Living in Columbus ultimately means dealing with high levels of humidity. Of course, if the house you are buying has a well, you have to be extra cautious about the condition of the well and the water.
While its aesthetics take the win, its functionality is a major area that people often overlook. Especially with high humidity levels, that probably increases the risk of bacterial contamination – yes, you heard that right – contaminated drinking water.
So, how do you know the well of the house you are buying is good or not? That is the role of a well inspection to find out! Let’s break it down a little:
Why Well Inspections Matter
A house with a water well is a pretty sweet deal. Fresh water on tap, no monthly bills – what’s not to love?
But here’s the thing: just like your car needs regular tune-ups, your well needs regular inspections to look for any structural issues and water quality. Now that we know its importance, let’s see what exactly do well water inspections entail.
What Happens During a Well Inspection?
Let’s say you have a car; you know it needs maintenance, right? Otherwise, it might break down and eventually result in a major problem that costs hundreds of dollars to fix.
Same is the case with well inspections. These wells have a purpose to serve and it is your, as a homeowner’s, duty to make sure it runs smoothly! Now, let’s see what goes on during a well inspection!
Site Survey
The first step is the overview. From the first look the inspector will be able to tell where the obvious problems lie. During this stage, the inspector will look for damage (if there is any), signs of a leak, or even contamination!
Is the Equipment Working Right?
Think of this as a well-being check for your well’s mechanical parts. The inspector will assess the pump’s functionality, gauge pressure, and ensure everything is on its A-game.
Water Quality Testing
Water quality is the most important one. Why? Because if not tested, you could be ingesting contaminated water without even knowing! This is why a well water inspection is a must – making sure the water quality of your home is good.
Reporting and Recommendations
And finally, once the inspector has checked the ABC of the well, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the inspector’s findings. This includes water quality results, any issues found during the inspection, and recommendations for how to address them.
This is just the inspection process – there are actual concerns that you can find during a well inspection like:
Common Issues Found During Well Inspections
Before you get a well inspection, it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the possible issues that may come up during the inspection like:
Poor Water Quality
Water is life. It’s used for everything from staying hydrated to keeping clean. Now imagine the water everyone in your family is using is contaminated with bacteria or arsenic. Not a good thought, right? But unfortunately, it is a possibility. That’s why regular inspections are crucial!
Low Water Yield
The whole purpose of a water well is fresh and abundant water for your home. If your well isn’t doing that, then there is definitely a problem with your well that needs to be checked out ASAP.
Failing Mechanical Parts
It is common for a machine to stop working without any repairs or maintenance. Including the ones present in your well like the well pump and pressure tank. So keep in mind to get these parts regularly inspected to keep them in the best condition.
Structural Issues
Apart from the internal problems your well can have, it can also end up with minor cracks in the well casing, improper seals, or insufficient wellhead protection, which all lead to contamination and potential water quality problems.
Improper Construction
Now, it is entirely possible that the problems you are facing with your well are mainly caused by the fact that it was not built properly. Yes, improper construction is also a major red flag because they might not even meet the current building codes of your area. So get that inspection and find out how to free yourself of these unnecessary issues.
We have highlighted why well inspections are important but let’s not forget that finding a reliable inspector is just as important. Here’s what you need to know:
The Need for A Reliable Home Inspector
A competent inspector will get the job done.
They will thoroughly examine the well, look for any cracks or damage, and make sure it is in a 10/10 condition. The thorough inspection also includes testing the waters, making sure they are safe to drink! (no lead, no contaminants to surprise you later).
A good inspector will also check around the well for potential contamination sources. Whether it’s old septic tanks or other buried problems, a reliable inspector will find them, keeping your water clean and safe.
Well systems can be complicated, but a skilled inspector will explain everything in plain English, ensuring you understand their findings. No more feeling lost in technical jargon!
If the inspection catches any potential problems early, you can avoid expensive repairs later. A small leak today could lead to a burst pipe, forcing you to spend hundreds of dollars afterward, so it’s best to handle it early.
Don’t settle for just any inspector when it comes to your well. Find a trustworthy professional who can thoroughly check your water supply. After all, you want the best for your water and your home.
Hiring a Professional Home Inspection Company
We think we have highlighted enough concerns to convince you to get your well inspection before buying a house. You don’t want to end up with pricy repairs because of a minor mistake.
Thanks to Linkhorn Home Inspections, we will perform a thorough well water inspection and give you a transparent report so you know what steps to take next!
Call us now to book your inspection.
