How to dig a well from concrete. Two ways - how to dig a country well with your own hands. Professional advice on competent digging of a well, a large number of important nuances - which should be followed

Residents of country houses, developers and summer residents, in the absence of a central water supply in their personal plot, are forced to solve the problem of water supply on their own. To feel comfortable away from the benefits of civilization, underground sources are used. It is possible to provide yourself, a garden and a household with water if you build a well with your own hands.

Water well in the yard

It is very important to choose the right place for the hydraulic structure and dig it to the optimum depth. Then the composition and volume of water will be acceptable in order to use it for domestic needs and drinking. In some regions of the Russian Federation, the construction of wells up to the first aquifer requires permission from local authorities.

In order for water to meet sanitary and hygienic requirements, whether it is a well in a country house or a personal plot, the place should not be near objects polluting the soil and air:

sewers;
cesspools;
sheds for livestock;
storage facilities for fertilizers, chemicals;
highways.

Wells are filled with groundwater located at a depth of 8-30 meters. This is the first aquifer, which is fed by precipitation, melted snow, rivers, lakes, reservoirs. That's why it's so important to keep the environment clean.

moisture-loving plants grow well;
the morning mist gathers;
mosquitoes and midges curl;
dug to a depth of 1-1.5 m, a pot with dried broken brick becomes heavier due to the absorption of water from the ground.

From time immemorial and to this day, underground springs have been searched for by dowsing. Read also in a separate article, we described in detail all known modern methods. They bend a fresh branch in a certain way and observe its behavior. In the place of water occurrence, it should vibrate. For the same purpose, metal frames or pendulums are used. The method is called dowsing. No official confirmation or refutation has been received.

More reliable research methods of engineering geophysics - electrical or seismic. Due to the high cost of testing in private areas, they are rarely used.

Perhaps the most informative source is the water level in the wells of the neighbors. It is most likely that the aquifer will be located in this manner. But there are exceptions. The impermeable layers are unevenly distributed, and quicksands may be present in the underground channel.

The place for the well is chosen after a comprehensive analysis of the signs of the presence of groundwater. In order not to reduce the productivity of the well, they retreat as far as possible from the existing water intake facilities. Read also on our website an article about which ones are and which one is better to choose, we examined in detail.

The best time to dig a well

The groundwater level changes throughout the year. Fluctuations in the depth of the liquid reach 2 m. The most suitable season for building a well is after a long drought at the end of summer or in the second half of winter, when the flow of precipitation into the soil is minimal. The filling of underground sources decreases naturally.

If you dig a well with your own hands after the rains or in the off-season, it is possible that the water will leave in a couple of months and the mine will be empty.

The time for digging is chosen depending on the type of soil. Clay soils freeze with the advent of winter, the water in the capillaries turns into ice. Such land is very difficult to hollow out, it is easier to cultivate it in the warm season. Sands and sandy loams remain loose despite frosts. A well can be dug both in summer and in winter.

Installation of rings in winter

If there are difficulties in removing the top frozen layer of soil, specialized equipment can be involved for these works. Below the freezing depth, which reaches 0.7-1.2 m in the European part of the country, the sands are already quite loose and accessible for processing.

Another argument in favor of the winter device of the well is the prices for earthworks. They are significantly lower than in summer, when demand increases.

A team of three people digs a mine in 3-4 days. It has the equipment and well-established technology. If you work alone, it will take much more time. Sometimes it's weeks or even months - you need to select several cubes of rock. The work is complicated due to precipitation, soil erosion and possible collapse of the walls. It is necessary to arrange the structure in the right way so that you do not have to re-clean the bottom and remove dozens of buckets of crumbled soil.

Well types

Man began to use man-made wells with the beginning of settled life about 7 thousand years ago. They were deep pits lined with wood or stone from the inside. Having settled in a new place, people first of all dug out a source of water for themselves and animals. Agriculture, especially in warm countries, cannot be imagined without irrigation and canal systems.

Wells differ in depth and method of extracting water:

Russian. A bucket was lowered into the shaft, laid out of logs, with the help of a gate. To prevent it from floating on the surface, a weight was attached to the edge of the container. From above, the source was covered with a well house from debris.
Shaduf. In ancient Egypt, it was used to irrigate fields. The water was lifted by a lever mechanism. Today, similar structures are still found in the countries of Africa and Asia.
Screw well of Archimedes. The water is extracted by a mechanism that sets in motion a donkey walking in a circle.
Abyssinian. A pipe with a diameter of 25-63 mm and a surface pump are installed in a narrow well drilled to an underground channel. To filter water, the end of the conduit is provided with a sieve tip.

The most common designs of wells in personal and summer cottages are concrete rings immersed in the ground. The depth of the mines reaches 2-18 meters. The bottom is covered with a layer of sand, pebbles and rubble, which purify the groundwater from impurities.

Well made of concrete rings

Concrete rings are produced in various sizes:

inner diameter - 70-200 mm;
height - 290-890 mm.

For water wells, structures with a diameter of 1000 mm and a height of 890 cm are used. They are installed one on top of the other. For a tight fit, the rim of the rings is formed in the form of a lock. The volume of one element is 0.23 m³. For home construction, 8-12 products are most often enough.

Type of well shaft

The well consists of a water intake shaft, a shaft and a head, which rises above the ground.

There are three types of well shafts:

imperfect - the trunk is lowered to the upper boundary of the water-resistant layer, filled through the side surfaces and the lower opening;
perfect - the bottom of the mine rests on the underlying layer of clay, water enters only through the walls;
perfect with a sump - the trunk is deepened into a water-resistant layer to create an additional reservoir.

If you improve the well with your own hands - arrange an expansion below the static water level, a kind of "tent" is formed with a supply of liquid.

The simplest and most common design of the mine in individual construction is imperfect. This is an inexpensive option that provides the daily need for water for household needs.

Important. An increase in the diameter or depth of a structure leads to an increase in labor costs and material consumption, which is unjustified in a suburban area.

Materials for the construction of wells

In the private sector, the following materials are used to form a well shaft:

Wood. The log cabin is immersed in the shaft, creating the necessary support for the walls. Water seeps through the gaps and the bottom. The lower part is made of beech, bog oak, ash, elm. These rocks do not emit tannins or resinous substances. The upper crowns are made of pine, larch, cedar. They are not afraid of moisture, do not rot, but are rich in resin.
Natural stone or brick. Wells made of these materials are durable and strong. The construction of mines is long and laborious, but the water in them is clean, without impurities.
Concrete. The barrel is mounted from prefabricated rings or made from a monolith. In the first case, special attention should be paid to sealing the joints, otherwise contaminated surface drains will enter the well.

The top of the structure is protected from precipitation, dust and animals by well houses with a lid. They are made of wood, stone, concrete. Lined with decorative materials.

Important. Often a well in a country house serves as a bright art object that attracts everyone's attention.

Bottom filter

The bottom filter protects water from pollution by the rock particles that have risen up. It is arranged from clean, washed materials - quartz sand, pebbles, gravel, crushed stone.

Smaller fractions are poured first, then large ones:

sand - 15-30 cm;
gravel - 15-30 cm;
river pebbles - 15-30 cm.

The higher the layer height, the better the cleaning. If the bottom is liquefied and the water flows quickly, wooden boards are laid first, leaving gaps, then filter materials.

Between the layers to improve the organoleptic properties of water and neutralize toxic substances, it is recommended to add a small amount of shungite, zeolite or jadeite. These are natural minerals that man has used for healing since ancient times.

Backfilling is mandatory on quicksand, as the well will quickly become clogged and cease to function. But the layers are laid in the opposite order - first large, then small fractions. In this case, heavy stones prevent the movement of sand in the underground channel. At the bottom, as a base, you need to put a shield made of oak, aspen, larch or stainless steel.

Bottom filters are regularly cleaned and replaced with fresh ones. Otherwise, instead of benefit, they can cause harm.

Important. Regardless of the presence of stone materials in the well, drinking water is recommended to be additionally prepared - filtered and boiled.

Definition of an aquifer

When digging a well, the question arises of how deep you need to dive if the water has already begun to seep through the walls of the mine. To find out where it is time to stop, it is worth considering all the layers passed during digging.

The top layer is fertile soil. Its thickness is 25-40 cm. Further, sedimentary rocks, sand and clay, which is an aquiclude, alternate.

Between impermeable layers, underground sources pave their way. The closest to the surface is perched water, which consists of seeped precipitation, melt water and occasional runoff. It is not suitable for domestic needs, it is too polluted, and the level is unstable, depending on the weather.

When constructing a well, they try to get to the second or third aquifer. After passing through the thickness of the soil, the water is purified and becomes suitable for consumption.

When digging, you need to stop in time - there is a danger of passing the aquifer and going deep into a thick layer of clay. It is also possible for the shaft to sink over time, which will lead to blockage of the water supply path. You need to navigate the neighboring hydraulic structures in order to "catch" the moment and not make a mistake.

Construction of a well from concrete rings

Before you make a well with your own hands from concrete rings, determine the type of soil. The method of construction depends on this characteristic - open or closed.

open way

It is used on dense clay soils that hold their shape well. When digging mines, the walls do not crumble, it is possible to carry out work in less cramped conditions than with a closed method.

The sequence of the open device of the well:

Dig a mine to the desired depth.
Upon reaching the aquifer, concrete rings are successively installed using a manipulator hoist.
Joints are fastened with rubber gaskets or mortar.
The sinuses are covered with coarse sand, the upper part is covered with clay to avoid getting inside the perch.
From the inside, the rings are fixed with brackets, the seams are sealed.

After finishing the work, the walls are cleaned, washed, the water is pumped out several times. Lay the bottom filter, install a well house.

If, when digging a mine, the walls suddenly began to crumble, further work is carried out in a closed way.

Closed way

This option is used for arranging wells on loose or swampy soils that do not retain their shape well. It is more difficult to work in a limited space; they use a shovel with a shortened handle. But there is no risk of wall collapse, and the rings can be mounted without the involvement of lifting equipment.

Stages of building a well in a closed way:

Cut off the top layer of the earth.
Install the first ring.
They dig a mine from the inside, evenly freeing the space under the reinforced concrete structure from the ground. It falls under its own weight.
After deepening the first ring, a second one is installed on it and they continue to dig.
Consistently mount structures until reaching the aquifer. The top of the last ring is left above the ground.
The elements are fastened together with overlays or brackets so that when the soil moves, they do not move relative to each other.
Seams are sealed, washed, the bottom filter is filled up.

To facilitate the installation of a reinforced concrete shaft, the lower end is equipped with a shoe with knives or the edge is shaped into a cone. The incoming water is pumped out by a drainage pump. Mechanical or electric winches are used for lowering a person into the mine, lifting buckets with earth and adjusting the position of the ring during installation.

It is almost impossible to cope with the amount of work carried out in a closed way alone. Usually a team is invited, which is equipped with everything necessary for a quick well device.

Working at depth is associated with a risk to health and life. We must not forget about security measures. A helmet is put on the head, the handle of the bucket is strengthened, strong ropes or cables are used. Regularly check the reliability of fasteners, serviceability of mechanisms.

Seam waterproofing

Waterproofing the joints between the rings is a necessary operation that will protect the water from pollution by external drains. It is performed after the installation of the shaft, as well as during the repair of an existing structure, if leaks are noticed.

Methods used for sealing seams:

a hemp rope is placed in the gap, covered with cement mortar on top;
instead of a rope, a bentonite swelling cord is used;
the joint is sealed with ready-made high-speed hydraulic seals;
the solution is made on the basis of liquid glass and the seams are filled with it.

Before waterproofing work, the seams are thoroughly cleaned, if necessary, they are moistened. As sealants, materials are used that do not change the composition of water and are harmless to humans.

Commissioning and maintenance

The walls of the well before operation are thoroughly cleaned with metal brushes and washed. Water is pumped out to absolute purity and transparency.

Maintenance consists of regular cleanings and repairs. If a deterioration in water quality is detected, its volume has decreased, mold or algae are present, and deposits have appeared on the walls of the mine, cleaning of the well is necessary.

The event is carried out manually or with the help of mechanical equipment. All the water is pumped out of the well, a ladder is installed and descending, they clean the walls with a metal scraper. Silt deposits are removed from the bottom, the stone filter is partially or completely replaced. If the trunk is shallow, dirt can be removed without immersion. Use a brush with a long handle.

After cleaning, the concrete walls can be disinfected with a bleach solution. After 24 hours, the water must be completely pumped out.

For any person, the words "house in the country" or "cottage" are associated with clean air, fruits and vegetables from their own garden. Almost everyone imagines themselves lying in a hammock or deck chair away from the bustle of the city in the shade of trees with a glass of ice-cold well water. Unfortunately, in a village or town it happens that almost the only source of drinking water is a column or the same central water supply. What is the way out of this situation? To the question: "How to dig a well and do it right?" this article will help answer.

A bit of theory

At the mention of a well, thoughts immediately come to mind about how water appears under the layers of soil. It falls into the earth from the sky, that is, in the form of various precipitation: rain, hail and snow. Rain and melt water only partially drains into streams, and then into other water bodies: rivers, streams and lakes. The main mass seeps into the soil through the porous layers of the earth and, under the influence of a certain gravitational force, descends down to a certain place - an impervious layer. A layer from the upper layers of soil: clay, loam and rocks, pressed to almost complete impermeability, becomes a barrier to water. A water "pocket" is formed on this site, if you dig a well (the Moscow region is a great place for this) correctly, the water will flow into it.

Although the impervious layer is considered an insurmountable resistance to water, some of the liquid seeps through it, because it is not a continuous monolith. The natural "barrier" has micropores through which water passes to the next layer and so on. Therefore, several aquifers can lie in one area and at different depths. But for those who are interested in the question of how to dig a well with their own hands, this should not be a problem.

aquifers

Aquifers according to their depth are divided into several types:

Verkhovodka is a layer of water that forms at the topmost water-resistant layer of the earth. It is located at a shallow depth, and the water that has fallen into it has not yet had time to properly cleanse itself, therefore it is not suitable for consumption. The water level of the upper layer fluctuates, in the heat it can even dry up completely. Often summer residents use it for watering, irrigation and other needs: for this they dig small holes in which perch water accumulates. When the question arises of how to properly dig a well, it must be taken into account that the upper water must be isolated as much as possible, that is, to make sure that it does not fall into the well in any case.
Groundwater is the second layer, lying at a depth that perfectly filters the water to the point where it can be eaten. It is groundwater that serves as the basis for filling wells. Water passing through tens of meters of porous soil is perfectly cleaned of contaminants and at the same time saturated with the minerals that it contains. Well liquid is considered the purest, and its unique taste is unique for each locality. To taste, it may differ even in two adjacent wells.
Artesian waters are at a very great depth. Those who know how to dig a well in the country understand that in order to get to artesian waters, you need to drill special wells. Deep waters are under strong pressure from the layers of soil, and therefore the liquid can flow through the well on its own even without the use of pumps.

Types of wells

What is a well? This is a wide shaft reaching groundwater suitable for human consumption, that is, in another way it can be called groundwater. Typically, such reservoirs are no more than 10 meters deep, but there are still old wells that go into the ground for 20-30 meters.

Wells are of various types, most often they are mine or key. The type of structure directly depends on the depth of the aquifer, therefore, before digging a well yourself, you need to find out at what specific depth this layer is located in this area.

For the construction of a key well, the main condition is the presence of water springs on the site, which beat out of the ground or fall from the slope. On the territory where the water is released, a descending or ascending type of water structure is equipped.

It is believed that the construction of this method is the fastest, easiest and cheapest method of building a well. Its depth does not exceed 2 meters. If we compare the well with concrete rings, then their height completely coincides.

The depth of shaft wells can reach 15 meters, because they are designed for the extraction of deep-sea deposits. The design of the mine well is different. If the bottom of the reservoir is at the lowest level of the aquifer, then it is called perfect. It turns out that the name of the well depends on how to dig the well, and if its bottom only touches the underwater reservoir with water and the water flows through the walls of the well, then it is called imperfect.

Mine wells differ in volumes of water. Perfect structures are necessary for large-scale extraction and consumption of water. And types such as imperfect wells are used to meet small and standard needs on the farm. You can dig such a reservoir in various shapes. It depends on the material from which the walls of the mine will be built. Square wells are formed from brick and wood, and round shafts are formed from concrete rings, respectively. They are more popular and suitable for beginner builders who do not know how to dig a well in the country with their own hands. However, this can be learned by reading this article.

The process of digging a well with your own hands

You can dig a well with your own hands, although this is a rather laborious process. It consists of two stages:

digging a hole to the desired depth;
lowering concrete rings into it in turn one after another using an automobile or manual winch.

First, a small pit is dug, about half a meter deep, its diameter is equal to the outer width of the concrete ring. A ring is installed in the pit. Next, the digger needs to climb inside and remove the soil in a circle, while at the same time digging the walls of the ring. The concrete circle under the influence of its gravity will settle lower and lower. As soon as its edge is level with the ground, a second concrete ring must be installed on it, and the digging process must be continued. The second ring is followed by the third and so on. For those who do not know how to dig a well on their own, this algorithm of actions will come in handy.

The standard height of the ring is about a meter, respectively, the construction of a well of such structures will take about 10-15 pieces. To create a more durable unit, it is necessary to fasten all the rings with special brackets, which subsequently need to be painted with oil paint. The preparation of the pit is completed by digging the soil in the aquifer, which is the most time-consuming work. In addition, the digging process is further complicated by the fact that water constantly enters the pit and turns the soil into a liquid mass, which is best pumped out with a mud pump.

Important points when digging a well

The most difficult process is directly digging the earth. This must be done using a shovel with a small handle, and this is not at all easy. Plus, next to the digger there should be a container for soil, in particular a bucket with a rope, since you need to constantly remove the soil. Also nearby should be a device for constantly arriving water.

How to dig a well quickly? This issue must be approached with all seriousness and great responsibility. It is advisable to start the construction of the well in the period from January to March, when the groundwater level is quite low.

When the desired depth of the well is reached, it is necessary to equip a filter pad made of fine crushed stone with a height of about 30 cm. This device prevents the well from being quickly flooded.

It is important to remember that digging a well is a very dirty job. It is necessary to stand knee-deep in damp and cold earth, when pieces of earth and water from a constantly raised bucket fall on you from above. You need to measure your strength and remember about your health. For some, it is easier to immediately hire a team of builders and specialists.

When digging a well, it is important to follow basic safety standards, here are some of them:

it is desirable to carry out all work in a protective helmet;
before descending into the well, it is necessary to check the strength of the rope ladder, as well as all fasteners and devices for raising water and soil from the bottom of the well.

The final stage of the construction of the well

Upon completion of all work, it is necessary to draw up the upper part of the well. Usually, the head is sheathed with wooden boards or logs, this is done to protect water from pollution. A well can be made an attractive decorative element in a summer cottage that can only transform it. For example, you can build a house or a mill over it.

Necessary tools and materials

Having decided how to dig a well, you need to stock up on the necessary tools and fixtures, here are the main ones:

standard and sapper shovels;
buckets;
lifting device and tripod;
chain and rope ladder;
a special wooden device in the form of a bookcase made of boards and logs for the delivery of concrete rings.

What is a quicksand

Quicksand is a mixture of sand with clay and small river pebbles. It can spread and flow, especially under mechanical action, like ordinary water.

Quicksands are the biggest problem for well diggers. Therefore, before starting work, you need to learn how to dig a well in a quicksand, since it is unlikely that it will be possible to build a good structure in this place.

A quicksand well can supply water for a while, but it needs to be cleaned frequently. When deepening and cleaning such a well, distortion of concrete rings may occur, since the surrounding sandy soil is floating and mobile.

The water on the quicksand is subject to seasonal fluctuations, that is, in summer its level may drop, and in winter it may even freeze, or it may go away altogether, so it is not advisable to deepen the well.

sewer wells

These wells are important elements of the external sewage system. Therefore, such a problem as digging a sewer well is quite simple to solve. This can be done by yourself, without resorting to the help of specialists, whose services are quite expensive.

There are the following types of sewer wells:

Inspection wells, which serve to view and control the operation of the entire sewer network and clear blockages. They are built only with a significant length of the pipeline.
Rotary wells are installed at the places of turns of the pipeline, they can also serve as manholes.
Drop structures are mounted in places where pipes drop due to the difficult topography of the soil.
Nodal. The construction of such water units is not possible everywhere. How to understand that the well is dug in the right place? This is quite simple - they are built at the wiring points of the nodal systems.
Accumulative and filtration wells used for drains. They are designed for cleaning and accumulation. They are installed at the end of the pipeline system in those places where a convenient entrance for a sewage truck will be equipped.

The material for sewer wells can be concrete or reinforced concrete, brick and rubble stone, plastic or wood. The work process is no different from digging a storage for drinking water, so it’s better to deal with the question of how to dig a well in advance.

Signs that the water source is close to the surface

Before determining the location of the well, it is possible to understand by some signs that the water reservoir is at a shallow depth, here are some signs:

in spring, especially during the period of snow melting, basements are flooded with water;
very often thick fog forms in this area;
not far from the suburban area there are water bodies: rivers or lakes;
the surface of the earth may be covered with moss;
in a dry, hot summer, dense grass grows near the water.

Its maintenance is of great importance during the period of operation of the well, because it must be constantly kept clean, since various debris can get inside, and this will lead to a deterioration in the quality of well water.

In order to prevent pets from accessing the well, a protective structure can be built around it. If for some reason the animal got into the well, it is necessary to pump out the water and clean it of foreign objects. After that, disinfection must be done. You can use a three percent chlorine solution, which is added to the water and applied to the walls of the well. After these procedures, the well is closed and left for a day. Then the walls are thoroughly washed and the water is pumped out again until the smell of bleach disappears completely.

The above steps will tell you how to dig a well with your own hands, keep it in excellent condition, and also provide everyone with tasty drinking well water.

If the household is located on the birch of a lake or river, there are no big problems with water supply. Things are much more complicated when the site is located far from natural water sources. It remains to extract water from underground, and for this it is necessary to find natural reserves that would be clean and suitable for drinking. site owners do, based on the characteristics of the area. If the aquifer is deeper than 15 meters, then the upcoming well construction should be entrusted to specialists, and if the water is closer to the surface, then read this article on how to dig a well with your own hands. You may not find the process too complicated.

Dowsers look for water in the ways that our grandfathers used. But even a successful search for a source does not guarantee water quality.

Choosing a place for a well

The choice of a place for a well must also be approached with all responsibility.

If the area is polluted with waste or there is a large source of pollution nearby, then it is pointless to hope to get clean water from the well.

Pay attention to the following significant factors:

The geological situation in your area. For example, if the neighborhood is swampy, then it will not be possible to dig a well with drinking water, because the “perch water”, which will inevitably end up in an underground source, will bring with it all the dirt that is on the surface.
Presence near significant sources of pollution. For many pollutants, the surface waterproof layer is not an obstacle. They penetrate into groundwater and poison it, making it unfit for consumption.
Soil characteristics and terrain. The most difficult thing to cope with work on rocky terrain. It is problematic to make a well on a mountainside. Flat terrain is best suited for a well.
Remoteness of the place of consumption. On the one hand, I want to place the well closer to the house in order to avoid the construction of long communications through which water will flow into the house. On the other hand, a well cannot be placed closer than 5 meters from the buildings. Such a neighborhood can adversely affect the foundation of the structure. The accumulated water is able to wash away the soil under the building, partially destroy the "sole". Eliminating such consequences is not so easy.

There is another restriction, according to which sewage, sewers or garbage dumps cannot be located around the well in a 50-meter sanitary zone. Otherwise, the extracted water will have specifics that you do not need.

well digging technology

To find out how to properly dig a well, you must first understand what digging techniques generally exist. Professionals practice open and closed well digging. Since the differences in these techniques are fundamental, each of them deserves separate consideration.

Option #1 - open pit digging

Manual installation of water-bearing structures on a site with dense soil is carried out in an open way.

The walls of such a mine will not collapse if you do not leave it for a long time without rings. A smooth surface indicates the presence of clay in the soil.

The open technology of digging a well consists of simple and understandable steps:

digging a mine of a certain depth (up to the aquifer) is carried out immediately from beginning to end, its diameter is 10-15 cm larger than that of prepared reinforced concrete rings;
reinforced concrete rings that form the walls of the well are lowered into the formed shaft with a winch;
rings are carefully fastened to each other;
between the walls of the shaft and the reinforced concrete structure assembled inside it, a gap is formed, which must be covered with coarse sand;
the seams between each pair of rings are carefully sealed with a special sealing compound.

Obviously, it is the features of the soil, which made it possible to maintain the shape of the walls of the mine during the entire time, that are decisive for choosing an open digging method.

Option #2 - Indoor digging

If the composition of the soil is loose (gravel or sand), then it is problematic to perform work using the open method. The walls of the mine will inevitably shift, crumble, etc. The work will have to be interrupted, the process itself will be delayed, it will become prohibitively labor-intensive. You will have to dig a well in a closed way, which experts call it “in the ring” in a different way.

For a closed digging method, it is important to start work correctly. The rings will have to slide along the walls of the shaft under their own weight, so the size of the pit must be accurate.

Schematically, the closed technology of digging wells can be represented as the following steps:

It is necessary to mark the location of the well, the diameter of which will correspond to the outer diameter of the reinforced concrete ring, and remove the top layer of the earth. You need to go as deep as the soil will allow. Typically, the depth of the pit is from 20 cm to 2 meters.
A hole was formed, inside which the first ring is placed. Further work will take place inside this ring, and subsequently in the resulting reinforced concrete structure.
The ring, under its own weight, falls lower and lower, and the next ring, placed on the first one, increases the weight of the structure and is mounted with the previous one.
After the excavator reaches the aquifer, the last ring of the well is installed. It is not completely buried.
Insulation and sealing of the seams between the rings is carried out in exactly the same way both with the open and with the closed method.

At the final stage, all the equipment necessary for the operation of the well is installed.

Care must be taken when handling rings. Manufacturers often indicate that work should be carried out with a winch or crane. Otherwise, claims for cracks and chips will not be accepted.

Advantages and disadvantages of different digging methods

The open method is attractive, first of all, for its simplicity. It is much more convenient to dig not surrounded by reinforced concrete. However, there are disadvantages and advantages to each of the methods of digging. Often when driving you can meet a boulder. If this happened during open tunneling, then it is easy to expand the mine, dig an obstacle and pull it to the surface, tying it with ropes. Now imagine how much more difficult the task is when the digger is in the closed space of the ring. The problem may be insoluble.

A boulder is one of the easily removed obstacles if digging is done in an open way, but try to cope with it while being inside a reinforced concrete ring

Another trouble that can happen in the process of work is quicksand. Quicksand is called soil saturated with water, which can spread. Being in an open mine, a digger can attempt to stop the quicksand by making an elementary caisson out of grooved boards. Subsequently, it is possible, by filling the space between the reinforced concrete structure and the shaft with soil, to completely isolate the quicksand.

There is another disadvantage to the closed penetration. It manifests itself when a “perch water” appears in the mine. It goes down along with the installed rings, after which it mixes with groundwater and spoils them. Nobody needs a polluted well. Moreover, it turns out that in this case it is very problematic to get rid of the “top water”. You can dig another hole along the outer surface of the rings to reveal the source of the "top water". But even in this case, it is not always possible to identify it and isolate it.

Material on methods for cleaning a drinking well will also be useful:

This is what the water in the well looks like if the top water seeps into it. To identify the source of the trouble, you need, in fact, to dig another well nearby

It would seem that doubts have dissipated, and we know exactly how to dig a well in the country. Indeed, the advantages of the open method are obvious, and now let's turn to its disadvantages.

With an open digging method, a mine has to be dug with a larger diameter than the well being constructed. The natural solidity of the soil is inevitably violated. Between the walls of the well structure and the shaft, we place soil that differs in its structure and density from what was originally here. The new soil may be subject to deformation, and the rings may be displaced relative to each other. Such movements can cause the destruction of the well.

In no case should an open shaft be left without rings for a long time. The dried walls begin to crumble, with each new hour bringing the moment of collapse closer.

In addition, with the open method, the volume of earthworks increases significantly. And one more thing: you have to acquire special equipment in order to install reinforced concrete rings. You will need a cable, hook, block, tripod and winch. The process of lowering the ring is not only difficult, but also dangerous. When using a crane, it will be easier to correctly install and align the rings, but the involvement of special equipment is always expensive.

If, due to inexperience, the excavator underestimated the degree of density of the soil, the walls of the mine may crumble, nullifying all efforts. If the mine stood in finished form without rings for more than three days, the probability of its collapse increases significantly. Naturally, when digging "in the ring" such a danger does not threaten. When the rings sink into the mine under their own weight, the integrity of the soil is practically not violated. No additional equipment is needed to install them, and the risk of injury is reduced.

A few words about safety

One cannot dig a well. It's not even that it's physically hard. There are dangers of a different kind. The bowels of the earth are rich in surprises. Along with water reserves, you can stumble upon an underground accumulation of gas. This can prove fatal in a confined mine space. You can reveal an invisible danger with the help of a burning torch. A quickly extinguished fire indicates unacceptable gas contamination.

This digger would do well to listen to the briefing before putting on his helmet. He clearly does not know what exactly he needs this remedy for.

Dropping a load on the digger's head is another obvious danger. Is it necessary to talk about the relevance of using a protective helmet in such a situation?

Therefore, a well-organized digging of wells does not imply the heroic work of a lone enthusiast, but the correctly planned work of a group of like-minded people. They, for example, organize forced ventilation of the mine, using at least fans and vacuum cleaners for this purpose. Alternately digging a shaft and installing rings together is easier, and celebrating the commissioning ceremony is much more fun with friends.

You can dig a well without hiring outside workers, with your own hands. You just need to follow the step by step instructions.

Before construction, it is determined by what digging methods the work will be carried out: by alternately installing the upper rings or by finding the level of the aquifer. The method is chosen based on the depth of water.

The method of sequential installation of rings is as follows. The ring is placed on the surface of the earth and begin to select the soil inside. Over time, it itself sinks into the depths. To dig an even well, it is necessary to follow a strict verticality, otherwise, with a strong slope, the concrete sediment will stop. This can be adjusted independently by tying a plumb line, and set a level on top of the ring.

After the upper edge is level with the soil, a second one is installed on the ring. As necessary, install the following, until the lower one drops to the aquifer. You can immediately install gaskets to seal the seams.

This method allows you to control the height and number of rings and not be afraid of shedding the soil, since the digger is inside.

When performing this option, it must be borne in mind that it is inconvenient for one person to dig and remove the soil. One more worker will be required. In addition, additional assistance will be needed when installing the rings from above.

The second method is to initially dig a well shaft and then install concrete when an aquifer is reached. This method is easier when digging, the person is not constrained inside the ring. It is possible to make deeper mines. The rings are installed when the walls begin to crumble. Several rings are sealed from flood and groundwater at once.

The disadvantages of this method are the following points:

It is possible to miss the beginning of soil shedding, then the mine will suffer.
It is difficult to control the tightness of the structure, insulation is possible only from the outside.
The amount of land being filled between the shaft and the ring is uncontrollable, as is its density. Therefore, the inflow of flood and rain water is possible.

All work on the construction and operation of wells is carried out with the obligatory observance of safety regulations. She suggests:

Today it is easy to find a company that provides services for arranging a water source in a summer cottage. We will find out how much it costs to dig a well in the country and how to carry out this operation.

Firms, together with the digger, immediately offer concrete rings. The price of works, taking into account materials, is approximately 4200 rubles. for each ring from the first to the tenth The next will cost more, as they must be additionally strengthened to withstand the pressure of the soil.

If the materials are yours, then you will pay about 2000 rubles. for each ring. It is also necessary to include the cost of related materials, which will amount to approximately 1000 rubles.

Additional installation of a cap (well house) will cost about 5,000 rubles.

Before proceeding with the organization of the source, it is necessary to choose its location correctly, since the quality of the water depends on it, as well as the duration of the operation of the well.

Let's figure out where to dig a well in the country.

Water passing under the upper layers of the soil tends to become polluted. Therefore, it is impossible to equip the source near the drain of sewage, garbage and compost heaps.
When arranging a well, it is important to take into account the hydrogeological situation. So, for example, water in a swampy area is not suitable for drinking, since a perch water will penetrate into the well, along with which everything that meets it on its way will enter the water.
The source is preferably located near the places of water consumption. This will reduce the cost of water supply. However, a well should not be made near the house; it should be at least five meters away from the dwelling.

Now you need to decide when it is better to dig a well in the country. The ideal period for organizing a water source is autumn - the beginning of winter, since at this time the lowest water level is observed.

In spring, it is difficult to choose a suitable depth, because due to the melting of snow, the water level fluctuates between 1-2 meters.

After the place of the future source has been chosen, proceed to the main stages. To facilitate the work, it is recommended to use special tools and tools.

You will need a winch in order to lift the buckets, and you will also need to set up a tripod through which a rope or rope will be thrown.

On the site intended for digging a well, markup is performed. At the same time, it is taken into account that the diameter of the shaft should be 10 cm larger than the installed ring.

It is difficult to determine immediately the required depth. Of course, you can focus on the nearby well. But on average, it takes about 8-12 rings.

Then they start digging, the rings are immersed one at a time, as the shaft is dug to the appropriate depth, so that the ring rises 10-20 cm above the ground. The next ring is delivered to the place of work on a trolley having a height corresponding to the protruding part of the ring. This will reduce the presence of a massive ring on weight to a minimum. The operation can be seen in the photo.

After the first ring is immersed, the next ring is installed, whose weight causes the structure to sink down. The rings are fastened together with staples in the amount of at least three pieces. After installation, the soil is removed from the walls.

Considering the question of how to dig a well in the country yourself, it is worth noting how to remove the soil. There are two methods, the choice of which depends on the density of the earth. If it is soft, then it can be easily cut through and removed from the middle.

It will be difficult to manually dig a well with clay rock with your own hands; this will require the use of special tools.

After installing two rings, the pit is deepened by 0.8 m, and the rings are dug in a circle so that they go deeper under their own weight. With the help of laying a hemp rope and applying a cement composition, the joints between the rings are sealed.

The column is built up until water appears at the bottom. The liquid is removed along with the sand, and the well itself is left for twelve hours to allow it to fill with water.

The next day I clean the source again. The procedure is carried out until a sufficient amount of relatively pure water is formed at the bottom. Covering the well with a lid, leave it for a day.
Next, a filter is laid, consisting of a 10 cm layer of fine gravel and a thirty cm layer of coarse gravel.

In order to know how to properly dig a well in the country, it is necessary not only to be able to position the rings evenly, but also to ensure their protection and secure fastening.

The rings are connected with metal brackets, which are mounted on bolts passing through the wall.

To prevent the penetration of perched water into the source, the seam between the rings must be sealed with linen rope and cement mixture. Additionally, from the outside, after digging in the rings, a layer of waterproofing is welded at the seams or even along the entire wall.

Many are convinced that such activities degrade water quality, but these words should not be believed. Water can only get worse if the top water penetrates through the seams, which after a while will still become unusable.

The space dug around the well is filled with blue clay, and foam is laid to prevent it from freezing (photo).

How to dig a well

Head - a wooden house above the well, not only performs a decorative function, but also prevents water pollution, preventing wind-blown debris from getting inside.

First, a frame is built from bars or boards. First, four racks are installed, which connect the upper and lower trim.

To equip the roof, it will be necessary to organize roof trusses, on which the crate will then be mounted.

The rafters cut at an angle are interconnected with self-tapping screws.

Then cutouts are made on the rafters where they will be connected by strapping.

The installation of jibs allows you to strengthen the structure. The rafters are fastened with two boards, on which the crate is then made.

After that, they start laying the roofing material, which can be used as roofing material.

The final stage is the installation of slate, which is attached to the roofing material with special fasteners. Corner joints are covered with wind boards.

After the main work on the construction of the house is completed, proceed to the installation of the door. It is a plank shield, the manufacture of which will not be difficult.

They cut the boards of the required sizes and connect them together with wooden bars with a section of 2.5x3 cm. For this, two bars will be enough at the top and bottom of the door.

To ensure the rigidity of the structure, another bar is attached diagonally. After sheathing, a handle and a latch are attached, hinges are cut in and the door is installed on the house.

As already mentioned, work on creating a well on your site begins with calculations and determining the place for digging.
If you have already managed to collect all the necessary information, you should proceed to markup.
After that, you need to start digging a hole.
It is necessary to dig to such a depth that the first ring, regardless of the type of installation (open or closed), does not completely sink into the ground.
As you already understood, the work is described according to the closed installation method, due to the fact that it is much more common.
After installing the first ring, a protrusion of 10 centimeters should be observed. You can transport the ring into the dug hole using a trolley. It should have the same height as the ledge. That is 10 centimeters. You must understand that even the quality of the future well depends on the installation of the first ring. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully check its verticality. At the slightest distortion of the first ring, further work may not go according to plan.
Then the second concrete ring is mounted. It is connected with special brackets.
For two rings, you will need a minimum of three staples. Considering that the principle of operation of the closed well installation method is to immerse the rings under their own pressure, it is necessary to dig a hole in the center of the rings.
After installing the first two products, the structure should be deepened by 80 centimeters.
After this, the rings are dug in a circle.
If you are forced to work with soft soil, it must be removed from the middle of the ring. If we are talking about solid ground, then first you need to remove the ground under the rings. This will get rid of obstacles that may interfere with the immersion of the structure.
After eliminating unnecessary soil and interference, you can work in the standard mode, removing the ground from the middle.
To connect the rings on soft ground, experts recommend using staples. Despite the existence of more modern designs - rings with locks, the above option is considered more optimal. This is due to the fact that rings with locks are not able to protect the rings from deformation in soft ground in winter. They start to move. Staples provide for this process and do not allow the structure to move.
As the hole is dug, it is necessary to process the joints of the strung rings. For this, a special sealant is used and a tarred hemp rope is mounted. Additionally, it can be repaired with cement mortar. The walls of the mine should be built up until water is visible.
After sealing the rings and sealing the cracks, it is necessary to compact the sides with clay. Additionally, you can sprinkle with earth. This will protect the well from rainwater, pollutants and other unnecessary elements.

Even if the house is equipped with a centralized water supply, the well will not become an excess, since it is quite expensive to water flower beds or a garden with tap water, and even in the event of a shutdown it will be a good help. In the country, it is generally the only source of water. Digging wells is not easy, but doable. Even if you decide to involve a special team in this case, you still have to control them. You need to know how to dig a well with your own hands in a suburban area.

The most reliable way is to apply for a hydrogeological study. You will be shown the exact place where it is best to dig a well from concrete rings, plus an analysis of the water that will be in the future well. But this service is not cheap and can only pay for itself if the water in the well is used as drinking water, that is, near a house with people permanently living in it. In the summer cottage, its need is intended mainly for technical needs, and for drinking it can only be cleaned going into the house.

If you are going to do without research, then you need to focus on some signs:

be guided by the position of the wells in the neighborhood - rock layers usually lie unevenly, the situation is also with aquifers. If the water in a neighboring well is at a depth of 6 meters, this does not mean that your water will be at the same level. It can turn out to be both higher and lower, or even go sharply somewhere to the side. So this is only an approximate "markup" of the project, where well water can be located;
observation of the behavior of animals and insects. The most accurate guide can serve as a small midge. In a warm period, with calm in the evening before sunset, inspect the site. If there are places on it where midges “hang” in columns, this indicates that aquifers are located quite close in this place. In order to make sure of this, observe the marked area in the morning. If in the morning fog swirls over it, then the water is really close enough;
folk way. We take earthenware. Best not glazed. You can use an ordinary pan, the main thing is that it is wide. Silica gel dried in the oven is poured into the selected dishes. If it is not there and it is not known where it can be obtained, then you need to take ceramic bricks, break them until only small crumbs remain from them, and dry them for several hours in the oven. After that, it is necessary to fill it in a bowl to the top and tie it with a dry cotton cloth. Only in such a way that it does not unravel. Weigh and record the resulting value. Then, at the site of the proposed well, you dig a hole 1-1.5 meters deep, after which you need to put a vessel in the dug layer and sprinkle it with earth. Wait a day. Then dig and weigh again. The more the mass has changed, the greater the concentration of water in this place;
analyze the grass growing on the site - this method is well applicable only when the site has not yet been plowed. When examining the vegetation, try to identify the most overgrown islets. It is not necessary to pay special attention to single plants, since they can be brought here at random; for this method, it is clearings, islands of vegetation that are needed.

These methods are only an approximate determination of the location of aquifer deposits where it is possible to dig wells from concrete rings. None of them gives a 100% guarantee, but in the case of using several methods, you can determine a more or less exact location and it is worth trying to dig a well in this place.

It is most favorable to dig a well twice a year: either in the second half of August, or in the middle of winter - after two weeks of frost. During these two periods, the lowest level of groundwater and perched water practically does not occur. This will greatly facilitate the work, in addition, it will be much easier to determine the flow rate - during these periods it is at a minimum and in the future you will not experience a lack of water.

If you decide to dig a well or dig a well with your own hands, there may not be enough time in August, as this is the “border zone” before the rainy season. In this case, you need to start work early. Maybe even at the beginning of the month. In general, you need to calculate the time of work in such a way that the access to the aquifer falls on the most “waterless” period. Ideally, it is also desirable to deal with the waterproofing of the walls.

Two ways to dig a well from concrete rings

The most popular is the construction of a well made of concrete rings. Its popularity is due to its simplicity. But at the same time, it has quite serious drawbacks: its joints with concrete rings are characterized by rather weak tightness and through them rain and melt water can enter the well, and together with them, what is dissolved in it, and what drowned.

You can try to seal the joints of the rings, but you cannot apply the most effective methods: the water must be at least suitable for irrigation. And the putty of the joints with a solution is rather inefficient and short-lived. Over time, the cracks expand and through them not only melt or rain water can already enter, but also insects, worms, animals, and so on.

There are special rings with a lock. Between them, you can install rubber gaskets that will ensure tightness. Rings with locks are on sale. Although their price is much higher, it is almost impossible to find gaskets for them, as well as wells equipped with them.

How to dig a well in the country with your own hands? There are two methods of digging a well from concrete rings: placing the rings one by one and installing them after the aquifer has been reached. Both methods are applied, just at different depths, and both have their drawbacks.

Alternate installation of rings. In this case, the first ring is installed on the ground, which is slowly removed from the inside and under the side. The ring is gradually lowered. A very important point: you need to be very careful to ensure that it falls straight down, without distortions. Otherwise, the shaft will come out inclined and, over time, the sedimentation of the rings will stop. To avoid distortion, you need to monitor the verticality of the walls. To do this, you just need to tie a plumb line to the bar, after which the bar is placed on the ring. For additional control, use the building level.

As soon as the upper edge of the ring is level with the ground, set the following. It is installed strictly from above. Work continues. If on the first ring the earth can be thrown over the side with a short-handled shovel, then on the next ring the soil will have to be removed using a gate or a block and a tripod. Based on this, we can conclude that the work should be carried out with at least two people, and in order to turn the rings, at least 3-4 people will be required. Thus, independent digging (one person) is impossible. Is that for this case you need to adapt the winch.

With this method, the depth of the well is gradually increased. As soon as the ring reaches the same level with the ground, a new one is installed on it. For descent, hammered brackets or ladders are used (the safest and most correct way is to use brackets).

The advantages of this method of digging a well:

It is possible to control how evenly and how tightly the ring sat down.
It is possible to install rubber gaskets to ensure tightness or put them on the solution.
The walls do not crumble.

Those were the benefits. Let's talk about the disadvantages. Working inside the ring is rather inconvenient and physically difficult. This method is used, as a rule, for a small depth - 7-8 meters. Work in the mine must be done in turn.

Another point: when digging a well with rings, you can use a knife to speed up the process of subsidence and facilitate the passage of soil. It is made of concrete, it is poured into the ground at the very beginning. In order to make it in a circle, a groove is dug, which has a triangular shape in cross section (see figure). Its inner diameter should match the inner diameter of the rings that will be used in the process, the outer one is slightly larger. After the concrete hardens, a standard ring is installed on this ring and work begins.

The structure of the knife

Installation of rings after reaching the aquifer. First you need to dig a shaft without rings. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the walls. As soon as the first signs of shedding begin to appear, rings are immediately installed inside and continue to work according to the first method. With the help of a crane or a manipulator, rings are placed in the shaft. After that, they deepen for several more rings according to the first method, increasing the flow rate.

The soil is taken out of the mine in the same way: as long as the depth is not very large, it is simply thrown out with a shovel. After that, a tripod and a collar are installed and raised with buckets. As soon as the rings are installed, the gap between them and the walls of the shaft is filled and compacted. At the same time, several upper rings can be sealed from the outside (for this, bituminous impregnation or other coating waterproofing can be used).

The advantages of this method:

The shaft is wider, which means that it is much more convenient to work in it, which makes it possible to dig deeper wells.
Several top rings can be sealed, which will reduce the chance of contaminated water entering the well.

There are many more cons:

It is difficult to control the tightness of the joint of the rings: it is strictly prohibited in the shaft during installation. It is not possible to turn the already installed ring in the shaft due to the large mass.
You can gape and the mine will crumble.
The backfill density of the gap between the walls of the shaft and the rings is less than the "native" soil. Because of this, it becomes possible to seep deep into the melt and rainwater, where through the cracks they can get directly into the well. To prevent this, a protective circle of waterproof material (waterproofing membrane) is made around the well with a slope from the walls of the well.

During work, you need to monitor the verticality of the walls, but up to a certain limit it can be corrected. The control method is the same - a beam with a plumb line attached to it and lowered into the mine.

How do you know when to stop digging?

According to the technology, the soil is removed inside the ring and under it. Because of what he settles under his own weight. The soil that is taken out and will be a guide. Usually water is located between two water-resistant layers. Often it is clay or limestone.

The aquifer is usually sand. It can be either small, like the sea, or large interspersed with small pebbles. Most often there are several such layers. As soon as the sand goes, it means that you need to expect water soon. As soon as it appears at the bottom, you need to dig for some more time, taking out the already wet soil.

In the event that there is a strong influx of water, you can stop. The aquifer is not very large, as there is a chance to pass through it. In this case, you will have to dig until the next one. The deeper, the cleaner the water will be, but how much deeper, no one can say for sure.

After that, the well is pumped - they throw in a submersible pump and pump out water. Thus, it is cleaned, deepening a little, and besides this, its debit is determined. If you are satisfied with the speed at which the water arrives, you can stop there. If not, you need to quickly go through this layer. The soil continues to be washed out with a running pump until this layer is passed. Then they dig to the next aquifer.

If you are satisfied with the incoming water and its quality, you can build a bottom filter. It consists of three layers of stones of different fractions, which are laid on the bottom. This is necessary so that as little silt and sand as possible enter the water. For such a filter to work, you need to correctly lay out the stones:

The largest stones are placed at the very bottom. These are fairly large boulders. But in order not to select the height of the water column too much, it is better to use the flattest stones. They need to be laid out in two layers, while it is not necessary to lay them close, but with small gaps.
The middle fraction is poured in a layer of 10-20 cm. Their dimensions should be such that pebbles or stones do not fall into the gaps of the lower layer.
The topmost, smallest layer. Pebbles and small stones in a layer of 10-15 cm. They are necessary for sand to settle.

With such an embankment of fractions, the water will be cleaner: at first, the largest inclusions settle on large stones, as they move up, smaller and smaller.

Compliance with safety regulations at work

Digging a well, whether with your own hands or with a team, is quite dangerous and hard work, especially after the first three rings have been dug in. Buckets need to be hauled out with a winch, gate or block, and they are quite heavy. There is a risk that the rope may break or the handle may not withstand. Because of this, you must follow the safety rules:

Anyone working downstairs must wear a helmet.
Buckets should have a sufficiently powerful handle, for insurance it is better to weld it, making it from thick wire in several layers.
Buckets should be tied to a strong rope, at the end of which a powerful carabiner with secure fixation should be attached.
From time to time check the condition of the bucket handle, rope and carabiner.
When lifting buckets, the one who works below should be on the opposite side.
Downstairs work in turn.

Precautions are not superfluous. Better to be safe.

After the earthworks are completed, the installation of the pump and the buildup, which lasts at least 2 weeks, you can start finishing work, namely the decorative design of the head. Many leave the top concrete ring unchanged. In order to decorate the upper part, you can use a natural stone brick or ceramic tile. Folk craftsmen build small wooden log cabins, install “cranes” as decorative elements, and construct carved sheds.

Based on the article, in order to independently build a well, first of all, you will need to make sure of the aquifers, choose the right place, decide on the design and follow safety precautions. The rest depends on your free time and your skills.