What Does a Well Inspection Include?

Well inspection is one of the most crucial things you can do to save your health, property, and investment in case your home is dependent on a personal well as a source of water. Whether you are purchasing a home, selling a home, or you are just keeping your existing well system, it is good to know what a well inspection entails so that you can make better decisions and avoid the unnecessary expensive surprises.

The guide details the nature of a well inspection, its importance, and the expectations of homeowners regarding the exercise.

Understanding a Well Inspection

A well inspection is a professional examination of a domestic water well system. It is meant to check that the well is in proper operation and is yielding safe water and is compliant with local and state requirements.

The homeowner is in charge of the private wells as opposed to municipal water systems. It implies that regular inspection is necessary to maintain the quality of water and the stability of systems.

When Is a Well Inspection Needed?

Home Buying and Selling

A well inspection is highly encouraged or even compulsory in most states during real estate dealings. Buyers desire to be assured that the source of water is safe and reliable and sellers desire to prevent last minute problems that might take a long time before closing.

Routine Maintenance

Although you may not be buying or selling, it is advisable to check on your well every 1-3 years depending on the usage, location and the history of the water quality.

After Repairs or Environmental Changes

In addition, a well inspection is required following:

● Flooding

● Earthquakes

● Repairs of wells or replacement of pumps

● Close to building or excavation

● The taste, color or pressure of water changes.

Components of a Well Inspection

An extensive well inspection consists of a number of areas. All the components contribute to a safe and efficient operation of the system.

Well Location and Accessibility

Site Evaluation

The inspector checks the location of the well to ensure it meets proper setback distances from:

● Septic systems

● Drain fields

● Livestock areas

● Chemical storage

● Surface water sources

Poor location may expose the risk of contamination.

Accessibility and Safety

The well has to be conveniently located in order to carry out maintenance and emergency service.

Inspectors also check that:

● The well is clearly marked

● Flooding is prevented in the area.

The wellhead has no physical hazards.

Wellhead and Casing Inspection

Well Casing Condition

The vertical pipe that shields the well against contamination on the surface is known as the well casing.

Inspectors look for:

● Cracks or corrosion

● Inappropriate elevation over the ground

● LAX or broken connections.

The casing must be at least 12 inches of above-ground level in most states.

Well Cap and Seal

A secure, sanitary well cap is critical. The inspector verifies that:

● The cap is properly sealed

● Vents are screened

The insects, rodents, and rubbish do not have any openings.

A broken or lost cap is one of the general causes of contamination.

Pump and Mechanical System Evaluation

Pump Performance

The inspector checks the well pump to make sure that it:

● Turns on and off properly

● Maintains constant water pressure

● Clean running, silent and vibration free.

Electrical Components

Electrical connections are checked on following:

● Proper grounding

● Corrosion or exposed wiring

● Code compliance

Electrical malfunctions may reduce the life of the pumps and may also be dangerous.

Water Pressure and Flow Rate Testing

Pressure Testing

Proper pressure of water is needed in everyday domestic applications. The inspector will check the levels of pressure to make sure that it is within normal working parameters.

Flow Rate Evaluation

Flow rate test establishes the quantity of water that can be produced by the well per unit time.

Low flow rates may indicate:

● Pump issues

● Sediment buildup

● Reduction of groundwater levels.

Particularly, it is significant in larger households or irrigation requirements.

Water Quality Testing

Bacteria Testing

Water testing is one of the most important aspects of a well inspection.

The majority of inspections involve:

● Total coliform bacteria

● E. coli

These bacteria may be a sign of contamination by surface water or sewage.

Chemical and Mineral Testing

Other tests could be added based on location:

● Nitrates and nitrites

● Arsenic

● Lead

● Iron and manganese

● pH levels

● Hardness

Nitrate testing is of particular importance in the protection of children and pregnant women in the agricultural regions.

Pressure Tank Inspection

Tank Condition

The pressure tank contains water and ensures it has the same pressure.

Inspectors check for:

● Proper air charge

● Signs of rust or leaks

● Secure mounting

A collapsing pressure tank may result in rapid cycling of the pump resulting in early breakdown of the pump.

Septic System Proximity Review

Although a septic inspection is independent, the well inspectors assess the connection between the well and the septic system.

They confirm:

● Proper separation distance

● None of leakage or failure present

● Adherence to local health codes.

Major sources of contamination in the private wells are poor septic placement.

System Age and Documentation Review

Well Records and Permits

Inspectors often review:

● Well drilling logs

● Detail and construction.

● Past inspection/water test reports.

The wells that are older might not be up to the contemporary standards and thus they may need to be upgraded.

Estimated Remaining Lifespan

Although the lifespan cannot be ensured by the inspectors, they can offer information on the remaining life of:

● The pump

● Pressure tank

● Well casing

Compliance with Local and State Regulations

The state and county regulations differ regarding wells.

Inspectors examine adherence to:

● Construction standards

● Sanitation requirements

● Rules on abandonment (where applicable)

There can be corrective action taken when the non-compliant wells are involved especially when carrying out real estate transactions.

What a Well Inspection Does Not Include

There are a few shortcomings of a well check-up that should be known. usually, it excludes:

● Long term water yield testing (except on request)

● Repair or replacement services.

● Constant water quality control.

Nevertheless, the inspectors usually suggest further actions in case of problems detected.

How Long Does a Well Inspection Take?

In a standard well inspection, it typically takes:

● 1-3 hours for on-site inspection

● A number of days before lab water tests.

Depending on the depth of a well, complexity of the system and the testing needs, timing can be different.

Why a Well Inspection Is Worth It

Well inspection assists by a professional:

● Protect your family's health

● Prevent costly repairs

● Determine the contamination risks.

● Increase property value

● Provide peace of mind

To a homebuyer it may be the distinction between a sure buy and a costly blunder.