category Archives: Installation

Stages of the Well Drilling and Installation Process

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If you’re considering having a new water well installed on your property, one of the first things you may be wondering about is how the drilling and installation process will go. From precise timing needs to the various steps involved in this process, having a general idea of how well drilling and installation will be carried out is very helpful if you’re considering your options. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to offer the very best water well drilling and installation services for clients around Utah. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when you come to us for well drilling and installation, including the basic stages that this process tends to require. Here are the main phases of a well installation, plus what to be thinking about within each of them regarding things like timing and more.

stages well drilling installation

Pre-Installation

Before any kind of drilling or installation can take place, there are a few important steps to ensure that your well is viable and that the process can be completed as smoothly and safely as possible. These include:

  • Identifying ideal well spot: We’ll use our expertise to identify an ideal spot on your property for the water well installation, considering safety factors such as nearby structures and other environmental factors.
  • Permit acquisition: Depending on local ordinances and regulations, you may need to acquire a permit before any type of drilling or installation can begin. If so, we’ll help walk you through this process.
  • Soil analysis: Before drilling or installation can begin, we’ll have to complete a soil analysis and check for any contaminants that could interfere with the water quality of the well itself.

In most cases, how long it takes to complete pre-installation for a well will depend primarily on the permit process. Some permits may take a few days to process, while others could take weeks.

Drilling & Installation

Once pre-installation is complete, the actual drilling and installation of the well can begin. This typically involves:

  • Digging the hole: A hole will be dug on your property at the designated spot, generally around 4-6 inches in diameter.
  • Drilling the well: A drilling machine is then used to bore into the ground, creating a hole for the well. The depth at which this occurs will depend on a number of factors including soil type and water table levels.
  • Pouring base cement: Before the well itself can be installed, a concrete sealant is poured into the base of the hole to ensure that the well is secure and stable.
  • Installing casing: Once the cement has been poured and dried, metal piping known as casing can then be placed in the hole for the well itself. This is used to provide more stability and keep out contaminants from entering your water supply.
  • Installing final well equipment: After the casing is installed, the final components of the well – such as a pump and other equipment- can be added.

In most cases, drilling and installation of a private water well should take between one and two days. This can be impacted by factors such as bore depth and the overall complexity of the installation.

Post-Installation

Once installation is complete, there are still a few steps to go through before your new well is ready for use. These include:

  • Testing for safety & quality: We’ll run tests on your water to ensure that it’s safe and meets any quality standards set out by local agencies and other bodies. We also provide water treatment and other services to help ensure that your well is safe for use.
  • Final paperwork: We’ll also complete any final paperwork related to the installation, such as registration and permits.
  • Early use: We’ll also walk you through any steps you may need to take prior to using your well, such as letting the water sit for a certain amount of time before it’s used.

The post-installation process should take very little time – usually just a few hours after installation is complete. This will depend on exactly what type of testing and paperwork needs to be done in order to complete the installation.

Overall, private water well drilling and installation is a relatively straightforward process once all of the proper steps have been taken. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can have your new well up and running in just a few days with great results. If you need more information or assistance on any aspect of this or any of our water well services around Utah, our team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service is here to help. Feel free to contact us at any time for more information or assistance with your well project!

Health and Related Benefits of a Residential Water Well

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In generations past, only certain people could realistically utilize a water well for regular water needs — typically those in remote or rural areas, for the most part. Available technology has changed this somewhat in recent years, however, opening up water wells to many more people — and also allowing a greater number of folks to learn about the benefits of owning such a system for your home. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to offer Utah’s best water well drilling, installation and maintenance services. We’ve blown the minds of many a prospective client simply by running through all the major benefits that come with a water well, plus how easy they are to attain given the low cost involved. Whether we’re talking about health-related areas or several others, here are some of the major benefits well owners find from utilizing this sort of system.

health benefits water well

Taste Considerations

One area that speaks to both health and comfort is the taste of your water. If you live in an area with municipally-treated water, chances are good that you don’t love the way it tastes — and that’s perfectly understandable. The chemicals used to cleanse tap water can often give it an off taste, but this is completely negated with a residential water well.

With a well, you’re getting water that’s naturally filtered through the ground rather than receiving added chemicals. This not only results in better taste for you and your family but also gives you complete peace of mind about what you’re putting into your body.

Health Concerns

In addition to the taste, there are actual health concerns that come with treated municipal water. According to a 2009 report from the National Resources Defense Council, over 90 different pollutants were found in U.S. tap water — and many of them have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues and other major health concerns.

Clearly, this isn’t something you want your family to be dealing with on a regular basis. A private water well eliminates these worries and concerns, giving you crisp, clean water that you can trust.

Cost Efficiency

Some people assume that installing a water well will greatly increase their monthly water bill, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many people see their bills drop considerably after making the switch — sometimes by as much as 50 percent.

This is due to a few different factors, chief among them being that you’re no longer paying for treated municipal water. Beyond that, well water tends to be much softer than municipal water, meaning you’ll use less soap, shampoo and other cleansing products over time. This ends up saving you a good deal of money as well.

Environmental Impact

For those who care about conserving resources and protecting the environment, a water well is definitely the way to go. Groundwater accounts for less than 1 percent of the world’s available water supply, so it’s important that we do everything we can to protect it.

By utilizing a water well, you’re not only drawing from this smaller resource but also cutting back on the amount of energy required to transport water to your home. This has a direct, positive impact on the environment — and it’s something you can feel good about as a homeowner.

Independent Water Sourcing

When you own a water well, you’re not relying on anyone else for your water needs — and that includes municipal water treatment plants. This can come in handy during times of drought, natural disasters or even simple maintenance issues at the local level.

No matter what might happen, you’ll always have a clean supply of water on hand when you need it most.

Improved Water Pressure

When thinking about the quality of your water in general, one area that’s sometimes glossed over is water pressure. If you live in an area with treated municipal water, chances are good that your water pressure isn’t all it could be — especially if you’re on a shared system.

This can make things like showering and doing laundry quite difficult, but it’s not something you have to worry about when you own a private well. In fact, water pressure is often increased after making the switch, further enhancing your quality of life in the process.

Increasing Property Value

Finally, you may not have realized just how valuable a private water well can be from a financial standpoint. If you ever decide to sell your property, having a well in place will almost certainly increase the resale value.

This is due to the many benefits we’ve already discussed, as potential buyers will see all of the same positives that you currently enjoy. Not only does this make owning a water well a wise investment, but it’s also something that could pay off down the road.

As you can see, there are many reasons to consider owning a private water well — and very few downsides to doing so. If you’re looking for a way to improve your quality of life and make your home more valuable in the process, a water well is definitely worth considering.

For more on this entire realm and why it’s one that more and more people are entering, or to learn about any of our water well drilling, installation, rehabilitation or maintenance services, contact the pros at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC at your nearest convenience to speak to one of our specialists.

Qualities to Look for in a Utah Water Well Drilling Company

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For any service you’re considering spending money on for your property through a third party, it’s vital to do your research and find a quality contractor for your needs. The realm of water well drilling and installation is no exception — not all water well drilling and installation companies and professionals are created equal, and finding a reputable, quality option is of paramount importance. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re proud to offer Utah’s best water well drilling, installation and other services. We fully expect our prospective clients to compare our products and services to other similar companies in the area — and we’re supremely confident that our reputation, programs and pricing structures will stand out to you and reveal us as your best option when you’re doing this. What are some of the top qualities you should be looking for when searching for a water well drilling and installation company? Here are several.

qualities well drilling company

Written Contract

As you’re looking into your options for a well drilling company, one of the first questions you should be asking is whether they offer a written contract for their services. This contract should contain important details such as what the job entails, how long it’s expected to take, pricing and other associated costs, what happens if there are delays or other problems and more.

A well drilling contractor who doesn’t offer a written contract likely either isn’t confident in their ability to complete the job as described or they’re hoping to leave room for interpretation and unexpected upcharges later on. In either case, that’s not a contractor you want to do business with.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we always provide our clients with a written contract outlining all aspects of the job before any work begins. We want you to know exactly what to expect from us and feel confident that we’ll deliver on our promises.

Accreditation and Licensure

Another vital quality to look for in your water well drilling and installation contractor is proper accreditation and licensure. In Utah, all water well drilling contractors must be licensed by the state.

In addition to state licensure, you should also make sure your contractor is properly insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or damage that might occur during the job.

Finally, look for contractors who have been accredited by organizations such as the National Ground Water Association and the Better Business Bureau. These accreditations show that the contractor has undergone a rigorous review process and meets all the standards set by these well-respected organizations.

Expertise in Surrounding Environment

As water well drilling requires a deep understanding of geology and the surrounding environment, you want to make sure that your contractor has extensive experience drilling wells in the specific area where your property is located. Different types of soil and rock formations require different approaches, and a contractor who doesn’t understand the local conditions could cause serious problems for your well.

Experience and Reputation

Once you’ve confirmed that a potential well drilling partner is at least qualified on paper, it’s time to start looking into their experience and reputation. How long has the company been in business? Do they have experience with projects like yours? Can they provide you with references from past clients? A well drilling contractor with a long history in the industry and a strong reputation is likely to provide you with better service and results than a newer, less-established contractor.

One great area to look into here is online reviews, which can give you an idea of what past clients have thought of a contractor’s work. Just be sure to take these reviews with a grain of salt — some companies will go so far as to create fake reviews to try and boost their reputation. The best way to get an accurate picture is to look at reviews from multiple sites.

Pricing

Naturally, costs are an important part of this conversation — but it’s vital not to just automatically take the lowest bid you receive. In many cases, the old adage “you get what you pay for” is true, and going with a less expensive contractor could end up costing you more in the long run if they cut corners or do a subpar job.

Instead of just looking at raw numbers, take the time to compare pricing between different contractors based on the services they’re offering and the value they provide. This will give you a better idea of who is actually offering the best deal.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we pride ourselves on being able to offer our clients affordable well drilling and installation services without compromising on quality or customer service. We’ll work with you to find a solution that meets your needs and budget.

Maintenance and Upkeep Services

As any well owner can tell you, the story doesn’t simply end when your well has been installed. Wells require regular maintenance to ensure that they’re functioning properly and producing clean, safe water.

When you’re looking for a water well drilling contractor, be sure to ask about the maintenance and upkeep services they offer. A quality contractor will have a team of experienced professionals who can handle any issue that might come up with your well, from simple annual maintenance to more complex repairs.

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we offer a wide range of well maintenance and upkeep services to our clients, including annual water testing, pump replacement and repair, and more. We’re here to help you keep your well running smoothly for years to come.

For more on how to evaluate your well drilling options, or to learn about any of our well services for Utah clients, contact our professional team today.

Equipment Options for Water Well Drilling Processes

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When it comes to drilling and installing a new water well on any property, the equipment and approaches used are naturally very important. There are a few different ways this process may be carried out today, and having some basic knowledge on your options is never a bad thing. 

At Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC, we’re happy to offer the very best water well drilling and installation services in Utah. Our most common form of drilling is rotary drilling, which we’ll go over below, but there may be certain other settings where other methods are required. Here’s a broad primer on the methods out there in the water well drilling world today.

equipment water well drilling

Manual Digging

While this method is far less-often utilized than it may have been a couple generations ago, there are still old-fashioned clients who want their water well drilled the old-fashioned way. This equipment-free method usually means a team of two or three workers will be taking shifts manually digging the hole for your new water well until it’s completed.

Simply put, you need to be prepared for some significant expenses if you’re wanting to go this route. Not only is manual labor very costly in terms of employee hours, but you’re also looking at a longer turnaround time for the job as well.

On the other hand, some people simply prefer the more traditional approach and are willing to pay whatever it takes to get their water well drilled this way.

Rotary Drilling Formats

As we mentioned above, our most common format for drilling new water wells — and perhaps the most common such format in the entire industry today — is rotary drilling. This refers to the use of a drill bit that’s attached to a very long rod, which is in turn attached to a large machine known as a drilling rig.

The entire assembly is then lowered into the hole that’s been dug (or will be dug) for the water well, and the operator of the machine will begin turning or rotating the drill bit. This action will cause the bit to cut through whatever materials it encounters, including dirt, rocks, and other debris.

Once the hole has been drilled deep enough, a well screen and/or casing can be inserted to provide stability and keep contaminants out of the water as it’s brought up to the surface.

There are actually a couple different types of rotary drilling to consider:

  • Mud rotary: This method utilizes a water-pressure-based jet for power, plus a large cutting bit, a steel drill pipe and a motorized rig. It’s a very efficient way to drill through softer soils and sedimentary rocks, and there’s no drive casting necessary because the borehole is kept open during the entire process. This is one of the fastest methods of drilling, and is often used in settings where time is of the essence. It can be somewhat pricy in some cases due to fuel usage, but this is made up for by how quickly it can be done.
  • Air rotary: As the name suggests, this method uses compressed air to both power the rig and clean out any cuttings that are produced by the bit as it drills through different materials. It’s a good choice for drilling through harder rocks, but can also be used in softer soils and sediments as well. It’s more efficient than the mud rotary method in some ways, but can also be more expensive because of the air compressor that’s required.

Jetting

A process that’s somewhat similar to mud rotary drilling, at least in terms of forcing water through a small opening to create power, jetting is most often used in shallower water wells. In this case, the water is forced through the small opening at an incredibly high pressure, which then helps to break up any materials that are in the way and make it easier for the well drilling process to progress.

In most cases, jetting will only be used for soft sediments and soils, but it can also be used as a first step in drilling through harder materials. It’s a very efficient method and is often much faster than using a rotary drill, but it can be more expensive because of the high-pressure equipment that’s required.

It’s limitations, however, are seen when you get to harder rocks and materials, which is where rotary drilling will usually take over.

Cable Tool

Also sometimes called the percussion or impact method, cable tool drilling is another very old and traditional approach to water well drilling. As the name suggests, it involves using a large drill bit that’s attached to a long cable, which is in turn attached to a massive rig.

The operator will lower the bit into the hole that’s been dug (or will be dug) for the water well, and then use the rig to pound or hammer it into the ground. This action will cause the bit to break through any materials it encounters, including dirt, rocks, and other debris.

For those who need to drill through particularly hard or stubborn materials, cable tool drilling is often the best choice. It’s also one of the most affordable methods in many cases, making it a good option for those who are working with a limited budget.

The only real downside to this method is that it can be quite slow, particularly when compared to rotary drilling or jetting. Those who need a fast, expedited process may want to look into other options.

Drilling a water well on your property can be a big job, but it’s important to remember that you have options when it comes to the equipment and approaches that will be used. Consider your needs and budget carefully before making a decision, and always work with a reputable professional to ensure the best processes and equipment are utilized.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our water well drilling, installation or rehabilitation services, speak to the team at Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC today.