Save time and money by learning about drilling fluid options before you begin work. Drilling a 150-foot to 250-foot hole for a geothermal heat loop goes quickly, except when the loop doesn’t want to go in the hole. Do you redrill the hole? Do you give up and move to the next flag? A little thought beforehand can usually solve mud problems before they occur. Bentonite? Polymers? Both? Neither? Is water only good enough? Does the ground “make mud?” Is there an unconsolidated upper section, rock ledges? Was a test hole drilled and, if so, what do you know about it? Will air work? What else should you consider as you evaluate your options?

1 CEP