Frequently Asked Questions


What should I look for when choosing a drilling contractor?

Anyone drilling wells, installing pump systems, or installing water treatment systems in the state of Tennessee is required to be licensed. Check a contractor’s reputation by asking neighbors and friends about prior business dealings. Check with the Better Business Bureau and State of Tennessee Department of Water Supply. Make sure the contractor doesn’t pay his/her employees footage bonuses. Make sure the contractor has general liability insurance and workers compensation to protect you from injury that could occur on the job site. Does the contractor run a full-service business, providing well drilling, submersible pump installation/repair, and water treatment solutions? With over 55 years experiences you can trust that Joe Samples Well Drilling, Inc. surpasses all the criteria in looking for a superior well drilling contactor.


Is well water as safe as utility water?

Over 53 million Americans obtain their drinking water from private wells each day. Because of this great demand, extra care has to be taken in obtaining and using this most precious resource. As a licensed contractor, we take extra measures to be certain that your private water system is properly constructed. With proper installation and maintenance, as well as proper treatment (if necessary), your private water supply can be better than water from a municipal water supply. Municipal water is sometimes obtained from local rivers, streams or lakes. Water from these sources can often contain harmful bacteria and other undesirable contaminants. Municipal water supplies have known for years that this water had to be disinfected by chlorination to prevent illness. After treatment, these supplies are generally not perfect, but are usually free from harmful bacteria and are generally acceptable for consumer use. Water municipal supplies often has objectionable odors and taste. Through your own private water supply, you are in control of what chemicals, if any, are added to your water supply. There are no monthly water bills to pay and you have the security of knowing that you are in control of your family’s water usage demands. If for some reason bacteria is introduced into your well system, well disinfection is rather simple and can be followed up with an Ultraviolet Sterilization for added security.


Do I need a permit for a well?

No, there is no permit requirement to have a water well drilled. However, the State of Tennessee has a registration procedure we abide by.  In this procedure, we as a licensed well driller must submit a $75.00 fee to record your well data. This needs to be in the form of a check made payable to Joe Samples Well Drilling, Inc.

The process begins by our company sending a representative to your site to determine the location of the well, abiding by state regulations (see Where should I drill my well?) This is also called spotting. Once the contracts have been completed by the homeowner, we will send this information to the state and you are assigned a well ID number. Your well will then be registered with the state and subject to inspection to make sure that it meets construction standards.


Where should I drill my well?

Water can be found almost anywhere in the Eastern Tennessee Area. Your well should be located higher than any point of contamination such as septic tanks or where water will flood and stand.  State regulations require that the well location be at least:

• 25 ft. from property lines
  
• 50 ft. from septic tank, sewer lines, and drain fields
  
• 5 ft. from building foundations
  
• 100 ft. from animal pens (feed lots)