Magnified Residential Inspections
Magnified Residential Inspections
Crown Point, IN. 46307
Phone: 866-600-0674
EMAIL US
 
  » Home

  » Who We Are

  » What We Inspect

  » Our Brochure

  » EPA Radon Map of Indiania

  » About Radon

  » About Termites

  » About Mold

  » About Wells

  » About Septic Systems

  » Newsletter

  » Sample Report

  » Request a Quote

  » Make an Appointment

  » Contact Us

  » FAQ

  » Great Links

  » Homeowner Encyclopedia

  » Phone: 866-6000-MRI   » Phone: 866-600-0674
Member of Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors
Member of Greater
Northwest Indiana
Association of Realtors
Member #88341652

Indiana Home
Inspection License
#H100700037

Indiana WDI
Inspection License
#225639

Wells

previous   1 2 3 4 5   next

Dug Wells

Dug wells are holes in the ground dug by shovel or backhoe. Historically, a dug well was excavated below the groundwater table until incoming water exceeded the digger’s bailing rate. The well was then lined (cased) with stones, brick, tile, or other material to prevent collapse. It was covered with a cap of wood, stone, or concrete. Since it is so difficult to dig beneath the ground water table, dug wells are not very deep. Typically, they are only 10 to 30 feet deep. Being so shallow, dug wells have the highest risk of becoming contaminated.To minimize the likelihood of contamination, your dug well should have certain features. These features help to prevent contaminants from traveling along the outside of the casing or through the casing and into the well.

Dug Well Construction Features
  • The well should be cased with a watertight material (for example, tongue-and-groove precast concrete) and a cement grout or bentoniteclay sealant poured along the outside of the casing to the top of the well.
  • The well should be covered by a concrete curband cap that stands about a foot above the ground.
  • The land surface around the well should be mounded so that surface water runs away from the well and is not allowed to pond around the outside of the wellhead.
  • Ideally, the pump for your well should be inside your home or in a separate pump house, rather than in a pit next to the well.

Land activities around a dug well can also contaminate it. (see our chart of activites that may contaminate a drinking water well)

While dug wells have been used as a household water supply source for many years, most are “relics” of older homes, dug before drilling equipment was readily available or when drilling was considered too expensive. If you have a dug well on your property and are using it for drinking water, check to make sure it is properly covered and sealed. Another problem relating to the shallowness of a dug well is that it may go dry during a drought when the ground water table drops.

previous   1 2 3 4 5   next



© 2011-2019 LazrWeb all rights reserved