What Is Hydrofracturing and When Should You Use It? | Boosting Water Well Performance
If your water well is producing less water than it used to, you might be considering solutions like deepening the well or even drilling a new one entirely. But there’s another powerful, proven method that could save you thousands while significantly improving your water flow: hydrofracturing.
In this blog, we’ll explain what hydrofracturing (hydrofracking) is, how it works, when it should be used, and how it compares to other well-improvement techniques. Whether you’re dealing with a low-yield well, planning new construction, or simply trying to optimize your water system, hydrofracking could be your ideal solution.
What Is Hydrofracturing? | Understanding the Process
Hydrofracturing is a well stimulation process that uses high-pressure water injection to open and expand existing fractures in bedrock aquifers, increasing the flow of groundwater into the well. It’s not the same as oil or gas fracking—in water well systems, hydrofracturing is strictly a clean water technique used to improve well yield.
The process involves:
- Sealing the well borehole with an inflatable packer
- Injecting clean, pressurized water into the well (up to 3,000 PSI)
- Forcing existing fractures in the rock to widen and extend
- Allowing more water to flow freely from the surrounding aquifer
Once completed, the well often produces significantly more water—sometimes up to 10 times the original flow rate.
Why Does Well Yield Drop? | Common Causes of Low Water Flow
If your well was once productive but now delivers weak flow or runs dry quickly, there are a few possible causes:
- Clogged fractures or screens due to sediment buildup
- Declining water tables caused by drought or overuse
- Poor initial drilling location (far from natural aquifer flow paths)
- Aging infrastructure, including pump or pressure system issues
While basic maintenance like well cleaning or pump repair can solve many issues, hydrofracturing addresses problems below the surface—at the source of groundwater movement.
When Should You Use Hydrofracturing?
Hydrofracturing is most effective in these situations:
1. New Wells With Low Yield
If your newly drilled well is producing less than 1 gallon per minute (GPM), hydrofracturing is often the first method recommended before abandoning the site or redrilling. It can turn a disappointing well into a highly productive one.
2. Older Wells With Declining Performance
Over time, sediment or mineral buildup can block fractures that supply water. Hydrofracturing can reopen these natural channels and restore flow without digging deeper.
3. Seasonal Drought or Low Water Table
If your well underperforms during dry seasons, hydrofracking may provide access to additional underground sources, making your supply more consistent year-round.
4. Avoiding New Well Construction
Drilling a new well can cost $10,000 or more. Hydrofracturing, by contrast, is typically a fraction of that cost and uses your existing infrastructure.
Benefits of Hydrofracturing | Why It’s a Smart Investment
✅ Increased Water Yield: Often doubles or triples the flow rate of underperforming wells.
✅ Cost-Effective: More affordable than drilling a new well.
✅ No Chemicals Used: Only clean water is injected—safe for drinking water systems.
✅ Fast Process: Most hydrofracking jobs are completed in a single day.
✅ Long-Lasting Results: Improvements can last for decades with proper maintenance.
✅ No Heavy Excavation: All work is done inside your existing well.
At 77 Water Well, we use advanced equipment and hydrogeologic analysis to determine if hydrofracturing is right for your property. We’ve helped Texas homeowners boost their well yields without costly redrilling.
Is Hydrofracturing Safe?
Yes. Hydrofracturing for water wells is safe, both for your home and the environment. Unlike oil or gas fracking, there are:
- No hazardous chemicals
- No risk of groundwater contamination
- No explosions or seismic concerns
The process uses only clean water and controlled pressure to naturally expand existing fractures—it doesn’t create new ones or damage aquifers.
77 Water Well follows all state and local safety guidelines, ensuring that every hydrofracking operation is performed with precision and environmental care.
What to Expect During a Hydrofracturing Service
When you hire 77 Water Well for well hydrofracking, the process is efficient and straightforward:
- Preliminary Evaluation – We analyze your well’s construction, flow rate, and surrounding geology.
- Setup and Sealing – An inflatable packer seals off the borehole to direct pressure where it’s needed.
- Water Injection – Clean, pressurized water is pumped into the well, expanding natural fractures.
- Pressure Monitoring – We measure response in real-time to determine effectiveness.
- Post-Fracturing Flow Test – After the process, we measure new yield to ensure improvement.
Most homeowners see immediate results—and increased water flow within 24 hours.
Hydrofracturing vs. Deepening a Well: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Hydrofracturing | Well Deepening |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher (more labor-intensive) |
| Time to Complete | 1 Day | Several days |
| Risk of Failure | Lower (uses existing well) | Higher (may not reach better water) |
| Water Quality Impact | Improves flow | May not improve yield |
| Long-Term Results | Long-lasting | Variable |
In many cases, hydrofracturing is recommended before deepening, especially for wells located in bedrock formations.
How Much Does Hydrofracturing Cost?
Hydrofracturing is generally more affordable than drilling a new well. On average, the cost ranges from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on:
- Depth of the well
- Size of the borehole
- Location and access
- Equipment required
At 77 Water Well, we offer transparent pricing and a full consultation before any work begins. We’ll explain whether hydrofracking is right for your situation or if another solution (like water pump repair or well cleaning) is a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does hydrofracturing always work?
Hydrofracturing has a high success rate, especially in bedrock wells. While results vary based on geology, most wells show a noticeable improvement in yield.
2. Will I need to upgrade my water pump after hydrofracturing?
If your new yield exceeds your pump’s capacity, we may recommend upgrading. 77 Water Well offers professional water pump installation and repair services if needed.
3. Is hydrofracturing suitable for all types of wells?
It’s most effective in hard-rock or bedrock wells. Shallow or sand wells may require other methods like well redevelopment or deepening.
4. How long do hydrofracking results last?
With proper maintenance, the effects can last 10–20 years or more. Annual well inspections are recommended to monitor long-term performance.
5. Can hydrofracturing contaminate my water?
No. The process uses only clean water and is done in a sealed environment. 77 Water Well also offers post-fracturing water testing to ensure safety.
Is Hydrofracturing Right for Your Well? Call the Experts
If your well is producing less water than you need—or if you’re building on a property with a low-yield well—hydrofracturing might be the answer. It’s safe, affordable, and often far more effective than drilling a new well or deepening an old one.
At 77 Water Well, we’ve helped hundreds of Texas property owners increase their well yields, save money, and enjoy peace of mind. Whether you need hydrofracking, water pump repair, or a full well system inspection, our team is here to help.