Approximately 13 million American households get their water supply from a private well installation. As such, when you’re looking to buy a new home, you may find yourself interested in a property that’s not connected to the municipal water system. However, well ownership comes with some unique responsibilities and challenges. Here’s an overview of what you should know before purchasing a property with a well.

Considerations for Well Ownership

Types of Wells

It’s important to be aware that not all well installations are equal. The majority of homes have drilled wells, but there’s also the potential for them to be dug or bored. These are shallow and more prone to contamination, making drilled wells the better choice. Find out from the home seller what type of well is on the property, and if necessary, negotiate the price of drilling a new well system into your offer.

Water Quality

Even with a drilled well, groundwater can become contaminated from different sources such as nearby septic systems, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste. Therefore, it’s vital to have well water tested before buying a home to ensure it’s safe for your family to use. If there’s an issue with the water quality, it can usually be addressed with a water softener or filtration system. Once you move in, it’s a good idea to continue with regular testing every two to three years.

Water Volume & Flow Rate

You also want to make sure that the well can provide enough water to meet your household’s needs. Checking the system’s volume will tell you how much storage capacity it has, which is how much water you can expect to be available before it has to refill. The flow rate measures the amount of water that can be pumped out per minute. The standard is three to five gallons, but a flow rate of six to 12 gallons is recommended.

Maintenance Requirements

It’s essential to understand what your maintenance duties will be to keep your well installation functional and safe. Aside from water testing, you should have inspections performed often to ensure all of the components are in good working order. If you use a septic system, the tank must be placed at least 100 feet away from the well and frequently cleaned.

If you have any questions about owning or maintaining a private well, the team at Tucker-Bass Pump Service in Ingram, TX, is available to provide you with guidance. Backed by nearly 75 years of industry experience, they offer high-quality well installations and dependable repair solutions to ensure that clients always have a steady flow of water readily accessible. Their prompt and professional service is essential for keeping a well system in optimal condition. Call (830) 367-7881 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable representative, or visit them online for more information on what they do.