Getting a water well or pump installer registration in Michigan

Getting registered in Michigan

The annual registration fee is $25.00 for a pump installer and $40.00 for a well drilling contractor, plus $10.00 for each additional drilling machine.

Under the state rules, renewal applications are due by March 1 each year so renewal certificates can be issued by May 1.

Sources: Experience and exam; Registration fees

Who needs a registration

In Michigan, anyone in the business of pump installing must hold a certificate of registration as a pump installer or well drilling contractor, renewed every year.

Michigan law lets a person build a well or install a pump on their own property for their own single family home or farm, but they must still file the drilling record and follow the state code.

A Michigan licensed master plumber may do pump installer work without a pump installer registration.

A registered well drilling contractor may do pump installation work, but a registered pump installer may not drill wells, under Michigan's well code rules.

Sources: Annual registration required; Homeowner exemption; Drillers may install pumps

How owners check a registration

Registered contractors must show their registration number, county code, business name and address on both sides of each drilling machine and service vehicle.

Michigan law requires a seal reading Michigan registered water well drilling contractor, with the year of registration, next to the registration number on the drilling machine.

Sources: Look for the number on the truck; State seal on drilling rigs