Rural homes tend to be self-sufficient. Many depend on their own water source because utility companies haven’t reached them yet. This usually comes in the form of a well water system. Different types and configurations are possible with varying levels of performance. If you are a home buyer who is interested in a property with a well water filtration system, then you need to assess this before signing any deal.
What To Ask When Buying A Home With A Well Filtration System
Contents
- 1 What To Ask When Buying A Home With A Well Filtration System
- 1.1 1. Are There Known Water Issues In The Area?
- 1.2 2. What Is The Age Of The Water Well?
- 1.3 3. What Kind Of Well Does The House Have?
- 1.4 4. Has The Well Been Carefully Maintained?
- 1.5 5. What Are The Local Well Regulations?
- 1.6 6. How Much Water Can The Well Produce?
- 1.7 7. How Far Is The Well From The Septic System?
- 1.8 8. Where Is The Well Cap?
- 1.9 9. What Is The Well’s Water Quality?
- 1.10 Conclusion
- 2 Call Robinson Plumbing For Superior Plumbing Services
Below is a list of questions you should address to the property owner or real estate agent:
1. Are There Known Water Issues In The Area?
You need to be aware of known issues with the local water, if any. Certain problems can affect entire towns such as contaminants from a nearby factory or mining operation. You can check this through the Environmental Protection Agency as well. You may also want to ask whether the supply is continuous. There may be times when well water runs out or the water quality gets bad. Knowing these will help you determine whether this is a good location for long-term residence.
2. What Is The Age Of The Water Well?
As for the specific attributes of the water source, ask about the age of the well. A lot of them have been installed decades ago by the original owners. Although they may still be working, they could have worn parts and other problems because of aging. Well systems can last for about 30 to 50 years. It would be wise to request an inspection for older systems just to be certain about its current condition. Older wells may need repairs or even a replacement, so make space for that in your house budget. Be sure to call Robinson Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.
3. What Kind Of Well Does The House Have?
There are two types of wells. One is a bored well which is typically less than 40 feet deep. It is easy to create with regular tools but it has issues with reliability and contamination. The other is a drilled well which ranges from 40 to 100 feet deep, and sometimes more. It is built using special equipment to achieve the required depth, allowing it to be more reliable and less prone to contaminants.
4. Has The Well Been Carefully Maintained?
Ideally, wells should be inspected and maintained by professional plumbers at least once a year. This will prolong its service life and prevent common problems. These include pressure drops, faulty components, and water contamination. Since you cannot rely on municipal water, you need to make sure that your source is highly dependable. Ask the homeowner about well maintenance history and what previous issues came up throughout its lifespan.
5. What Are The Local Well Regulations?
States tend to have their own rules regarding the installation and usage of well water systems. You should get familiar with these when you are buying a home that requires one. In some areas, the homeowner may need to test the water and pass certain standards before selling the property. In other locations, the burden may lie on the buyer, so you must be extra careful about what you are paying for.
6. How Much Water Can The Well Produce?
How big is the house? Do you intend to expand it after you purchase the property? How large is your family? If you currently rely on a water utility company, then you may be able to check your monthly usage. Compare this to the amount of water that the well water system can produce. Make sure that it is enough for your family’s needs, along with any hobby or activity that you are planning to do. As for flow rate, aim for 3-5 gallons per minute.
7. How Far Is The Well From The Septic System?
Septic systems can fail over time. When they do, they will release contaminants on the ground and create problems for the homeowners. The contaminants can reach the underground source of the well water system. The best form of prevention is to install these two systems far apart. A separation of 100 feet or more is recommended. If the two are too near each other, then look for another home.
8. Where Is The Well Cap?
The well cap should be on higher ground to avoid contaminants. Oil, grease, manure, and the like should flow away from the system. If these substances flow near the well, then you may find yourself dealing with a health problem down the road.
9. What Is The Well’s Water Quality?
Finally, it would be good to have hard evidence of the quality of the water coming from the well. Even if the region doesn’t have any environmental red flags, the specific well may have issues that can only be revealed through a water test. Clarity is not enough. Send a water sample to a lab so that they can conduct a thorough examination. They will issue a report about the contents of the water versus the standard limits. The water quality test should also provide values for pH, turbidity, alkalinity, and hardness.
Conclusion
Water is vital for life. If you are buying a home with a well water system, then you need to be diligent in ensuring reliability, longevity, quantity, and quality. The questions above will help you determine whether you are looking at the right home or not. Don’t be shy about asking them because the answers will lead to better decisions. If you need help in setting up your newly acquired home and its well, then call an experienced plumbing company, like Robinson Plumbing, for assistance.
Call Robinson Plumbing For Superior Plumbing Services
Contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the Lehigh Valley, for reliable plumbing services. We offer various plumbing services ranging from water filter systems, drain clogs, water heater replacements, toilet repairs, water leaks, and more. We always give a wide range of solutions when possible for any plumbing repairs. This allows you to choose the best options for your home and budget.
Find yourself dealing with an unexpected plumbing problem in the middle of the night? No worries! You can count on the expert plumbers at Robinson Plumbing to take care of you. We offer reliable 24-hour emergency plumbing services. You can count on us to get the job done quickly and correctly and, best of all, at an affordable price.
We proudly offer the most affordable and best plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley area. Our plumbers all have the proper licenses and expertise to ensure your satisfaction. All of our work comes with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today and schedule your free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!