How Does Water Well Installation Work?

Thinking about installing a private well? If you live in a rural part of Louisiana or an area without reliable municipal water, having your own water supply can be a game-changer. Water well installation gives you direct access to clean, dependable water for your home, garden, or farm—without monthly utility bills. 

From choosing the right spot and understanding local permits to drilling, installing equipment, and testing the water, every step matters. And when it’s done right by professionals, it’s an investment that can last for decades.

Water Well Installation: Understanding the Process

Getting a water well installed might seem like a big job, but when it’s broken down into simple steps, it becomes a lot more manageable. The key is knowing what happens and what to expect—because when you’re informed, you can make better choices and avoid common pitfalls.

Site Assessment and Planning

Before any drilling starts, the right location has to be chosen. It’s not just about convenience—safety and yield matter big time. A licensed contractor evaluates your soil, water table depth, nearby septic systems, and potential contamination risks.

Louisiana law requires that wells be placed a safe distance from sources of pollution. Check the LDH Enviroschool septic system guidelines for more info.

This step helps avoid low-yield wells, contamination, and future headaches. It’s all about setting the stage for a solid, safe water supply.

Well Depth Determination

How deep does your well need to be? It depends on where you live. In Louisiana, water wells typically run between 100 to 500 feet deep, depending on the geology and aquifer.

Contractors use geological surveys and historical data to calculate the ideal depth—enough to deliver consistent flow and water quality. This is a crucial part of the planning phase, so your water source doesn’t run dry in the summer.

Permits for Well Installation in Louisiana

Yes, you need permits—and skipping this step can cost you. Homeowners in Caddo Parish, Shreveport, and throughout the state must comply with local codes, including:

• Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
• The State Plumbing Code, including LAC Title 51: Sanitary Code, Part XII – Water Supplies

A legit contractor will handle all this for you—no stress, no guesswork.

The Drilling Process Explained

Once the site is cleared and permitted, it’s go time. Here’s what happens:

• Mobilization – The drill rig and crew arrive on-site.
• Drilling – They bore through soil, rock, and clay to reach the target depth.
• Casing – A pipe (called a casing) is inserted to keep the well from collapsing.
• Screen Installation – A screen lets water in but keeps out sand and debris.
• Grouting – Cement-like material is used to seal the outside of the casing.
• Well Development – The system is flushed and tested to improve water clarity and flow.

Each part of this process follows guidelines from the National Ground Water Association to ensure long-term water safety.

Water Well Equipment Setup

Once the hole is ready, the equipment that powers your water supply goes in:

• Pump system – Submersible for deep wells or jet pumps for shallow ones.
• Pressure tank – Keeps water pressure steady when you turn on the tap.
• Pitless adapter – Connects the underground system to your home.
• Wiring and controls – Ensures everything runs smoothly.
• Optional disinfection – Keeps your water safe without constant maintenance.

Pros usually go with brands like Grundfos and Franklin Electric for a reason—they work well and hold up over time. Regular maintenance keeps everything efficient and helps you avoid early replacements.

Installation Timeframe and What to Expect

From start to finish, water well installation usually takes 3 to 10 days. That includes:

• Site prep
• Drilling
• Equipment installation
• Water testing

Things like weather delays, permit wait times, or equipment availability can stretch the timeline. A good contractor will keep you in the loop the whole time.

Final Water Quality Testing and Disinfection

Once your system is ready, it’s time to make sure the water is clean. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, tests must check for:

• Coliform bacteria
• Nitrates/nitrites
• Heavy metals
• pH and hardness

Shock chlorination is usually done right after installation. After that, we recommend annual testing to keep your water clean. If you need a water softener, check out our well water softener guide.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters?

Think all well installers are the same? Think again. Choosing the wrong team could lead to:

• Poor water flow
• Contaminated water
• Code violations
• Expensive rework

Make sure you ask:

• Are you licensed in Louisiana?
• Do you handle permits and testing?
• Do you follow state codes?

Need help deciding? Here’s a guide on how to find the best water well contractor.

Local knowledge is everything—especially in places like Shreveport and northern Louisiana where the aquifers and soil can vary block to block.

Professional Water Well Drilling and Installation Services

You want clean, reliable water—and we’re here to make that happen. With years of hands-on experience, full Louisiana licensing, and deep knowledge of local aquifers, All Platinum Plumbing builds water well systems that last. We use advanced drilling rigs, name-brand pumps, and diagnostic tools to get the job done right the first time. 

Every system is custom-designed to match your property, usage needs, and terrain. Count on us for transparent pricing, dependable service, and complete well installation in Louisiana.

Need equipment support? We also handle water storage tanks and booster pumps. We back it all with routine maintenance, water testing, and repair options that keep problems from turning into expensive emergencies. Ready to talk? Book a visit or get advice.