How Much Does a Well Inspection Cost?
The average cost of a well inspection is between $300 and $500—but keeping your drinking water safe and clean is definitely worth the price!
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
A well inspection costs between $300 and $500 on average, although the price may vary depending on other factors such as location and additional tests. You can risk contaminated, unsafe drinking water if you do not have annual well inspections.
Buyers are broadening their search criteria in today's fast-paced real estate market to include more rural and remote locations—and many of these houses have their own well. While this can seem like an intimidating addition to the home-buying process, it only takes some continuous monitoring and occasional maintenance to ensure that your drinking water is safe.
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How much does a well inspection cost?
A well inspection costs between $300 and $500 on average, but a number of factors will influence your final price. Since most houses with wells are located in rural areas, location can play a major part in your costs.
The cost of a well inspection is determined by local market conditions, the types of water tests required, and whether it is performed in conjunction with another examination. Here are some of the most common well inspection services and their usual costs:
Type of inspection | Average cost |
|---|---|
Well inspection | $300-$500 |
Water testing | $100-$300 |
Well inspection with septic system inspection | $400-$650 |
Water testing with general home inspection | $375-$550 |
Travel | $1-$2 per mile |
Your local health department may provide free water quality testing. They will also be familiar with local inspectors who are certified to do more in-depth well inspections.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a Safe Drinking Water Hotline that can connect you with verified local water safety resources. For additional information, you can visit their
website
or call (800) 426-4791.What does a well inspection include?
A comprehensive well inspection includes a thorough investigation of your entire water system. The refill speed, water pressure, and quality will all be examined by the inspector. They will also ensure that there are no leaks or problems that could cause damage in the future.
The inspection will usually consist of the following:
- Visual inspection: Most inspections start by looking at the wellhead, well cap, pump, pressure tank (which is usually in the basement of the house), and grout. They'll also look at the well casing, the electrical wiring, the jet pump, the capacitor, and the gauges.
- Water testing: Your inspector will take a few samples of water to send to a certified lab, which will make a report about the levels of compounds and minerals found in the water. Homeowners should check their water for bacteria every one to two years.
- Flow testing: Before checking the water level while the pump is running, the inspector will measure the size of your well. They'll also check how quickly the well fills up to make sure your home has enough water—if it doesn’t, your inspector may suggest upgrading the pump or drilling a new well.
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Do I need a well inspection?
Most of the time, you’ll only need a well inspection if you’re buying a house in a more rural area, as homes in these areas aren’t hooked up to public water systems.
Although your state may not legally mandate a well inspection when buying or selling a home, it is one step you should not neglect. You’ll want a well inspection to make sure your water is safe to drink and that you have enough to meet your needs.
A well inspection will also indicate the age of the well and the amount of wear and tear. This will allow you to better budget for anticipated future maintenance costs.
Wells do last a long time, but if yours is 15 years old or older, you should plan for replacement parts and more maintenance costs in your budget.
If you’re unsure, you can check with your city, county, or state’s regulations to see whether a well inspection is mandatory before purchasing a home.
Well maintenance
The location of the well on your land is crucial. It's best practice to keep storage containers containing pollutants and other waste away from the well itself.
To prevent contamination of the water supply, keep paint, motor oil, fertilizer, and pesticides away from the well, pump, and pressure tank at all times.
The well cover or cap should be inspected visually on a regular basis to ensure it is properly fastened and in excellent shape. This prevents unwanted pests such as insects, rats, and fish from entering the well.
On top of annual testing, ensure that water quality tests are also performed when:
- You build a new well
- You change out well pipes, pumps, or casing
- You detect an unusual odor, flavor, or discoloration in your water
- A chemical or fuel spill or leak has occurred nearby
- You drilled or excavated close to the well
How to save on homeowner’s insurance
Well inspections aren't always required for homeowners, but they are one method to gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're supplying high-quality water for your home.
Another way to ensure your home has high-quality services? By comparison shopping for
homeowners insurance
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