There are many advantages to owning a home with a water well, from avoiding monthly bills to enjoying more natural water. However, if you're thinking about buying a property with a well, you must review a few factors to ensure you have a safe and efficient water supply. To start, follow these steps.

What to Do When Buying Property With a Water Well

1. Check the Water

One of the most vital steps to take is to test the purity of the water. Groundwater is shared across a wide area, so talk with your real estate agent or check with the EPA to get some general information on the water quality where you're looking to buy. To be safe, you should also have the well water tested independently by a certified laboratory.

2. Confirm the Age

Water wells generally last between 30 and 50 years, so you should find out how old the structure is as soon as possible. Drilling a new well is expensive and should be a significant consideration in whether you buy the property. Wells over 15 years old might need replacement parts, but this is a much simpler job.

3. Check the Functionality

Another factor to confirm is the flow rate of your well, as it should be at least three to five gallons per minute, and ideally as much as 12 per minute. It's also essential that the well will provide enough water for your family. Arrange a professional well inspection to check the volume of the water supply and confirm that parts, such as the pump and tank, are working.

4. Confirm the Septic Tank Location

If there's a septic tank on your property, it should be at least 100 feet away from the well to avoid contamination. Without significant work, there's nothing you can do to change the distance between the septic tank and the well, but knowing this information will help you decide whether to go ahead with the purchase.

5. Ensure the Well Is Drilled

Drilled wells are the most reliable type, as they go down at least 40 feet and sometimes over 100 feet. Dug or bored wells are much shallower and more prone to contamination. Water wells in most homes are drilled, but it's always best to check before making a decision.

 

If you’re buying a home with a water well, Henderson Well & Pump Co. in Vernon, NJ, can provide everything from inspections to replacement parts. Having served the area since 1956, they’re trusted to offer clear information to their customers and to do what they say they will promptly. To learn more, call (973) 764-7240 or reach out on their website.