SC By SCWS Team | February 2, 2026 | 13 min read
25 Questions to Ask a Well Driller Before Hiring
Drilling a well is a major investment—typically $15,000 to $50,000 or more. Asking the right questions before hiring a well driller can be the difference between a successful project and an expensive disaster. This comprehensive guide provides 25 essential questions organized by category, with guidance on what answers should tell you about the contractor.
📋 Quick Tip: Print This List
Use these questions when interviewing potential well drillers. Ask the same questions of each contractor to make fair comparisons. A good contractor will welcome thorough questions—they indicate a serious customer.
Licensing & Credentials Questions
Start here—these questions establish whether the contractor is legally qualified to do the work:
1. "What is your contractor's license number?"
Why it matters: California requires a C-57 license for well drilling. No license = illegal work.
Good answer: Provides the number readily. You should verify at cslb.ca.gov.
Red flag: Hesitation, excuse, or "I work under someone else's license."
2. "Are you bonded and insured?"
Why it matters: Bond protects you if contractor fails; insurance protects against damage and injury claims.
Good answer: "Yes, I'm bonded for $25,000+ and carry liability and workers' comp. I can provide certificates."
Red flag: Can't provide proof, or doesn't have workers' compensation.
3. "How long have you been drilling wells?"
Why it matters: Experience matters enormously in well drilling.
Good answer: 10+ years, with specific experience in your region.
Red flag: Very new to the business, or vague about timeline.
Learn more about why licensed contractors matter.
Experience & Expertise Questions
4. "How many wells have you drilled in my area?"
Why it matters: Local geological knowledge is crucial for accurate predictions and proper drilling methods.
Good answer: Specific numbers—"We've drilled 50+ wells in Ramona" or "Dozens in Valley Center."
Red flag: "This would be our first in your area" or vague responses.
5. "What depth do you expect on my property, and why?"
Why it matters: Shows they've done research and understand local geology.
Good answer: Specific estimate with explanation—"Based on neighbor wells and geology, I expect 200-300 feet."
Red flag: Can't give estimate or gives wildly different number than competitors.
6. "What drilling method will you use and why?"
Why it matters: Different geology requires different methods. Wrong method = problems.
Good answer: Explains choice based on your specific conditions—"Air rotary because you're in granite" or "Mud rotary for your decomposed granite."
Red flag: One-size-fits-all approach or can't explain why.
7. "Can you show me well logs from properties near mine that you've drilled?"
Why it matters: Demonstrates track record and helps you understand what to expect.
Good answer: Offers to share relevant well log information (with customer privacy respected).
Red flag: No nearby experience or unwilling to share information.
8. "What is your success rate in finding water in this area?"
Why it matters: While no one can guarantee water, experienced drillers should have high success rates.
Good answer: "Over 95% in this area" with honest acknowledgment that guarantees aren't possible.
Red flag: "100% guarantee" (nobody can honestly claim this) or very low rates.
Project Scope & Inclusions Questions
9. "What exactly is included in your quote?"
Why it matters: Quotes vary dramatically in what's included. You need apples-to-apples comparison.
Good answer: Detailed breakdown—drilling, casing, sealing, development, pump, tank, electrical, permits.
Red flag: Vague description or "we'll figure it out as we go."
10. "What type and diameter of casing will you use?"
Why it matters: Casing quality affects well lifespan and water protection.
Good answer: Specific answer—"6-inch steel casing, schedule 40" or "PVC for this application because..."
Red flag: Doesn't know or suggests substandard materials.
11. "Is the pump included? What brand/model?"
Why it matters: Pump is a major cost. Quality varies significantly.
Good answer: Specifies brand (Grundfos, Franklin, etc.) and explains sizing for your needs.
Red flag: "Whatever pump we have" or unknown brands.
12. "What pressure tank is included?"
Why it matters: Tank size affects water pressure consistency and pump cycling.
Good answer: Specific size and quality—"50-gallon Well-X-Trol" with explanation of why that size.
Red flag: Minimum size or no-name brand.
13. "How will you develop the well after drilling?"
Why it matters: Proper development maximizes well yield. Skipping it is a red flag.
Good answer: Describes process—surging, jetting, or air development until water runs clear.
Red flag: "We don't do that" or doesn't know what you mean.
Pricing & Payment Questions
14. "What is your cost per foot for drilling?"
Why it matters: Standard pricing method. Allows comparison.
Good answer: Clear rate—typically $35-$85/foot in San Diego County depending on geology.
Red flag: Won't give per-foot rate or rate vastly different from others.
15. "What happens if you need to drill deeper than estimated?"
Why it matters: Critical for budget planning. This is where cost overruns happen.
Good answer: Clear policy—"Same per-foot rate continues" or "rate changes after X feet."
Red flag: Vague or "we'll discuss it then."
16. "What is your payment schedule?"
Why it matters: Protects you from paying too much before work is complete.
Good answer: "10-20% deposit, progress payments, balance on completion."
Red flag: Demands 50%+ upfront before starting.
17. "What happens if you don't find adequate water?"
Why it matters: Dry holes happen. Understanding the policy upfront is essential.
Good answer: Clear dry hole policy—"You pay for drilling but reduced rate" or "partial refund."
Red flag: "You pay full price regardless" without any consideration.
Permits & Timeline Questions
18. "Who handles permits, and is that cost included?"
Why it matters: Permits are required; someone must pull them.
Good answer: "We handle all permits, included in quote."
Red flag: "We don't do permits" or expects you to handle.
19. "How long will the project take from start to finish?"
Why it matters: Helps you plan, especially if you need water by a certain date.
Good answer: Realistic timeline—often 1-3 days drilling, plus setup and completion.
Red flag: Won't commit or timeline seems unrealistic.
20. "When can you start?"
Why it matters: Schedule planning and indication of demand for their services.
Good answer: Reasonable wait (1-4 weeks typical). Good drillers are often busy.
Red flag: "I can start tomorrow" (may indicate lack of business) or months-long wait.
Warranty & Service Questions
21. "What warranty do you offer on your work?"
Why it matters: Shows confidence in work and gives you recourse.
Good answer: Specific terms—"1-year workmanship warranty, 5-year pump warranty."
Red flag: No warranty or vague "we'll take care of you."
22. "Do you service wells after installation?"
Why it matters: Wells need ongoing maintenance. It's valuable to have a relationship.
Good answer: "Yes, we provide ongoing service and maintenance."
Red flag: "We just drill, we don't do service."
References & Verification Questions
23. "Can you provide references from recent customers in my area?"
Why it matters: Best way to verify quality and professionalism.
Good answer: Readily provides 3+ references with contact information.
Red flag: "I don't give out references" or "just check my reviews."
24. "Will you provide a written contract?"
Why it matters: Legal protection and clarity for both parties.
Good answer: "Absolutely, everything will be in writing."
Red flag: Prefers handshake deals or verbal agreements.
25. "Will you come to my property to give the estimate?"
Why it matters: Accurate estimates require seeing the site.
Good answer: "Yes, I need to see the access, power situation, and property layout."
Red flag: Gives quote without visiting site.
Printable Checklist
📋 Interview Checklist Summary
Licensing & Credentials
- ☐ License number (verify at CSLB)
- ☐ Bond and insurance proof
- ☐ Years in business
Experience
- ☐ Local area experience
- ☐ Expected depth and reasoning
- ☐ Drilling method selection
- ☐ Success rate
Project Details
- ☐ Complete quote breakdown
- ☐ Casing type/size
- ☐ Pump brand/model
- ☐ Pressure tank size
- ☐ Well development process
Pricing & Payment
- ☐ Cost per foot
- ☐ Deeper drilling policy
- ☐ Payment schedule
- ☐ Dry hole policy
Timeline & Permits
- ☐ Permit handling included
- ☐ Project duration
- ☐ Start date availability
Warranty & References
- ☐ Warranty terms
- ☐ Ongoing service offered
- ☐ References provided
- ☐ Written contract
- ☐ Site visit for estimate
Questions to Ask References
When you call the references provided, ask these questions:
- Were you satisfied with the quality of work?
- Did the project stay on budget?
- Were there any surprises or issues?
- How did the contractor handle any problems?
- Was the timeline accurate?
- Would you hire them again?
- How's the well working now (if completed some time ago)?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask a well driller?
Ask "How many wells have you drilled in my specific area?" Local experience is crucial because well drilling success depends heavily on understanding the local geology. A driller with experience in your area will give more accurate depth estimates and know what challenges to expect.
Should I ask for references from a well driller?
Absolutely. Ask for at least 3 references from recent projects in your area. A reputable driller will readily provide references. Call the references and ask about their experience, whether the project stayed on budget, and if they would hire the contractor again.
What should I ask about well drilling costs?
Key cost questions include: What is the cost per foot for drilling? What casing is included? Is the pump included or separate? What happens if you need to drill deeper than estimated? Are permits included? What payment schedule do you require? Get everything in writing.
What warranty questions should I ask a well driller?
Ask: What warranty do you offer on workmanship? What about equipment/pump warranty? What's covered and what's excluded? How long is the warranty period? Do you service wells after installation? Get warranty terms in writing before signing a contract.
Should I ask what happens if the well doesn't hit water?
Yes, this is critical. No driller can guarantee finding water. Ask: What is your success rate in this area? What happens if we don't hit water? Is there a reduced rate for a dry hole? Will you drill a second location at reduced cost? Get this policy in writing.
What licensing questions should I ask?
Ask: What is your contractor's license number? Do you hold a C-57 (well drilling) license? Are you bonded and insured? Can I see your insurance certificate? Then verify the license at cslb.ca.gov before hiring.
How do I know if I'm asking the right questions?
Good questions should reveal experience, professionalism, and transparency. If a driller seems bothered by questions, is vague in answers, or pressures you to sign quickly, those are red flags. A reputable contractor welcomes questions because they indicate a serious customer.
Should I get quotes from multiple well drillers?
Yes, get at least 3 quotes. This helps you understand the market rate, compare what's included, and identify outliers. Be wary of quotes much lower than others—they may exclude important items or indicate inexperience. Use the same questions with each contractor to compare fairly.
Ready to Get Answers From a Trusted Well Driller?
Southern California Well Service welcomes your questions. We've been drilling wells in San Diego County for over 20 years and are happy to provide detailed answers, references, and a comprehensive written quote. Contact us for a free consultation and site visit.
