NOTE: Richardson Well is under NEW ownership. The current owners, Allie and Tyler Fain (from…read moreEscondido, CALIFORNIA), are not the original Wisconsin owners. This review reflects my experience with the new ownership.
My search for a well driller in the Minocqua/Oneida County area began the way yours probably is now. Based on the older reviews, I thought I had chosen a solid company for my well project. Unfortunately, my experience under the new ownership has been extremely disappointing.
The process started positively. My initial consultation with Judy was great. She was sharp, knowledgeable, and helpful, and I was put on the schedule for spring 2025. When drilling time arrived, I learned Judy had left, and I began dealing directly with Allie in the office and Tyler on-site.
On drilling day, I walked Tyler through my home to discuss pressure tank options. We reviewed the space carefully and agreed on a very specific tank style and installation plan. I followed up with Allie immediately by email to confirm, and she assured me it would be installed within a week.
Two weeks passed, and I called to confirm that it had been installed. Allie told me the tank had been installed and "everything was fine." When my electrician arrived, however, he immediately flagged that the wrong tank had been installed and it was positioned so poorly that water lines stuck out dangerously into a walkway.
I called Richardson Well to report the mistake. Despite having confirmed the correct tank with both Tyler and Allie, I had not been told of any change. Only after my electrician discovered it did the issue come to light. Richardson eventually replaced the tank with the correct one.
But the problems didn't end there. After replacement, my plumber discovered the well wasn't functioning at all. Richardson admitted they never pressure-tested the system after installation, a critical oversight that could have ensured the well was safe and operational. My electrician also had to make multiple return trips because Richardson never indicated that they were using an outdated breaker type (even after I asked Allie what my electrician needed to know before he showed up).
My plumber had to return for additional work, charging me extra due to Richardson's oversights.
The water testing was even more concerning. Richardson (allegedly) collected the sample from the rig, before the complete pressure tank was installed and the system fully operational, which is not a proper or representative sample. They are also refusing to release the results, which is explicitly against Wisconsin law. As a result, I cannot confirm that my water is safe to drink, a basic and critical expectation for any well installation.
When I raised these concerns, Richardson responded with frustration, threats of a lien on my home, and no accountability. To this day, I still do not have proper water pressure, have not received legally required water test results, and cannot safely drink from my well.
After speaking with others in the area who have dealt with them, I learned that my experience is not unique. Now, based on the reputation that is spreading, I'm concerned that they won't be around long enough to stand by their work.
I am now filing complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Sorry Tyler and Allie, this may be how you treat people in California, but this is not how it's done in Wisconsin. We treat people with respect, own up to our mistakes, and try to make things right.