What to Expect During Our 5-Step Drilling Process

Published 2024-09-15 · Process · 6 min read · by trevor-langford

TL;DR

Every Langford project follows the same 5 steps: site assessment, permit verification, drilling and casing, well development and testing, then pump installation and hookup. Most residential wells are start-to-finish in 3-7 days of on-site work.

Drilling a water well is a significant investment, and understanding the process helps you know what to expect. Here's how Langford Drilling takes your property from initial assessment to flowing water.

Step 1: Site Assessment & Planning

Before any equipment arrives, we thoroughly evaluate your property:

Review neighboring well logs and geological data
Evaluate property access for drilling equipment
Confirm setback requirements from septic systems and property lines
Discuss your water needs and budget
Provide a detailed written estimate

Step 2: Permitting

We handle the permitting process with the Utah Division of Water Rights. For most domestic wells, this involves submitting a well drilling application and receiving a start card before drilling can begin. Depending on the basin, this process takes 1-4 weeks.

Step 3: Drilling

When the rig arrives, here's what happens:

Setup (Day 1 morning): We position the rig and prepare the drilling site
Drilling: Our rotary rig advances 100-300 feet per day depending on formation
Monitoring: We track formation changes and water-bearing zones as we drill
Casing installation: Steel or PVC casing is installed to protect the well

Most residential wells are drilled in 2-4 days. You'll see a small temporary pit for drilling fluid containment and hear the rig operating during daylight hours.

Step 4: Well Development & Testing

After drilling to the target depth, we develop the well to maximize water production:

Surge and air-lift the well to remove drilling fluid and fine sediments
Test pump the well to determine sustainable yield (gallons per minute)
Measure static water level and drawdown
Document all findings for your records

Step 5: Pump Installation & Hookup

The final step brings water to your home:

Install a properly sized submersible pump based on well depth and yield
Set up pressure tank and control systems
Connect to your home's plumbing (or coordinate with your plumber)
Test the complete system and verify proper operation
Install well cap and complete surface seal

Timeline Summary

From initial contact to flowing water, most residential well projects take 3-6 weeks, with actual on-site work requiring about 5-10 days. Permitting and scheduling are the primary variables in the overall timeline.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us for a free site assessment and estimate. We'll walk you through the process and answer any questions about your specific situation.

Langford Drilling's 5-Step Well Drilling Process

Site assessment. We walk the property, identify access for the rig, locate utilities, and confirm the planned well site against your Start Card.
Permit verification. We verify your Utah Start Card is current and matches the planned location, depth, and construction standards.
Drilling and casing. Our rotary rig drills to target depth, sets steel casing, grouts the annulus, and installs screen across the producing zone.
Well development and testing. We airlift and surge the well to remove drilling fines, then run a yield and step-drawdown test to document GPM and drawdown.
Pump installation and hookup. We install the submersible pump, drop pipe, wiring, pitless adapter, and tie into your pressure tank and plumbing.