How to Install a Shallow Well

If you have a sufficiently high static water level where you live, you can install a shallow well. Shallow wells consist of a well point driven into the soil until it penetrates your water table, filling the galvanized pipes you attach. The water is then drawn up and out on demand using a cistern-style hand pump. Shallow wells can only draw from a depth of 20 feet or less.

Instructions

1. Pick a site at least 100 feet away from possible sources of contamination such as a septic tank, leach field or garbage dump, and dig a starter hole about 6 inches in diameter and approximately 2 to 3 feet deep.

2. Prepare the well point for driving. First remove any protective plastic sheath that may be wrapped around the well point's screening. Then, using a coupling, attach the first length of galvanized steel pipe to the well point. Apply one wrench to the well point and another wrench to the length of pipe. Turn in opposite directions to tighten. Place a drive cap on the end of the pipe length. You are now ready to begin driving the well point through the soil and into the water table.

3. Place the tip of the well point in the bottom of the starter hole, and using a sledgehammer or steel post driver, hammer on the drive cap until the well point is buried and the galvanized pipe extends about 1 foot above ground level.

4. Use a coupling to attach each subsequent length of pipe, remembering to turn the wrenches in opposite directions each time. This prevents the well point from twisting out of position. Each time you add a length of pipe, use a level to make sure that the pipe is vertically level.

5. Penetrate the water table at least 5 feet. For example, if your static water level is at 8 feet, penetrate to a depth of at least 13 feet.

6. Plunge a long pole up and down repeatedly in the galvanized pipe to purge any grit, rocks and sand from it. You can also run water into the pipe with a garden hose to achieve the same result.

7. Allow the final section of galvanized pipe to extend above ground level enough so that you can add a base on which to fasten the cistern hand pump. The base can be level with the ground or raised, depending on what style of hand pump you have. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for attaching the hand pump. Once installed, pump a test batch of water until the water runs free and clear of dirt, sand or other particulate matter.

Tips & Warnings

• Penetrating the water table 5 to 10 feet accounts for fluctuations in water table level due to weather and seasonal conditions and ensures a steady water supply under most conditions.

• Make sure that you buy the right size galvanized pipe to fit the threaded opening on the hand pump.