A deep well is now one of the most practical solutions for homes, farms, and facilities that want to become independent of the water supply network. As a water pump manufacturer, Dambat has been supplying IBO and IPRO brand equipment to thousands of installations in Poland and abroad since 1999. In this article, we have gathered practical information about deep wells, selecting a deep-well pump, and well equipment – from the wellhead and pressure tank to controllers and inverters.
What is a deep well, and when is it worth constructing one?
A deep well is a vertical borehole reaching aquifer layers, from which water is extracted using a pump installed below the water table. Unlike a dug well, drilling a well makes it possible to reach groundwater with generally more stable parameters and a lower risk of surface contamination. Having your own deep well is useful wherever access to the water supply network is limited or costly – on farms, at single-family homes outside urban areas, and at facilities that need their own water intake for technological purposes.
Independence from the water supply network is one of the main benefits, but constructing your own well requires a considered approach – from locating the deep well and choosing the drilling technology to selecting the right deep-well pump and equipment.
Types of wells – deep, dug, Abyssinian, and artesian
Well types differ in their construction methods and the depth at which they reach aquifer layers. A dug well is the oldest, shallow form of water intake and is now less commonly constructed because of its susceptibility to microbiological contamination. An Abyssinian well is a simple structure driven into the ground, used where the water table is shallow. Drilled wells, or deep wells, are constructed mechanically and can reach much greater depths. An artesian well is a special case in which water naturally flows to the surface under pressure; however, such geological conditions are rare and require prior geological surveys.
The choice of technology depends on the aquifer layers present on the plot, so before starting well construction, it is worth commissioning an assessment by a hydrologist or drilling company to determine the actual drilling depth.
Drilling a deep well – stages of well construction
Drilling a deep well usually takes place in several stages: geological analysis of the site, selection of the drilling method (percussive or rotary), installation of a casing pipe to secure the borehole walls, followed by installation of a screen pipe in the aquifer. The well casing protects the borehole against soil collapse and the penetration of contaminants from upper layers, while the screen pipe allows water to flow freely while retaining solid particles. Deep-well boreholes usually conclude with a pumping test, which makes it possible to determine the actual water extraction yield.
The depth of the borehole depends on local geological conditions—in some regions, a depth of a dozen or so meters is sufficient, while in others it is necessary to go below 60–80 meters. Therefore, assessing the well depth at the design stage is crucial for properly selecting the pump and the entire installation.
Legal regulations—reporting, water law permit, and legalization
The regulations governing well construction are primarily set out in the Water Law and the Building Law. In practice, reporting the construction of a well is required for a borehole up to 30 meters deep if water extraction for the needs of one’s own household does not exceed the specified average daily limit over the year. A deep well requires a water law permit when water extraction exceeds this threshold or the borehole is deeper. Water law and building law regulations apply in parallel here, so before starting work, it is worth consulting the deep-well design with a licensed geologist or the local authority.
The issue of legalizing undeclared wells is particularly timely in 2026—the work is underway on regulations facilitating the regularization of the legal status of existing water intakes. We wrote more about when reporting the construction of a well is mandatory and what the legalization process looks like in our post: Is a well required to be reported? Legalization of a deep well in 2026.
Deep-well depth, water level, and pumping capacity
The installation depth of the pump depends on the dynamic water level, meaning the level established while water is being drawn from the borehole. Deep-well pump manufacturers recommend that the pump operate at least two meters above the bottom of the well and sufficiently below the minimum dynamic water level—this prevents dry running. The well’s yield, meaning the amount of water that can be drawn per unit of time, should always exceed the installation’s maximum demand; otherwise, the borehole may dry out and the pump motor may be damaged.
The capacity of a submersible pump should therefore be selected not with excessive reserve, but on the basis of actual data from a test pumping. Excessive pump capacity relative to the well yield is one of the most common installation errors—we discuss it in more detail in the article Submersible pump for a single-family home – installation and capacity.
How a submersible pump works
A submersible pump, also known as a centrifugal pump, operates fully submerged in water below the water level in the well. The heart of the device is a multistage radial or diagonal impeller that creates a pressure difference between the suction and discharge sides, imparting kinetic energy to the liquid, which is then converted into pressure in the discharge pipeline. A monoblock design integrates the motor and hydraulic section in a single housing, while a modular design allows individual stages to be combined according to the required head.
A submersible pump usually starts automatically—via a pressure switch, pressure controller, or inverter—when water is drawn from the system. Our IBO and IPRO devices are equipped with protection against dry running and motor-winding overheating, which directly extends the service life of both the pump and the well itself. We describe the operating principle and applications of submersible pumps in detail in the article Submersible pumps – how they work and where they are used.
How to choose an IBO or IPRO submersible pump for a well
Installing a submersible pump should begin with three data points: the dynamic water level, the well yield, and the required system pressure (typically 3–6 bar for standard single-family homes). Installing a submersible pump in a smaller-diameter well requires compact equipment—that is why our range includes 3", 3.5", 4", and 6" models, suited to different casing pipe diameters. Our IBO range is designed for domestic and light-industrial wells, while IPRO offers solutions with a higher-grade construction and longer warranty, intended for utility wells, large-scale irrigation, and installations operating continuously.
A complete overview of our pump range—from submersible, through circulation, to pressure booster pumps—can be found in the article IBO Dambat pumps – circulation, pressure booster, and submersible, while a practical step-by-step installation guide is available in the article Submersible pumps – a complete installation and setup guide.
Well equipment – heads, diaphragm tanks, valves, and pressure gauges
A complete deep-well installation is much more than just the pump. Proper and safe operation of the system requires well equipment including:
- Wellhead – hermetically seals the casing pipe and suspends the pump on a support cable, protecting the borehole from external contamination. You can find our range of wellheads and other well equipment in the Well Equipment collection, including the 160 mm plastic wellhead.
- Pressure tank (diaphragm tank) – stabilizes the pressure in the system and reduces the number of pump starts, extending its service life.
- Check valve – protects the pump against water hammer and maintains the water column in the delivery pipe after the pump stops operating.
- Pressure switch or controller – switches the pump on and off depending on the pressure in the system.
- Pressure gauge – enables continuous pressure monitoring and quick diagnosis of system faults.
- Variable frequency drive – regulates the motor's rotational speed, maintaining constant pressure regardless of temporary water demand. This solution is particularly recommended for variable demand, for example on farms or in irrigation systems. We present our range of variable frequency drives in the Variable Frequency Drives for Water and Deep-Well Pumps collection and the Accessories for Variable Frequency Drives collection.
Properly equipping a well is an investment that has a real impact on well operating costs—a well-chosen automation system reduces energy consumption and the number of failures caused by dry running or power surges.
Filtration and Water Quality from a Deep Well
The quality of water from a deep well depends on the aquifer we use and the technical condition of the well itself. It is worth testing the water quality before commissioning the well—the laboratory will assess physicochemical parameters and the presence of microbiological contaminants. Depending on the results of the water quality analysis, suitable filtration systems are selected: mechanical filters that remove sand and suspended solids, carbon filters that improve the taste and smell of the water, and, in some cases, water softeners that reduce hardness. For drinking water from a deep well, microbiological filters and periodic disinfection of the deep well are additionally recommended, especially after servicing or a longer period when the system has been shut down.
Well disinfection most often involves flushing the borehole and dosing an appropriate disinfectant, followed by repeated flushing until the water meets quality standards. Water contamination that occurs sporadically, for example after heavy rainfall, is a signal to carry out an additional water-quality analysis and check the wellhead and casing pipe for leaks.
IBO engine-driven pumps—a supplement to a well installation
In addition to deep-well pumps, Dambat’s range also includes IBO BZP series gasoline-powered pumps, which work well as a supplement to a permanent well installation—for example, for emergency dewatering of an excavation around the wellhead, flushing the borehole after service work, or temporary irrigation in areas without access to electricity. An engine-driven pump operates using an internal combustion engine that drives the impeller of a centrifugal pump—in contrast to a deep-well pump, it operates on the surface and draws water through a suction hose, making it independent of an electrical power supply.
There are several reasons to choose an IBO engine-driven pump: a sturdy metal frame that facilitates transport in the field, a design suitable for use with both clean and slightly contaminated water, as well as service support and the availability of spare parts in Poland—which is genuinely important for equipment used intermittently but in demanding conditions. More information about its specifications and applications can be found in the article IBO BZP gasoline-powered pumps—pumps for clean and dirty water.
Deep-well maintenance and operation
Operating a deep well requires regular inspections of both the pump itself and its associated equipment. Deep-well maintenance includes checking the wellhead for leaks, inspecting the pre-charge pressure in the diaphragm tank, cleaning mechanical filters, and verifying the condition of the pump’s power cable. The long-term operation of a deep well also depends on avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity—standing water in the discharge pipe promotes the growth of microorganisms, so when the well is used seasonally, for example at vacation homes, it is worth considering running the well periodically during the off-season.
Cleaning a deep well is usually carried out using high-pressure flushing or repeated high-capacity pumping, which removes sediment from the bottom of the borehole and the screen pipe. Regular fault diagnostics—checking the current drawn by the motor and verifying the pressure at which the pressure switch turns on and off—helps identify most problems before they lead to pump failure.
Cost of Building and Operating a Deep Well
The cost of building a deep well depends on several factors: the drilling depth, the diameter of the casing pipe, geological conditions, and the scope of related work (geological surveys, a deep-well design, and obtaining the required notifications). Material costs include the casing pipe, filter pipe, wellhead, and pump with accessories, while labor costs are related to the drilling itself and commissioning the well. Any costs of obtaining permits and geological surveys should also be added if required by the local authority.
The cost-effectiveness of a deep well most often becomes apparent over several years – by comparing the cost of water from the municipal water supply with the operating costs of your own water source (electricity to power the pump, periodic maintenance, and possible filter replacement). For many farms and homes beyond the reach of the water supply network, a versatile deep well with a properly selected pump and control system remains a more predictable-cost solution than expanding a network connection.
Why Choose IBO and IPRO Pumps from Dambat
As Dambat, we have been designing and distributing IBO and IPRO submersible pumps for more than twenty years, offering complete technical documentation, assistance in selecting the right device, and access to spare parts throughout Poland. Our IBO brand includes a wide range of submersible pumps – from compact models for narrow-diameter wells to high-performance multistage units – while the IPRO line is intended for applications requiring higher-grade components and a longer warranty period. All our submersible pumps are equipped with protection against dry running and motor overheating, which results in fewer service failures reported by installers.
We have compiled practical information on how to order IBO and IPRO pumps and where to find technical support in the article How to Buy an IBO Pump? Where and How to Order IBO and IPRO Pumps from the Dambat Manufacturer. The full catalog of product collections – pumps, tanks, inverters, filters, and accessories – is available on the Dambat Collections page, while we publish current technical articles and guides on our Dambat blog.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does the construction of a deep well need to be reported?
A well construction notification is required for a borehole up to 30 meters deep if water extraction for the needs of one's own household does not exceed the statutory average annual limit. For higher extraction or a deeper borehole, a water law permit is required. Details are described in the article on legalizing deep wells.
How deep should a submersible pump be installed?
The pump is installed below the dynamic water level (the minimum level established during pumping), maintaining at least two meters of clearance from the bottom of the well and an appropriate reserve above the bottom of the borehole to prevent sediment intake and dry running.
How much does it cost to construct a deep well?
The cost depends on the depth of the borehole, the diameter of the casing, the geological conditions, and the scope of the required formalities. The total cost includes materials, labor, and sometimes geological surveys and permit fees.
Is an IBO submersible pump suitable for a ring well?
Yes, for larger-diameter ring wells, both conventional submersible pumps and models specifically designed for ring wells can be used. The selection depends on the depth of the water level and the required system capacity.
How often should a deep well be disinfected?
Disinfection should be carried out after drilling is completed, after the system has been shut down for an extended period, and always after servicing that requires opening the wellhead. In the case of drinking water, periodic water quality testing is also recommended.
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a motor pump?
A submersible pump operates fully submerged below the water level and is electrically powered, whereas a petrol-driven motor pump operates on the surface, draws water through a suction hose, and does not require access to electricity—making it suitable as a temporary or emergency solution.
Why is it worth choosing an IBO pump instead of a cheaper substitute?
IBO pumps are manufactured by Dambat, a company with over twenty years of experience, with full technical documentation, declarations of conformity, and spare parts available in Poland. This reduces system downtime in the event of a failure and facilitates servicing over the long term.
What is included in a complete deep-well pumping set?
The key components include: a submersible pump, wellhead, discharge pipe, pressure tank (diaphragm tank), pressure switch or controller, check valve, and pressure gauge. The selection of individual components should take into account the well's capacity and the required pressure in the system.
