By SCWS Team | February 2, 2026
14 min read
Your water suddenly turns cloudy. Sediment clogs your filters. Water tests show bacterial contamination for the first time in years. These aren't random problems—they're warning signs your well casing may be compromised. Well casing is your well's protective barrier, keeping contaminants out and your water supply safe. When it cracks, corrodes, or collapses, your entire water system is at risk. For San Diego County homeowners, understanding casing damage could prevent thousands in repair costs and protect your family's health. Here's everything you need to know about identifying, diagnosing, and fixing well casing problems.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Damaged well casing can allow surface contamination, bacteria, and chemicals to enter your water supply. If you suspect casing damage, switch to bottled water immediately and schedule professional inspection.
What Is Well Casing and Why It Matters
Before diving into damage signs, let's understand what well casing is and its critical role in your water system.
Well casing is the structural pipe that lines your drilled well from the surface down through unstable soil and rock layers. Think of it as your well's skeleton and immune system combined—it provides structural integrity while protecting your water from contamination.
Three Essential Functions
- Prevents contamination: Seals off surface water, chemicals, and pollutants from entering the aquifer
- Maintains well integrity: Keeps the borehole from collapsing and prevents soil from caving in
- Contains the water column: Provides a clean conduit for water to travel from aquifer to pump
Casing Types in San Diego County
Different casing materials have different failure modes:
- Steel casing: Common in older wells (pre-1990s), prone to corrosion over time, typical lifespan 30-50 years
- PVC casing: Standard since 1990s, resistant to corrosion, can crack from ground movement, lasts 50+ years
- Stainless steel: Premium option, extremely durable, used in corrosive environments, 75+ year lifespan
Most residential wells in San Diego County drilled after 1995 use PVC casing, while older wells typically have steel. Each material has unique vulnerabilities that affect how and when damage occurs.
Common Signs of Well Casing Damage
Recognizing casing damage early prevents health risks and reduces repair costs. Watch for these warning signs:
1. Water Quality Changes
The most common early indicator of casing damage is sudden water quality deterioration:
- Sudden cloudiness: Previously clear water becomes turbid or milky
- Sediment or sand: Grit in water that wasn't there before, especially after rain
- Color changes: Brown, reddish, or murky water appearance
- Bacterial contamination: Water tests positive for coliform or E. coli for the first time
- Taste or odor shifts: New earthy, musty, or chemical tastes
When casing cracks, surface water carries bacteria, soil particles, and contaminants directly into your well. This bypass of natural filtration through soil layers produces immediate water quality changes. Learn more about bacterial contamination causes and treatment.
2. Visible Casing Problems
Inspect the exposed casing above ground for these red flags:
- Rust or corrosion: Flaking, pitting, or orange staining on steel casing
- Cracks or splits: Visible breaks in PVC or steel casing
- Bending or deformation: Casing pulled out of vertical alignment
- Gaps around wellhead: Separation between casing and grout seal
- Water seepage: Moisture around casing exterior at ground level
In San Diego County, where most wellheads are above ground, visual inspection is straightforward. However, the real damage often lurks below the surface, invisible without camera inspection.
3. System Performance Changes
Casing damage affects well performance in measurable ways:
- Reduced well yield: Well produces less water than before
- Rapid drawdown: Water level drops quickly during pumping
- Slow recovery: Takes longer for water level to rebound after use
- Increased pump cycling: Pump runs more frequently or longer
- Air in lines: Sputtering faucets or air pockets in plumbing
4. Environmental Indicators
External factors that suggest possible casing compromise:
- After earthquakes: Ground movement can crack or shift casing
- Following flooding: Surface water infiltration becomes apparent
- Settling or subsidence: Ground dropping or shifting near well
- New construction nearby: Vibrations or excavation affecting well
- Erosion around wellhead: Soil washing away from casing
📋 When to Test Your Water
Schedule immediate water testing if you notice:
- • Any sudden water quality changes
- • After any seismic activity or ground movement
- • Following heavy rain or flooding events
- • If family members experience unexplained illness
Our comprehensive water testing identifies contamination patterns that indicate casing problems.
What Causes Well Casing Damage?
Understanding causes helps prevent future problems and informs repair decisions:
Corrosion (Steel Casing)
Steel casing corrodes from both inside and outside:
- Water chemistry: Acidic water (low pH), high chlorides, or dissolved oxygen accelerate corrosion
- Galvanic corrosion: Dissimilar metals in contact create electrical current
- Microbial corrosion: Iron bacteria produce acids that eat through steel
- Soil conditions: Certain soil chemistries attack steel from outside
San Diego County generally has neutral to slightly alkaline water, which slows corrosion compared to acidic environments. However, wells 30+ years old with steel casing should be inspected for corrosion damage.
Ground Movement
San Diego County's seismic activity and expansive soils create mechanical stress:
- Earthquakes: Shearing forces crack or offset casing
- Soil settling: Differential settlement pulls casing apart
- Expansive clay: Swelling and shrinking soils squeeze casing
- Frost heaving: Less common in San Diego but affects mountain areas
PVC casing is more susceptible to cracking from ground movement than steel, though modern installation techniques with flexible joints mitigate this risk.
Installation Problems
Poor original installation causes premature failure:
- Inadequate grouting: Gaps allow surface water infiltration
- Wrong casing material: Improper selection for geology or water chemistry
- Insufficient depth: Casing doesn't extend deep enough into stable formation
- Poor joints: Threaded connections not properly sealed
- Impact damage: Casing damaged during installation
Age and Wear
Even properly installed casing has a finite lifespan:
- Material fatigue: Pressure cycles stress casing over decades
- UV degradation: Exposed PVC weakens from sunlight
- Chemical breakdown: Long-term exposure to water constituents
- Thermal cycling: Expansion and contraction from temperature changes
Diagnosing Casing Damage: The Camera Inspection
Suspecting casing damage is one thing—confirming it requires professional diagnosis. The gold standard is downhole camera inspection.
How Camera Inspection Works
We lower a high-resolution waterproof camera down your well to visually examine the entire casing:
- Preparation: Pump is pulled if necessary (though often we can work around it)
- Camera insertion: Specialized downhole camera lowered on cable with depth counter
- Real-time viewing: Live video feed displayed on surface monitor
- Documentation: Video recorded for detailed analysis and future comparison
- Comprehensive report: Written findings with specific damage locations
What We Look For
- Cracks or splits: Location, length, and severity
- Corrosion patterns: Extent of metal deterioration
- Joint separation: Gaps where casing sections connect
- Scale buildup: Mineral deposits that may hide damage
- Foreign objects: Tools, rocks, or debris fallen in well
- Water intrusion points: Where groundwater enters through casing defects
Camera Inspection Cost
In San Diego County, downhole camera inspection typically costs $300-$600 depending on well depth and access difficulty. While this seems expensive, it prevents spending thousands on unnecessary repairs by pinpointing exact problems.
💡 Why Guessing Is Expensive
We've seen homeowners spend $5,000+ on new pumps, water treatment, or well drilling before discovering the real problem was a simple casing crack. Camera inspection costs a fraction of unnecessary repairs and provides definitive diagnosis.
Casing Repair Options
Once damage is confirmed, several repair approaches are available. The right solution depends on damage extent, location, and well depth.
1. Casing Liner Installation
For cracks or corrosion damage, installing a liner inside the existing casing is often the most cost-effective solution.
How it works:
- A smaller diameter casing (typically PVC) is inserted inside damaged casing
- Liner extends from surface down past damaged section
- Sealed top and bottom to create continuous protection
- Restores well integrity without full casing replacement
Advantages:
- Less expensive than full replacement ($1,500-$3,500 typical)
- Completed in 1-2 days typically
- No need to drill new well
- Protects against future corrosion
Limitations:
- Reduces well diameter slightly
- Not viable if existing casing is severely collapsed
- May require pump replacement to fit smaller diameter
2. Partial Casing Replacement
When damage is confined to the upper section of casing (most common), replacing just that portion is possible.
Process:
- Remove pump and equipment
- Extract damaged casing section
- Install new casing section with proper joints
- Re-grout to seal surface infiltration
- Reinstall pump and test system
Cost: $2,000-$5,000 typically for upper 20-40 feet replacement
Best for: Shallow damage in upper sections, severe corrosion at wellhead, impact damage to exposed casing
3. Grouting and Sealing
Minor gaps or separation between casing and formation can sometimes be sealed without casing replacement.
Methods:
- Pressure grouting: Cement grout injected to fill voids
- Bentonite sealing: Clay seal expands to fill gaps
- Epoxy repairs: For small cracks in accessible locations
Cost: $500-$1,500 depending on complexity
Limitations: Only effective for minor problems; temporary solution for severe damage
4. New Well Drilling
In some situations, drilling a new well is more practical than repairing catastrophic casing failure:
When new drilling makes sense:
- Extensive casing damage throughout well depth
- Well already nearing end of useful life (40+ years old)
- Repair costs approach 70-80% of new well cost
- Opportunity to improve well location or capacity
- Multiple system problems beyond just casing
Cost: $5,000-$15,000+ depending on depth, geology, and equipment. Learn more about well drilling costs in San Diego County.
💰 Repair vs. Replace Decision
General guideline: If repair costs exceed 60-70% of new well cost and your well is over 30 years old, replacement usually offers better long-term value. Newer wells with isolated damage are excellent repair candidates.
San Diego County-Specific Considerations
Our region's unique geology and conditions affect casing damage and repair decisions:
Seismic Activity
San Diego County's earthquake risk means ground movement is a real concern. Areas along fault zones (Rose Canyon Fault, Elsinore Fault) experience more casing damage than stable areas. PVC casing with flexible joints tolerates seismic stress better than rigid steel connections.
Coastal Corrosion
Wells within 10 miles of the coast face accelerated corrosion from salt-laden air and potential saltwater intrusion. Stainless steel or PVC casing is essential in these areas. Older steel casing wells near the coast typically need liner installation or replacement after 25-30 years.
Variable Geology
San Diego County's diverse geology—from granite in East County to sedimentary layers in coastal areas—affects casing needs. Harder rock areas require stronger casing, while unstable formations need longer casing depth. Our experience with local geology guides proper repair specifications.
Regulatory Requirements
San Diego County Department of Environmental Health has specific requirements for casing repairs and well modifications. All major casing work requires permits. We handle permitting as part of our service, ensuring compliance with local well regulations.
Preventing Casing Damage
While some damage is inevitable with aging wells, these practices reduce risk:
Regular Inspections
- Annual visual inspection of exposed casing
- Camera inspection every 5-10 years for preventive assessment
- Post-earthquake inspection after magnitude 4.0+ events
- Check grout seal integrity around wellhead
Water Quality Monitoring
- Annual bacterial testing minimum
- Test immediately after any water quality changes
- Monitor for sediment or clarity changes
- Track trends over time to catch subtle changes
Protective Measures
- Maintain proper grading away from wellhead
- Keep well cap sealed and in good condition
- Protect exposed casing from UV with cap or paint
- Avoid traffic or heavy equipment near well
- Consider cathodic protection for steel casing in corrosive environments
Professional Well Maintenance
Our comprehensive well maintenance program includes casing inspection as part of regular service, catching problems before they become emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signs of well casing damage?
Common signs include sudden water quality changes (especially cloudiness or sediment), bacterial contamination in water tests, dropping water levels, visible cracks or corrosion on exposed casing, water seeping around the wellhead, pump cycling more frequently, and sand or grit in your water. Any of these symptoms warrant immediate professional inspection.
Can cracked well casing be repaired?
Yes, in many cases. Minor cracks can be repaired using casing liner installation, epoxy sealing, or welding for steel casing. However, extensive damage, multiple cracks, or severely corroded casing may require full replacement or drilling a new well. A camera inspection determines whether repair is viable.
How much does well casing repair cost in San Diego?
Well casing repair costs in San Diego County range from $1,500-$3,500 for liner installation, $2,000-$5,000 for partial casing replacement, and $5,000-$15,000+ for complete well replacement depending on depth. Camera inspection to diagnose the problem typically costs $300-$600. Complex repairs in deep wells or difficult geology cost more.
What causes well casing to crack or fail?
Main causes include corrosion from aggressive water chemistry, ground movement from earthquakes or settling, physical impact during installation or pump work, age deterioration (especially in steel casing over 30+ years), poor original installation, and expansion/contraction from temperature changes or freezing.
How long does well casing last in San Diego?
PVC casing can last 50+ years in San Diego conditions. Steel casing typically lasts 30-50 years but can corrode faster in acidic water or coastal areas. Stainless steel lasts longest (75+ years). San Diego's generally neutral pH and low corrosion conditions favor longer casing life compared to more aggressive environments.
Is well casing damage covered by homeowners insurance?
Most standard homeowners policies don't cover well casing damage from age or wear. However, damage from covered perils like earthquakes (with earthquake insurance), vehicle impact, or vandalism may be covered. Check your specific policy and consider well-specific insurance or home warranty coverage that includes wells.
Can I drink water from a well with damaged casing?
No, water from a well with damaged casing is potentially unsafe. Cracks allow surface contamination, bacteria, and pollutants to enter. Use bottled water until the casing is repaired and water testing confirms safety. Even if water looks clear, invisible bacterial contamination poses serious health risks.
How do you diagnose well casing damage?
Professional diagnosis uses downhole camera inspection to visually examine the entire casing length, identifying cracks, corrosion, or damage. Additional methods include water quality testing for contamination patterns, measuring well yield and drawdown, and pressure testing. Camera inspection is the most definitive diagnostic tool.
Suspect Well Casing Damage?
Don't risk your water safety. Our downhole camera inspection service provides definitive diagnosis, and our experienced team offers cost-effective repair solutions throughout San Diego County. We've repaired hundreds of damaged wells—let us help restore your water system.