How much does a well inspection cost?

Well inspection cost

A well inspection costs $250 to $550, depending on the well type, depth, and age and whether the inspection includes water testing. Laboratory well water testing alone costs $100 to $350 on average. A well and septic inspection cost $400 to $650 when done in the same visit.

Well water testing cost

Well water testing costs $100 to $750, depending on the number and type of contaminants tested. Basic tests provide only a Present or Not Present result for each contaminant, while more comprehensive tests determine the amount of each contaminant present.

• Many local Health Departments offer DIY water testing kits for common contaminants like bacteria, fluoride, nitrate, lead, copper, and arsenic. County-provided test kits cost $20 to $75.
• DIY well water testing kits cost $25 to $50 to test for a single contaminant or $100 to $380 to test for multiple contaminants. When purchasing a DIY water testing kit, confirm the kit price includes the lab's mail-in testing fee.
• When collecting the water samples yourself, test the water at both the tap and the well pump.

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Well and septic inspection cost

A well and septic inspection costs $400 to $650 on average when conducted in the same visit. Septic inspection prices depend on the location, tank size, and whether the inspection is for routine maintenance or a real estate transaction.

Homes with a well often rely on septic systems for wastewater treatment.

Home and well inspection combo cost

A well inspection and home inspection cost $400 to $830. Most companies offer a discount when performing both inspections in the same visit.

Cost factors to inspect a well and water

The following factors affect the cost of a well inspection and water test:

• Well type – Drilled wells feature more components, increasing the inspection cost. Dug wells are more susceptible to contamination and require more extensive water testing.
• Well depth – Inspections typically cost more for wells deeper than 500 feet because most sounding equipment only extends that far.
• Pump type – Submersible well pumps are more difficult to access than jet pumps, making them more challenging to inspect.
• Home's age – Homes built before the 1970s or with lead solder in the pipe connections may require additional drinking water testing.
• Location – Homes near mining, agriculture, or heavy construction sites often require an extended water test.
• Travel fees – Some companies charge travel fees of $1 to $2 per mile to perform a well inspection.
• Well pump replacement costs $540 to $1,850 on average, depending on the type.
• For wells beyond repair, drilling a new well costs $3,750 to $15,300, depending on the depth.

What does a well inspection entail?

A well inspection typically includes:

• Visual inspection of the well casing, cap, gaskets, seals, overflows, screens, vents, electrical conduits, storage tank, and wellhead
• Visual inspection of the surrounding area for potential sources of drinking water contamination
• Testing the mechanical components, including the pump motor, gauges, pressure relief valve, and pipes
• Testing the electrical components, including the control box, capacitors, and connections
• Examining all components for signs of breakage or corrosion
• A flow test to evaluate the system output and pump motor performance
• Collecting water samples if the inspection includes laboratory testing for contaminants
• A detailed report explaining the results and recommended repairs or maintenance

A well inspection does not evaluate the water table to confirm the well will provide a long-term water supply.

Well inspection FAQs

When should I have my well inspected?

Have your well inspected every 1 to 2 years for routine maintenance, or in the following circumstances:

• When buying a home with a private well
• Anytime the well cap is opened or the seal is removed
• After having the septic tank system repaired
• After flooding or a storm surge

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommend testing private well water annually. If the water tests positive for contaminants, have the well inspected and treated.

What are signs I need a well inspection?

Look for these signs indicating you need a well inspection:

• A change in the well water's taste, odor, or color
• Cloudy water, also known as turbidity
• Loss of well capacity or water pressure
• Periodic pressure surges
• Well pump cycles on and off frequently
• Water tests positive for bacteria, metals, or other potential health concerns

Keep pollutants like pesticides, fertilizer, motor oil, and paint away from the well and pressure tank at all times to avoid contaminating the water supply.

How long does a well inspection take?

A well inspection takes 2 to 3 hours. If the inspection includes certified laboratory water testing, the results typically take 3 to 10 days.

Does the buyer or seller pay for a well inspection?

The buyer typically pays for a well inspection. Mortgage companies often require a well inspection and water test before approving a home loan.

Does a home inspection include well and septic?

A standard home inspection does not include a comprehensive well or septic inspection but may include a basic visual inspection. Most companies offer a discount when combining a well or septic inspection with a home inspection.

What if my well fails inspection?

If your well fails inspection, the well technician will provide a report detailing the recommended repairs or solutions, which may include:

• Replacing the well pump, pressure tank, controls, or other components
• Evacuating and cleaning the well
• Treating the well with a bleach flush
• Installing a filter or ultraviolet (UV) water purifier
• Cleaning the area surrounding the well to remove potential contaminants, such as paint, pesticides, or motor oil
• Drilling a new well, as a last resort

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Who does well inspections?

Before hiring a plumbing inspector or well repair service to inspect your well, be sure to:

• Search for licensed companies with well inspection experience.
• Look for an InterNACHI or NGWA certified inspector.
• Collect estimates from at least three companies to compare.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Confirm the company is licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Confirm whether the estimate includes a laboratory water test.
• Make a payment schedule instead of paying in full up front.

Questions to ask well inspectors

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Are you InterNACHI or NGWA certified? What other certifications do you have?
• What experience do you have inspecting wells?
• What is involved in the well inspection?
• Does the inspection include laboratory water testing? If yes, which contaminants do you test for?
• Which part of the well or home will you take the water sample from?
• How long will the inspection take?
• How often should I have my well inspected?
• What other routine well or pump maintenance should I perform?
• Do you provide well repair services?

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