FAQs
Schaefer Well FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide to Water Wells and Pumps
Welcome to Schaefer Well's Frequently Asked Questions page! We understand that questions about water wells, pumps, and water quality are common, and we're here to provide clear, reliable answers. Whether you're considering a new well, need assistance with an existing system, or are curious about your water supply, our FAQs are designed to equip you with the information needed to make informed decisions. If your specific question isn't addressed here, our expert team is always available to discuss your needs directly.
​
General Well Services & Schaefer Well
​
What services does Schaefer Well provide? Schaefer Well is a full-service well contractor offering expert well drilling (residential, agricultural, and commercial), well pump installation and repair, comprehensive water quality testing, well maintenance, well abandonment, and emergency well services. We manage your water system from initial consultation through to ongoing support.
Why should I choose Schaefer Well for my water well needs? With decades of experience, Schaefer Well is recognized for its reliability, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. As licensed and insured well drillers, we possess a deep understanding of local geology and regulations, ensuring high-quality workmanship and sustainable water solutions that stand the test of time.
​
What areas do you serve? Schaefer Well proudly serves a wide range of communities across Minnesota, including Albert Lea, Arlington, Belle Plaine, Blue Earth County, Brewster, Cottonwood County, Fairfax, Fairmont, Faribault, Gaylord, Glencoe, Glenville, Granite Falls, Hutchinson, Jackson County, Janesville, Lake Crystal, Le Sueur, Litchfield, Luverne, Madelia, Mankato, Martin County, Montevideo, New Prague, New Ulm, Nicollet County, Pipestone, Redwood County, Renville County, Rochester, Searles, Sibley County, Sleepy Eye, St. James, St. Peter, Waseca, Willmar, Windom, Winnebago, and Worthington.
​
Are you licensed and insured? Absolutely. Schaefer Well is fully licensed and insured, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring compliance with all state and local regulations for well drilling contractors.
​
New Well Drilling & Installation
​
How much does it cost to drill a new water well? The cost of drilling a new well is influenced by several factors, including depth, geological conditions, well casing materials, and the chosen pump system. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and provide detailed quotes tailored to your property's specific requirements.
​
How long does it take to drill a new well? The timeline for drilling a new well can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the well's complexity and prevailing weather conditions. We will provide you with an estimated schedule during our initial assessment.
​
Do I need a permit to drill a well? Yes, well drilling permits are typically required by local and state authorities. Schaefer Well will guide you through the entire permitting process to ensure full compliance.
​
What is involved in the well drilling process? Our comprehensive well drilling process includes a thorough site assessment, securing necessary permits, drilling the borehole, installing robust casing, developing the well for optimal water flow, and finally, installing the appropriate well pump and pressure tank. We prioritize a clean and efficient operation from start to finish.
What's the difference between a shallow well and a deep well? Shallow wells typically access unconfined aquifers closer to the surface, generally less than 50 feet deep. Deep wells, conversely, tap into confined aquifers located further down. The selection between a shallow and deep well depends on local geological characteristics, water availability, and desired water quality.
​
Well Pump Installation & Repair
​
My well has no water. What should I do? If you're experiencing a lack of water from your well, first check your circuit breakers. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it could indicate a problem with the well pump, pressure tank, or another component of your system. In such cases, contact Schaefer Well immediately for prompt emergency well repair.
​
What are common signs of well pump failure? Indications of a failing well pump can include no water, significantly low water pressure, unusual noises originating from the pump or pressure tank, a pump that runs continuously, or the presence of dirty or muddy water.
​
How long do well pumps last? The typical lifespan of a well pump (whether submersible or jet pump) ranges from 10 to 20 years, influenced by usage patterns, water quality, and regular maintenance. Consistent well maintenance can significantly extend a pump's operational life.
​
Do you offer emergency well pump repair services? Yes, Schaefer Well provides 24/7 emergency well pump repair services to restore your water supply as quickly as possible. Please do not hesitate to call us at any time, day or night.
What kind of well pumps do you install? We install and service a diverse range of well pumps, including submersible pumps, jet pumps, and booster pumps. Each is carefully selected to ensure optimal performance based on your well's specific characteristics and your household's water demands.
​
Water Quality & Testing
​
Is my well water safe to drink? While well water can be an excellent source of water, it is crucial to have it tested regularly to confirm its safety for consumption. Untreated well water can potentially harbor bacteria, nitrates, or other contaminants. Schaefer Well offers professional well water testing services.
​
How often should I test my well water? We recommend annual well water testing for common contaminants such as coliform bacteria and nitrates. Testing should also be performed more frequently if you notice changes in the water's taste, odor, or appearance, or if your household includes a newborn or individuals with compromised immune systems.
​
What contaminants should I test my well water for? Key well water contaminants to consider testing for include coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We can assist you in determining the most appropriate testing panel for your specific needs.
​
Do you offer water treatment solutions? Yes, if your water quality test reveals any issues, Schaefer Well is equipped to recommend and install suitable water treatment systems. These can include UV purifiers, water softeners, and various filtration systems designed to ensure your water is clean and safe.
​
Well Maintenance & Troubleshooting
​
How often should my well be inspected? We recommend an annual inspection of your entire well system. This allows us to check the pump, pressure tank, wellhead, and the overall integrity of the system. Preventative well maintenance is key to identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.
​
What is a pressure tank and how does it work? A well pressure tank serves as a reservoir for water and is responsible for maintaining consistent water pressure throughout your home. By storing water, it reduces the frequency with which your pump needs to cycle on and off, thereby extending the pump's lifespan.
Can I perform my own well maintenance? While some basic visual checks can be performed by homeowners, complex well maintenance and repairs should always be entrusted to certified professionals like Schaefer Well. This ensures proper functioning and guarantees safety.
​
What is well abandonment and when is it necessary? Well abandonment is the formal process of sealing and filling an unused or contaminated well. This crucial step prevents groundwater contamination and eliminates potential safety hazards. Well abandonment is often a requirement when a well is no longer in use or has been deemed unsafe.
​
Still have questions, or ready to schedule a service? Don't hesitate to Contact Schaefer Well today at (507) 354-2614. Our expert team is dedicated to providing you with reliable well solutions!