crystal clear sweet and healthy water being flush out by a heavy diesel engine tube well in the wheat fields where the river water can't reach

What Should I Expect During a Water Well Inspection?

According to estimates from the EPA, over 13 million Americans have their home’s water supplied via a well on their property. Well water is prevalent in rural areas and homes with septic tanks. To maintain the quality and safety standards of well water, it’s recommended that homeowners get their well inspected annually. Residential well inspections will give you peace of mind that your well is operating correctly and that the water has been tested against stringent quality standards. 

Before you purchase a home with a well and a septic system, it’s prudent to request a water test. If the water is of poor quality, professionals will know the best course of action for treatment and chlorination after inspection.  

When Should I Get a Well Inspection?

Well inspections should be completed once annually, or any time a property is sold. With proper maintenance, wells can operate without defects for years. In addition to regular inspections, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any signs of deficiency and alert a qualified inspector promptly to avoid further issues. 

In the following situations, it’s a good idea to opt for a well inspection to ensure the safe functioning of your well:

  • You notice a strange taste or odor in your water.
  • The water appears cloudy or has a sediment.
  • You’ve noticed a change in your household’s water pressure, including frequent drops and surges.
  • If the well has been recently opened or had the well seal removed, contaminants could have entered the well. 
  • You’ve recently had your water tested and have received reports of high total coliforms, anaerobic bacteria, and other health hazards. 

What Do Professionals Look for During Residential Well Inspections?

Well inspections are intentionally thorough to limit the possibility of missing potential defects. The typical well inspector will check for malfunctioning or inaccurate gauges, leaking seals, and rusted tanks. The following parts will also be inspected:

  • Not all well systems have electrical connections, but in those that do, inspectors will ensure they are in working order. 
  • Control box
  • Valves and pressure gauge
  • Capacitors
  • Grout
  • Well cap
  • Well hole and casing
  • Pump (submersible or jet)

If any of these parts are found to be defective, it’s likely that it will cause future problems. After inspecting the individual components of your well, the inspector will check the capacity of your well. The volume of well water pumped is an indicator of its health; the inspector will study the pump’s rate over some time to determine if it’s operating consistently and efficiently. The pump is one of the most expensive parts of the whole well water system, so it’s important to make sure it’s working correctly to avoid costly repairs. 

How Much Does a Water Well Inspection Cost?

No one likes to be surprised with a bill they were unprepared to pay, so it’s a good idea to be informed about the average costs of well inspections in your area. Different inspectors and companies will have varying rates and offerings, so you’ll want to ask about their services and prices before you book an appointment. Some companies may elect to charge a travel fee or additional fees for water tests and treatment. 

As mentioned above, many properties with wells also have septic systems. Having your well and septic system inspected simultaneously can be more affordable than doing it separately, and you can feel confident that both systems are working together effectively. 

For more information about our residential well inspection services, water treatment, and other services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today!