Rehabilitating an Old Shallow Well for Irrigation

Assessing a 1941 Basement Well

A well that pumps for only 2–4 minutes before losing suction, with a 2-hour recovery, indicates a severely limited recharge rate. The 6" galvanized casing is likely corroded, collapsed, or screened out.

Key Questions for a Well Pro

• What is the well's actual yield (GPM) after 1 hour of pumping?
• Is the casing intact? (Camera inspection needed.)
• What is the static vs. pumping water level?

Practical Advice

Before investing in pumps, tanks, or automation, hire a licensed well driller to evaluate. The well may be unviable for irrigation. Municipal water or a new deep well may be more cost-effective long-term.

Pump Start Relay Distance

12 ft from timer to relay is fine—use 18/2 or 16/2 low-voltage wire. The relay switches the pump's 120/240 V circuit.