How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Well Deeper? 2026 Pricing Guide
📋 In This Guide
Well Deepening Cost Breakdown
Here's what you can expect to pay for well deepening in Southern California:
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling (per foot) | $35-$75 | Varies by geology |
| Pump removal/reinstallation | $800-$1,500 | Required for all deepening |
| New pump (if deeper) | $1,500-$4,000 | May need higher HP |
| Additional casing | $15-$30/foot | If needed |
| Well development | $500-$1,500 | Cleaning/flushing |
| Permits | $200-$600 | County dependent |
| Water testing | $100-$300 | Post-work verification |
Total Cost Examples
Example 1: Deepen 50 Feet (Simple Case)
- Drilling: 50 ft × $50 = $2,500
- Pump removal/reinstallation: $1,000
- Well development: $500
- Permits and testing: $400
- Total: ~$4,400
Example 2: Deepen 100 Feet (New Pump Needed)
- Drilling: 100 ft × $55 = $5,500
- New submersible pump: $2,500
- Additional casing: 100 ft × $20 = $2,000
- Well development: $1,000
- Permits and testing: $500
- Total: ~$11,500
Example 3: Deepen 150+ Feet (Complex)
- Drilling: 150 ft × $60 = $9,000
- New high-HP pump: $3,500
- New casing section: $3,000
- Extended drop pipe: $800
- Development and testing: $1,500
- Total: ~$17,800
- At this cost, a new well may be comparable
What Affects Your Deepening Cost
1. Depth Needed
The more feet you add, the higher the cost. Each additional foot costs $35-$75 for drilling alone, plus proportional increases in casing and pump costs.
2. Geology
- Soft formations (sand, clay): $35-$50/foot
- Mixed (DG, soft rock): $45-$60/foot
- Hard rock (granite): $55-$75/foot
3. Existing Well Condition
If your current casing is deteriorating, corroded, or undersized, additional work may be needed:
- Casing liner installation: $2,000-$5,000
- Casing repair/patching: $500-$2,000
4. Pump Requirements
Deeper wells require pumps with more power and longer drop pipes:
- Every 50 feet deeper may require stepping up pump HP
- Drop pipe extension: $4-$8/foot
- Electrical wire extension: $2-$4/foot
5. Access and Location
Difficult access (steep terrain, limited space) can add $500-$2,000 for equipment positioning.
Deepening vs. Drilling a New Well
The big question: should you deepen your existing well or drill new? Here's how to decide:
When Deepening Makes Sense
- ✅ You only need 50-100 additional feet
- ✅ Existing well casing is in good condition
- ✅ Water quality at depth is acceptable
- ✅ Current well location is optimal
- ✅ Budget is limited (short-term solution acceptable)
When New Well Is Better
- ❌ Need more than 150 feet additional depth
- ❌ Existing casing is damaged or undersized
- ❌ Current well has contamination issues
- ❌ Better aquifer exists elsewhere on property
- ❌ Total deepening cost exceeds 60% of new well cost
Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Deepening Cost | New Well Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need 50 more feet | $4,000-$6,000 | $15,000-$25,000 | Deepen |
| Need 100 more feet | $8,000-$12,000 | $18,000-$30,000 | Deepen (usually) |
| Need 150+ feet | $12,000-$18,000 | $20,000-$35,000 | Evaluate both |
| Bad casing + 100 ft | $15,000-$22,000 | $20,000-$30,000 | New well |
The Well Deepening Process
Step 1: Assessment (Day 1)
- Camera inspection of existing well
- Evaluate casing condition
- Review water quality history
- Estimate depth needed based on area geology
Step 2: Preparation
- Obtain permits (1-2 weeks typically)
- Pull existing pump and drop pipe
- Clean and prepare wellbore
Step 3: Drilling
- Set up drilling equipment
- Drill to new target depth
- Monitor for water-bearing zones
- Install new casing section if needed
Step 4: Completion
- Develop well (air lift or pump to clear debris)
- Install new or reinstall pump at new depth
- Test yield and water quality
- Final county inspection
Timeline
Most well deepening projects take 3-7 days of actual work, but allow 2-4 weeks total including permits and scheduling.
When Is Well Deepening Needed?
Common Reasons for Deepening
1. Declining Water Level
If your static water level has dropped due to drought or increased local pumping, the existing pump may be drawing air. Deepening reaches lower water zones.
2. Well Running Dry
Seasonal dry periods or pump running dry indicates the well isn't reaching adequate water supply. Often happens during California drought years.
3. Reduced Yield
If your well produces less GPM than before, deeper water-bearing zones may restore flow.
4. Neighborhood Wells Deepening
When neighbors drill deeper, they may impact your water table. Deepening can help you compete for the same aquifer.
Warning Signs Your Well May Need Deepening
- Air sputtering from faucets
- Pump running longer to fill pressure tank
- Muddy or sandy water appearing
- Pump cycling on and off rapidly
- Noticeably lower water pressure
Limitations and Risks of Deepening
Potential Limitations
- Casing size: Smaller diameter wells limit drilling equipment options
- Casing condition: Corroded or collapsed casing may not support deepening
- Geology: Hard rock at depth may prevent further drilling
- Water quality: Deeper water may have different (sometimes worse) quality
Risks to Consider
- No guarantee of more water: Deeper doesn't always mean more water
- Changed water quality: Deeper zones may have different mineral content
- Existing casing damage: Drilling operations can damage old casing
- Sunk cost if unsuccessful: You pay for drilling even if no water found
How to Minimize Risk
- Get a camera inspection before committing
- Review neighbor well logs for depth/yield data
- Consult a hydrogeologist for complex situations
- Get a detailed written estimate before starting
Alternatives to Well Deepening
1. Hydrofracturing ($3,000-$8,000)
High-pressure water injection to open fractures in rock formations. Can increase yield without deepening. Best for rock wells with declining production.
2. Storage Tank System ($2,000-$8,000)
Install a large storage tank that fills slowly from your low-yield well. Pump from tank for household use. Works when you have low GPM but total daily capacity is adequate.
3. Well Rehabilitation ($1,500-$5,000)
Chemical treatment and mechanical cleaning to restore clogged or encrusted wells. May restore original yield without deepening.
4. Water Conservation
Low-flow fixtures, efficient irrigation, and usage changes can reduce demand to match available supply. Lowest cost option if yield is marginal.
5. City Water Connection
If available, municipal water may be more economical than extensive well work. Connection fees vary ($5,000-$30,000) plus ongoing bills.
We service all major pump brands including Franklin Electric, Grundfos, Goulds (Xylem), and Sta-Rite (Pentair). Our trucks carry common parts and components for same-day repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to dig a well deeper?
Well deepening typically costs $3,000-$15,000+ depending on depth needed and conditions. Costs include drilling ($35-$75/foot), pump work ($1,500-$3,500), and potentially new casing ($1,000-$3,000).
Is it better to deepen a well or drill a new one?
Deepening is usually cheaper if you only need 50-100 more feet and your existing well is in good condition. New drilling is better if you need 150+ feet, have casing problems, or deepening cost exceeds 60% of new well cost.
How deep can you make a well deeper?
Most residential wells can be deepened 50-200 feet, limited by the original casing size and condition. Some wells can go deeper if casing and geology allow.
How long does well deepening take?
The actual work takes 3-7 days for most projects. Allow 2-4 weeks total including permits and scheduling.
Will deepening my well improve water quality?
Not necessarily. Deeper water may have different characteristics—sometimes better, sometimes worse. Water testing after deepening confirms quality.
Can any drilling company deepen a well?
Only licensed well drillers (C-57 license in California) should perform deepening. Choose a contractor with specific deepening experience, as it requires different techniques than new drilling.
Need Your Well Deepened?
See our well rehabilitation services for deepening assessments.
✓ Free Well Inspection | ✓ Honest Recommendations | ✓ Licensed C-57 Contractor. CSLB License #1086994./p>
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