I bought a house this year that has a large well under the back patio concrete.?

Question

What are some ideas what to do with this? I have little experience on these things. Should the well be filled in or remove the stone that surrounds it. The stones wouldn't really hurt anything in the ground would they? What would be the cheapest option?The well doesn't have any function it looks very very old.

Answer 1

First the stones will not hurt anything if filled in except may settle and you will have to add more. The next part is this may be a sistern they were used to store rain water is any downspouts connected? I have two sisterns and they are great for watering garden and yard. You may have municpial water and it cost you or have a draught then you will wish you kept the well or sistern. I would not worry about it just keep a good cover on so knowbody gets hurt. Then after a period of time see if you still don't need it. You can ask question in your neighborhood if anybody has run short on water, history.If filling add big and small gravel so it settles tightly.

Answer 2

My home was built in the 1860's and right off the back porch is a large cistern. It is covered and closed, but the large pottery tile that lines it sticks out above the ground. Often in older homes, these things were necessary but through time the have either gone dry or local ordinances required hookup to municipal supply.
Unless it is a safety hazard, or you're ready financially to deal with whatever you find, (or doing a major remodel or restoration) I would leave it alone. If not, you can have it filled in, perhaps leaving a small sunken area for planting. I would not recommend using rubble to fill it in as in time in will settle and cause the area to sink in. Have a professional fill it in with either concrete or compacted soil.

Answer 3

Don't worry, be happy''