Drill rigs are specialized machines designed to bore deep into the earth, allowing for precise and efficient excavation. Depending on the project’s needs, these rigs can drill as deep as 120 feet to reach the layers of soil that allow water to percolate.
The drilling process involves several key steps:
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Site Preparation – Before drilling begins, the area is surveyed and cleared to ensure safe and effective operation. The right location is chosen based on hydrological studies and soil conditions.
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Drilling the Borehole – The rig’s drill bit rotates or pounds into the ground, breaking through tough surface layers such as clay and caliche.
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Drilling Two Different Sized Holes – The drywell construction begins with drilling a 6-foot diameter chamber, which extends anywhere from 12 to 25 feet into the ground. Once this section is completed, a deeper 4-foot diameter hole is drilled below it, allowing the standpipe to reach depths of up to 120 feet for optimal stormwater infiltration.
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Conclusion
Drill rigs are the unsung heroes of drywell construction, providing the necessary access to deep, permeable soil layers for efficient stormwater infiltration. Without them, managing stormwater in regions with hard clay and caliche-laden soils would be nearly impossible. By utilizing advanced drilling techniques, we ensure that drywells function optimally, contributing to sustainable water management in the Southwest and beyond.
I never had the privilege to drill one of these in my career but a similar rig is used to drill a water well which I do have experience in designing and constructing