Average Cost of Well Installation 2026: Complete Price Guide

Average Well Installation Costs in 2026

San Diego County average: $25,000 for a 200-250 foot well with standard equipment.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Drilling: $8,000-$20,000

• Cost per foot: $25-$65 depending on geology
• 200-foot well example: 200 × $45 = $9,000
• Includes mobilization, drilling, and basic well development

Well Casing & Screen: $2,000-$6,000

• 4" PVC casing: $10-$18 per foot
• 6" PVC casing: $15-$25 per foot
• Screen section and gravel pack included

Pump System: $2,000-$5,000

• Submersible pump: $600-$2,000
• Motor: $300-$800
• Drop pipe and wiring: $500-$1,200
• Installation labor: $400-$800

Pressure System: $600-$1,500

• Pressure tank: $300-$800
• Pressure switch and controls: $150-$300
• Check valve and fittings: $150-$400

Electrical: $500-$2,000

• Control box: $200-$500
• Dedicated circuit: $200-$600
• Wiring to wellhead: $100-$400
• Panel upgrade (if needed): $500-$1,500

Permits & Testing: $800-$2,000

• Well permit: $500-$1,200
• Inspection fees: $100-$300
• Water testing: $100-$400
• Completion report: $50-$100

Installation Costs by Well Type

Residential Domestic Well

Standard home water supply:

• 4-inch diameter
• 8-15 GPM flow rate
• Cost: $15,000-$40,000

Agricultural/Irrigation Well

Farm, ranch, or large property irrigation:

• 6-8 inch diameter
• 50-200+ GPM flow rate
• Cost: $40,000-$150,000

Monitoring/Test Well

Water quality monitoring or yield testing:

• 2-4 inch diameter
• Limited or no pump
• Cost: $3,000-$10,000

What Affects Your Installation Cost

1. Depth Required (Biggest Factor)

Every 50 feet of additional depth adds $1,500-$4,000 to your cost.

2. Geology

• Sand/gravel: $25-$35/ft (fastest)
• Clay/sediment: $30-$45/ft
• Decomposed granite: $35-$55/ft
• Hard rock: $50-$75/ft (slowest)

3. Site Access

Difficult access adds $500-$5,000 for road building, equipment positioning, or remote water hauling.

4. Equipment Quality

Premium pumps (Grundfos) cost 50-100% more than budget options but last significantly longer.

5. Location/County

Permit fees and requirements vary by county. San Diego typically costs more than rural Riverside or San Bernardino.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

• Dry hole risk: If first location fails, drilling a second adds full drilling cost
• Deeper than estimated: Add 20% buffer for uncertain depth
• Water treatment: $1,500-$6,000 for filtration/softening if needed
• Piping to house: $1,500-$5,000 for trenching and connection
• Storage tank: $2,000-$6,000 for low-yield wells
• Well house/cover: $500-$2,500 for equipment protection
• Electrical upgrade: $1,000-$3,000 if panel capacity insufficient

Recommendation: Budget 15-20% above estimates for contingencies.

Installation Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of well installation?

The average cost is $15,000-$50,000+ in Southern California, with most homeowners paying $20,000-$35,000 for a complete system.

What is included in well installation cost?

Complete installation includes drilling, casing, screen, pump system, pressure tank, electrical, permits, and water testing.

How long does well installation take?

The actual work takes 3-7 days. Including permits, expect 2-6 weeks from start to finish.

Do I need a permit to install a well?

Yes, California requires permits for all well drilling. Your contractor typically handles the permit process.

Can I finance well installation?

Yes, options include home equity loans, contractor financing, USDA rural development loans, and personal loans.