What is a common material used for well casing?

Steel or PVC pipes are commonly used for well casing due to their durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Steel is a robust material that can withstand the high pressures encountered in deeper wells and is often preferred for its structural integrity. PVC, being lightweight, is resistant to corrosion from groundwater and is easier to handle, making it suitable for less demanding well applications.

Casing serves to protect the well from contamination and maintain its structural integrity by preventing the collapse of the well walls. Proper casing is crucial for safeguarding not only the water supply but also for ensuring the safety of the well infrastructure. Other materials like wood or concrete are less common because they do not provide the same level of durability or resistance to chemical breakdown as steel and PVC. While aluminum and glass are used in some specialized applications, they lack the widespread utility found in steel and PVC for the majority of well casing requirements. Rubber and fiberglass, though used in other applications, also do not match the conventional reliability and performance of steel or PVC in well casing.