FAQ
Questions We Hear Every Day.
Answers to the most common questions about well water, pumps, water treatment, and septic service in South Carolina.
Well Drilling
New Well Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in South Carolina?
Well drilling cost depends on the depth required to reach a productive aquifer, your soil and rock conditions, the casing type, and the pump system. Most residential wells in the SC Midlands range from $5,000 to $15,000+ fully installed. We provide a detailed estimate after a site assessment — not a ballpark guess over the phone.
How deep do wells need to be in the SC Midlands?
It varies significantly by location. Some areas in the Midlands have productive shallow aquifers at 80–150 feet. Others require drilling to 300–500+ feet to reach a reliable water-bearing formation. We've drilled in this region for decades and know the geology — we'll tell you what to expect for your specific property.
How long does it take to drill a well?
Most residential well drilling is completed in 1–2 days for the drilling itself. Add time for permitting (we handle this), pump installation, pressure system setup, and water testing. From permit to water flowing, expect 1–2 weeks depending on scheduling.
Do I need a permit to drill a well in SC?
Yes — SC DHEC requires a permit for all new wells regardless of use (domestic, irrigation, or commercial). We pull all required permits as part of our standard service at no additional charge. After completion, we submit the required well completion report to DHEC.
What's the difference between a drilled well and a dug well?
Dug wells are shallow (typically under 30 feet), large diameter, and hand-excavated — a method from decades past. They're more susceptible to surface contamination and drought. Modern drilled wells are cased steel or PVC pipe drilled to a deep aquifer, properly sealed, and far more reliable. If you have a dug well, we can replace it with a modern drilled well.
Well Repair
Repair & Emergency Questions
I have no water — what should I do first?
Check your circuit breaker panel. If the breaker for your well pump has tripped, reset it — this sometimes resolves the issue at no cost. If the breaker is fine or it trips again after resetting, call us. A no-water emergency is prioritized and we can usually have a crew on-site the same day.
Do you respond to emergencies after hours?
Yes — our emergency line is answered 24/7, including weekends and holidays. We treat no-water calls as the emergencies they are. You won't get a voicemail; you'll get a person who can dispatch a crew.
My pump is running but I have no water — what's wrong?
This is almost always one of three things: a failed pump impeller (motor runs but doesn't move water), a failed check valve (water drains back before it reaches your house), or a drop pipe that's come apart downhole. Our diagnostic will identify the exact problem before we recommend any repair.
Is there a charge for the diagnostic?
Yes — we charge a service call / diagnostic fee, which is disclosed upfront before we come out. Once we diagnose the problem, we give you a firm repair price. If you approve the repair, the diagnostic fee typically applies toward the job cost. No surprises.
Pumps & Pressure Systems
Pump Questions
How long does a submersible well pump last?
A properly sized and installed submersible pump typically lasts 10–15 years. Factors that reduce pump life include: undersizing (pump works too hard), short-cycling from a failed pressure tank, running dry, and corrosive water chemistry. We size everything correctly from the start to maximize lifespan.
What's a waterlogged pressure tank?
Your pressure tank has an air bladder that creates a cushion — when water enters the tank, the air compresses, maintaining pressure between pump cycles. When the bladder fails, the tank fills completely with water (no air cushion), forcing the pump to cycle on and off every few seconds. This wears out the pump motor fast. Replacing the tank is usually a quick, same-day fix.
Can you repair my existing pump or do I need a new one?
We always diagnose before recommending replacement. Pumps under 10 years old with a failed capacitor or pressure switch can often be repaired economically. Pumps over 15 years old with mechanical wear are generally better replaced — you'll spend more on repairs than the pump is worth, and still face another failure soon. We'll give you an honest assessment.
What pressure should my well system run at?
Standard residential well systems run at 40/60 PSI (pump turns on at 40, off at 60) or 30/50 PSI. Both are normal. The right setting depends on your system and household pressure needs. If your pressure seems low, the switch setting may simply need adjustment — sometimes a free fix.
Water Treatment
Water Quality Questions
Should I test my well water?
Yes — annually for bacteria, and any time you notice a change in taste, odor, or color. SC recommends testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, and hardness at minimum. We include a free water analysis with every service call. A more comprehensive lab panel can be arranged if you want a full chemical screen.
Is high iron in well water dangerous?
Iron is not a health hazard at typical well water concentrations, but it causes significant quality-of-life problems: orange staining on sinks, tubs, and laundry; metallic taste; clogged fixtures. Iron filtration eliminates it completely. The SC Midlands has some of the highest naturally-occurring iron concentrations in the state.
Is a water softener the same as an iron filter?
No — they address different problems. A water softener removes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) that cause scale and interfere with soap lathering. An iron filter removes iron and manganese. Many SC homes have both hard water AND high iron — in that case, you typically need both systems, or a combined iron/softener unit designed for your specific water chemistry.
What is UV water purification?
UV purification uses ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria and viruses — it damages their DNA so they can't reproduce. No chemicals are added, no taste change, no byproducts. It's the simplest, most effective way to ensure your well water is bacteria-free. The only maintenance is an annual UV bulb replacement.
Septic Systems
Septic Questions
How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
Every 3–5 years for a typical household of 2–4 people with a standard 1,000–1,500 gallon tank. Larger families or smaller tanks need pumping more frequently. The cost of routine pumping ($300–$600) is tiny compared to the cost of a failed drain field ($10,000–$30,000+).
What are the signs that my septic system is failing?
Watch for: slow drains throughout the house (not a single clog), sewage odors inside or outside, wet or unusually green grass over the drain field, gurgling sounds from toilets, or sewage backing up into the house. Any of these warrants a call — don't wait for a full backup.
Can you inspect a septic system before I buy a property?
Yes — pre-purchase septic inspections are a standard service. We inspect the tank condition, inlet and outlet baffles, tank capacity, and assess drain field condition. We provide a written inspection report suitable for real estate transactions.
Do you work in all SC counties?
We serve the Midlands region — Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Fairfield, Saluda, Edgefield, and surrounding counties. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, call us.