What is well casing?
Well casing is the steel or PVC pipe installed inside a borehole to prevent collapse, maintain well structure, and protect groundwater from contamination.
A well casing is the rigid pipe, typically made of steel or PVC, that lines the interior of a borehole from the surface down to the water table and sometimes beyond. It serves as the structural backbone of a well, keeping the borehole from collapsing and holding the well open so water can flow into it.
In Bonner County's geological conditions, well casing protects against several common problems. It prevents surrounding soil and rock from caving inward, seals off shallow layers that may contain poor-quality water, and creates a sanitary barrier between the groundwater and surface contaminants. Without casing, a well would cave in and become unusable.
Steel casing is more durable and handles deeper wells and harder rock formations. PVC casing works well for shallower, simpler wells because it resists corrosion and costs less. The choice depends on well depth, soil type, and water chemistry. Well drillers size and perforate the casing strategically: perforations allow water to enter while a sand or gravel pack around the casing filters it. If casing fails, cracking, or corrodes, it can allow contaminants into the well and cause pump problems. Well contractors regularly inspect casing during maintenance, and damage may require repair or replacement. Proper casing installation by qualified well-pump repair providers is essential for long-term well performance and water safety.