Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Select the materials that you will use to construct your well. Stainless steel and PVC are the most common types of materials for wells. Stainless steel is more durable than PVC, but it can be expensive to purchase and more difficult to install because you have need to weld the joints. Both materials produce high-quality wells so base your decision on your budget and the need for easy installation.
2

Choose the total depth of the well and the length of the screen based on the depth to groundwater. You want the well to be deep enough to penetrate several feet into the water-bearing zone. You will install the screen at the bottom of the well into the groundwater. Typical well screen lengths are five to 10 feet in good water producing zones. Use longer screens in areas where the water does not flow easily due to the presence of clay soils or rock. For example, if the depth to the groundwater is 15 feet and you want a 5-foot well screen, your total well depth would be approximately 20 to 22 feet.
3

Determine the diameter of your well. Both the screen material and the casing will be the same diameter. In general, you should choose the smallest diameter well that will provide you with the water flow you desire. You can base the well diameter from your well pump size. Your well should be at least two inches in diameter larger than the diameter of the well to allow for water flow and proper pump installation. For example, if you use a 2-inch submersible pump, your well should be at least four inches in diameter. Ask your pump manufacturer if they have recommended well diameters for your pump.
4

Choose the well screen so that you have optimum open spaces available for water flow. Your available budget will also help guide your screen decision. Slotted screens are the most popular type of screen because they are inexpensive, readily available, and do not clog easily. Wire-wrapped screens are the most expensive but also provide the most open area. You can use a louvered screen slot; however, this screen clogs easily in aquifers with a high percentage of fine material. Most screens are available in slot sizes ranging from 0.006 inches to 0.5 inches. The slots should be capable of retaining 90 percent of the aquifer and filter pack material. Review the sieve analysis data to help you determine the appropriate slot size.