Collapsed space around well casing

[jjmc95]

Had a well dug for me in spring . 175ft deep , 75ft static water level, 4 inch pvc casing. The guys dug the well and put in the female part of the pit less for me drop the pump and run the water line to the house etc.

I am now getting around to putting stuff in. I dug down three feet to the pitiless. The first three feet of casing are surrounded by bentontite clay. Beneath that I discovered that there is an empty
Cavity surrounding the pvc, the size of their borehole . Seems to be water in it about 9 feet down and I couldn’t find the bottom with my tape measure after 25feet.

I am in touch with the company and they will be sending someone out “next week”.

My questions are :

1. Is this a problem ? If so what is the problem this poses?
2. What caused this ?
3. Is it standard practice for companies to fix errors like this?
4. If I have to fix this myself , what do y’all suggest doing ?

I tried to attach a picture but it was too large for server. Ill try again soon.

Thanks as always. Grateful for this community !

 

[RetiredInGueydan]

Had a well dug for me in spring . 175ft deep , 75ft static water level, 4 inch pvc casing. The guys dug the well and put in the female part of the pit less for me drop the pump and run the water line to the house etc.

I am now getting around to putting stuff in. I dug down three feet to the pitiless. The first three feet of casing are surrounded by bentontite clay. Beneath that I discovered that there is an empty
Cavity surrounding the pvc, the size of their borehole . Seems to be water in it about 9 feet down and I couldn’t find the bottom with my tape measure after 25feet.

I am in touch with the company and they will be sending someone out “next week”.

My questions are :

1. Is this a problem ? If so what is the problem this poses?
2. What caused this ?
3. Is it standard practice for companies to fix errors like this?
4. If I have to fix this myself , what do y’all suggest doing ?

I tried to attach a picture but it was too large for server. Ill try again soon.

Thanks as always. Grateful for this community !

Due to the lack of replies, I will provide my opinion.

1. Yes, surface water could possibly enter the water bearing zone.
2. A sloppy lower grout job with a pretty bentonite plug at the surface.
3. Yes, by law the driller must provide a sanitary well that protects ground water safety.
4. Contact the proper authority and report the driller, then hire a licensed well company to properly complete the well. Finally a lawsuit may be necessary to recover your expenses.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[FredG]

OR contact the driller with your concerns before taking further steps? Seems to me that’s the most reasonable action.

 

[RetiredInGueydan]

OR contact the driller with your concerns before taking further steps? Seems to me that’s the most reasonable action.

I am in touch with the company and they will be sending someone out “next week”.

Run, Forrest, Run!

 

[FredG]

I am in touch with the company and they will be sending someone out “next week”.

Run, Forrest, Run!

Common sense isn’t too common! There is a reason nobody responded to his post.

 

[Valveman]

Sorry, been away. In our area a 3' seal is not enough. We are required to seal 20'-25' at the top. Below that we fill the well with gravel that looks like sand. But if your well is what is called a "rock" well, gravel pack is not needed. But they usually only case about the top 25' of a rock well. I would check the requirement for sealing a well in your area as 3' does not sound right.

 

[jjmc95]

Thanks ! I was concerned the well company wouldn’t fix the problem or wouldn’t do a good job doing it so was looking for support in interacting with them . They did end up coming by and filling with more bentonite grout at no extra cost . Hope it works