Analysis of the Rational Process for Drilling a Well in a Courtyard: Key Steps from Site Selection to Completion

Analysis of the Rational Process for Drilling a Well in a Courtyard: Key Steps from Site Selection to Completion

Successfully drilling a good well in a courtyard is a systematic project requiring meticulous steps. Following a rational process not only increases the success rate but also ensures construction safety and the long-term quality of the well. The entire process can be summarized into five key stages: survey and planning, drilling construction, well completion and cementing, well cleaning and verification, and installation and finishing.

Step One: On-site Survey and Scientific Site Selection. This is the foundation of all work and directly determines success or failure. Do not arbitrarily choose a location and start working. Key steps include:

Preliminary geological understanding: Consult neighbors, local water authorities, or experienced professionals to understand the common well depth, main geological strata, and water quality in the area.

Site safety and convenience assessment: The selected well location must be far from potential sources of pollution such as septic tanks, sewage ditches, and garbage dumps (generally, a distance of at least 15-30 meters is recommended). Consider whether equipment can access the site, whether there is sufficient working space, and whether it will be convenient to install a water pump and connect the water supply to the house in the future.

Professional detection assistance: If conditions permit or the water source is unclear, you can ask a well-drilling professional to use specialized equipment (such as a geophysical instrument) to conduct a simple underground water source survey to improve the scientific basis of site selection.

Step Two: Drilling Construction and Stratigraphic Recording. This is the core stage of mechanical drilling. Choose methods such as impact drilling or rotary drilling based on geological conditions. The key step in this stage is: The construction team must meticulously record the depth, nature, and changes of each layer of soil or rock encountered during drilling, especially the depth where water-bearing signs such as sand and gravel layers are found. This "stratigraphic log" is the only scientific basis for subsequent pipe installation, and the owner should actively request and verify it.

Step Three: Pipe Installation, Filter Material Filling, and Well Cementing. This is the transformative step that turns a "borehole" into a "water well." The process is as follows:

Installing the well casing: According to the "stratigraphic log," connect the prefabricated well casing (the filter pipe with filter holes must be accurately aligned with the aquifer) and smoothly lower it into the hole.

Filling with filter material: In the annular space between the well casing and the borehole wall, evenly and continuously fill with screened, appropriately sized clean gravel (called filter material). This layer of filter material acts as a natural filter, preventing fine sand from entering and ensuring clear water.

Well sealing and cementing: The non-water-bearing layer above the filter material is sealed with clay or special materials to prevent shallow groundwater from seeping in and contaminating the deep, clean water.

Step 4: Thorough well cleaning and pumping test. This step determines the well's water yield and water quality and must not be omitted.

Powerful well cleaning: Use an air compressor, piston, or large-capacity water pump to repeatedly flush and agitate the well until the extracted water is clear and free of sediment. This clears the aquifer channels and stimulates water production.

Formal pumping test: Continuously pump water for several hours (e.g., 4-8 hours), measure the stable water yield and water level drop, and take water samples for testing to verify that the water quality meets drinking water or usage standards. This is a mandatory indicator for accepting the well as qualified.

Step 5: Water pump installation, wellhead protection, and handover. After completing the test, install a suitable water pump (such as a submersible pump) based on the water level and water demand. Construct a sturdy well platform above ground level and a sealed well cover to prevent sewage backflow and foreign objects from falling in. The construction team hands over complete construction records, water quality reports, and warranty documents to the owner.

By following these five steps and focusing on the core aspects of "site selection to avoid pollution, recording geological strata, accurate pipe installation, and thorough cleaning and testing," you can maximize the success rate, water quality safety, and long-term use of your backyard well.