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How much does it cost to drill a well per foot in Knoxville?
Residential well drilling around Knoxville commonly runs about $15 to $35 per foot for drilling, with casing extra. A complete well with pump, pressure tank and hookup often totals about $8,000 to $20,000 or more depending on depth. Depth varies widely across East Tennessee, so your driller confirms the estimate.
Key facts
- 150 ft: $7,500 – $12,000
- 250 ft: $9,500 – $15,000
- 400 ft: $13,000 – $22,000
- 600 ft +: $18,000 – $30,000+
- Requests taken from Knox County, Blount County, Sevier County, Jefferson County, Grainger County, Union County and nearby
Cost ranges on this site are general estimates compiled from published industry pricing guides and typical regional ranges for this kind of work. They are not quotes. Only the independent provider who reviews your project can confirm a price, and real prices can fall outside these ranges.
Free matching service by Voraus LLC: We connect property owners and businesses in Knoxville, TN (Knoxville, Powell and Heiskell, Halls and Corryton, Maryville and Alcoa, Seymour, Sevierville and Kodak, Strawberry Plains and Dandridge, Maynardville, Rutledge and Blaine, Clinton and Norris) with independent local well drillers. We are not a well driller and do not perform the work. Request a match below or call (423) 295-9442.
General well cost ranges by depth (estimates, not quotes)
| Well depth | Drilling + casing | Typical complete well |
|---|---|---|
| 150 ft | $3,000 – $6,000 | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| 250 ft | $5,000 – $9,500 | $9,500 – $15,000 |
| 400 ft | $8,000 – $15,000 | $13,000 – $22,000 |
| 600 ft + | $12,000 – $22,000+ | $18,000 – $30,000+ |
Why depth is hard to predict
East Tennessee geology includes limestone, dolomite and shale with water in fractures. Neighboring wells can differ greatly in depth and yield, so drillers usually quote per foot with an estimated range.
What adds to the total
Deeper casing through unstable rock, larger pumps for deep wells, hydrofracturing for low yield, trenching to the house and water treatment can all add cost.
Ask your driller to itemize
- Price per foot and estimated depth range.
- Casing per foot and grouting.
- Pump, tank, wiring and trenching.
- Charge if the well is dry or low-yield.
Common questions: well cost by depth in Knoxville, TN
What happens if they hit a dry hole?
Policies vary. Ask before signing whether you pay for a dry hole and what options, such as deepening or hydrofracturing, cost.
Why is casing extra?
Casing length depends on how deep solid rock is, which isn't known until drilling.
Is a deeper well always better?
No. The goal is enough yield and good water quality; deeper drilling costs more without guaranteeing more water.
Related Knoxville well drilling guides & pages
- Residential Water Well Drilling & Cost
- Well Pump Replacement & Constant Pressure
- Agricultural, Livestock & Irrigation Wells
- Low-Yield Well Rehab, Deepening & Water Testing
- Tennessee Well Permits & Rules
- Well System Cost by Type
- How to Choose a Well Driller
- Best Time to Drill a Well
- Geology & Water Quality
- Low-Yield Well Options
- Well Inspection When Buying
- All well drilling services in Knoxville, TN
- Service area & local counties (Knoxville region)
- Frequently asked questions & hiring checklist
About this service and where our numbers come from
Who runs it: KnoxvilleWellDrilling.com is a free referral and matching service operated by Voraus LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company. We are not a well driller and we don't perform any work.
How matching works: you describe your job once, and we match you with an available independent local well driller who fits it based on project type, size and location, so you skip calling around. That provider contacts you, quotes the job and contracts with you directly. We don't inspect, license, rate or guarantee providers, and providers may pay us a referral fee.
Where cost ranges come from: Cost ranges on this site are general estimates compiled from published industry pricing guides and typical regional ranges for this kind of work. They are not quotes. Only the independent provider who reviews your project can confirm a price, and real prices can fall outside these ranges.
Ready to get your well drilling project moving?
You don't need technical details to start. Something like "new house on 5 acres near Maryville, no city water, want water before spring" is enough for a driller to begin the conversation.