Finding a property with a private water well can put a perk or a pause in your homebuying plans. On one hand, having an independent water source is often a coveted benefit for homeowners. However, dealing with a well inspection and what it might reveal can raise questions about sustainability and potential health risks.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the well inspection process, including what’s tested, when inspections are needed, and how much they might cost. We’ll also share tips from an experienced, certified well inspector so you know what to expect if you choose to become a homeowner with a private well.
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A water well taps into underground aquifers, drawing clear, potable water into your home with the help of a pump. Here’s the basic flow:
Water source: Underground aquifers act as natural reservoirs.
Well construction: A hole is drilled deep into the ground to reach the water table.
Pumping system: A pump draws water up from the ground and into a storage tank in your home.
Water treatment: Depending on the water quality, treatment may be necessary to ensure it’s safe for drinking and daily use.
What happens during a well inspection?
Well inspections are vital to ensure the water source for your home is safe, and the system is in good working order.
“We’re going to look at the entire well system that is visible,” says Joshua Kreager, an experienced well inspector with Copper Canyon Inspections in Arizona. “That’s going to include the well pump casing and pressure tanks. We’re looking for corrosion, leaks, mechanical issues, and anything that will affect overall performance.”
Kreager explains that an inspection typically goes beyond just visually looking at the system. “We also like to include a water quality test. We also check water flow rates, pressure checks and a bacterial contamination test. We want to make sure that the well meets regulatory standards and is safe.”
Here’s what you can expect:
Visual inspection: The inspector examines the physical condition of the well, looking for any signs of damage or wear.
System check: The pump, pressure tank, and related equipment are tested to verify proper operation.
Water flow test: This test measures the rate at which water is drawn from the well, indicating the well’s yield.
Water quality sampling: Samples are taken for laboratory analysis to check for contaminants.
The water quality sampling will typically include:
Bacteria levels: Common tests look for coliform and E. coli.
Chemical contaminants: This includes nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Physical characteristics: Testing for pH levels, hardness, and the presence of sediments.
Emerging contaminants: With growing concerns, tests for PFAS (“forever chemicals“) are increasingly common.
Why should a well be inspected and tested?
Testing your well water regularly is essential for several reasons:
Health safety: Ensuring water is free from harmful bacteria and chemical contaminants.
Maintenance and efficiency: Identifying problems early can prevent costly repairs and ensure your well system runs efficiently.
Environmental changes: Changes in land use or industrial activity nearby can affect water quality.
Rising contaminants: The increasing detection of PFAS in groundwater highlights the importance of regular testing to catch these and other dangerous substances.
What can cause a well to be contaminated?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all private wells use groundwater. It warns that if polluted groundwater is consumed, it could cause illness. Groundwater pollution can be caused by:
Seepage through landfills
Failed septic tanks
Underground fuel tanks
Fertilizers and pesticides
Runoff from urban areas
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
When should a well be tested?
“The most common time an inspection is needed is when there is a change of ownership,” Kreager says. “But if it’s not a sale of property, we recommend doing it annually. So, at least once a year.”
Inspectors recommend the following timelines to safeguard your home’s water supply:
Annually in spring for homeowners: According to the National Groundwater Association (NGWA), it’s best to test your well water each year, ideally in spring, as heavy rains and melting snow can introduce contaminants into your well.
When buying or selling a home with a well: Always include a well inspection in your homebuying or selling process to ensure the system is up to standard. According to Washington-based JKA Well Drilling, “The risks of not doing a well inspection during a real estate transaction are incredibly high – what good is a home without water?”
Whenever you suspect a problem: Changes in water taste, odor, or appearance, or sudden issues with water pressure, signal it’s time for an inspection.
