How to Dig a Well
You may probably think that digging a well is a monumental task but it is definitely easier than you think. All it takes is a little bit of patience and the right frame of mind. Once you reap the benefits, you’ll get a healthy supply of water and get to rest in a nearby hammock. If you want to dig a well properly, just follow these simple tips:
Gather the needed materials.
To start on the right track, you should collect all the needed materials and tools first. You will need the following: a pick, bucket, rope, shovel, around 4,000 to 5,000 bricks, small stones and mortar mix. You should also get a buddy to help you out since there are many tasks to be done.
Find a suitable location.
well diggingYou can’t just dig a hole in your backyard. You must determine the right location. There must be some sort of a water source, a running stream or an open body of water. Be reminded that you should spare at least 100 feet from your well to the water source since the ground should serve as the natural filter for the water. Be careful also in securing a safe location for your well. It should be also atleast a hundred feet away from any type of contamination such as animal waste, toilets or dumping areas.
Begin digging.
Start digging and get a partner. One should be stationed at the bottom of the well and digging with a shovel and pick. The digger should then fill a bucket with dirt and rocks and this should be pulled by a helper. Make sure to continue digging until the water in the well is around six feet deep. Also take note that the well should be around five feet across, bearing a circular shape.
Cover for protection.
Use the small rocks that you have gathered to cover the bottom of the well up to five inches from the ground. These small rocks will act as protection and filter from insects that may enter the well from the dirt below.
From the bottom of the well, strengthen the edges for the first six layers using the bricks you have collected. Then combine these with mortar and put additional layers of brick. Do this until you reach the top. When you have reached the ground level, just continue putting the bricks up until around one to two feet above the ground level.
Cover the top with a concrete or stone slab and leave a hole for the pump. Install the pump and you can then use the well.