Alright, let us talk about getting water to your home here in Akron. If you are not on city water, or you are building a new place, a well is your answer. Not all wells are created equal. You have mainly two types to consider: drilled wells as well as bored wells. Our team has been doing this long enough to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of both types of wells. This is especially true with our specific geology around Summit County.
It is a big decision for homeowners. We are going to lay out the real talk on well cost as well as how long wells last. We will also talk about what kind of upkeep you are looking at for your well. This information also covers how wells look on your property. This is not some fancy marketing spiel. It is what our team has learned working on wells right here in Northeast Ohio.
Drilled Wells: Going Deep for Reliability
Most folks think of a modern water well when they picture a drilled well. Drilled wells are the workhorses of residential water supply. This is especially true in places like Akron where we have a mix of glacial till as well as deeper bedrock formations. All Things Well Drilling installs drilled wells for many homeowners.
Cost
Let us not beat around the bush. Drilled wells generally have a higher upfront cost than bored wells. You are paying for specialized equipment as well as skilled operators. You are also paying for the time it takes to go potentially hundreds of feet down. In Ohio, a complete drilled well system typically runs between $5,000 and $15,000. This includes the pump as well as the pressure tank. Drilled well projects can go up to $25,000 or more for really deep or complex jobs. The average residential well in Ohio is about 140 feet deep. Drilling rates are from $25 to $55 per foot. Around Akron, median well depths are often between 80 and 115 feet. This depends on the specific zip code. The deeper we have to go, the more it costs. That is plain and simple for drilled wells in Akron, OH.
Durability & Water Supply
This is where drilled wells really shine for Akron homeowners. Drilled wells are built to last. The well structure itself often lasts 40 to 50 years or even longer. We are talking about a narrow hole, usually 6-8 inches in diameter. This hole is cased with steel or PVC pipe all the way down. This casing is sealed with grout. This prevents surface water as well as contaminants from seeping in. Drilled wells tap into deeper aquifers. This means they are far less susceptible to seasonal changes in the water table. They are also less susceptible to surface contamination. That means a more consistent as well as reliable water supply for your home. This is true even during dry spells in Northeast Ohio.
Maintenance
Maintenance for a drilled well is pretty straightforward. You will want to get your water tested annually. This is especially important for bacteria as well as nitrates. You should also have the system inspected to catch any issues early. The pump typically lasts 8-15 years. The pressure tank typically lasts 10-15 years. These parts will eventually need replacing. The well itself is very durable if it is properly installed. We are talking about keeping an eye on water pressure. You should also watch for any changes in water quality like taste or smell. All Things Well Drilling can help with drilled well maintenance.
Appearance
A drilled well has a small footprint on your property. What you typically see above ground is just a well cap or a small well house. This protects the wellhead. It is pretty discreet. It will not be an eyesore in your Akron yard.
Bored Wells: The Shallower Option
Bored wells, sometimes called dug wells, are an older method for water supply. They are constructed by excavating a wider, shallower hole. This typically uses a large auger or even a backhoe. All Things Well Drilling has experience with bored wells in Akron, OH.
Cost
Bored wells can seem more attractive initially. This is because they often have lower upfront costs. This is because they do not go as deep. They might also use simpler equipment. Do not let that initial price tag fool you. The long-term costs can sometimes outweigh those savings. This is especially true if you end up needing more extensive water treatment. It is also true if the well needs deepening later on. All Things Well Drilling provides clear cost estimates for bored wells.
Durability & Water Supply
This is where bored wells fall short. This is especially true for typical residential use in Ohio. They are usually much shallower. They are often less than 100 feet deep. Bored wells draw water from the shallow water table or unconsolidated materials like sand as well as gravel. This makes them highly vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations in water levels. If we have a dry summer like we sometimes do here in Akron, your bored well could go dry. All Things Well Drilling helps homeowners understand these risks.
Another major concern for bored wells is contamination. They are shallow. They are also often lined with stacked concrete tiles. This makes them much more susceptible to surface runoff as well as agricultural pollutants. They are also susceptible to nearby septic systems. The joints in those concrete tiles can let in contaminants. This means you are more likely to deal with water quality issues. These issues can be a health risk. They can also require more extensive as well as costly water treatment systems for your Akron home.
Maintenance
Bored wells typically require more vigilant maintenance. You will need more frequent water testing. This is due to the higher risk of contamination. The large diameter can also make them more prone to debris as well as animal intrusion. This happens if they are not properly sealed as well as maintained. Any damage to the casing or issues with the well cap can directly lead to contamination. All Things Well Drilling offers maintenance services for bored wells.
Appearance
Bored wells have a much larger diameter than drilled wells. This means they can take up more space. They can also be more noticeable on your property. They often require a larger well cover or structure to protect the wider opening. This is a consideration for homeowners in Akron, OH.
My Recommendation for Akron Homeowners
For homeowners in Akron, OH, and really, most of Northeast Ohio, our team is going to give you an honest recommendation. We recommend that you go with a drilled well. All Things Well Drilling focuses on drilled well installations.
Our local geology has layers of glacial sediment over bedrock. This means that consistent, clean water is usually found deeper down. Akron's city water is treated. Well water in surrounding areas can contain naturally occurring minerals like iron as well as manganese. Sometimes well water can also contain bacteria or nitrates from surface sources. A drilled well gives you the best shot at avoiding these issues from the get-go. This is done by accessing more protected aquifers. All Things Well Drilling helps you get the best water for your home.
The higher upfront cost of a drilled well is a long-term investment. It is an investment in reliable as well as safer water. You will get better water quality. You will also get a more consistent supply. You will also have less worry about contamination. You are building a system that is designed to last for decades. This provides peace of mind for your family. All Things Well Drilling installs drilled wells that last.
At All Things Well Drilling, we focus on providing reliable as well as long-lasting water solutions. We will always assess your property's specific conditions. We also look at local well logs. This helps us give you the best advice as well as a clear quote. Do not compromise on your water source. It is too important for your Akron, OH, home.