djw250
Silver Member
I always thought this could be done with a tractor PHD if you took a few things into consideration. I have installed a few wells with a small hollow-stem auger rig, and these are a few things to keep in mind.
1. You would need to pull the auger out of the hole for each extension you add. If not the cuttings will build up above the auger and you will get stuck. When designing your extensions, add a collar or something at the top to suspend it by while you add or take them off. If you drop them in the hole, it will be a problem.
2. Once you get to the top of the aquifer (saturated layer) you will no longer be able to keeep the hole open. At this point you will need to drive or jet the casing and screen down.
3. Once you get the casing and screen set, you need to seal the annular space around it. You can backfill with the clay that came out of the hole, but some places require that you cement the annular space around the casing. That brings up another point. Most states now have laws regulating the drilling of wells. While I don't like the government getting in my business, I do not want our drinking water supply contaminated by poorly designed and completed wells. You may want to check on the legalities of this.
I'd love to see pictures if anybody tries this.
1. You would need to pull the auger out of the hole for each extension you add. If not the cuttings will build up above the auger and you will get stuck. When designing your extensions, add a collar or something at the top to suspend it by while you add or take them off. If you drop them in the hole, it will be a problem.
2. Once you get to the top of the aquifer (saturated layer) you will no longer be able to keeep the hole open. At this point you will need to drive or jet the casing and screen down.
3. Once you get the casing and screen set, you need to seal the annular space around it. You can backfill with the clay that came out of the hole, but some places require that you cement the annular space around the casing. That brings up another point. Most states now have laws regulating the drilling of wells. While I don't like the government getting in my business, I do not want our drinking water supply contaminated by poorly designed and completed wells. You may want to check on the legalities of this.
I'd love to see pictures if anybody tries this.
