What Pure Water Drillers Does and How to Work With Them

Pure Water Drillers is a well drilling contractor serving South Carolina

Pure Water Drillers is a private well drilling company operating in South Carolina that handles the drilling, testing, and maintenance of private water wells. They work with homeowners and property owners who need a new well installed, an existing well repaired, or water quality testing done. Like other drilling contractors in the state, they are subject to South Carolina's well construction standards and must follow Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regulations for well depth, casing, and water safety.

If you are considering hiring Pure Water Drillers or comparing them to other contractors, you should understand what well drilling involves, what questions to ask any contractor, and how to verify their licensing and insurance before signing a contract.

Key Takeaways

• Pure Water Drillers is a private contractor; they do not represent a government agency and cannot determine whether your property can legally have a well.
• South Carolina requires well drillers to follow DHEC construction standards, and your county health department must approve the well location before drilling begins.
• Before hiring any contractor, confirm they hold a current South Carolina well driller's license and carry liability insurance.
• Well drilling costs vary by depth, soil type, and whether the well requires a pump system; get written estimates from multiple contractors before deciding.
• After drilling, you are responsible for regular water testing and maintenance; DHEC provides guidance on testing frequency and what to test for.

What Pure Water Drillers typically offers

Well drilling contractors in South Carolina generally provide three main services: new well installation, repair or rehabilitation of existing wells, and water testing referrals. A new well installation involves drilling to the water table, installing casing (steel or PVC pipe that lines the well), and setting up a pump system if needed. Repair work might include replacing a damaged pump, clearing a clogged well screen, or deepening a well if water levels have dropped.

Pure Water Drillers, like other contractors, does not typically perform the water testing itself—that is done by a certified laboratory—but they can advise you on testing and may refer you to labs that handle well water analysis. Testing is important because private wells are not regulated the way municipal water systems are, and you are responsible for knowing whether your water is safe to drink.

How to verify a contractor's credentials

South Carolina requires well drillers to hold a license issued by DHEC. Before you contact Pure Water Drillers or any contractor, you can verify their license status by contacting DHEC's Office of Environmental Health and Safety or asking the contractor directly for their license number. A legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation.

You should also ask whether the contractor carries liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Request the name of their insurance carrier and a policy number you can verify independently. A contractor who cannot or will not provide this information is a sign to look elsewhere. Finally, ask for references from recent jobs in your area—homeowners who have had wells drilled in the past year or two can tell you whether the work was done on time and whether the well has performed well since.

Steps before drilling begins

Your county health department must inspect and approve the well location before any drilling can start. This is not something the contractor does for you; you or the contractor must contact your county health department to request a site inspection. The inspector will check that the well is far enough from septic systems, property lines, and other potential contamination sources. Different counties have different setback requirements, so call your local health department to learn what applies to your property.

Once the site is approved, the contractor will typically provide a written estimate that includes the drilling depth (estimated based on local geology), the type of casing, pump installation if needed, and any testing or permits. Make sure the estimate is in writing and includes what happens if the driller hits rock or other obstacles that require extra work. Some contractors charge a flat rate; others charge by the foot drilled. Understand the pricing structure before you sign.

What happens after the well is drilled

After drilling and pump installation are complete, the well must be disinfected and flushed before use. This is typically done by the contractor and involves running chlorinated water through the system to kill any bacteria introduced during construction. DHEC provides specific procedures for this process, and a reputable contractor will follow them.

Once the well is in use, you are responsible for regular water testing. DHEC recommends testing at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and other common contaminants. If you notice changes in water color, taste, or smell, you should have the water tested immediately. You can find certified laboratories through your county health department or DHEC's website. Testing costs vary but typically range from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on how many contaminants you test for.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Wells require periodic maintenance to keep them functioning safely. This includes checking the pump, inspecting the casing for cracks, and monitoring water pressure and flow. If your well stops producing water, produces very little water, or the water becomes discolored or foul-smelling, contact a contractor to diagnose the problem. Common issues include a failed pump, a clogged well screen, or a drop in the water table during drought.

Some problems can be fixed by the contractor who drilled the well; others may require a specialist. If Pure Water Drillers cannot solve the problem, ask them to recommend another contractor or specialist. Keep records of any work done on your well, including dates, what was repaired, and the cost. This information is useful if you sell the property or need to troubleshoot problems later.

Comparing contractors and getting multiple estimates

Well drilling is a significant investment, and prices vary widely depending on depth, soil conditions, and the complexity of the job. Contact at least two or three contractors, including Pure Water Drillers if you are considering them, and ask each for a written estimate. Make sure each estimate covers the same scope of work—drilling depth, casing type, pump installation, disinfection, and any site preparation.

The lowest price is not always the best choice. A contractor who is significantly cheaper than others may be cutting corners on casing quality, pump equipment, or disinfection procedures. Ask each contractor how long they have been in business, whether they are licensed, and whether they can provide references. A contractor with a solid reputation and proper credentials is worth paying a bit more for, because a poorly drilled well can cost thousands to repair or replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep will my well need to be?

Depth depends on your location and local geology. In some parts of South Carolina, water is found at 30 feet; in others, it may be 100 feet or deeper. The contractor can estimate depth based on wells drilled nearby, but the exact depth will not be known until drilling begins. This is why many contractors charge by the foot rather than a flat rate.

What if the contractor hits rock or other obstacles?

Rock, clay, or other hard layers can slow drilling and increase costs. Before signing a contract, ask the contractor what their policy is if drilling takes longer or goes deeper than estimated. Some contractors include a certain depth in their flat fee and charge extra per foot beyond that; others adjust the price based on actual conditions. Get this in writing.

Do I need a permit to drill a well?

South Carolina does not require a state-level well drilling permit, but your county health department must approve the well location before drilling starts. Some counties may have additional local requirements. Contact your county health department to learn what is required in your area before you hire a contractor.

How often should I test my well water?

DHEC recommends testing at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates. If you notice any change in water quality, test immediately. If you have a septic system, test more frequently because septic systems can contaminate wells if they fail. Your county health department can provide specific guidance based on your location and situation.

What should I do if my well stops producing water?

Contact a well contractor to diagnose the problem. Common causes include a failed pump, a clogged well screen, or a drop in the water table. The contractor can determine whether the problem can be fixed or whether the well needs to be deepened or replaced. Do not attempt to repair a well yourself unless you have experience with well systems.