Residential Well Drilling San Diego | Home Water Well Installation

Your Complete Guide to Residential Well Drilling

Installing a private well on your San Diego County property gives you water independence, eliminating monthly water bills and reliance on municipal supply. Whether you're building a new home, tired of expensive city water, or living in an area without public water service, Southern California Well Service provides turnkey residential well drilling from start to finish.

As a C-57 licensed well contractor with over 40 years of experience in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, we handle every aspect of your residential well project—from initial site assessment and permit applications to drilling, pump installation, and final testing.

Benefits of a Residential Water Well

💰 Eliminate Water Bills

San Diego County water rates average $80-150/month and rising annually. A well typically pays for itself in 10-15 years through savings, then provides essentially free water for decades.

🏠 Water Independence

No water restrictions, rate increases, or supply concerns. Your well provides reliable water on your schedule, not the water district's.

📈 Property Value

A well-maintained private well adds $10,000-$30,000 to property value, especially in rural San Diego areas where water rights are increasingly valuable.

💧 Quality Control

Know exactly what's in your water. Well water avoids chlorine and fluoride added to city water, though you control any treatment based on your needs.

Residential Well Drilling Process

Our comprehensive residential well drilling process ensures you get a reliable, long-lasting water supply:

1. Site Assessment & Consultation

We evaluate your property, review geological data, check existing well logs in your area, and identify the optimal drilling location. We discuss your water needs, expected depth, and provide a detailed estimate.

2. Permit Application

We handle San Diego County permit applications, including required setbacks from septic systems (100 feet), property lines (50 feet), and other structures. Permit approval typically takes 2-4 weeks.

3. Drilling

Using rotary or air drilling equipment appropriate for your geology, we drill to the target depth. San Diego residential wells typically range from 150-500 feet. We monitor for water-bearing formations throughout the process.

4. Casing & Grouting

Steel or PVC casing protects your well and prevents surface contamination. The annular space between the casing and borehole is grouted with cement to create a sanitary seal.

5. Development & Yield Testing

We develop the well to maximize water production and conduct yield testing to determine sustainable flow rate (GPM). This data ensures proper pump sizing.

6. Pump System Installation

We install a submersible pump sized to your well's depth and yield, plus pressure tank, pressure switch, and electrical connections. Systems are configured for optimal pressure (40-60 PSI typical).

7. Water Quality Testing

We test for bacteria, minerals, pH, and other parameters. If treatment is needed (iron removal, softening, UV disinfection), we recommend and install appropriate systems.

Residential Well Drilling Costs in San Diego

A complete residential well system in San Diego County typically costs $15,000 to $50,000, depending primarily on depth and geology:

Component	Typical Cost
Drilling (per foot)	$35 - $75
Casing & Grout	$2,000 - $5,000
Submersible Pump (installed)	$1,500 - $4,500
Pressure Tank System	$800 - $2,000
Electrical Connections	$500 - $1,500
Permits & Inspections	$500 - $1,500

Example: A 300-foot well with standard pump system typically runs $18,000-$28,000 complete. Deeper wells (400-500+ feet) in rocky terrain can reach $35,000-$50,000.

San Diego Residential Well Drilling Areas

We drill residential wells throughout San Diego County and surrounding areas, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to drill a residential well in San Diego?

Residential well drilling in San Diego County typically costs $15,000 to $50,000 for a complete system. This includes drilling ($35-75 per foot), casing, grout seal, submersible pump ($1,500-$4,000), pressure tank ($300-$800), electrical connections, and permits ($500-$1,500). Average well depth is 200-400 feet, though some areas require 500+ feet.

How long does it take to drill a residential well?

The drilling itself takes 1-3 days for most residential wells. However, the complete process from permit application to finished well typically takes 4-8 weeks. San Diego County permits can take 2-4 weeks to obtain. After drilling, pump installation, electrical work, and water testing add another 2-5 days.

How deep does a residential well need to be in San Diego?

Residential wells in San Diego County typically range from 150 to 500 feet deep, depending on location. Coastal areas may find water at 100-200 feet, while mountain communities like Julian, Ramona, and Alpine often require 300-500+ feet. A professional site assessment using geological data helps predict depth before drilling begins.

Do I need a permit to drill a residential well in California?

Yes, California requires permits for all new wells. San Diego County issues permits through the Department of Environmental Health. Requirements include a completed application, site map, setback compliance (50-100 feet from septic systems), and fees ($500-$1,500). Your well contractor typically handles permit applications as part of the service.

How much water does a residential well produce?

Most residential wells produce 3-10 gallons per minute (GPM). A minimum of 3 GPM is recommended for a typical household, while 5-7 GPM handles most families comfortably. San Diego wells vary widely—some produce 15+ GPM while others yield 1-2 GPM and require storage tanks. A yield test determines your well's capacity.

Residential Well Drilling in San Diego County