Drilling is the main event, costing about $15 to $30 per foot. The deeper the hole, the more zeros on the check. Fun fact: that drill rig can chew through solid rock like it’s butter, but it costs a small fortune in fuel and bits.
And here’s a quirky detail: they don’t just poke a straw in the ground. They use a massive, truck-mounted rig that vibrates the whole neighborhood. Your dogs will bark. Your mailman will stare.
You’ll also need a casing—a steel or PVC pipe that prevents the hole from caving in. That’s another $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Think of it as a fancy, water-tight sleeve for your planet straw.
Don’t Forget The Pump And Pressure Tank
The well is useless without a pump to suck the water up. A submersible pump runs about $500 to $2,000. It lives deep underground, silently working 24/7. A true workhorse with zero ego.
Then you need a pressure tank—a big metal balloon that keeps your shower from turning into a trickle when the toilet flushes. Budget roughly $200 to $800 for this unsung hero. It’s basically a water bouncer.
There’s also a pitless adapter. Sounds like a bad robot, right? It’s actually a fitting that protects your pipes from freezing. You’ll thank it in January.
How Much Does a Well Cost? (2026 Well Drilling Cost Guide)