Purchasers typically pay a broad range for redrilling a well, driven by depth, geological conditions, and permit requirements. The main cost factors include drilling depth, casing and well materials, labor, and potential decommissioning of the old well.
Cost and price considerations are essential for budgeting, with notable differences between regional markets and project specifics.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total project cost | $12,000 | $22,000 | $40,000 | Depth, rock hardness, and regulatory costs drive variability |
| Cost per foot | $20 | $28 | $40 | Assumes standard rock or soil conditions |
| Permits and fees | $500 | $2,500 | $6,000 | Varies by state and county |
| Well casing & materials | $2,000 | $6,000 | $14,000 | Includes steel or PVC and sealing |
| Labor (driller, crew) | $4,000 | $9,000 | $14,000 | Hours depend on setup and depth |
| Equipment & mobilization | $2,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 | Rig time and fuel |
| Disposal & site restoration | $500 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Old materials hauling and cleanup |
| Contingency (unforeseen) | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Weather or rock surprises |
Overview Of Costs
Total project ranges reflect depth and conditions, with per-foot pricing providing a finer gauge for planning. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Typical cost drivers include well depth, existing aquifer quality, casing diameter, and access to the site. Shorter, easier redrills cost substantially less than long, hard-to-reach digs or sites requiring advanced drilling techniques.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,000 | $6,000 | $14,000 | Casings, seals, grouting, screens; deeper wells require heavier materials |
| Labor | $4,000 | $9,000 | $14,000 | Driller crew, assistants; includes setup and teardown |
| Equipment | $2,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 | Rig usage, hoses, core tools; may be charged with mobilization |
| Permits | $500 | $2,500 | $6,000 | Local permits, water well permits, inspections |
| Delivery/Disposal | $500 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Transport of waste material from site |
| Warranty | $0 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Post-drilling warranty on workmanship |
| Contingency | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Unforeseen issues like rock pockets |
What Drives Price
Depth and geology are primary factors; deeper wells and harder rock raise drilling time and equipment wear. Permitting and inspections add administrative costs that vary by state. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Weather and access restrictions can extend the schedule and elevate mobilization charges.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets, permitting, and geology. In the Northeast, higher permitting and labor costs can raise totals by 5–15% relative to national averages. The Southeast may see longer drilling seasons but lower permit fees, affecting the overall price by ±5%. In rural Midwest areas, reduced access and transport costs can drop the total by 5–10% compared with urban markets.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs depend on crew size and days required. A typical redrill may need 2–4 days for shallow projects and 5–12 days for deep or complex sites. Estimate ranges assume standard access and no major contamination. Complex sites can push labor toward the higher end.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden items often include site restoration, temporary power, water disposal, and test pumping. If the existing well yields poor water during testing, additional treatment equipment may be needed. Always budget for contingencies in case rock pockets or unexpected groundwater conditions appear.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes with varying depth and complexity. Each card shows specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals.
Basic — Depth: 100 ft; Steel casing 4 inches; Site access simple; Clean, dry area. Hours: 20; Total: $14,000; Per foot: $140.00
Mid-Range — Depth: 250 ft; PVC casing 6 inches; Moderate access challenges; Hours: 60; Total: $26,000; Per foot: $104.00
Premium — Depth: 400 ft; Stainless steel or heavier casing; Challenging rock and site; Hours: 120; Total: $48,000; Per foot: $120.00
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Compare quotes from multiple licensed drillers and verify included services. Scheduling during off-peak windows can reduce mobilization costs, and bundling testing, disinfection, and initial water quality results may lower per-item fees. Ask about warranty coverage and post-installation testing to prevent surprise expenses later.