Common Well Drilling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Why do some drillings fail?

Many drilled wells do not perform at optimal parameters due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common and how to avoid them.

Errors in choosing the location

❌ Mistake #1: Drilling too close to pollution sources

Problem: Water may be contaminated with nitrates, bacteria or chemicals.

Solution: Respect the minimum distances:

• Septic tanks: minimum 30m
• Manure: minimum 50m
• Areas with pesticides: minimum 50m
• Roads: minimum 10m

❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring Neighbors

The problem: You don't know what depths and flows others have found in the area.

Solution: Talk to your neighbors about their drilling:

• At what depth did they find water?
• What debit do they have?
• How good is the water?
• Which company did they work with?

❌ Mistake #3: Drilling in restricted areas

The problem: Some areas have drilling bans (usually around public intakes).

Solution: Check with the town hall and ANAR before drilling.

Mistakes in choosing the company

❌ Mistake #4: Choosing only by price

The problem: The lowest bidder may use poor materials or lack experience.

Solution: Rate:

• Company experience
• Customer reviews
• Warranty provided
• The materials used
• Technical documentation

❌ Mistake #5: Not signing a clear contract

Problem: Disputes about what's included, warranties, deadlines.

Solution: The contract must specify:

• Maximum depth and what happens if no water is found
• Diameter of piping and brand of materials
• What is included in the price (denisification, coring, etc.)
• Debit Guarantee
• Term of execution
• Payment Terms

Technical errors

❌ Mistake #6: Diameter too small

Problem: The submersible pump does not fit or the flow rate is limited.

Solution: Minimum 125mm for small pumps, 140-160mm for most cases.

❌ Mistake #7: Poorly positioned filters

Problem: Filters are not on aquifers → low flow or poor quality water.

The solution: Electric coring for the exact identification of water layers.

❌ Mistake #8: Poor quality tubing

Problem: Thin or poor quality PVC pipes → cracks, collapse.

Solution: Ask for quality PVC pipes (Valplast, German Water & Energy), minimum SN4.

Post-drilling mistakes

❌ Mistake #9: You don't disinfect the well

Problem: Bacterial contamination from drilling.

Solution: Mandatory disinfection after drilling and bacteriological analysis.

❌ Mistake #10: Neglecting periodic reviews

Problem: You don't detect water contamination in time.

Solution: Mandatory annual analyzes for drinking water.

❌ Mistake #11: Not protecting the well

Problem: Surface pollution, accidents.

Solution: Visiting room, proper sealing, protective area.

Errors in exploitation

❌ Mistake #12: Pumping too much

Problem: Water level drop, air entry, clogging.

The solution: Pumping with breaks, respecting the sustainable flow rate.

❌ Mistake #13: Ignoring the warning signs

The problem: Small problems become major breakdowns.

Solution: Prompt intervention at the first signs (turbid water, low flow, noises).

Conclusion

Most problems with water wells can be avoided with proper planning, choosing a professional company and regular maintenance. Invest time in documentation at the beginning - you will save money and nerves in the long run!