It’s easy to underestimate the importance of clean water in daily life in today’s globe. From boiling your Monday morning coffee to having a stress-relieving bubble bath at the end of the week, water plays a crucial role in our health and fitness. Have you ever considered buying a home with a well?

You’re now in a position to purchase your first home or retire to that country cottage you’ve always wanted. You have a basic concept of the size of home you want. You’ve set aside money for a down payment. And you’re certain you’ll be able to finish the tasks required to buy the home of your dreams. You’re stumped because the house you want has a well.

It’s natural that for individuals who have previously relied on municipal water systems, purchasing a home with a well system can be scary. If you understand how wells function, ask the correct questions about the house you’re buying, and know how to treat your well once you’ve moved in, I’m confident you’ll be alright.

CRUCIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PURCHASING A HOME WITH A WELL

What Is The State Of The Well Right Now?

Not all home wells are made equal. Most homes have drilled wells, but depending on your region and the age of the home, you may come across homes with dug or bored wells. Drilled wells are more dependable and less prone to contamination, despite the fact that no well is totally reliable. When looking for homes with wells, start by knowing more about the type, age, and condition of the well.

Does The Property Have A Drilled Well, And If Yes, When Was It Drilled?

The average lifespan of a well is 30–50 years.

Ask About The Well Depth

Wells that are drilled often reach a depth of 100 feet or more.

What Is The Flow Rate Of The Water?

3–5 gallons per minute is the normal flow rate.

What Is The Total Capacity Of The Well?

This is especially significant if the house has a large number of occupants. A average home uses 100–120 gallons of water per person each day.

What Is The State Of The Area’s Groundwater?

Groundwater is a commonsensical resource. Contact the EPA or a local water specialist if you have widespread groundwater issues in your area. (Or, even better, ask your REALTOR to assist you in locating the answer.)

What Is The Size Of The Land That Comes With The Property?

Septic tanks are used to treat waste that is released from homes that have wells for water. In the worst-case scenario, you don’t want your waste to contaminate your water. To avoid contamination, if you have at least an acre of land, the septic and well will most likely be at least 100 feet away. If you have more land, you’ll be able to select a location to dig another well if you need one in the future.

Are There Any Abandoned Wells On Your Property?

In rare cases, there may be a well on the property that is no longer in service.

What Is The State Of The Rest Of The Water System?

A well is connected to your home by a pump, a pressure tank, and a system of pipelines that transport water from deep beneath into your home. It’s also vital that all of these parts work together.

What Is The Age Of The Pressure Tank And Pump?

Pumps for wells typically last ten years. Keep in mind that if you acquire a home with outdated technology, you may need to plan ahead for replacements.

When Was The Last Time You Had Your Pressure Tank Inspected?

In the pressure tank, the pump cut-in pressure, cut-out pressure, and pressure differential should all be monitored on a regular basis. You should also know how long it takes to go from the lowest place in the house to the highest position without using any water.

Is The Wellcap On Flat Ground Or A Slope?

Natural and man-made contaminants will flow downhill and pool in low-lying places. Ensure that your wellhead is free of holes and is located well above any locations where runoff is likely to occur.

How’s The Water Situation?

When it comes to shared groundwater, even well-maintained well water systems might face issues or contamination. As a homeowner, it’s critical to check the quality of your well water on a frequent basis. You should be aware as a house buyer that testing rules vary by state and municipality. Before you complete your purchase, make sure the well has been tested.

Is The House Currently Occupied?

A well becomes more susceptible to bacterial infection when it is left untreated for weeks or months.

When Was The Last Time The Current Owner Checked The Water Level On The Property? Are You Going To Receive A Copy Of The Maintenance Logs?

This is something that might be asked for during the home inspection.

What Exactly Is In This Water?

Testing for water quality issues and interpreting the results can be done with the help of a local expert. Make sure to include the following items in your water quality test:

Water safety and quality
Minerals can be found.
alkalinity, turbidity, PH, hardness
Coliform bacteria are bacteria that belong to the coliform family.
Compounds that are volatile in nature (VOCs)
Radon is a gas that has the potential to cause cancer.

Some minerals and contaminants are tolerated, such as iron in water. Hardness and germs, for example, can be efficiently addressed. Keep in mind, though, that removing radon from your water might cost thousands of dollars.

What Modifications To My New Well Will I Need To Make?

Even in healthy systems, well water will always look and smell different from city water. While this has no impact on your health, it may have an impact on the soaps and detergents you use. You might also want to think about expanding your filter or treatment system.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that a well is not to be feared. A home with well water can bring you a lifetime of enjoyment if you do your homework and make an informed decision!

Summary: What To Know When Buying A Home With A Well

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Buying A Home With A Well, Questions To Ask