Septic Inspection

Water tapped by a private well is often of the highest quality. When buying a home with a private well, your home inspection should include a well system check up to ensure the well is in good working order and the quality of the water produced meets health standards. Prior to the inspection, you should obtain your wells log or record, which contains information on the history of the well and the ground surrounding it. Contractors must file well logs with their respective states upon completion of all new wells. However, well owners should also own a copy in case the well needs to be serviced at any time.

Your well water inspection will include:

An inspection of well equipment to assure that it is sanitary and meets local code requirements. A test of your water for coliform bacteria and nitrates, iron, manganese, water hardness, sulfides and anything else of concern in your area that could pose problems with your plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor. A concise, clear, written report explaining results and recommendations for your well that include all laboratory and other test results.

Maintaining A Well System

Although a properly constructed private well should require little routine maintenance, these tips will help protect your well system and keep it in good working order for years to come: Get an annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test.

Your well should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

Periodically check the well cap and casing to make sure they are in good working order.

A damaged casing could cause your water to become contaminated.

Maintain a clean zone of at least 50 feet between your well and any kennels or livestock operations.

Do not treat the area around the well with pesticides or fertilizer.

Keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well to allow proper drainage.

Don't pile snow, leaves, or other materials around your well.

Always keep your well records in a safe place.