How to Gravel Pack a Well

The terms "gravel packing" or "filter packing" refer to the practice of lining a well's outer casing with various types of sand or gravel. These materials act as filters to keep large particles from the aquifer from flowing into the well. The process of designing and drilling a well should be undertaken only with the assistance of a professional well consultant and licensed driller. The driller generally puts the gravel pack or filter pack in place.

Things You'll Need

• Professional well consultant
• Licensed driller
• Gravel or sand or both, depending on well requirements

Instructions

1. Once well is drilled, determine which types of particles the gravel pack will need to filter.

2. Design an appropriate gravel pack using materials ranging from very fine to very coarse sand and very fine to very coarse gravel.

3. Remember that gravel packs will not remove fine silt or clay particles from aquifer water. Blank casing should be used to filter these particles.

4. Pour selected gravel pack into space between well screens, well casing and bore hole.

5. The well is now ready to be sealed and have a pump installed.

References

• UC Davis: Groundwater
• University of Illinois Urbana: Gravel Packing Water Wells