How Much Is a Well Inspection?

As a homeowner or property buyer, it is important to know the status of the water well on your property. An inspection of the well guarantees that the water within the well is pure, the well is in good working condition, and that there are no underlying problems that may cause unnecessary repairs in future. Whether you are purchasing a new home with a well or you are taking care of your current well, it is good to know how much it will cost to have a well inspection completed so that you can plan accordingly. In this guide, we will divide the costs, the aspects that affect the price, and the necessity of having your well checked.

 

What Is a Well Inspection?

A well inspection is an examination of the well system that ensures that the well system is functioning efficiently, supplying clean and safe water, and is following rules and guidelines in accordance with the local health and safety standards. It generally entails inspection of the well structure, its contents, quality of water, and functionality.

A typical well inspection includes:

Well Structure Inspection: Inspection of physical well, casing, and other structures.

Water Quality Analysis: Analysis of bacteria, minerals, and other pollutants that may interfere with the safety of water.

Flow Rate and Pressure Test: A test done to determine the rate at which the water is flowing so that the well can provide enough water to meet your household demands.

Inspection of Pumps and Equipment: This involves inspection of the pump, the pressure tank, and other related equipment to make sure that everything is in proper working order.

Drainage Check-up: This makes sure that the well is drained properly to avoid contamination.

How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost?

A well inspection may vary is price depending on several factors such as the location, the size of a well, and the kind of inspection to be conducted. A typical well inspection should cost you an average of between $300 and $600. The cost may increase or decrease according to the details of your situation.

Standard Well Inspection Costs

Basic Well Inspection: This usually can average between $300 to $500. This kind of inspection normally involves a look at the well housing, pump, and flow of water.

Water Quality Testing: If you add the water quality testing to the inspection, it can raise the price. The extra testing may cost between $50 and $200 depending on the number of contaminants that are to be tested.

Comprehensive Well Inspection: A more detailed inspection that involves testing of a broader pallet of contaminants (e.g., arsenic, heavy metals, etc.), may cost between $500 and $800.

 

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Well Inspection

The cost of a well inspection may be affected by several determinants. Knowledge of these may assist you in planning more precisely and can prevent surprise expenses.

Location

Prices of a well inspection may differ considerably depending on where you are. The price can be higher in the city or in a place where the cost of the living is higher. The cost might be reduced in rural or less populated areas. The price may also be influenced by the distance the inspector will have to travel before arriving at your property.

Well Type

The cost of inspection may depend on the kind of well that you have.

There are several different types of wells, such as:

Drilled Wells: These are deeper wells which may use more sophisticated inspection devices.

Dug Wells: These are not as deep and less complicated but still have to undergo a basic inspection.

Driven Wells: These are usually difficult to inspect due to construction, and thus, inspection may be costly.

Water Testing

A simple test of the water in many well inspections will include a check of general contaminants, but additional tests may increase the cost.

For example:

Simple testing of bacteria in water (e.g., E. coli) ranges between $50 and $100. More advanced water testing that searches for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or radon, costs between $100 to $200 and above.

Depth of the Well

Wells that are deeper tend to cost more to examine since such wells might need special equipment and take longer to carry out the inspection. You might face increased expenses if your well is deeper than 300 feet.

Additional Services

Other services that some well inspectors provide are pump tests that monitor the pressure and the flow rate of the system. These services normally cost an additional $100 to $200.

What’s Included in a Well Inspection?

A well inspection typically covers several key areas.

The following is a step-by-step account of what you might experience in an inspection:

Well Structural Inspection

The condition of the well casing and cap are inspected to see whether they are worn out, corroded, or are cracked, which may cause contamination. The inspector will also check on any form of visible damage that can influence the efficiency of the well.

Pump and Equipment Check

The pressure tank, pump, and other facilities will be inspected to make sure that they are in good working condition. A faulty pump may result in a shortage of water, so this component of the inspection is crucial.

Water Flow Rate

The inspector will test the flow rate of the well to determine that the well has sufficient water to supply your household. Low flow rates may mean that the well is not properly functioning, including being clogged or having a smaller capacity.

Water Quality Testing

Testing the water quality is one of the most important jobs of a well inspection. The inspector will run tests on dangerous bacteria, minerals, and other impurities that may impair the health of the water supply.

Drainage Inspection

Adequate drainage in and around the well is very important to avoid contamination by surface water. The inspector will also make sure that the well is properly placed and has a adequate drainage.