5 Important Steps to Take Before Buying a New Home With an Old Well

Nicholas Roppo • November 1, 2022

5 Important Steps to Take Before Buying a New Home With an Old WellNew Paragraph

An old well outside the house. Well for drawing water located in the countryside.

Clean water is a huge factor to consider when buying a new home. Most people think it is the least of their concerns and concentrate on things like the house's structure and condition. Be it city water, wells, or cisterns, having water flowing in your home is essential. About 42 million Americans have homes where wells are the primary source of water supply. However, most wells were built long ago and are contaminated by wastes or have rusted. They may pose potential health hazards, and the water quality is affected. When buying a home with an old well, you should contact the water well contractor to give you advice. The following steps will help in examining the well.

1. Examine the Well

To properly examine the well, you should have a water well contractor inspect it for you. The professional will assess how deep the well is and when it was drilled. A good well should last 50 years; if the well is older, you might reconsider buying the house.

2. Research About the Water in the Area

You can ask your realtor or research through the EPA on the known water issues in a particular area. You can also ask around the neighborhood if they have any water issues and consider that. If there is a history of salty or contaminated water, you might reconsider buying the house to avoid any possible outcomes.

3. Check the Well Quantity

A standard well should be 100 feet and more to produce 3-5 gallons per minute. Most old wells are less than 100 feet which becomes a challenge to satisfy an average home. Your water well professional will help you determine if the well's water is enough for your family.

4. How Old are the Pump and Pressure Tank

If the pump is more than 10 years old and has visible corrosion, it is considered worn out and will keep breaking from time to time. If the well is in good shape, you can include the budget for the pump replacement in your initial buying costs.

5. Check if the Well Meets the State and Local Codes

The water well professional will help you determine if the well meets the state codes of sitting 12 inches above the ground. Have a plumber repair any holes and cracks before moving to the new home. The professional will also help in checking the quality of the water. This is the safety and purity of the water, PH, presence of minerals, and hardness of the water. If they find any contamination, they should clean and purify well.

Should I Buy a Home With an Old Well

Well, many American homes have old wells, which can serve you for a while when well maintained. The water well inspector will advise you on any repairs and inspections that the plumber should do before you move into the new home. If you are thinking of buying a new home but has an old well, don't hesitate to contact us today and we will advise you accordingly. Do not rush into buying a house without a proper inspection

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