What if there are no records available for your well?

Look for:

  • Pipes sticking above ground
  • Pipes sticking through wall or floor in the basement
  • Electrical switch boxes in the yard
  • Cement pits in or under sheds
  • Windmills
  • Old crock, brick or stone structures
  • Old hand pumps

For locating buried wells:

  • Metal detectors may be used to find buried steel well casings. First, locate where the old water line exited the home or building. From this point, survey the ground with the metal detector moving away from the structure. Use a marker to designate the location of any "readings" you get. Usually, well casings will be 4 to 5 feet below grade and will be located between 3 and 25 feet from the home.
  • Neighbors and senior citizens who have lived in the area for a long time are an excellent source of information. They often know where old wells are located. If you take advantage of their input you may save yourself a lot of work.

Show All Answers

1. What is an abandoned water well?
2. Who is responsible for plugging abandoned water wells?
3. Who can plug a well?
4. How do I locate abandoned wells on your property?
5. What if there are no records available for your well?