Can I run a sprinkler system off a well?

Author: Blaise Lynch  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Overall, well water can be a great option for irrigation, but there are a few potential drawbacks to consider before making the switch. Because it is free and available in most areas, using well water for irrigation may be a tempting solution that can also help conserve municipal water sources.

Can I run a sprinkler off a well?

Yes, you CAN use a well irrigation system. Homeowners with wells often worry they can't install an irrigation system.

What size well pump do I need for a sprinkler system?

To determine the correct sprinkler pump size, you'll first need to figure out how many sprinkler heads you have along with their GPM (gallons-per-minute) and PSI (pounds-per-square-inch) requirements. All sprinkler heads are rated at a specific GPM and PSI.

How much does it cost to dig a well for sprinkler system?

Drilling an irrigation or agricultural well costs $25 to $50 per foot or $85 to $105 per foot for a complete installation. Residential irrigation wells cost $9,000 to $15,000 on average, while many high-yield commercial wells cost $50,000 to $100,000, which typically includes the pump.

Can I dig my own well for irrigation?

Technically, yes. Assuming you have no local laws prohibiting such, you can dig your own well.

HELP! MY SPRINKLERS WON'T SHUT OFF! WHAT YOU SHOULD DO FIRST.

How deep should a well be for irrigation?

Generally, the deeper you can go, the more reliable your well will be. However, some wells may only need to be 8-10 feet deep in order to reach an adequate supply of groundwater. It really depends on the area as there is no one cookie cutter solution.

Can I use my well for irrigation?

When it comes to irrigation, there are a few places to get your water. You can use tap water, well water, or even rainwater. There are advantages and disadvantages of each of these options to consider before deciding how to water your lawn or garden.

How deep do you have to dig for well water?

Typical Depth of a Water Well

The typical depth of a residential well ranges from 100 feet to 800 feet deep. Some wells are even 1,000 feet or deeper. The deeper a well is, generally the better the water quality.

How often should a well be cleaned?

An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

What size well pump do I need for a 400 ft well?

The most common well pump size is a 1HP, 4” diameter submersible pump. A 1HP water pump is pretty versatile, and is able to accommodate wells up to 300-400 feet deep.

How much water pressure do I need to run sprinklers?

Average Water Pressure For A Sprinkler System

Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch. For residential and small business applications manufacturers recommend 30psi at the head for sprays and 45 psi at the head for rotors. Larger heads will require higher pressure.

Can you use submersible pump for sprinkler system?

In addition to this, submersible pumps can push the water further from the lake itself and higher above the surface level, making them the ideal choice for more extensive irrigation systems based on multiple sprinklers over a large area.

Do I need a backflow preventer if I have a well?

When Do You Need a Backflow System? Prevention is better than cure. If you have a well or an irrigation system, you need to install a backflow device on your water system.

How do you winterize a well sprinkler system?

  1. Shut off the water supply. ...
  2. Drain the water from the main line. ...
  3. Close the valves on the backflow preventer. ...
  4. Prep the air compressor. ...
  5. Connect the air compressor. ...
  6. Open up the blow-out port valve (if equipped). ...
  7. Blow out each sprinkler zone individually. ...
  8. Release any remaining pressure in the line.

Can I drill my own water well?

The short answer is that water rights are mostly handled at the state level. And while some states only allow licensed well contractors to perform any type of drilling at all, many states will allow a homeowner to dig a private well on his/her own property as long as a permit is applied for and approved.

Can you hand pump a 300 foot well?

Pumps Water from Extreme Depths: Hand pump water from depths of up to 325 feet, ensuring reliable access to water even in deep wells. Proudly Made in the USA: Crafted with quality and precision, supporting local manufacturing.

How deep is a typical residential well?

Most water wells for homes are dug between 100 and 500 feet deep. But when you are having a new well for your house or business from a well drilling contractor near you, the depth of the well will be determined by the geology of the area as well as the underground water levels.

How do I find the water table in my area?

The most reliable method of obtaining the depth to the water table at any given time is to measure the water level in a shallow well with a tape. If no wells are available, surface geophysical methods can sometimes be used, depending on surface accessibility for placing electric or acoustic probes.

How long does it take to drill a 300 foot well?

However, drilling a 300-foot well can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the factors mentioned above. It's essential to work with a professional drilling company or contractor who can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specific conditions of your well site.

What are the disadvantages of well irrigation?

It may fail to provide water during the dry summer months 2. A well can provide water only to 1 to 2 hectares of land. 3. Drawing water out is time consuming.

Can you run a fire sprinkler system off a well?

Most home fire sprinkler systems are connected to the domestic water supply. When public water is not available or pressure is insufficient, a well or a tank and pump can be used for water supply.

Can you run a house on well water?

Well water comes from underground and is drawn upward by a pump through a casing. The water flows through a pipe between the casing and a pressure tank, and can then be used in your home.

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